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

(2014/C 40 E/01)

Contents

E-004960/13 by Zbigniew Ziobro to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Simulated attack against Sweden by Russian bombers

Wersja polska

English version

E-004961/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Accession prospects frozen for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-004962/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Competitiveness and productivity of the Greek economy

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-004963/13 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Terrorism encouraged at UNRWA schools

Versione italiana

English version

E-004967/13 by Åsa Westlund to the Commission

Subject: UN Resolution 1325

Svensk version

English version

E-005205/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Situation of the Viana do Castelo Shipyard

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005206/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Conclusions of the inquiry conducted as part of the process referred to in Question E-3018/2003

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005207/13 by Małgorzata Handzlik to the Commission

Subject: Protectionism in Mercosur countries

Wersja polska

English version

E-005208/13 by Małgorzata Handzlik to the Commission

Subject: Transparency of prices on websites of low-cost airlines

Wersja polska

English version

P-005209/13 by Bas Eickhout to the Commission

Subject: EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) — ‘carbon leakage list’

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-005210/13 by Nessa Childers to the Commission

Subject: Deficit reduction targets

English version

P-005211/13 by Geoffrey Van Orden to the Commission

Subject: European Court of Auditors — consequences of refusal to sign off the EU budget

English version

E-005213/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: 30 million citizens without a basic bank account

Version française

English version

E-005214/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Question mark over the presidential elections in Madagascar

Version française

English version

E-005215/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Patent war: Motorola

Version française

English version

E-005217/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Lack of transparency of bank charges

Version française

English version

E-005218/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Banking mobility for citizens

Version française

English version

E-005219/13 by Rafał Trzaskowski to the Commission

Subject: Accessibility of Commission's online ‘Interactive Policy Making’ tool

Wersja polska

English version

E-005220/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: Supplementary question on drafting easily understandable EU texts accessible to citizens (E-8970/2010)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005221/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Risk of H7N9 avian influenza spreading in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-005222/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Fair spread of broadband technologies and maximising broadband technologies

English version

E-005223/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Improving literacy and numeracy skills for business readiness

English version

E-005224/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Descending scale doses of electronic cigarettes

English version

E-005225/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Council

Subject: Unfair Eurogroup decisions

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005226/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Consultancy services for agricultural producers

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-005227/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Firing range in Bardenas Reales, Navarra

Versión española

English version

E-005229/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Loans to fund grants under the Erasmus programme

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005230/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Amount of interest to be paid in the light of the extended maturity of the loan from the Troika

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005231/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Amendment to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-005232/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Non-biodegradable plastic bags in the European Union

Version française

English version

E-005233/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Establishing a European database of missing and unidentified persons

Version française

English version

E-005234/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Dutch law on class actions, and EC law

Version française

English version

E-005235/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Incorporation of the concept of collective redress (class actions) into European law

Version française

English version

E-005236/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Delineation of competencies held by various European bodies in the field of cybersecurity

Version française

English version

E-005237/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Hunting of migratory birds

Version française

English version

E-005238/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: The appearance of Pangasius on our dinner plates

Version française

English version

E-005239/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Greek neo-Nazi party ‘Chrysi Avgi’

Version française

English version

E-005240/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Safety of hazardous industrial sites

Versione italiana

English version

E-005241/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Reserve lists for qualified staff

Versione italiana

English version

E-005242/13 by Charalampos Angourakis to the Commission

Subject: Necessary reconstruction of the Kolymbari school in Crete

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005243/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the Portuguese Rural Development Programme

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005244/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: National rural network — execution levels

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005245/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: The gap between potential and actual payments to Portugal under the single payment scheme

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005246/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: EU support for shipbuilding (II)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005247/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Proposed modifications to the trade defence instruments

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005248/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Milk and sugar quotas

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005250/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Development strategy for the district of Setúbal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005251/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Applications for EU funds relating to the urban water cycle

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005252/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Arrábida's bid to become a World Heritage Site

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005253/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Support for renovating the Luís António Verney School

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005254/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Support for volunteer fire-fighting associations: Beato Volunteer Fire Station

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005255/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Parkinson's disease — Support for associations and biomedical research

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005256/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Layoffs at Talaris and the relocation of production to China

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005257/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Occupational safety, accidents at work and occupational diseases

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005258/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Situation of heavy goods vehicle drivers

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005259/13 by João Ferreira to the Council

Subject: Milk quotas and sugar quotas

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005260/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Mandatory labelling on the country of origin

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005261/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Use of dangerous chemicals in everyday products

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005263/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: FATCA Agreement — disclosure of bank account details of US citizens

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005264/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Compulsory insurance for nuclear power stations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005265/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: State-guaranteed electricity feed-in prices for nuclear power plants

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005266/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Second nuclear power plant in earthquake-prone Turkey

Deutsche Fassung

English version

P-005267/13 by Françoise Grossetête to the Commission

Subject: New corona virus

Version française

English version

P-005268/13 by Rita Borsellino to the Commission

Subject: MUOS (Mobile User Objective System): satellite telecommunications system

Versione italiana

English version

E-005269/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Support to the civil construction sector

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005270/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Support for social housing

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005271/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Funding for Culture 2014-2020

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005272/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Funding for ‘Totalitarianism in Europe’

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005273/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Strengthening funding for education

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005274/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Approval of the implementing development plan C2RS 99, in the municipality of Venice, in the absence of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) referred to in Directive 2001/42/EC

Versione italiana

English version

E-005276/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: The Trikala Shelter for Dogs and Cats

English version

E-005277/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Independence of monitoring and evaluation reviews of EU-funded projects

English version

E-005279/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Effects of e-cigarettes

English version

E-005280/13 by Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Research on pylons

English version

E-005281/13 by Dan Jørgensen to the Commission

Subject: Animal transport — measures to increase number of inspections

Dansk udgave

English version

E-005282/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Repeated and deliberate violation of the Greek Constitution with the involvement of the Greek Government and the Troika

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005283/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Transparency needed during sale of banks

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005284/13 by Jutta Steinruck to the Commission

Subject: Loopholes in EU patent law: exclusive rights to conventional seeds for biotech companies

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005285/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Exit from the euro area

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005286/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Granting citizenship to Turkish citizens from the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005287/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Experts utilised by Directorates General without remuneration

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005288/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: State measures to ensure the survival and competitiveness of EU air carriers

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005289/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Refunding of travel expenses incurred by Mr zu Guttenberg

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005290/13 by Kriton Arsenis to the Commission

Subject: Genetic modification of animals

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005291/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Aviation agreements with Asian countries

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005292/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: EU-ASEAN air service agreement

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005293/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Travel expenses for experts

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005294/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Support for projects that enable the personal identification of Internet users or limitations in accessing Internet content

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005295/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Cooperation with the Gulf States in the area of aviation

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005296/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Relations with Russia in the area of aviation

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005297/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Restoring the derivatives bubble

Versione italiana

English version

E-005298/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Ana Miranda, Raül Romeva i Rueda and Salvador Sedó i Alabart to the Commission

Subject: Public Spanish TV channel Telemadrid equates Catalan nationalism with Hitler and Stalin — violation of Article 6 of Directive 2007/65/CE on audiovisual services

Versión española

English version

E-005300/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: Situation facing the Orthodox Archbishopric of Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia

Wersja polska

English version

E-005301/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: Al-Qaeda threats against France

Wersja polska

English version

E-005302/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Religious conflicts in Bangladesh

Wersja polska

English version

E-005303/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: President of the Commission's statement

Wersja polska

English version

E-005304/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Nitrates Directive: clarifications on the situation in Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-005305/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Estate agents recommending credit intermediaries to their clients

Versione italiana

English version

E-005306/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Requirements for taking up the activity of credit intermediation

Versione italiana

English version

E-005307/13 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: Combating invasive alien species

English version

P-005308/13 by Roberta Metsola to the Commission

Subject: EU Telecoms Framework Directive 2002/21/EC as amended by Directive 2009/140/EC

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

P-005309/13 by Andrés Perelló Rodríguez to the Commission

Subject: Progress of investigations into Abanilla landfill site

Versión española

English version

P-005311/13 by Anna Maria Corazza Bildt to the Commission

Subject: Coherence in the national application of internal market rules on late payments

Svensk version

English version

E-005312/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Council

Subject: Cost of the ‘Residence Palace Building’ — further procedure

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005313/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Commission

Subject: Support for a German-Italian mobility project within the framework of the Leonardo da Vinci programme

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005314/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Insecticide in fruit

Dansk udgave

English version

E-005315/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries reform: ban on discards

Versione italiana

English version

E-005316/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Bankruptcy law and workers

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005317/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Communication to Spain regarding the Law on the Social Function of Housing

Versión española

English version

E-005318/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: EBRD projects in tax havens

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-005319/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Secret report on CNMV preferred shares

Versión española

English version

E-005320/13 by Tomasz Piotr Poręba to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against Polish food

Wersja polska

English version

E-005321/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Aid system in Turkey

Versión española

English version

E-005324/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Lack of competition in Spanish companies

Versión española

English version

E-005325/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Penalties in case of fraud in the agri-food sector

Version française

English version

E-005326/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Football — 50+1 financial law

Version française

English version

E-005328/13 by Takis Hadjigeorgiou to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Marwan Barghouti in Israeli prisons

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005329/13 by Michel Dantin to the Commission

Subject: Revision of the list of specified risk material in Regulation (EC) No 999/2001

Version française

English version

E-005330/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Actions to prevent depression and suicide in children and other more vulnerable people

Versión española

English version

E-005331/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Failure to restore the serious damage caused by open-cast mining

Versión española

English version

P-005332/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Compliance by ATE balance sheet presentation with statutory requirements and international accounting standards

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005333/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Commission that confirms that the ‘tax on deposits’ could be applied to other Member States — II

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005334/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Arsenic level in the water in the province of Viterbo

Versione italiana

English version

E-005335/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Media ownership transparency, pluralism and freedom

Versione italiana

English version

E-005336/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: Regulation of slot machines

Versione italiana

English version

E-005337/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EEAS drivers

English version

E-005338/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Commission funding for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

English version

E-005339/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's Visitor Centre and the proliferation of new EU institution visitor centres

English version

E-005340/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Repayment of state aid for the sale of mines in Halkidiki

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005341/13 by Elisabeth Köstinger to the Commission

Subject: Personnel accompanying delegations of Members of the Commission

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005342/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Higher European gas prices

Version française

English version

E-005343/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: External aviation policy in relation to Turkey

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005344/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Restrictions on Internet access and threats to network neutrality

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005345/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Regulation of online payment systems and mobile payment systems

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005346/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Possible abolition of the EUR 500 banknote

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005347/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Economic damage caused by the EUR 500 banknote

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005348/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Security features of the new EUR 5 banknotes

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005349/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: The costs of issuing the new EUR 5 banknotes

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005350/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Chronic kidney failure in sugar cane fields

Versión española

English version

E-005351/13 by Willy Meyer to the Council

Subject: Authorisation for EU-Navfor ground attacks in Somalia

Versión española

English version

E-005352/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Need for action by the Commission against the built-in obsolescence of industrial products

Versione italiana

English version

E-005354/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: EUR 473 million for motorways in crisis, risk of state aid and distortion of competition

Versión española

English version

E-005355/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Two years of the EU-IMF programme in Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005356/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's spring forecast

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005357/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Council

Subject: The peace process in Colombia and the EU's position on it

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005358/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Supporting the theatre — Bela Vista neighbourhoods (Setúbal)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005359/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: EU funding for projects in the Bela Vista district of Setúbal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005360/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: EU support for rehousing and social integration (2014-2020)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005361/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Preventing premature births and improving the health and quality of life of preterm babies

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005362/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: European Environment Agency report: revenue from new environmental measures

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005363/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Golden flavescence in Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-005365/13 by Czesław Adam Siekierski to the Commission

Subject: European Food Aid Programme (PEAD) in 2014

Wersja polska

English version

P-005366/13 by Juan Fernando López Aguilar to the Commission

Subject: Letter from the Commission to the Spanish Government regarding autonomous community legislation designed to ensure housing fulfils its social function

Versión española

English version

P-005367/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Corcoesto gold mining project

Versión española

English version

E-005368/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Consequences of recapitalising banks by using the deposits of legal persons

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005369/13 by Horst Schnellhardt to the Commission

Subject: Animal by-products — chondroitin

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005370/13 by Karin Kadenbach to the Commission

Subject: Animal transport — unloading facilities and control posts

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005371/13 by Karin Kadenbach to the Commission

Subject: Animal welfare standards for investment capital granted to livestock operations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005372/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Exclusionary practice of TEN-T funding for maritime ports

English version

E-005374/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Health effects of noise

Version française

English version

E-005375/13 by Georgios Koumoutsakos to the Commission

Subject: Need for measures to strengthen European tourism

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005376/13 by Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo to the Commission

Subject: Authorisation of oil prospecting in the Canary Islands

Versión española

English version

E-005377/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Concentration and monopolisation of agricultural land in Europe

Version française

English version

E-005378/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Economic redundancies in the Cobral factory in Lorient (France)

Version française

English version

E-005379/13 by Dan Jørgensen to the Commission

Subject: Elephants killed by poachers in the Central African Republic

Dansk udgave

English version

E-005380/13 by Dan Jørgensen to the Commission

Subject: Foie gras — animal welfare framework

Dansk udgave

English version

E-005381/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Stop opening up cabotage

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-005383/13 by Kyriacos Triantaphyllides and Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg to the Commission

Subject: Charter flights to illegal Ercan airport

Ελληνική έκδοση

Wersja polska

English version

E-005384/13 by Dan Jørgensen to the Commission

Subject: Corruption in Romania

Dansk udgave

English version

E-005385/13 by Andrés Perelló Rodríguez to the Commission

Subject: Situation of the Ciudad de la Luz complex in Alicante following the decision of the European Commission of 23 March 2013

Versión española

English version

E-005386/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: The cost of the Commission's Open Day

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005387/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Lack of targeted EU aid to the food-processing industry

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005388/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: The cost of the Council's Open Day

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005389/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU training mission in Mali

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005390/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The cost of the European External Action Service's Open Day

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005391/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Death of a Senegalese citizen in Spain after being refused healthcare

Versión española

English version

E-005392/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Promotion of health tourism in the European Union

Version française

English version

E-005393/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Possible agroterrorist attacks in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-005394/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Increase in European Investment Bank loans for motorways

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005395/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Deforestation of rainforests in Sumatra/Indonesia versus the demand for resources

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005396/13 by Hannu Takkula to the Commission

Subject: Weapons training at schools in Gaza

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-005397/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Late payments

Versione italiana

English version

E-005398/13 by Pavel Poc to the Commission

Subject: Legal protection of wilderness in Europe

České znění

English version

E-005399/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Conclusions drawn from the fact that the profits of cybercrime vastly exceed the losses

Svensk version

English version

E-005400/13 by Mitro Repo to the Commission

Subject: Threat to genealogical research posed by the EU's new data protection legislation

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-005401/13 by Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón to the Commission

Subject: Spending of EU funds

Versión española

English version

E-005402/13 by Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón to the Commission

Subject: Non-payment of aid from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) to Valencian farmers

Versión española

English version

E-005403/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Forced marriages between Syrian refugees and Jordanian nationals

Versione italiana

English version

E-005404/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Persecution of Christians in China

Versione italiana

English version

E-005405/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Evolution of the EU macro-regional strategy for the new cohesion policy programming period 2014-2020

Versione italiana

English version

E-005406/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Further episodes of discrimination against Christians in Libya

Versione italiana

English version

E-005407/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: New severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) alert: two new cases involving European tourists in the United Arab Emirates

Versione italiana

English version

E-005408/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: ANLAC: unfair practices in Italian rabbit farming

Versione italiana

English version

E-005409/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Secessionist municipalities in the Veneto region and governance in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-005410/13 by Sandrine Bélier to the Commission

Subject: Ragweed infestation

Version française

English version

E-005411/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: European Neighbourhood Policy with Armenia

Versión española

English version

E-005412/13 by Sandrine Bélier to the Commission

Subject: Limiting European steel production, closure of industrial sites, incentive towards carbon leakage and possible violation of European competition law

Version française

English version

E-005413/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: New coronavirus and measures to combat it

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005416/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: European Neighbourhood Policy with Libya

Versión española

English version

E-005417/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: European Neighbourhood Policy with Belarus

Versión española

English version

E-005418/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Fund for European aid to the most deprived

Versión española

English version

E-005419/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Fund for European aid to the most deprived

Versión española

English version

E-005420/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Somalia

Versión española

English version

E-005421/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: EU passenger name record data

Versión española

English version

E-005422/13 by Ole Christensen to the Commission

Subject: Cross-Member State recovery of compensation

Dansk udgave

English version

E-005423/13 by Kyriacos Triantaphyllides to the Commission

Subject: Eurogroup decision

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005424/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Destruction of Greek forests

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005425/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Export subsidies for Turkish aquaculture products

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005426/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Financing of households and undertakings in southern Europe

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005427/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: European plan to launch massive open online courses in universities

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005428/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: ‘Smart ranking’ of European universities

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005429/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005430/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Measures concerning bank charges

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005431/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Rate of fiscal consolidation in the Member States

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-005432/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Problems identified in Directive 2001/29/EC

Svensk version

English version

E-005433/13 by Erik Bánki to the Commission

Subject: European minimum requirements for spas

Magyar változat

English version

E-005434/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: Appearance of SARS-like virus in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-005435/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Unifil forces and confrontations with Hezbollah

Versione italiana

English version

E-005436/13 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — UNRWA map removes the State of Israel

Versione italiana

English version

E-005437/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — alleged Hezbollah involvement in narcotics money laundering

Versione italiana

English version

E-005438/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Degree of EU involvement in the proposed Syria Peace Talks

Versione italiana

English version

E-005439/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible reallocation of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) funds in the province of Rieti

Versione italiana

English version

E-005441/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Accident in Schellebelle: European rail safety standards

Version française

English version

E-005442/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Compulsory licence for generic drugs

Version française

English version

E-005443/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Tax on Chinese solar panels

Version française

English version

E-005445/13 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission

Subject: Free movement of services — fraud and abuse — control instruments — obligations

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-005446/13 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission

Subject: Submitting of A1 secondment forms

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-005447/13 by Vicky Ford to the Commission

Subject: Commission's state aid investigations

English version

P-005448/13 by Lena Kolarska-Bobińska to the Commission

Subject: Yamal II proposal and third energy package exemptions

Wersja polska

English version

P-005449/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: 2013 payments

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005450/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Media freedom and pluralism in the European Union

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-005451/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Clarification with regard to UEFI and ARM

Svensk version

English version

P-005452/13 by Ulrike Lunacek to the Commission

Subject: Schwarze Sulm power plant

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005455/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Job creation

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005456/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Increasing support for European businesses

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005457/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Creation of Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005458/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Assessment of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005459/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Importance of the European Investment Bank in supporting youth employment

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005460/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Initiative to support youth employment

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005461/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Water resources of the River Ebro

Versión española

English version

E-005462/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Preference shares

Versión española

English version

E-005463/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Pharmacies in Catalonia

Versión española

English version

E-005465/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: Spending by the Council on public relations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005466/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Spending by the European External Action Service on public relations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005467/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Spending by the agencies of the European Commission on public relations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005468/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Commission spending on public relations

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005471/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Limits on residence cards issued by the Swiss Confederation to EU citizens

Versione italiana

English version

E-005472/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Increase in allergies: new causes, but a lack of awareness and knowledge of the issue

Versione italiana

English version

E-005473/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Regional assistance funds: social, health and financial situation in the Member States

Versione italiana

English version

E-005474/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Investing in the Europe of 2020 via the Alpine space: new criteria and budget for the future

Versione italiana

English version

E-005475/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: European Union strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015: new developments in relation to English greyhounds and Spanish greyhounds (Galgos) subjected to horrific acts of torture

Versione italiana

English version

E-005476/13 by Catherine Bearder to the Commission

Subject: Legislative proposals on invasive alien species

English version

E-005477/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Future of 1 and 2 cent coins

Version française

English version

E-005478/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Dramatic increase in online fraud

Version française

English version

E-005479/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: The risk to health of too much rice

Version française

English version

E-005480/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Popularity of the European Union in freefall

Version française

English version

E-005481/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: Shelter for Christian refugees in Syria

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-005483/13 by Jutta Steinruck to the Commission

Subject: Senior Labour Inspectors Committee

Deutsche Fassung

English version

P-005484/13 by Patrice Tirolien to the Commission

Subject: Impact of the cassava brown streak virus on food security in Africa

Version française

English version

E-005485/13 by Jean Lambert to the Commission

Subject: Right to work for EU citizens

English version

P-005486/13 by Zigmantas Balčytis to the Commission

Subject: The European Commission's role in the Baltic region in implementing a long-term EU energy strategy and guaranteeing energy security

Tekstas lietuvių kalba

English version

E-005487/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU aid to Lebanon

English version

E-005488/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Participation of Kosovo in EU programmes

English version

E-005489/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Bureaucratic procedures for obtaining public documents

English version

E-005490/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU report on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings

English version

E-005491/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU-Africa summit

English version

E-005494/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Teacher training in the EU

English version

E-005496/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Constitutional changes in Hungary

English version

E-005498/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against Jews in Hungary

Wersja polska

English version

E-005499/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamic extremists causing turmoil in Nigeria

Wersja polska

English version

E-005501/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Poland preparing to build its first nuclear power plant

Wersja polska

English version

E-005502/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Conflict between Syria and Turkey

Wersja polska

English version

E-005503/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: EU's one-China policy in the context of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Taiwan

Wersja polska

English version

E-005504/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Rise in unemployment figures to 23.6% in January 2013

Wersja polska

English version

P-005505/13 by Carlos Coelho to the Commission

Subject: Biometric passports

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-005506/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Honduran immigrant left without part of her skull due to the actions of the Spanish public health service

Versión española

English version

E-005507/13 by Salvador Sedó i Alabart to the Commission

Subject: Decline in public trust in the European project and the challenges faced by the EU

Versión española

English version

E-005509/13 by Daniel Caspary, Hans-Peter Mayer and Andreas Schwab to the Commission

Subject: Declaration of performance according to the European Construction Products Regulation

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-005510/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Mr Jyrki Katainen's statements

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-005511/13 by Nessa Childers to the Commission

Subject: Personal assistance services for disabled people

English version

E-005513/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Refugees fleeing violence in Syria

English version

E-005514/13 by Philippe Boulland to the Commission

Subject: Sand management policy

Version française

English version

E-005515/13 by Giovanni La Via to the Commission

Subject: Verification of the action taken by the Commission to verify the Sicilian Regional Council's use of EU funding in connection with the 2000-2006 ROP

Versione italiana

English version

E-005516/13 by Bas Eickhout to the Commission

Subject: Fifth Netherlands Nitrates Directive Action Programme

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-005517/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Biodiversity conservation in Cantabria

Versión española

English version

E-005518/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Outbreaks of brucellosis in Cantabria

Versión española

English version

E-005519/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Making good the deficit: economic paralysis and impoverishment

Versión española

English version

E-005520/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Payment in kind

Versión española

English version

E-005521/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Revamp of industrial policy

Versión española

English version

E-005522/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Preferred shares in Cantabria

Versión española

English version

E-005523/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Privatisation of healthcare in Spain: case of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital

Versión española

English version

E-005524/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Abandoning education policies

Versión española

English version

E-005525/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Combating gender-based violence

Versión española

English version

E-005526/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Mackerel in Cantabria

Versión española

English version

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-004960/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Zbigniew Ziobro (EFD)

(6 maja 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Symulowany atak rosyjskich bombowców na Szwecję

29 marca 2012 r. formacja rosyjskich bombowców strategicznych naruszyła granice Szwecji. Samoloty symulowały atak bombowy. Celem lotu miały być dwa niesprecyzowane cele strategiczne w Szwecji. Rosyjskie samoloty przeleciały między innymi nad niezamieszkaną wyspą Gotska Sandön. Oznaczałoby to, że maszyny naruszyły przestrzeń powietrzną Szwecji.

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

(17 lipca 2013 r.)

Incydent wskazany przez Szanownego Pana Posła nie stanowi podstawy do działań ze strony UE oraz nie znalazł się w programie spotkania na szczycie UE-Federacja Rosyjska w dniach 3‐4 czerwca. Trzecie pytanie Szanownego Pana Posła wchodzi w zakres Traktatu o konwencjonalnych siłach zbrojnych w Europie. Traktat ten jest jednak aktualnie zawieszony odnośnie do Rosji, bez konkretnej perspektywy wznowienia.

Żaden obcy statek powietrzny nie naruszył jednak szwedzkiej przestrzeni powietrznej dnia 29 marca 2013 r.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-004960/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Zbigniew Ziobro (EFD)

(6 May 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Simulated attack against Sweden by Russian bombers

On 29 March 2012, a formation of Russian strategic bombers made incursions into Swedish territory. The aircraft were simulating a bomb attack, with purpose of the flight apparently being to reach two unspecified strategic targets in Sweden. The Russian aircraft flew over locations including the uninhabited island of Gotska Sandön, which would mean that they entered Swedish airspace.

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

(17 July 2013)

The incident referred to does not give rise to action by the EU and was not on the agenda of the 3-4 June EU-Russian Federation Summit meeting. The third question raised by the Honorary Member would fall within the scope of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty which however is in a state of suspension with regard to Russia without any clear perspective of being reactivated.

Any foreign aircraft did not however violate Swedish airspace on 29 March 2013.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-004961/13

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(6. Mai 2013)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Einfrieren der Beitrittsperspektive für Bosnien-Herzegowina

Bisher konnte Bosnien-Herzegowina nicht einmal das Assoziierungs‐ und Stabilisierungsabkommen mit der EU umsetzen. Nachdem nun nach einer Vielzahl von gescheiterten Anläufen die Verfassungsreform erneut gescheitert ist, hat die EU die Perspektive für einen Beitritt eingefroren. Der Stillstand in Bosnien-Herzegowina beruht im Kern darauf, dass die serbischen Bosniaken die Unabhängigkeit bzw. weitreichende Autonomie ihres Landesteils, der „Republika Srpska“, anstreben.

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

(3. Juli 2013)

Die EU hat sich seit Jahren im Rahmen des Stabilisierungs‐ und Assoziierungsprozesses dafür eingesetzt, Bosnien und Herzegowina auf seinem Weg in die EU zu unterstützen. Im Dezember 2012 bekräftigte der Rat erneut die vorbehaltlose Unterstützung der EU-Perspektive für Bosnien und Herzegowina als souveränes und geeintes Land mit vollständiger territorialer Integrität.

Die EU unterstützt aktiv den Dialog zwischen den politischen Führern der verschiedenen Volksgruppen in Bosnien und Herzegowina, dessen Ziel es ist, die Spaltung zu überwinden und die Schaffung einer gemeinsamen Vision für die Zukunft des Landes zu erleichtern. Die EU ist davon überzeugt, dass die verbleibenden politischen und verfassungsmäßigen Herausforderungen durch konstruktives Engagement, Dialog und Kompromisse angegangen werden müssen, was auch die Fortschritte des Landes auf dem Weg in die EU verstärken würde.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-004961/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(6 May 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Accession prospects frozen for Bosnia and Herzegovina

To date, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not even been able to implement the Stabilisation and Association Agreement signed with the EU. Following the latest in a series of failed attempts to reform the constitution, the EU has now frozen the country's prospects for accession. The stalemate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is largely attributable to the fact that the Bosnian Serbs are seeking independence and/or extensive autonomous powers for their region, the ‘Republika Srpska’.

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

(3 July 2013)

The EU has engaged for years to further anchor Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on its EU path throught the Stabilisation and Association Process. In December 2012, the Council reiterated again the unequivocal support for BiH’s EU perspective as a sovereign and united country enjoying full territorial integrity.

The EU actively supports the dialogue among the political leaders of the different communities in BiH, which aims at overcoming divisions and facilitating a joint vision for the future of their country. The EU is convinced that the remaining political and constitutional challenges need to be adressed through constructive engagement, dialogue and compromise, which would also re-energize BiH's progress towards the EU.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-004962/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(6 Μαΐου 2013)

Θέμα: Ανταγωνιστικότητα και παραγωγικότητα της ελληνικής οικονομίας

Για τη βελτίωση της ανταγωνιστικότητας της ελληνικής οικονομίας μειώνονται βίαια οι μισθοί και απορυθμίζεται η αγορά εργασίας. Το κόστος εργασίας των επιχειρήσεων μειώθηκε ανά μονάδα προϊόντος κατά 16,1%, στην τριετία 2010-2012, και θα μειωθεί επιπλέον 17,6% στην τριετία 2012-2014. Ενώ μικρή είναι η αύξηση της ανταγωνιστικότητας, η ζημιά στην πραγματική οικονομία είναι πολύ μεγάλη, συρρικνώθηκε η συμμετοχή της αμοιβής της μισθωτής εργασίας στο ΑΕΠ 5 ποσοστιαίες μονάδες μεταξύ 2009 (36,7%) και 2012 (31,7%), η ανεργία αυξάνεται στο 27%, επεκτείνεται η μαύρη-ανασφάλιστη εργασία στο 40% της εργασίας, τα ασφαλιστικά ταμεία έχουν προβλήματα βιωσιμότητας, 450 000 νοικοκυριά δεν έχουν κανένα εργαζόμενο, η φτώχεια ακόμα και για όσους έχουν εργασία αυξάνεται.

Δεν επιλέχθηκε βελτίωση του εμπορικού ισοζυγίου και της ανταγωνιστικότητας της οικονομίας μέσω καινοτομίας, εξοικονόμησης και αποτελεσματικής χρήσης ενέργειας και φυσικών πόρων. Η αύξηση στο κόστος πρώτων υλών, μεταξύ των εισαγωγών Α' τριμήνου 2009 και Γ' τριμήνου 2011, ισοδυναμεί κατά μ.ο. στο 50% του ελλείμματος τρεχουσών συναλλαγών των χωρών της κρίσης κατά την ίδια περίοδο (1). Το εμπορικό ισοζύγιο και η ανταγωνιστικότητα της ελληνικής οικονομίας επηρεάζονται από τις εισαγωγές πετρελαίου (20 δισ. ευρώ ετησίως) και τις χαμηλές επιδόσεις σε θέματα χρήσης ενέργειας και φυσικών πόρων ανά μονάδα ΑΕΠ (2).

Με δεδομένο ότι η Ολομέλεια του Ευρωκοινοβουλίου προτείνει εξέταση αλλαγών και επικαιροποιήσεων στα προγράμματα προσαρμογής, προκειμένου να ληφθούν υπόψη οποιεσδήποτε σημαντικές αποκλίσεις τους (3), ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(14 Ιουνίου 2013)

http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/nd/nrp2013_greece_en.pdf) που υπέβαλαν οι ελληνικές αρχές, το οποίο περιγράφει μέτρα που εφαρμόζονται ή προβλέπεται να εφαρμοστούν στους τομείς στους οποίους αναφέρεται το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-004962/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(6 May 2013)

Subject: Competitiveness and productivity of the Greek economy

In order to boost the competitiveness of the Greek economy, wages are being savagely reduced and the labour market is being deregulated. The labour costs of enterprises fell per production unit by 16.1% over the three years from 2010 to 2012, and will fall by a further 17.6% over the three years from 2012 to 2014. While the increase in competiveness has been slight, the damage to the real economy has been enormous, wages and salaries as a percentage of GDP fell by 5% between 2009 (36.7%) and 2012 (31.7%), unemployment has risen to 27%, black or uninsured work now accounts for 40% of labour, pension funds have viability problems, 450 000 households have no member in employment and poverty is becoming more widespread, even for those with work.

No decision was taken to improve the balance of trade and the competitiveness of the economy through innovation and the conservation and efficient use of energy and natural resources. The increase in the cost of raw materials in imports in the first quarter of 2009 and the third quarter of 2011 was equivalent on average to 50% of current account deficit in countries in crisis over the same period (5). The balance of trade and the competitiveness of the Greek economy are affected by oil imports (EUR 20 billion per year) and poor performance in terms of the use of energy and natural resources per unit of GDP (6).

Given that the European Parliament in plenary sitting has proposed examining changes and updates to adjustment programmes in order to take account of any significant deviation (7), will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2013)

http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/nd/nrp2013_greece_en.pdf) presented by the Greek authorities, which outlines measures being implemented or planned in the domains mentioned by the Honourable Member.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-004963/13

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(6 maggio 2013)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Incitamento al terrorismo nelle scuole dell'UNRWA

Il 26 aprile 2013 il sito di notizie online Ynet ha pubblicato un articolo e un video a cura dell'organizzazione di informazione Near East Policy Research (NEPR), che mostra come le scuole di Gaza gestite dall'Agenzia delle Nazioni Unite per il soccorso e l'occupazione dei profughi palestinesi nel Vicino Oriente (UNRWA) e finanziate dagli Stati Uniti e dall'Europa pongono le basi per la prossima generazione di terroristi.

Secondo NEPR, gli studenti inizierebbero le loro giornate gridando: «Gloria e vita eterna ai martiri e ai giusti; Gerusalemme è nostra e noi la libereremo». Il diritto al ritorno rappresenta uno dei principali insegnamenti del programma scolastico delle scuole dell'UNRWA, presso le quali membri della Jihad islamica tengono lezioni o discorsi sulla costruzione di bombe, sul lancio di missili Qassam, sugli attentati suicidi e sul martirio.

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

(31 luglio 2013)

L’Unione europea attribuisce la massima importanza al rispetto del mandato dell’UNRWA e alla piena conformità con il relativo quadro normativo. L’UE non è a conoscenza di alcun caso accertato in cui l’UNRWA non abbia rispettato pienamente le norme in questione. Se questo dovesse verificarsi, l’UE solleverebbe immediatamente la questione con l’UNRWA.

Per quanto riguarda le accuse cui fa riferimento l’onorevole deputato, l’UNRWA ha confermato che le sue scuole seguono generalmente i programmi di studio dei paesi ospiti, in funzione della sede specifica della scuola stessa. Da vari esami dei libri di testo utilizzati nelle scuole dell’UNRWA è risultato che affrontano in modo equilibrato le questioni connesse al modo in cui sono rappresentati palestinesi e israeliani. L’UNRWA ha sempre preso molto sul serio le accuse secondo le quali il suo personale si esprimerebbe in modo non compatibile con l’impegno di neutralità dell’Agenzia e con i relativi obblighi dei singoli dipendenti. L’Agenzia ha inoltre sottolineato che le persone indicate nella relazione della NEPR non fanno più parte del suo personale e che tutte le interviste tranne una si sono svolte fuori dai locali dell’Agenzia.

Pur non essendo una materia di studio centrale nelle scuole dell’UNRWA, il diritto al ritorno è menzionato nei programmi su storia e diritti umani.

L’UNRWA adotta diverse misure per garantire la neutralità del suo personale e delle sue strutture nell’ambito del programma ad hoc «Operations Support Officer» istituito nel 2001 a tal fine. Lo statuto dell’UNRWA, così come le norme e le direttive applicabili al suo personale, contengono obblighi e restrizioni rigorosi in termini di partecipazione dei dipendenti ad attività politiche, attività e interessi esterni e comportamento individuale. In caso di violazione di tali norme si applica la «tolleranza zero» che a seconda dei casi può comportare la cessazione del rapporto di lavoro e l’annullamento delle prestazioni dopo la cessazione dell’attività lavorativa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-004963/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(6 May 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Terrorism encouraged at UNRWA schools

On 26 April 2013, the Ynet online news website published an article and a video clip produced by Near East Policy Research (NEPR), which showed how schools operated in Gaza by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and funded by the US and Europe, had been preparing the ground for the next generation of terrorists.

According to NEPR, students begin their day by exclaiming ‘Glory and eternal life to the martyrs and the righteous, Jerusalem is ours, we will liberate it’. The right of return is taught as a major part of the curriculum, and members of the Islamic Jihad teach lessons or deliver speeches in UNRWA schools on building bombs, launching Qassam rockets, suicide bombings and martyrdom.

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

(31 July 2013)

The EU attaches the utmost importance to UNRWA's respect for its mandate and full compliance with its own regulatory framework. The EU is not aware of any confirmed incident where UNRWA has failed to adhere fully to these standards. Should such an event even occur, the EU would immediately raise any concern with UNRWA.

In view of the allegations mentioned by the Honourable Member, UNRWA has confirmed that its schools generally follow the host countries' curricula, on the basis of the schools’ specific location. Several reviews of textbooks used in UNRWA schools have confirmed their balance in addressing issues related to how Palestinians and Israelis are portrayed. UNRWA has always taken very seriously allegations that UNRWA staff members engage in speech that is not compatible with the Agency’s commitment to neutrality and related obligations on staff members. The Agency has also underlined that the concerned individuals referred to in the NEPR report are not or are no longer UNRWA staff members and all but one of the interviews were shot outside UNRWA premises.

While not a central subject taught at UNRWA schools, the right of return is mentioned as part of the history and human rights curricula.

UNRWA takes a range of measures to ensure the neutrality of its staff and installations with a dedicated ‘Operations Support Office Programme’ established in 2001 for this purpose. UNRWA Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and Personnel Directives contain strict obligations and limitations on staff engagement in political activities, outside activities and interest, and personal conduct. Zero tolerance is enforced in cases of breach, with termination of employment and cancellation of post-employment benefits as appropriate.

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-004967/13

till kommissionen

Åsa Westlund (S&D)

(6 maj 2013)

Angående: FN:s resolution 1325

En stor del av dödsoffren i beväpnade konflikter är civila, det är inte längre endast soldaters liv som drabbas. Både kvinnor och män drabbas av krig. Trots detta utesluts kvinnor ur fredsförhandlingar. En granskning gjord av UN Women 2010 visar att 92,4 procent av deltagarna i fredsförhandlingar och 97,5 procent av undertecknarna av fredsavtal är män.

För att uppnå fred och stabilitet är det viktigt att hela befolkningen och deras erfarenheter representeras vid fredsförhandling. När ett fredsavtal sluts så formas nya samhällskonstitutioner. Om kvinnor inte är delaktiga i processen så glöms kvinnors rättigheter bort när framtiden för samhället konstitueras. Detta leder till ytterligare inskränkning av de mänskliga rättigheterna, ojämlikheten stärks och befästs. Ojämlikheten skapar förutsättningar för framtida konflikter. En jämställd fredsprocess och ett fredsavtal som beaktar också kvinnors och flickors behov är av vikt för en hållbar fred i samhällen som byggs upp efter en konflikt

Som en konsekvens av denna vetskap har FN:s säkerhetsråd antagigt resolution 1325 för kvinnor, fred och säkerhet. Även på europeisk nivå har kunskapen om kvinnors diskriminering vid fredsprocesser uppmärksammats och år 2008 antog Europeiska rådet fram en strategi för att säkra att europeiska stater implementerar FN-resolutionen. Ytterligare har EU tagit fram en handlingsplan för jämställdhet och kvinnors medbestämmande vid konflikter.

Idag har fortfarande majoriteten av Europas stater inte antagit en handlingsplan för implementeringen av resolution 1325. Kvinnors medbestämmande vid krishantering är fortsatt låg.

Mot bakgrund av detta vill jag fråga kommissionen:

Vilka åtgärder tas idag för att främja kvinnor medbestämmande i fredsprocesser?

Hur arbetar kommissionen för att alla medlemsstater ska implementera FN-resolutionen snarast?

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

(9 juli 2013)

EU verkar inom kvinnofrågor, fred och säkerhet i över 70 länder. Dess stöd uppgår till cirka 200 miljoner euro per år för bland annat utveckling och genomförande av nationella handlingsplaner.

Informationsutbyte mellan aktörer bör uppmuntras (9). En arbetsgrupp för kvinnorätt, fred och säkerhet, bestående av den personal som arbetar med jämställdhetsfrågor och säkerhetsfrågor på de olika avdelningarna och är öppen för alla medlemsstater i EU, internationella organisationer och det civila samhället, har regelbundna möten i Bryssel. Arbetsgruppen uppmuntrar och främjar dialog gällande frågor som rör FN:s säkerhetsråds resolutioner 1325 och 1820 och diskuterar de nationella handlingsplanerna (10).

Den övergripande strategin säger att ett öppet utbyte mellan EU-länder angående genomförandet av FN:s resolution 1325 kommer att anordnas varje år för att dela de bästa metoderna och hitta gemensamma intressen. Under det första mötet år 2009 behandlades utarbetandet och genomförandet av FN:s säkerhetsråds resolution 1325. Under mötet 2013 behandlades övergångsrättvisa och jämställdhet; att minska straffrihet.

Inom ramen för G8-partnerskapet har vice ordföranden/den höga representanten hela tiden förespråkat och uppmuntrat G8-länderna utan nationella handlingsplaner att utforma sådana (11).

2009 års koncept angående förstärkning av EU:s medlings‐ och dialogkapacitet främjar kvinnors representation och tillgång till tillräckliga resurser för särskild medling via fackkunskap på jämställdhetsområdet i medlingsförfaranden. EU bidrar till att främja kvinnors fulla och likvärdiga deltagande i alla aspekter av begreppet fredsskapande (12).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-004967/13

to the Commission

Åsa Westlund (S&D)

(6 May 2013)

Subject: UN Resolution 1325

A large number of those killed in armed conflicts are civilians; it is no longer just soldiers’ lives that are lost. Both women and men are affected by war, yet women are excluded from peace negotiations. A survey conducted by UN Women in 2010 shows that 92.4% of those involved in peace negotiations and 97.5% of the signatories to peace agreements are men.

In order to achieve peace and stability, it is important that the whole population — with its full range of experience — is represented during peace negotiations. New social constitutions are formed when a peace agreement is concluded. If women are not involved in the process, then women’s rights are neglected when shaping the future society. This leads to further restrictions in human rights and the strengthening and consolidation of inequality. Inequality creates the conditions for future conflicts. Building a sustainable peace in societies following a conflict requires equality in the peace process and a peace agreement that also take the needs of women and girls into account.

It was on the basis of this knowledge that the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The discrimination against women in peace processes was also noticed at European level, and in 2008 the European Council adopted a strategy to ensure that the Member States implement the UN resolution. The EU has also adopted an action plan on gender equality and women’s empowerment in conflict resolution.

At present, the majority of EU Member States have still not adopted an action plan to implement Resolution 1325. The involvement of women in crisis management remains low.

What steps are currently being taken to promote the involvement of women in peace processes?

What is the Commission doing to ensure that all Member States implement the UN resolution as soon as possible?

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

(9 July 2013)

The EU is active on the issue of women, peace and security in over 70 countries. Its support amounts to about EUR 200 million a year for, among others, the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs).

Exchange of information between actors should be encouraged (13). A Women, Peace and Security Task Force, composed of staff working on gender and security issues across the services and open to EU Member States, international organisations and civil society, is regularly meeting in Brussels. It encourages and promotes dialogue on issues relating to UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 and discusses NAPs (14).

The Comprehensive Approach says that an open exchange among EU Member States on the implementation of UN SCR 1325 will be organised annually to share best practices and identify joint interests. The first meeting in 2009 dealt with the elaboration and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The 2013 meeting dealt with ‘Transitional Justice and gender; reducing impunity’.

In the framework of the G8 partnership, the HR/VP has consistently proposed and encouraged G8 countries without NAPs to develop them (15).

The 2009 Concept on Strengthening EU Mediation and Dialogue Capacities promotes the representation of women and the availability of adequate resources for dedicated mediation gender expertise in mediation processes. The EU contributes to promoting women's full and equal participation in all facets of peace-building (16).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005205/13

à Comissão

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

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Situação dos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo

Tem sido atribulada a vida dos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo (ENVC) e dos seus mais de 600 trabalhadores. Isto apesar de os ENVC contarem com uma importante carteira de encomendas e com uma sólida experiência e capacidade técnica (de engenharia e projeto), assentes em muitos anos de atividade e na qualidade e no saber-fazer dos seus trabalhadores.

Recentemente, o governo português invocou a realização de um procedimento de investigação por parte da Comissão Europeia para decidir o encerramento da empresa, destruindo assim este importante pilar do desenvolvimento da região e lançando no desemprego mais umas centenas de trabalhadores.

Todavia, nada no procedimento referido determina este desfecho. Ou até mesmo a obrigatoriedade de devolução dos cerca de 181 milhões de euros que a empresa terá alegadamente recebido como ajudas de Estado.

Em face do exposto, solicitamos à Comissão que nos informe sobre o seguinte:

Resposta dada por Joaquín Almunia em nome da Comissão

(19 de junho de 2013)

Em 23 de janeiro de 2013, a Comissão decidiu dar início ao procedimento formal de investigação em relação a um certo número de medidas alegadamente concedidas no passado por Portugal aos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo. Portugal apresentou as suas observações relativas a esta decisão por carta, em 12 de março de 2013.

A Comissão está atualmente a avaliar as observações e as informações adicionais apresentadas por Portugal. Assim que a Comissão tiver concluído a sua avaliação das medidas, tomará uma decisão final. Por conseguinte, a Comissão não pode, nesta fase, tomar uma posição sobre o fato de as medidas em análise constituírem ou não um auxílio estatal.

Pelos mesmos motivos indicados na resposta à pergunta 2, a Comissão não pode ainda decidir se as medidas, caso sejam um auxílio estatal, são compatíveis ou incompatíveis com o mercado interno, com base nas regras da UE relativas aos auxílios estatais.

Na sua avaliação da compatibilidade das medidas, caso sejam um auxílio estatal, a Comissão terá em conta todas as regras da EU aplicáveis aos auxílios estatais, incluindo, se for caso disso, as orientações relativas aos auxílios estatais de emergência e à reestruturação. Contudo, pelas mesmas razões referidas na resposta à pergunta 3, a Comissão não pode ainda decidir se as medidas, caso sejam um auxílio estatal, são compatíveis ou incompatíveis com o mercado interno.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005205/13

to the Commission

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

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Situation of the Viana do Castelo Shipyard

The Viana do Castelo Shipyard (ENVC) and its 600-plus workers have been through some tough times. This despite ENVC having a substantial number of orders and a wealth of experience and technical skills (in engineering and design), based on many years of activity and the quality and know-how of its employees.

The Portuguese Government recently called on an investigation procedure by the Commission to decide on the company’s closure, therefore destroying this important pillar of development in the region and plunging hundreds more workers into unemployment.

However, nothing in this procedure determines this outcome, or even whether the company will be forced to return around EUR 181 million that it has allegedly received in the form of state aid.

‘State aid’?

‘State aid’, the company may not be forced to return it, given the relevant legislation and in particular the current ‘Framework on state aid for shipbuilding’?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2013)

On 23 January 2013, the Commission decided to initiate the formal investigation procedure in relation to a number of measures allegedly granted by Portugal to Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo in the past. Portugal provided its comments to this decision by letter of 12 March 2013.

The Commission is currently assessing the comments and the additional information submitted by Portugal. Once the Commission has finalised its assessment of the measures, it will take a final decision. Therefore, the Commission cannot at this stage take a view on whether the measures under assessment constitute state aid or not.

For the same reasons indicated in the reply to question 2, the Commission cannot yet take a view on whether the measures, were they to constitute state aid, would be compatible or incompatible with the internal market on the basis of the applicable EU State aid rules.

In its assessment of the compatibility of the measures, were they to constitute state aid, the Commission will have regard to all applicable EU State aid rules, including if appropriate the Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines. However, for the same reasons stated in the reply to question 3, the Commission cannot yet take a view on whether the measures, were they to constitute state aid, would be compatible or incompatible with the internal market.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005206/13

à Comissão

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

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Conclusões do inquérito levado a cabo no âmbito do processo a que é feita referência na pergunta E-3018/2003

Tendo em conta o desenrolar do processo a que é feita referência na pergunta E-3018/2003, da Deputada Ilda Figueiredo, pode a Comissão informa-nos sobre o ponto da situação deste processo?

Em particular, pode a Comissão informar-nos sobre quais as conclusões do inquérito levado a cabo no âmbito deste processo?

Resposta dada por Maroš Šefčovič em nome da Comissão

(23 de julho de 2013)

As regras de proteção de dados obrigam a Comissão a abster-se de fornecer informações pormenorizadas sobre a situação de membros do seu pessoal.

Contudo, em termos gerais e no interesse da pessoa em causa, a Comissão pode declarar que o inquérito foi encerrado, sem seguimento, com informação ao interessado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005206/13

to the Commission

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

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Conclusions of the inquiry conducted as part of the process referred to in Question E-3018/2003

In view of the progress of the process referred to in Question E-3018/2003, submitted by Ms Figueiredo, can the Commission say what stage has been reached in this process?

In particular, can the Commission say what the conclusions are of the inquiry conducted as part of this process?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

The Commission must refrain, under data protection rules, from giving details about the situation of individual staff members.

However, in general terms and in the interest of the person concerned, the Commission can state that the inquiry referred to was closed without follow-up and that the official concerned has been informed of this.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-005207/13

do Komisji

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(13 maja 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Protekcjonizm w krajach Mercosuru

UE jest głównym partnerem handlowym Mercosuru, z czego region ten czerpie z kolei znaczne korzyści. Po przerwaniu w 2004 r. negocjacji w sprawie zawarcia umowy o wolnym handlu między Unią Europejską i Mercosurem, w 2010 r. zostały one wznowione przez prezydencję hiszpańską.

Choć Unia Europejska wzywa do zakończenia negocjacji z regionem Mercosur, wciąż nie osiągnięto porozumienia, a ponadto nasilają się tendencje protekcjonistyczne, zwłaszcza w Brazylii i Argentynie. Według sprawozdania UE w sprawie barier w handlu i inwestycjach za 2013 r., w 2012 r. nie udało się wprowadzić zakazu takich barier dla handlu.

Mimo zaskarżenia niektórych wprowadzonych przez Argentynę działań protekcjonistycznych w WTO, UE podkreśla, że kilka innych barier nadal jest stosowanych. Ograniczenia występują w transporcie morskim, eksporcie surowców, usługach reasekuracyjnych oraz wprowadzono je do nowego brazylijskiego systemu podatkowego, a ponadto w coraz większym zakresie wprowadza się także ogólne bariery celne.

Takie posunięcia utrudniają kontakty UE z tymi krajami i zmniejszają szanse na zawarcie umowy o wolnym handlu, która mogłaby pomóc poprawić aktualną sytuację gospodarczą obu partnerów handlowych.

Czy Komisja może opisać, biorąc pod uwagę sprawozdanie w sprawie barier w handlu i inwestycjach za 2013 r. i wynik szczytu w Santiago w styczniu 2013 r., kolejne kroki, jakie zostaną podjęte w celu zawarcia układu o stowarzyszeniu?

Czy Komisja może wyjaśnić także ewentualne skutki podniesienia takich barier handlowych po zawarciu układu o stowarzyszeniu i przedstawić swe stanowisko w sprawie pomijania Paragwaju w bieżących negocjacjach oraz o wpływie, jaki to na nie wywiera?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Karela De Guchta w imieniu Komisji

(3 lipca 2013 r.)

Od wznowienia w 2010 r. negocjacji dotyczących układu o stowarzyszeniu UE‐Mercosur, dokonano znaczącego postępu w negocjacjach rozdziałów odnoszących się do polityki i współpracy. Jedynie kilka artykułów podlega jeszcze dyskusji.

Negocjacje w sprawie rozdziału dotyczącego handlu skupiają się na kwestiach należących do innych dziedzin niż koncesje dotyczące dostępu do rynku. Mimo dobrych postępów w negocjacjach, UE podkreślała, że do prawdziwego przełomu w negocjacjach niezbędna jest wymiana ofert w zakresie dostępu do rynków. Wzajemne zobowiązanie UE i Mercosuru do wymiany ofert w zakresie dostępu do rynków nie później niż w ostatnim kwartale 2013 r. napawa optymizmem. Pomimo naszych obaw dotyczących środków protekcjonistycznych przyjętych w tym regionie, oczekuje się, że Mercosur będzie przestrzegał tego zobowiązania. Urzędnicy po obu stronach prowadzą prace przygotowawcze niezbędne do wejścia w życie wspomnianej wymiany ofert w zakresie dostępu do rynków.

Zawarcie układu o stowarzyszeniu UE‐Mercosur przyniesie niewątpliwie ogromne korzyści polityczne i gospodarcze obu stronom. Wnioski zawarte w analizie oceny skutków gospodarczych (17) potwierdzają wymierne korzyści gospodarcze. Ponadto układ o stowarzyszeniu zapewniłby bardziej szczegółowe obszary współpracy i bardziej precyzyjne narzędzia służące przezwyciężeniu barier utrudniających handel i inwestycje w krajach Mercosur w przyszłości, w tym wyspecjalizowane komitety i przepisy dotyczące rozwiązywania sporów.

W odniesieniu do Paragwaju, UE zaobserwowała prawidłowy przebieg niedawnych wyborów parlamentarnych, stanowiący zdecydowany krok do przodu w procesie normalizacji stosunków w tym regionie. Oczekuje się, że dalsze kroki w tym kierunku zostaną podjęte po zaprzysiężeniu w dniu 15 sierpnia 2013 r. prezydenta elekta Horacia Cartesa, który złożył wizytę w Brukseli w dniach 25 i 26 czerwca 2013 r.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005207/13

to the Commission

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Protectionism in Mercosur countries

The EU is Mercosur’s principal trading partner, from which it in turn derives considerable benefit. After negotiations on the conclusion of a free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur were interrupted in 2004, talks were re-launched in 2010 by the Spanish Presidency.

Although the European Union has been calling for the completion of negotiations with the Mercosur region, no agreement has yet been reached; moreover, protectionist tendencies are currently on the increase, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. According to the EU’s Trade and Investment Barriers report of 2013, no abolition of such obstacles to trade was achieved in 2012.

Although it has taken some of the Argentinean protectionism cases to the WTO, the EU points out that several other barriers remain in place. Not only are there restrictions in maritime transport, export of raw-materials, reinsurance service measures and the new Brazilian tax system, but general import barriers are also on the increase.

Such features impede the approach of the EU to those countries and mitigate against the establishment of the free trade agreement, which would help improve the current economic situation of both trade partners.

Bearing in mind the Trade and Investment Barriers report of 2013 and the outcome of the Santiago Summit in January 2013, will the Commission please describe the next steps to be taken in order to complete the Association Agreement?

Will the Commission also clarify the probable effects of the raising of such trade barriers on the establishment of the Association Agreement and present its view on the current exclusion of Paraguay and the impact this has on the negotiations?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2013)

Since the resumption of the negotiations of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement in 2010, negotiations of the political and cooperation chapters have greatly progressed and only a few articles still remain open for discussion.

Negotiations of the trade chapter have focused on disciplines in the different areas rather than market access concessions. Despite the good progress made, the EU had insisted that an exchange of offers for market access was necessary for a real breakthrough. The mutual EU and Mercosur commitment to exchange market access offers not later than the last quarter of 2013 is encouraging. Despite our concerns on the protectionist measures adopted in the region, it is expected that Mercosur will respect this commitment. Officials on both sides are engaged in the preparatory work necessary for that exchange of market access offers to materialise.

Indeed, the conclusion of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement would be of great political and economic benefit to both sides. The conclusions of the economic impact assessment study (18) confirm the sizeable economic gains. Furthermore, the Association Agreement would provide with more precise disciplines and tools to address barriers to trade and investment in Mercosur countries in the future, including specific committees and dispute settlement provisions.

With respect to Paraguay, the orderly conduct of the recent General Elections, observed by the EU, was a decisive step forward in the process of normalisation of regional relations. It is expected that further steps in this direction will be taken once President elect Horacio Cartes, who visited Brussels on 25 and 26 June 2013, is sworn in on 15 August 2013.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-005208/13

do Komisji

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(13 maja 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Przejrzystość cen na stronach internetowych tanich linii lotniczych

Popularność tanich linii lotniczych zdecydowanie wzrosła w kilku ostatnich latach. Zwłaszcza w przypadku lotów na krótkich trasach między europejskimi miastami linie te zapewniają pasażerom tanie przeloty i dzięki temu sprzyjają mobilności na europejskim jednolitym rynku.

Jednak konsumenci nadal napotykają przeszkody w postaci rozbieżności między reklamowanymi cenami a opłatami, które pasażerowie faktycznie ponoszą. Dyrektywa dotycząca nieuczciwych praktyk handlowych (dyrektywa 2005/29/WE) stanowi, że konsumenci muszą uzyskiwać prawdziwe i pełne informacje o cenie usługi. Zgodnie z tą dyrektywą rozporządzenie (WE) nr 1008/2008 w sprawie przewozów lotniczych stanowi, że ceny powinny obejmować wszystkie właściwe podatki, należności i dodatkowe opłaty.

Mimo że Komisja rozpatrzyła już tę kwestię, tanie linie nadal starają się przyciągnąć konsumentów za wszelką cenę. W niektórych przypadkach główne strony portali internetowych takich linii lotniczych przyciągają uwagę konsumentów „niskimi cenami”, które nie obejmują wszystkich dodatkowych opłat. Dopiero na dalszym etapie rezerwacji pojawiają się dodatkowe koszty, takie jak opłaty administracyjne czy dodatkowe opłaty, i są dodawane do podawanej ceny biletu. Aby uzyskać informacje o ewentualnych dodatkowych kosztach, np. opłatach za bagaż, konsumenci muszą przebrnąć przez spisy opłat opcjonalnych. Poza tym projekt stron internetowych niektórych tanich linii lotniczych odwraca zazwyczaj uwagę konsumenta ofertami tanich hoteli, czy wypożyczalni samochodów, umieszczonymi w najróżniejszych miejscach na stronie, przez co zawarte tam informacje są bardzo mylące.

We wcześniejszych pytaniach parlamentarnych zwrócono uwagę Komisji na ten problem. Czy Komisja jest jednak świadoma, że zjawisko to jest formą wprowadzania konsumenta w błąd, a tym samym narusza interesy konsumenta na tym obszarze jednolitego rynku europejskiego?

Czy Komisja mogłaby również poinformować, czy zamierza przyjąć dalsze środki lub podjąć jakiekolwiek kroki, by zapewnić dokładność podawanych cen biletów?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Siima Kallasa w imieniu Komisji

(28 czerwca 2013 r.)

W rozporządzeniu w sprawie przewozów lotniczych (WE) 1008/2008 (19) przewiduje się swobodę ustalania cen w UE przez przewoźników lotniczych Wspólnoty. Określono w nim jednak również między innymi, że ostateczną cenę należy wskazać w sposób przejrzysty i niedyskryminacyjny na początku i w trakcie trwania procesu rezerwacji. Informacje o opcjonalnych dopłatach do ceny powinny być podane w sposób wyraźny, przejrzysty i jednoznaczny na początku każdego procesu rezerwacji. Państwa członkowskie ponoszą główną odpowiedzialność za egzekwowanie tych zasad, pod kontrolą Komisji.

Służby Komisji zakończyły obecnie kontrolę obowiązujących przepisów UE, która skupiła się na rynku transportu lotniczego (20). Stwierdzono, że rozporządzenie w sprawie przewozów lotniczych jest odpowiednie do realizacji zamierzonego celu, ale konieczne jest lepsze egzekwowanie zasad przejrzystości.

Wiceprzewodniczący Kallas skierował pismo do poszczególnych ministrów transportu w tej właśnie sprawie w dniu 14 kwietnia 2013 r. Podkreślił w nim potrzebę lepszej współpracy między organami egzekwującymi prawo w celu zapewnienia przestrzegania zasad przejrzystości cenowej. Służby Komisji prowadzą obecnie wraz z państwami członkowskimi ocenę sposobów poprawy sytuacji w praktyce.

Dyrektywa o nieuczciwych praktykach handlowych 2005/29/WE (UCPD) (21) zakazuje przedsiębiorcom wprowadzania w błąd konsumentów poprzez przedstawianie fałszywych lub w inny sposób mylących informacji na temat wielu różnych elementów, w tym ceny brutto produktu oferowanego do sprzedaży. Zgodnie z programem na rzecz konsumentów (22) podróże i transport lotniczy są jednym z kluczowych obszarów wskazanych w sprawozdaniu w sprawie stosowania dyrektywy o nieuczciwych praktykach handlowych (23), w którym należy wzmocnić egzekwowanie prawa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005208/13

to the Commission

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Transparency of prices on websites of low-cost airlines

The popularity of low-cost airlines has increased greatly in the last few years. Especially in the case of short-haul flights between European cities, those airlines provide passengers with cheap flights and therefore promote the mobility of people in the European single market.

However, consumers still face obstacles related to the matching of the fares advertised with what the passenger actually pays. The Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (Directive 2005/29/EC) states that consumers must be provided with truthful and complete information concerning the price of the service. In accordance with this directive, Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 on air services states that prices should include all applicable taxes, fees and additional charges.

Although the Commission has already considered this issue, low-cost airlines continue to try to attract customers at all costs. In some cases, the home pages of such airlines’ websites attract the visitor with ‘cheap fares’ which do not include all additional fees. It is only in the course of the booking process that further costs, such as administrative fees or surcharges, appear and are added to the upfront ticket price. Consumers have to click their way through lists of possible optional charge in order to obtain information on possible additional costs such as baggage fees. Furthermore, the design of some low-cost airlines’ websites tends to distract the consumer with cheap hotels or rent-a-car offers in every corner of the site, thus being highly misleading.

The Commission’s attention has been drawn to this problem in previous parliamentary questions. However, is the Commission aware of the fact that this remains a form of misleading the consumer and therefore undermines consumer wellbeing in this area of the single European market?

Could the Commission please additionally state whether it intends to adopt further measures or take any steps to ensure the accuracy of upfront ticket prices?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2013)

Air Services Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 (24) provides for pricing freedom within the EU for Community air carriers. However, it also stipulates among others that the final price should be indicated in a transparent and non-discriminatory way at the beginning and during the booking process. Optional price supplements shall be indicated in clear, transparent and unambiguous at the start of any booking process. Member States have the primary responsibility to enforce these rules, under the control of the Commission.

The Commission's services have now concluded an EU legislation fitness check exercise which focused on the air transport market (25). It found that the Air Services Regulation was fit for purpose, but that better enforcement of price transparency rules was necessary.

Vice-President Kallas has addressed individual letters to Transport Ministers on this very subject on 14 April 2013. He has stressed the need for better cooperation between enforcement authorities to ensure that price transparency rules are respected. Commission services are currently assessing together with Member States how to improve the situation in practice.

Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) (26) requires traders not to mislead consumers by providing false or otherwise deceiving information on a wide range of elements, including the price inclusive of taxes of the product offered for sale. In line with the Consumer Agenda (27), travel and air transport is one of the key areas identified by the UCPD Report (28), where enforcement should be stepped up.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-005209/13

aan de Commissie

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

(13 mei 2013)

Betreft: EU-regeling voor de handel in emissierechten (ETS) — „koolstoflekkagelijst”

Kan de Commissie bevestigen dat zij de „koolstoflekkagelijst” van de ETS-regeling zal bijwerken met een prijs van ongeveer 3 euro (de huidige prijs) voor de EU-emissierechten, een meer realistische prijsinschatting dan de 30 euro zoals die is opgenomen in de effectbeoordeling van 2009?

Is de Commissie voornemens voor eind 2013 een voorstel te publiceren voor een herziene „koolstoflekkagelijst”?

Antwoord van mevrouw Hedegaard namens de Commissie

(6 juni 2013)

Op grond van artikel 10 bis, lid 13, van de ETS-richtlijn (29) stelt de Commissie een nieuwe lijst vast van bedrijfstakken waar een risico op het weglekeffect bestaat. Deze lijst zal aan de hand van de in deze richtlijn vastgestelde criteria worden gebruikt bij de kosteloze toewijzing van emissierechten voor de periode 2015-2019. De bijwerking is bedoeld om ervoor te zorgen dat de EU beschikt over een regeling voor het weglekeffect die goed is afgestemd op de werkelijke situatie van de betrokken sectoren.

De criteria voor de vaststelling van de lijst, die zijn vastgelegd in de ETS‐richtlijn, veranderen niet ten opzichte van de huidige lijst. Wel zal de Commissie nagaan welke parameters kunnen worden aangepast om beter rekening te houden met recente gegevens. Deze beoordeling wordt momenteel voorbereid. Het is in dit stadium echter nog te vroeg om de precieze cijfers te geven die bij de beoordeling zullen worden gebruikt. Er zal een effectbeoordeling plaatsvinden en als onderdeel daarvan kunnen belanghebbenden gedurende drie maanden in een onlineraadpleging hun mening geven over deze en andere kwesties.

Het nieuwe besluit met een lijst van bedrijfstakken waarvan wordt vastgesteld dat het weglekeffect een significante risicofactor vormt, zal op tijd voor de toewijzing van 2015 in werking treden en naar verwachting dus in 2014 formeel worden goedgekeurd.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-005209/13

to the Commission

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) — ‘carbon leakage list’

Can the Commission confirm that it will update the EU ETS ‘carbon leakage list’ with a more realistic price estimate for EU emission allowances of around EUR 3 (today’s price), rather than the estimate of EUR 30 used in the 2009 Impact Assessment?

Will a proposal for a revised ‘carbon leakage list’ be published before the end of 2013?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2013)

The ETS Directive, Article 10a13 (30), mandates the Commission to determine a new carbon leakage list to be used for the free allocation of allowances, for the period 2015-2019, based on criteria laid down in that directive. The objective of the update is to ensure that the EU has a carbon leakage regime that is closely aligned to the real situation of the concerned sectors.

The criteria to determine the carbon leakage list laid down in the ETS Directive remain unchanged compared to the existing list, but the Commission will consider which parameters might be adjusted to better take into account recent data. The preparatory work for this assessment is ongoing. However, it is premature at this stage to confirm any exact numbers that will be used in the course of the assessment. An impact assessment will be made, and in this context a three-month online consultation will allow stakeholders to provide views on this and other issues.

The new decision containing a list of sectors deemed to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage will be in place in time for 2015 allocation, and is therefore intended to be formally adopted during 2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-005210/13

to the Commission

Nessa Childers (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Deficit reduction targets

On 3 May 2013, the Commission signalled its intention to relax the deficit reduction targets for three of the eurozone’s largest economies — France, Spain and the Netherlands.

This is a more sensible approach, giving these economies more room to recover. The simultaneous consolidating of budgets across Europe is having the terrible effect of countries dragging each other’s economies down, dampening demand and so worsening economic growth.

Ireland must bring about control of its public finances, but the current path of sharp reductions at the same time as other EU budget consolidation is dragging back economic growth and hurting the labour market needlessly.

Given the already huge efforts and sacrifices made to correct the Irish budget, and the massive pressure being placed on the citizens of Ireland, why were the deficit reduction targets for Ireland not also reduced? Did the Irish Government request any relaxing of those targets?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2013)

The Irish government is firmly committed to observe the nominal general government deficit ceilings set under the EU-IMF financial assistance programme and the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP). The deficit ceilings are well recognised nominal anchors, against which progress of the fiscal adjustment is measured by EU-IMF programme partners. In the case of Ireland, financial market participants also carefully monitor public finances developments.

Ireland has consistently delivered the necessary adjustment so far and over-achieved the nominal deficit ceilings in 2011 and 2012. This good track record is one of the reasons why (since the second half of 2012) market confidence has returned and the Irish sovereign is again borrowing at favourable rates. Therefore, maintaining the momentum of the fiscal adjustment and delivering on well anchored expectations is essential for a durable return to market funding and for the overall success of the programme.

Ireland's deadline to bring down the general government deficit below 3% of GDP by 2015 is already one of the most generous timelines to correct the excessive deficit situation in the EU. Moreover, the fiscal deficit is still high at projected 7.5% of GDP in 2013 as compared to other Member States, despite the significant adjustment put in place so far. The economic recovery on Ireland is continuing at a steady pace. Output is growing above the euro area average and employment had started rising.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-005211/13

to the Commission

Geoffrey Van Orden (ECR)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: European Court of Auditors — consequences of refusal to sign off the EU budget

For 18 consecutive years, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has found serious errors in payments from the EU’s accounts — amounting to over EUR 5 billion — meaning it has been unable to sign off the EU budget. For payments made in 2011, the ECA has cited a 3.9% error rate for the EU budget as a whole. Furthermore, the overall error rate has increased in recent years. The UK, Dutch and Swedish Governments also refused to grant discharge of the most recent accounts.

If auditors refused to sign off the accounts for a private company, this would have serious consequences for that company.

— What have been the practical consequences of the refusal by governments and auditors to sign off the EU accounts?

— If, year on year, there have been no practical consequences and the budget process continues regardless, what point is there to the audit procedure?

— Which Member State audit authorities were assessed by the Court of Auditors, and which of these were considered ineffective? What steps have been taken to reduce or terminate EU funding to those Member States until such time as their audit authorities are considered effective?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2013)

1 and 2. Article 287 of the TFEU stipulates that the European Court of Auditors has to provide the Budgetary Authority ‘with a statement of assurance as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions (…)’. While the Court positively signed off the EU accounts since 2007, it has still qualified the payments underlying the accounts. In its latest annual report, which concerns the 2011 budgetary year, the Court’s estimate for the most likely error rate for payments underlying the accounts is 3.9%. It is worth noticing that the Court does not find fraud but errors at the different stages of the financial procedure, particularly at the level of the final beneficiary. Both, the opinion on the accounts and on the underlying payments are considered by the European Parliament when giving its discharge to the Commission, on the basis of a recommendation from the Council of Ministers.

3. The Honourable Member will find the information on the Audit Authorities (AAs) in Annex 5.2 of the 2011 Court’s annual Report, available at the following address:http://eca.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/publications/auditreportsandopinions/annualreports

The Commission has carried out an extensive review of the work of the AAs and has formulated recommendations, if necessary, to remedy to detected deficiencies. If the deficiencies persisted, the Commission has resorted to interruption and suspension of payments to the concerned Member States. Exhaustive information on corrective measures is disclosed in note 6 to the 2011 EU consolidated accounts available at the following address:http://ec.europa.eu/budget/library/biblio/publications/2011/eu_annual_accounts_2011_en.pdf

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005213/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: 30 millions de citoyens sans compte bancaire de base

Il est urgent de rendre plus difficiles les refus d'ouverture d'un compte bancaire permettant d'effectuer des opérations de base (retraits d'argent, transactions au moyen d'une carte de paiement). Pour rappel, 30 millions de personnes, au sein de l'Union européenne, ne bénéficieraient toujours pas d'un compte bancaire de base.

Quelles sont les mesures que la Commission compte proposer?

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(4 juillet 2013)

Le 8 mai 2013, la Commission a adopté une proposition de directive sur les comptes de paiement (31), dont l'un des principaux objectifs est de garantir l'accès de chaque citoyen de l'Union européenne aux services liés à l'ouverture d'un compte de paiement de base.

La proposition instaure le droit, pour tous les consommateurs résidant légalement dans un État membre de l'Union, quelle que soit leur situation financière, de posséder un compte de paiement garantissant la fourniture de services de base. Les services afférents aux comptes de paiement de base incluent le retrait d'espèces, les virements et les prélèvements, ainsi que l'utilisation d'une carte de crédit. Les services bancaires en ligne doivent également figurer parmi les prestations proposées, le cas échéant. La directive proposée délègue aux États membres la responsabilité de désigner au moins une banque établie sur leur territoire, qui sera tenue d'offrir aux consommateurs la possibilité d'ouvrir un compte de paiement assorti de prestations de base. En outre, la proposition prévoit que la détention d'un tel compte soit proposée gratuitement ou à un coût raisonnable.

La proposition adoptée fait suite à la recommandation sur l'accès à un compte de paiement de base (32) et aux conclusions du rapport sur les mesures et pratiques nationales en matière d'accès à un compte de paiement de base (National measures and practices as regards access to basic payment accounts) (33), qui ont montré que le respect des dispositions de la recommandation laissait encore à désirer, puisque seuls quelques États membres ont adopté des mesures législatives intégrant le principe de la recommandation et que onze États membres n'ont mis en place aucun type de mesure allant dans ce sens.

La Commission estime que les mesures proposées contribueront à réduire le nombre de citoyens de l'Union n'ayant pas accès aux services bancaires et garantiront que tous les consommateurs pourront participer pleinement à l'économie de leur pays, ainsi qu'au marché unique de l'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005213/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: 30 million citizens without a basic bank account

There is an urgent need to make it harder for banks to refuse to open accounts which allow people to carry out basic operations such as withdrawing money and performing transactions using a payment card. There are 30 million people within the European Union who still do not have a basic bank account.

What measures does the Commission intend to propose?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 2013)

On 8 May 2013 the Commission adopted a proposal for a directive on payment accounts (34). One of the key objectives of the proposal is guaranteeing access to basic payment account services for all EU citizens.

The proposal establishes a right for all consumers legally resident in an EU Member State, irrespective of their financial situation, to access payment accounts which guarantee basic services. The services that must be offered with basic accounts include cash withdrawals, credit transfers and direct debits as well as the use of a payment card. Also, online banking services must be offered where these are available. The proposed Directive delegates Member States to identify at least one bank in their territory that must offer payment accounts with basic features to consumers. Moreover, the proposal establishes that payment accounts with basic features must be offered either free of charge or at a reasonable fee.

The adopted proposal follows-up on the recommendation on access to a basic payment account (35) and the results of the report on ‘National measures and practices as regards access to basic payment accounts’ (36), which highlighted that compliance with the provisions of the recommendations has so far been unsatisfactory, given that only few Member States adopted legislative measures which integrate the principle of the recommendation, and eleven Member States did not put in place any type of measure.

The Commission believes that the proposed measures will help reduce the number of unbanked citizens in the EU and will ensure that all consumers are allowed to fully participate in the economy of their country as well as the EU Single Market.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005214/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Élection présidentielle à Madagascar en grand danger

Quatre ans après la prise du pouvoir par Andry Rajoelina et à moins de trois mois du premier tour prévu de l'élection présidentielle (24 juillet), la médiation inter-malgache qui s'est achevée dimanche 5 mai recommande une nouvelle période de transition, ce qui implique le report du scrutin présidentiel prévu en juillet. C'est là une proposition forte dont la mise en œuvre demeure incertaine. Menée par les chefs des quatre églises chrétiennes, l'initiative pour la réconciliation nationale revendique la participation de 673 personnes appartenant à 231 organisations issues de la société civile, de partis politiques ou d'autorités militaires. Après 15 jours de discussions, la conclusion est ambitieuse.

La nouvelle période de transition ne devra pas excéder 18 mois. L'objectif est de proposer par référendum une nouvelle Constitution, élaborée par une Assemblée constituante. Le schéma comprend également un premier ministre aux pleins pouvoirs et une présidence à quatre têtes.

Le chemin vers la sortie de crise semble donc s'obscurcir à Madagascar, alors que la présidentielle n'a jamais été aussi près de se tenir. La plupart des 41 candidats affirment souhaiter le maintien du scrutin, mais celui-ci est désormais très contesté.

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

(28 juin 2013)

La Commission suit de près la situation politique à Madagascar et elle prend pleinement la mesure de la proposition émanant de la plateforme de dialogue inter-malgache dont vous faites état.

Le rôle de la Commission est d'encourager les parties prenantes malgaches dans la mise en œuvre du processus électoral en cours, mais uniquement dans le cadre d'une coopération étroite avec les acteurs clés de la scène internationale et notamment les Nations unies qui, par le soutien qu'elles apportent à la CENIT (commission électorale nationale), jouent un rôle essentiel en la matière.

La Commission prend note des positions exprimées par le médiateur de la SADC dans son rapport présenté lors du sommet de la Troïka de l'organe de défense et de sécurité de la SADC de mai 2013, et elle partage les craintes de ce dernier en ce qui concerne, notamment, la décision de la Cour électorale spéciale de valider les candidatures du président Andry Rajoelina, de Lalao Ravalomanana et de l'ancien président Didier Ratsiraka au mépris des dispositions électorales.

La Commission a toujours affirmé qu'elle maintiendrait son soutien politique et financier au processus électoral actuel, dans la mesure où les conditions se trouvent réunies pour la tenue d'élections crédibles.

Pour la Commission, la mise en œuvre de cette période de transition et de ce scrutin électoral à partir de la feuille de route signée par les parties prenantes malgaches en septembre 2011 est l'unique voie pour faire cesser l'interminable crise politique à Madagascar. Cette démarche a l'entier assentiment de la communauté internationale, avec à sa tête la SADC, l'UA (Union africaine) et les Nations unies. Par conséquent, et dans les circonstances actuelles, l'action de la Commission se bornera à soutenir le processus de transition en l'état.

La Commission a toujours encouragé le dialogue inter-malgache quel qu'il soit, mais n'a jamais envisagé d'intervenir concrètement ni de prendre part à ce dialogue.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005214/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Question mark over the presidential elections in Madagascar

Four years after Andry Rajoelina came to power and less than three months before the date on which the first round of the presidential elections was due to start (24 July), an inter-Madagascan dialogue ended on Sunday 5 May with a recommendation for a new transition period, which would involve postponing the presidential elections planned for July. This is a strong proposal, but there is no certainty that it will be implemented. The initiative for national reconciliation, led by the heads of the four Christian churches, calls for the participation of 673 people belonging to 231 organisations including civil society bodies, political parties and military authorities. The outcome of the debates, which lasted 15 days, is an ambitious one.

The aim is for the new transition period not to exceed 18 months, and for a referendum to be held on a new constitution drafted by a constituent assembly. The plan also provides for full powers to be granted to the prime minister, and for a four-man presidency.

The path out of the Madagascan crisis thus appears to be increasingly unclear, even though the country has never been closer to holding presidential elections. Most of the 41 candidates claim to be in favour of holding the vote, but it is still hotly debated.

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

(28 June 2013)

The Commission follows closely the political situation in Madagascar and is fully aware of the proposal made by the inter-Madagascar dialogue platform you mention.

The Commission's role is to support Malagasy stakeholders in the implementation of the current electoral process but only in strong cooperation with key international stakeholders notably the UN, which has a relevant role in supporting the CENIT (National electoral Commission).

The Commission takes note of the views expressed by SADC's mediator in his briefing to the SADC Troika of the Organ Summit in May 2013 and shares his concern notably on the decision of the Special Electoral Court validating the candidatures of President Rajoelina, Lalao Ravalomanana and former President Ratsiraka presented in violation of electoral provisions.

The Commission has always stated that it will maintain its political and financial support to the current electoral process far as conditions for credible elections are in place.

For the Commission the implementation of the current transitional and electoral process, based on the Roadmap signed by Malagasy stakeholders in September 2011, is the only way for ending the long lasting Malagasy political crisis. This approach is fully supported by the international community, led by SADC, AU and UN. Therefore, and in the current circumstances, the Commission will only continue to support the current transitional process as it stands.

The Commission has been always in favor of any inter-Malagasy dialogue and has not intended to interfere on the concrete terms or participation to the dialogue.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005215/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Guerre des brevets: Motorola

Motorola Mobility, concepteur de téléphones intelligents et de tablettes, détient des brevets essentiels liés à des normes. Il s'agit de brevets incontournables pour faire fonctionner des technologies largement répandues. La société s'était engagée à concéder des licences pour ces brevets essentiels à des conditions équitables, raisonnables et non discriminatoires.

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(27 juin 2013)

Le 6 mai 2013, la Commission européenne a informé Motorola Mobility, à titre préliminaire, que sa demande d'injonctions à l'encontre d'Apple en Allemagne sur la base de ses brevets essentiels liés à une norme (BEN) de téléphonie mobile constituait un abus de position dominante interdit par les règles de l'UE en la matière.

La communication des griefs expose la conclusion préliminaire de la Commission selon laquelle, dans les circonstances précises de cette affaire (engagement antérieur de Motorola à concéder des licences à des conditions équitables, raisonnables et non discriminatoires [Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory terms ou «conditions FRAND»] et acceptation par Apple qu'une tierce partie fixe de manière contraignante les modalités d'octroi d'une licence FRAND pour les BEN), le recours à des injonctions nuit à la concurrence. La Commission craint que la menace d'injonctions ne puisse fausser les négociations d'octroi de licences et aboutir à la fixation de modalités de concession de licences que le preneur de licence pour le BEN n'aurait pas acceptées dans le cadre de négociations libres, en l'absence de cette menace. Cette situation aurait pour effet de réduire le choix des consommateurs.

L'envoi d'une communication des griefs ne préjuge pas de l'issue finale de l'enquête. Motorola pourra répondre par écrit et demander à être entendue afin de présenter ses observations.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005215/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Patent war: Motorola

Motorola Mobility designs smartphones and tablets and holds key standard-essential patents. The patents are essential for the functioning of various widely used technologies, and the company undertook to grant licences for these essential patents on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2013)

On 6 May 2013 the Commission informed Motorola Mobility of its preliminary view that the company's seeking and enforcing of an injunction against Apple in Germany on the basis of its mobile phone standard-essential patents (‘SEPs’) amounted to an abuse of a dominant position prohibited by EU antitrust rules.

The Statement of Objections sets out the Commission's preliminary view that under the specific circumstances of that case — Motorola's previous commitment to license SEPs on Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory (so-called ‘FRAND’) terms and the agreement of Apple, to accept a binding determination of the terms of a FRAND licence by a third party — recourse to injunctions harms competition. The Commission is concerned that the threat of injunctions can distort licensing negotiations and lead to licensing terms that a SEP licensee would not have accepted in free licensing negotiations, absent the threat of an injunction. This would lead to less consumer choice.

The sending of a Statement of Objections does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. Motorola will be able to reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present comments.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005217/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Opacité tarifaire des banques

Les frais bancaires sont bien trop opaques et très peu compréhensibles.

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(4 juillet 2013)

L'un des objectifs de la proposition de la Commission quant à une directive sur les comptes de paiement (37), proposition adoptée le 8 mai 2013, est d'améliorer la transparence et la comparabilité des frais liés aux comptes de paiement pour les consommateurs.

La proposition établit que les prestataires de services de paiement doivent fournir aux consommateurs une série de documents visant à leur permettre de comparer les comptes de paiement et les frais facturés. Les prestataires seront tenus de mettre à la disposition des consommateurs à tout moment et, en particulier, avant la signature d'un contrat un document type d'information sur le montant des charges. Ce document énumérera les services les plus couramment proposés sur un compte, y compris les frais attenants, et il utilisera une terminologie normalisée coordonnée au niveau de l'UE. Cela permettra aux consommateurs de comparer plus facilement les offres. Par ailleurs, les consommateurs pourront consulter un glossaire de termes et définitions leur permettant de comprendre les caractéristiques des services énumérés dans le document d'information.

En outre, les consommateurs qui possèdent déjà un compte recevront un relevé détaillé des frais qui leur ont été facturés au cours de l'exercice précédent. Ce relevé utilisera aussi la terminologie normalisée et les banques pourront choisir de fournir ce relevé plus d'une fois par an.

La directive prévoit qu'il devrait y avoir au moins un site web comparateur des comptes de paiement dans chaque État membre. La directive définit des critères de qualité essentiels pour les sites web comparateurs par un système d'accréditation volontaire, comme l'exigence d'être indépendant, sur le plan opérationnel, de tout prestataire de services de paiement et de veiller à ce que les informations fournies aux consommateurs soient exactes et à jour. Il appartient aux États membres de décider s'ils entendent ou non mettre en place un site internet public et s'ils ne le feront qu'au cas où aucun opérateur privé ne serait accrédité.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005217/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Lack of transparency of bank charges

Bank charges are far too abstruse and difficult to understand.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 2013)

One of the objectives of the Commission proposal for a directive on Payment Accounts (38), adopted on 8 May 2013, is to improve the transparency and comparability of fees related to payment accounts for consumers.

The proposal establishes that payment service providers must provide consumers with a set of documents to allow them to compare payment account services and the fees charged. Providers will be required to make available to consumers at any time and in particular, before a contract is signed, a standardised fee information document. It will list the services most commonly offered on an account, including their respective fees, and it will make use of standardised terminology coordinated at EU level. This will allow consumers to compare offers more easily. In addition, consumers will be able to consult a glossary of terms and definitions explaining the features of the services listed in the fee information document.

Furthermore, consumers who already have an account will be provided with a statement of fees detailing the fees they paid during the previous year. The statement of fees will also make use of the standardised terminology and banks may choose to provide it more often than once a year.

The directive foresees that there should be at least one comparison website for payment accounts in each Member State. It establishes essential quality criteria for comparison websites via a voluntary accreditation scheme, such as a requirement to be operationally independent of any payment service provider and to ensure that the information provided to consumers is up-to-date and accurate. It is left to Member States to decide whether or not they will establish a public website and they will only have to do this if no private operator is accredited.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005218/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Mobilité bancaire pour le citoyen

Les banques devraient assurer aux clients qui le demandent le changement de leurs comptes bancaires vers un autre établissement financier de n'importe quel État de l'Union européenne. Les tarifs appliqués devraient «être appropriés et en ligne avec les coûts occasionnés».

«tarif approprié»?

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(9 juillet 2013)

Le 8 mai 2013, la Commission a adopté une proposition de directive sur la comparabilité des frais liés aux comptes de paiement, le changement de compte de paiement et l'accès à un compte de paiement assorti de prestations de base. L'un des objectifs de la proposition est de faciliter le transfert de comptes bancaires entre prestataires de services financiers situés aussi bien dans un même État membre que dans des État membre distincts.

Les consommateurs désireux de changer de compte bancaire se verront proposer un service de changement de compte, qui permettra de réaliser cette opération de manière simple, rapide et efficace. Il suffira aux consommateurs de prendre contact avec le nouveau prestataire de services de paiement, qui contactera à son tour le prestataire de services financiers auprès duquel le consommateur détient le compte qu'il souhaite transférer. Le nouveau prestataire de services de paiement doit également veiller à ce que les prélèvements soient transférés vers le nouveau compte et que les tiers, par exemple l'employeur du consommateur et les différents fournisseurs de services d'utilité publique, soient informés de l'existence du nouveau compte.

La directive proposée vise à garantir que les consommateurs ne se verront pas infliger de sanctions ni ne subiront aucun autre préjudice financier occasionné par des retards ou le mauvais acheminement de paiements en cas de changement de compte. Par conséquent, toute perte financière qu'un consommateur essuiera en raison du non‐respect des obligations incombant à un prestataire de services de paiement intervenant dans le processus de changement de compte sera remboursée par ce prestataire. En ce qui concerne la rémunération du service de changement, il sera laissé aux prestataires de services de paiement le soin de décider si les consommateurs doivent ou non payer pour ce service. En tout état de cause, la proposition de directive indique que tous les frais potentiels doivent correspondre aux coûts réels supportés par le prestataire de services financiers concerné.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005218/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Banking mobility for citizens

Banks should ensure that customers who ask to switch their bank account to another financial institution in any of the EU Member States are able to do so. Any charges should be ‘appropriate and in line with the costs incurred’.

‘appropriate charges’?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2013)

On 8 May 2013 the Commission adopted a proposal for a directive on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts, payment account switching and access to payment accounts with basic features. One of the objectives of the proposal is to facilitate switching of bank accounts between financial service providers both within one Member State and cross-border.

Consumers wishing to switch accounts will be offered the switching service in order to make the switch simple, fast and efficient. Consumers will only need to be in contact with the new payment services provider, who will in turn contact the financial service provider, from which the consumer wishes to transfer his account. The new payment services provider also has to make sure that direct debits are transferred to the new account and that third parties, as for example the consumer's employer and different utility providers, are informed about the new account.

The proposed directive aims to ensure that consumers will not be subject to penalties or any other financial detriment caused by delays or the misdirection of payments in the case of switching. Therefore, any financial loss incurred by the consumer resulting from the non-compliance of a payment service provider involved in the switching process with its obligations will be refunded by that payment service provider. As regards the fees for the switching service, it will be left to payment services providers to decide whether or not to charge consumers for this service. However, in any event, the proposed Directive states that all potential fees have to be in line with the real costs occurred by the financial services provider concerned.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-005219/13

do Komisji

Rafał Trzaskowski (PPE)

(13 maja 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Dostępność internetowego narzędzia Komisji do interaktywnego kształtowania polityki

Komisja regularnie przeprowadza konsultacje obywatelskie za pośrednictwem opracowanego specjalnie na jej potrzeby internetowego narzędzia do interaktywnego kształtowania polityki. Niestety narzędzie to nie jest zgodne z drugą wersją Wytycznych dotyczących dostępności treści internetowych, poziom AA (WCAG 2.0 AA), w związku z czym jest niedostępne dla osób z niepełnosprawnością sensoryczną lub motoryczną korzystających z technologii wspomagających. W związku z tym osoby niepełnosprawne nie mają zapewnionego równego dostępu do preferowanego internetowego narzędzia konsultacyjnego używanego przez Komisję. Konsultacje są utrudnione, ponieważ załączone pliki .pdf są często niezgodne z normami dostępności. Dobrym rozwiązaniem byłoby korzystanie z innych dostępnych formatów powszechnie używanych przez osoby niepełnosprawne.

Po ratyfikowaniu Konwencji ONZ o prawach osób niepełnosprawnych (UNCRPD) UE musi wypełnić nowe zobowiązania w zakresie zapewnienia osobom niepełnosprawnym równego dostępu do informacji i komunikacji (zob. art. 9 i 21 UNCRPD). Niespełnienie tych wymogów dotyka osoby niepełnosprawne w nieproporcjonalnym stopniu.

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Maroša Šefčoviča w imieniu Komisji

(20 czerwca 2013 r.)

W 2008 r. przeprowadzono badanie w celu sprawdzenia poziomu zgodności IPM z zaleceniami inicjatywy dostępności sieci (WAI). Wyniki wykazały, że w IPM wdrożono wiele zaleceń WAI. Ponieważ jednak IPM nie była w pełni zgodna z wytycznymi dotyczącymi dostępności treści internetowych (WCAG) 1.0 (poziomy A i AA) Komisja dopilnowała, aby większość brakujących funkcji uzupełniono w kolejnych wersjach. IPM jest obecnie prawie całkowicie zgodna z WCAG 1.0.

Obecnie trwają prace nad nowym interfejsem użytkownika, który planuje się uruchomić w ostatnim kwartale 2013 r. Uwzględni on kwestie związane z dostępnością stron internetowych. Plan realizacji projektu obejmuje również ocenę skutków dotyczącą zgodności IPM z WCAG 2.0.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005219/13

to the Commission

Rafał Trzaskowski (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Accessibility of Commission's online ‘Interactive Policy Making’ tool

The Commission regularly consults citizens via its bespoke online ‘Interactive Policy Making’ (IPM) software tool. Unfortunately, this tool is not compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 level AA (WCAG 2.0 AA), and is therefore inaccessible to people suffering from sensory and motor impairments using assistive technology. As a result, disabled people are not given equal access to the preferred online consultation tool used by the Commission. Consultations are hampered because the .pdf files supplied are often not compliant with accessibility standards. Using a range of accessible alternative formats commonly used by disabled people would be good practice.

Following its ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the EU has new obligations in terms of providing equal access to information and communication for disabled people (see Articles 9 and 21 of the UNCRPD). Lack of compliance with these obligations disproportionately affects disabled citizens.

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2013)

A study was performed in 2008 to check the level of IPM conformance to the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) recommendations. The results showed that many WAI recommendations were implemented in IPM. However, since IPM was not fully compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 (levels A and AA), the Commission ensured that most of the missing features were integrated in subsequent versions. In fact, IPM is currently almost fully WCAG 1.0 compatible.

A new user interface is under development with a target release date the last quarter of 2013. This will address issues related to web accessibility. The project plan also includes an impact assessment on the conformance of IPM with WCAG 2.0.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-005220/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(13 Μαΐου 2013)

Θέμα: Συμπληρωματική ερώτηση για τη δημιουργία ευκολονόητων, προσιτών στους πολίτες, κειμένων της ΕΕ (Ε-8970/2010)

Σε συνέχεια της απάντησής της στην ερώτηση Ε-8970/2010 για τη δημιουργία ευκολονόητων και προσιτών στους πολίτες κειμένων της ΕΕ, ερωτάται η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή τα ακόλουθα:

Πώς επιτυγχάνεται αυτή η συνεργασία; Ποια είναι τα μέχρι τώρα συμπεράσματα της Επιτροπής από τη συγκεκριμένη εκστρατεία; Μπορεί να αναφέρει παραδείγματα σχετικής συνεργασίας με το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο;

Απάντηση της κ. Βασιλείου εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Ιουνίου 2013)

DGT). Η μονάδα επιμελείται κυρίως τα έγγραφα που εντάσσονται το πρόγραμμα εργασίας της Επιτροπής, τα οποία αφορούν τον πυρήνα δραστηριοτήτων της Επιτροπής και τα οποία στη συνέχεια προορίζονται να μεταφραστούν από την DGT ή προορίζονται για δημοσίευση. Αν και η επιμέλεια των εγγράφων δεν είναι υποχρεωτική, οι περισσότερες γενικές διευθύνσεις της Επιτροπής κάνουν χρήση της εν λόγω υπηρεσίας τουλάχιστον για ορισμένα από τα έγγραφά τους. Όπως και άλλα θεσμικά όργανα της ΕΕ, το Κοινοβούλιο έχει τη δική του μονάδα επιμέλειας από το 2011. Μια εσωτερική δημοσκόπηση που πραγματοποιήθηκε το 2012 επιβεβαίωσε ότι οι συντάκτες εγγράφων της Επιτροπής πιστεύουν ότι η επιμέλεια εγγράφων είχε ως αποτέλεσμα την εξοικονόμηση χρόνου των αναγνωστών τους, τη βελτίωσή της αναγνωσιμότητας και τη μείωση της χρήσης της «ευρωγλώσσας».

«Πώς να γράφετε με σαφήνεια» σαφώς συνέβαλε στη συνειδητοποίηση, από μέρους του προσωπικού της Επιτροπής, της ανάγκης για καλύτερο ποιοτικό έλεγχο και επιμέλεια των εγγράφων. Αυτό αντικατοπτρίζεται στο αίτημα για περισσότερη σχετικά με τη σύνταξη εγγράφων με σαφήνεια, ειδικά δε για κατάρτιση προσαρμοσμένη στις συγκεκριμένες ανάγκες των επιμέρους γενικών διευθύνσεων. Υπήρξαν επίσης ορισμένα σχέδια για βελτίωση της ποιότητας συγκεκριμένων τύπων εγγράφων. Πρόσφατο παράδειγμα αποτελεί το εγχείρημα που αναλήφθηκε από την DGT σε συνεργασία με την υπηρεσία εκπροσώπου Τύπου, στο οποίο συνδυαζόταν η στοχευμένη κατάρτιση με την ανάπτυξη ενός νέου μορφοτύπου και νέων κατευθυντηρίων γραμμών για τη σύνταξη των δελτίων Τύπου. Όσον αφορά τη διοργανική συνεργασία, ο προϊστάμενος της μονάδας επιμέλειας της DGT πραγματοποιεί τακτικές συνεδριάσεις με τους προϊσταμένους των ομάδων επιμέλειας του Κοινοβουλίου και των άλλων θεσμικών οργάνων της ΕΕ με σκοπό την ανταλλαγή ιδεών και την κοινή χρήση των βέλτιστων πρακτικών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005220/13

to the Commission

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Supplementary question on drafting easily understandable EU texts accessible to citizens (E-8970/2010)

Following its answer to question Ε-8970/2010 on drafting easily understandable EU texts accessible to citizens, will the European Commission answer the following:

How is this cooperation working? What conclusions has the Commission drawn to date from the campaign in question? Can it give examples of cooperation with the European Parliament?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2013)

for better document quality control and editing. This is reflected in the demand for more training in clear writing, especially training tailored to the specific needs of individual Directorates-General. There have also been some projects to improve the quality of specific types of document. A recent example of this is the project carried out by DGT in cooperation with the Spokesperson’s Service, combining targeted training with the development of a new template and new guidelines for drafting press releases. Regarding interinstitutional cooperation, the head of DGT’s editing unit has regular meetings with the heads of editing teams in the Parliament and other EU institutions to exchange ideas and share best practices.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-005221/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(13 maggio 2013)

Oggetto: Pericolo di diffusione dell'influenza aviaria H7N9 in Europa

Le ricerche condotte dagli esperti del Centro olandese per il controllo delle malattie hanno dimostrato un legame di parentela tra il virus H7N9 e altri due virus dell'aviaria, H7N7 e H7N1, circolanti in Europa nel decennio scorso. Evidenziata la capacità di mutazione del virus, si presenta il rischio che esso possa nuovamente modificarsi con la possibilità di trasmettersi anche tra esseri umani, così come affermato dall'Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità (OMS). Il crescente numero di decessi dovuti all'influenza aviaria H7N9 in Cina mostra il pericolo della sua diffusione: 31 decessi e 129 casi di contagio sono stati attualmente rilevati. Nonostante le autorità locali cinesi tendano a smentire le cifre, il pericolo resta effettivo.

La Commissione è al corrente degli eventi sopra descritti?

Ritiene che le autorità locali cinesi sottovalutino la gravità della situazione?

Considerando i rischi attuali per i cittadini europei, ritiene la Commissione opportuno effettuare una valutazione d'impatto nel caso si verificasse un'epidemia?

A fronte di un potenziale contagio per i cittadini europei, ritiene la Commissione necessari un aumento dei controlli da parte degli Stati membri e un'adeguata preparazione per la rilevazione e la diagnosi di eventuali casi?

Ritiene che lo screening negli aeroporti sia una soluzione efficace per fermare la diffusione dell'influenza?

Quali ulteriori misure in materia intende far adottare agli Stati membri?

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(25 giugno 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005221/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Risk of H7N9 avian influenza spreading in Europe

Research by experts from the Dutch disease control centre has shown a link between the H7N9 virus and another two avian viruses, H7N7 and H7N1, which have spread around Europe in the last decade. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as the virus has a proven ability to mutate, there is a risk of it possibly mutating again so it could be passed on from person to person. The rising number of deaths caused by H7N9 avian influenza in China shows how dangerous it is when it spreads: 31 deaths and 129 cases of infection have been reported to date. Although local authorities in China tend to deny the figures, the risk remains very real.

Is the Commission aware of the above facts?

Does it think that local authorities in China underestimate the seriousness of the situation?

In view of the current risks to EU citizens, does the Commission think it should carry out an impact assessment of what would happen were an epidemic to break out?

In view of the potential infection of EU citizens, does the Commission think that the Member States should carry out more checks and make suitable preparations for detecting and diagnosing potential cases?

Does it think that screening at airports is an effective solution for halting the spread of influenza?

What other steps does the Commission plan to have the Member States take on the issue?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005222/13

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Fair spread of broadband technologies and maximising broadband technologies

A major concern of small business owners in Scotland is the need to access broadband of a speed that allows their businesses to remain competitive. Given that the UK Government strategy for broadband encourages the development of the most modern broadband capabilities in London and the surrounding area only, what measures is the Commission considering to enable a fairer spread of broadband technology within the Member States, and, furthermore, what are the Commission’s current plans to maximise broadband technologies at the European level so that the EU remains competitive with major technology regions such as those in North America and Asia?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2013)

The Commission agrees wholeheartedly that access to broadband technologies is a key factor in the competitiveness of SMEs in Scotland as indeed for all enterprises of Europe. In view of this, it has set ambitious targets for broadband deployment in the Digital Agenda (45) for Europe, a flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy. These targets include achieving broadband for all, so particular attention has to be paid to rural and less-densely populated areas.

Improving broadband connections requires investment by both the private and public sectors. The Commission's role in enhancing private investment is to ensure that a predictable regulatory framework is in place that encourages investment while promoting competition. For example, in March this year, the Commission proposed a draft Regulation (46) which is expected to cut the cost of rolling out high speed Internet by up to 30%. Furthermore, in response to the Spring European Council, the Commission is working on concrete proposals to complete the Single Market in telecoms, with the objective of securing high speed networks and services across all of the EU.

In areas where the business case is not strong enough, public support needs to step in with structural funds to finance broadband investment in less-developed regions. The Commission recently adopted revised guidelines on state aid rules (47) to ensure these are up to date with the latest technological developments in broadband connectivity.

It is also relevant to note, with respect to the UK, that the Commission recently approved a state aid notification (48) to support projects in rural and remote areas of the UK where such networks would unlikely be developed on commercial terms.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005223/13

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Improving literacy and numeracy skills for business readiness

Members of the Forum of Private Business, an organisation which represents SMEs based in Scotland, consider that one of their major concerns is that candidates for employment should have better literacy and numeracy skills.

Does the Commission share the concerns of the business community and does the Commission have any strategies to provide better support for teaching literacy and numeracy skills, adding value to efforts within the Member States?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 2013)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concerns that individuals should be equipped with the right skills in order to increase their employability and to provide businesses with highly-skilled human resources. These include literacy and numeracy skills. This concern underpins the ‘Europe 2020 strategy’ flagship initiative ‘An Agenda for New Skills and Jobs’ (49).The Commission Communication ‘Rethinking Education: Investing in skills for better socioeconomic outcomes’ (50) also stressed that basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy skills, are key foundations for further learning through the life cycle. In the 2013 country-specific recommendations the Commission has recommended the UK to reduce the number of young people 18-24 who have very poor basic skills, including through effectively implementing the Traineeships programme.

In the context of the Strategic Framework for cooperation in education and training (‘ET2020’) in which literacy and numeracy are recognised as fundamental elements of key competences, the Member States agreed to a benchmark of reducing low achievement in reading literacy, mathematics and science to 15% by 2020 (51). In the light of this, a High Level Expert Group on Literacy was established in February 2011 to examine how to support literacy throughout lifelong learning and to identify common success factors in literacy programmes and policy initiatives. Its final report contained proposals on improving literacy among both school students and adults (52). As a follow up, the Commission aims to present a report on policy cooperation on basic skills by 2014, outlining effective policies for reducing the share of low achievers in literacy, mathematics and science across the entire lifelong learning spectrum.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005224/13

to the Commission

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Descending scale doses of electronic cigarettes

One of the main reasons for consumers using electronic cigarettes is that they believe the Electronic Nicotine Delivery System to be a tool that can help them completely stop smoking conventional cigarettes, many of them having been prolonged users of traditional cigarettes. Furthermore, DG SANCO has suggested that it views electronic cigarettes as cessation devices.

Does the Commission therefore believe that electronic cigarettes should be targeted at long-term smokers who wish to quit smoking, and would the Commission propose that electronic cigarettes be dosed on a descending scale in an effort to encourage smoking cessation and reduce nicotine addiction?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 2013)

As illustrated by the Commission's Impact Assessment accompanying the proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive, (53) some studies highlight electronic cigarettes' potential as smoking cessation aid, and, according to the Commission's information, these are indeed often used as cessation aid by consumers.

The Commission, in its proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive, foresees that electronic cigarettes exceeding a certain threshold of nicotine will be subject to the medicinal products legislation. One of the effects of this proposal will be to encourage the potential of electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. The Commission proposal starts from the observation that in many Member States electronic cigarettes are considered to fall under the pharmaceutical legislation as medicinal products by function.

Their availability to other people than long-term smokers who wish to quit smoking will however depend on the national regimes for the selling of medicinal products, i.e. whether they would require a prescription or could be sold ‘over the counter’. As an element of the market authorisation under the medicinal products regime, electronic cigarettes would have to comply with the conditions for the placing on the market of medicinal products in the respective Member States, which are likely to include rules on appropriate dosage to achieve the cessation objective.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-005225/13

προς το Συμβούλιο

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(13 Μαΐου 2013)

Θέμα: Οι άδικες αποφάσεις του Eurogroup

Έγκριτοι αναλυτές αναφέρουν ότι διαπράχθηκε ένα οικονομικό έγκλημα σε βάρος της Κύπρου. Επιπλέον, δημιουργήθηκε μεγάλη αναστάτωση στην Ευρωζώνη, καθώς με την συνταγή (bail in) που εφαρμόστηκε, καταστρέφεται η οικονομία της χώρας και οδηγείται ο λαός στην ανεργία, τη φτώχεια και την κοινωνική εξαθλίωση. Σημαντική ήταν η δήλωση του τέως επικεφαλής του Eurogroup ότι το τελευταίο αντιμετώπισε τους Κυπρίους σαν να ήταν γκάγκστερς. Ουσιαστικά, τους χρησιμοποίησε ως πειραματόζωα.

Ερωτάται το Συμβούλιο:

Απάντηση

(11 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Όπως αναφέρεται στη δήλωση της 16ης Μαρτίου 2013 και επιβεβαιώθηκε στις 25 Μαρτίου 2013, η Ευρωομάδα θεωρεί ότι, κατ' αρχήν, η οικονομική βοήθεια στην Κύπρο δικαιολογείται προκειμένου να διασφαλιστεί μέσω της παροχής οικονομικής βοήθειας ύψους 10 δισεκατομμυρίων ευρώ η χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα τόσο στην Κύπρο όσο και στο σύνολο της ευρωζώνης. Η Ευρωομάδα εξέφρασε ικανοποίηση για τα σχέδια πολιτικής που παρουσίασαν οι κυπριακές αρχές και συμφώνησε με τα μέτρα αναδιάρθρωσης του χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα ως διευκρινίζονται στο Παράρτημα της δήλωσης της Ευρωομάδας της 25ης Μαρτίου 2013. Τα μέτρα αυτά θέτουν τη βάση για την αποκατάσταση της βιωσιμότητας του χρηματοπιστωτικού τομέα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, διασφαλίζουν όλες τις καταθέσεις κάτω των 100 000 ευρώ, σύμφωνα με τις αρχές της ΕΕ.

Επιπλέον, στις 25 Απριλίου 2013, το Συμβούλιο εξέδωσε απόφαση, η οποία απευθύνεται στην Κύπρο, όπου περιγράφονται τα στοιχεία ενός τριετούς προγράμματος μακροοικονομικής προσαρμογής που αποσκοπεί στην αποκατάσταση της ευρωστίας της τραπεζικής βιομηχανίας της, συνεχίζοντας τη διαδικασία δημοσιονομικής εξυγίανσης και στηρίζοντας την ανταγωνιστικότητα καθώς και τη βιώσιμη και ισορροπημένη ανάπτυξη.

Η απόφαση αυτή, που βασίζεται στα άρθρα 136 παράγραφος 1 και 126 παράγραφος 6 της Συνθήκης για τη Λειτουργία της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, περιλαμβάνει τα κυριότερα στοιχεία των πολιτικών προϋποθέσεων για την παροχή οικονομικής βοήθειας στην Κύπρο από τον Ευρωπαϊκό Μηχανισμό Σταθερότητας, όπως συμφωνήθηκαν από την Ευρωομάδα στις 25 Μαρτίου 2013.

Επιπλέον, κατόπιν της ολοκλήρωσης των ανεξάρτητων αξιολογήσεων συμμόρφωσης με το πλαίσιο καταπολέμησης της νομιμοποίησης εσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες στη Κύπρο, τα όργανα της Τρόικας υπέβαλαν τις βασικές διαπιστώσεις στην Ευρωομάδα στις 13 Μαΐου 2013, ενώ συστάσεις για την αποκατάσταση ελλείψεων θα ενσωματωθούν στο σχέδιο δράσης για την καταπολέμηση της νομιμοποίησης εσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες που θα συμφωνηθεί μεταξύ των οργάνων της Τρόικας και των κυπριακών αρχών κατά τη χρονική στιγμή της πρώτης επισκόπησης. Το σχέδιο δράσης πρέπει να στοχεύει τομείς που άπτονται της εφαρμογής του οικονομικού ελέγχου των πελατών από τις τράπεζες, επίσης μέσω επαρκούς επιτήρησης, και της λειτουργίας του μητρώου επιχειρήσεων, μεταξύ άλλων.

Είναι πολύ σημαντικό να εξελιχθεί η εφαρμογή του προγράμματος προσαρμογής με σταθερό ρυθμό, προκειμένου να αποκατασταθεί η χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα στην Κύπρο και να τεθούν τα θεμέλια για μια βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005225/13

to the Council

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Unfair Eurogroup decisions

According to distinguished analysts, an economic crime has been committed against Cyprus. Moreover, there has been uproar in the euro area as the bail-in recipe applied is destroying the country’s economy and pushing its people into unemployment and economic and social poverty. The former president of the Eurogroup made an important statement to the effect that the Eurogroup had treated Cypriots like gangsters. Basically, it used them as guinea pigs.

In view of the above, will the Council say:

Reply

(11 September 2013)

As indicated in the statement of 16 March 2013 and reconfirmed on 25 March 2013, the Eurogroup considered that, in principle, financial assistance to Cyprus was warranted to safeguard financial stability in Cyprus and the euro area as a whole by providing financial assistance for an amount up to EUR 10 billion. The Eurogroup welcomed the policy plans presented by the Cyprus authorities and agreed to the measures for restructuring the financial sector as specified in the annex to its statement of 25 March 2013. These measures will form the basis for restoring the viability of the financial sector. In particular, they safeguard all deposits below EUR 100 000 in accordance with EU principles.

Furthermore, on 25 April 2013 the Council adopted a decision, addressed to Cyprus, setting out the elements of a three-year macroeconomic adjustment programme aimed at restoring the soundness of its banking industry, continuing the process of fiscal consolidation and supporting competitiveness and sustainable and balanced growth.

The decision, based on Articles 136(1) and 126(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, contains the main elements of policy conditionality for the granting of financial assistance to Cyprus by the European Stability Mechanism, as agreed by the Eurogroup on 25 March 2013.

Moreover, following the completion of the independent assessments of compliance with the anti-money laundering framework in Cyprus, the Troika institutions reported the key findings to the Eurogroup on 13 May 2013, and recommendations to rectify deficiencies will be integrated in the anti-money laundering action plan to be agreed between the Troika institutions and the Cypriot authorities at the time of the first review. The action plan will need to target areas covering implementation of customer due diligence by banks, including through adequate supervision, and the functioning of the company registry, among others.

It remains essential to proceed with the implementation of the adjustment programme in a steadfast manner in order to restore financial stability in Cyprus and to lay the foundations for a sustainable path of growth.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-005226/13

adresată Comisiei

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(13 mai 2013)

Subiect: Serviciul de consultanță al producătorilor agricoli

La inițiativa Uniunii Europene, în anul 1998 s-a înființat și în România un serviciu național pentru a furniza consultanță producătorilor agricoli în mod gratuit. De asemenea, organizarea serviciului național de consultanță pentru agricultorii din România a fost asigurată de către experți din Uniunea Europeană, după modelele consacrate de funcționare din Germania și Anglia, adaptate la condițiile din România. Însă, în vederea eficientizării consultanței agricole și în sectorul public, având ca scop principal sprijinirea fermierilor privați, a fermelor familiale, dar în funcție de solicitări și a societăților, asociațiilor agricole existente sau în curs de înființare, acest sistem de consultanță trebuie menținut și consolidat.

În acest context, ce măsuri are în vedere Comisia pentru a putea menține și consolida actualul serviciu de consultanță agricolă, astfel încât, atât fermierii cât și producătorii agricoli din România să beneficieze de avantajele oferite de acest serviciu de consultanță?

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloş în numele Comisiei

(21 iunie 2013)

La 12 octombrie 2011, Comisia a prezentat propuneri legislative privind politica PAC, menite să favorizeze o agricultură competitivă și durabilă.

În ceea ce priveşte dezvoltarea rurală, pentru perioada 2014-2020, propunerea Comisiei (54) prevede o măsură de sprijin („Servicii de consiliere, servicii de gestionare a exploataţiei şi servicii de înlocuire în cadrul exploatației ”). Obiectivul acestei măsuri este de a ajuta fermierii, deținătorii de păduri și IMM-urile din zonele rurale să beneficieze de servicii de consiliere. Măsura prevede acordarea unui sprijin atât pentru utilizarea serviciilor de consiliere, cât și pentru înfiinţarea acestora. Serviciile de consiliere agricolă în cauză pot fi furnizate fie de organisme publice, inclusiv cele naționale, cum ar fi Agenția Națională de Consultanță Agricolă (ANCA) din România, la care se pare că se referă întrebarea distinsului membru, fie de organisme private.

Măsura promovează utilizarea serviciilor de consiliere pentru a îmbunătăți gestionarea durabilă și performanțele economice și de mediu ale exploatațiilor agricole și forestiere și ale IMM-urilor din zonele rurale. De asemenea, aceasta prevede formarea profesională a consultanților pentru a ameliora calitatea și eficienţa serviciilor de consiliere oferite și pentru a garanta că persoanele care furnizează aceste servicii sunt în permanenţă la curent cu ultimele informaţii din domeniu.

Beneficiarii vor fi furnizorii de servicii, care vor fi aleși prin intermediul unor cereri de propuneri. Scopul sprijinului acordat în cadrul acestei măsuri este, în principal, de a asigura accesul producătorilor agricoli și al altor beneficiari din mediul rural la servicii de consiliere de bună calitate şi asimilarea de către aceştia a informaţiilor primite, mai degrabă decât de a menține sau de a consolida serviciile oferite de un anumit furnizor de servicii.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005226/13

to the Commission

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Consultancy services for agricultural producers

In 1998, upon the initiative of the European Union, a national service was established in Romania to provide consultancy services to agricultural producers free of charge. Furthermore, the organisation of this national consultancy service for farmers in Romania was undertaken by experts in the European Union, based on established models in operation in Germany and England and adapted to conditions in Romania. However, in order to make agricultural consultancy more efficient in the public sector too, its key aim being to support private farmers, family farms and upon request companies and existing agricultural associations or those in the process of being set up, this consultancy system must be maintained and consolidated.

In view of the above, what measures does the Commission envisage in order to maintain and consolidate the existing agricultural consultancy service, in such a way that farmers and agricultural producers in Romania benefit from the advantages offered by this consultancy service?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(21 June 2013)

On 12 October 2011 the Commission presented legal proposals designed to make the CAP a more effective policy for delivering a competitive and sustainable agriculture. 

As regards rural development, for 2014-2020, the Commission's proposal (55) includes a proposed support measure ‘Advisory services, farm management services and farm relief services’.The aim of this measure isto help farmers, forest holders and SMEs in rural areas benefit from advisory services. The measure envisages support both for the use of advisory services and the setting up of such services. The farm advisory services in question can be provided either by public advisory service providers, including national level services like the National Agency for Agricultural Consulting (ANCA) in Romania to which the Honourable Member's question is understood to refer, or by private service providers.

The measure promotes the use of advisory services in order to improve the sustainable management and the economic and environmental performance of farm and forest holdings and SMEs in rural areas. It also provides for the training of advisors in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice offered and ensures the updated capacity of advisers.

The beneficiary will be the service providers, who are to be chosen through open calls for proposals. The aim of the European support under this measure is primarily to ensure access to and uptake of good quality advisory services by agricultural producers and other rural beneficiaries, rather than to maintain or consolidate the services provided by one particular service provider.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-005227/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(13 de mayo de 2013)

Asunto: Polígono de tiro en las Bárdenas Reales de Navarra

Las Bárdenas Reales de Navarra son un paraje natural semidesértico situado al sur de la Comunidad Autónoma de Navarra. Dicho paraje, de unas 42 500 hectáreas de extensión, es un espacio de una importancia biológica excepcional que alcanza las figuras más altas de protección ambiental al tratarse de un Parque Natural y una Reserva Mundial de la Biosfera.

No obstante, pese a tener estos altísimos grados de protección ambiental, las Bárdenas Reales albergan en su interior desde 1951 el mayor polígono de tiro y bombardeo de la OTAN en Europa. Pese a tratarse de una zona con una escasa densidad de población, en las Bárdenas existen 19 municipios, dos valles y un monasterio, todos ellos núcleos habitacionales de carácter rural de los cuales el mayor es Tudela, una ciudad con 30 000 habitantes. Esta población debe coexistir con las 2 222 hectáreas que ocupa el campo de tiro y bombardeo, pero en la práctica la OTAN emplea todo el espacio aéreo en un radio superior a los 50 kilómetros a la redonda alrededor del campo.

La citada población de las Bárdenas nunca ha sido preguntada directamente sobre si querían o no querían dicho polígono de tiro y bombardeo; la decisión fue tomada por el Gobierno franquista y esta población ha tenido que convivir con este polígono. El rechazo a este campo de tiro y bombardeo se ha plasmado en la Asamblea Antipolígono que aglutina a la sociedad civil afectada que se opone a la existencia del mismo. Durante 2008 los diferentes grupos políticos que han gobernado los diferentes ayuntamientos afectados por el polígono, UPN y PSN, cambiaron sus posiciones tradicionales de oposición al mismo a la hora de votar su continuidad por veinte años más. Así, los consejos municipales han optado por continuar soportando las molestias y los riesgos, con unos treinta accidentes graves a lo largo de estos sesenta años, que supone el convivir con un polígono de tiro de la OTAN. La OTAN no aporta información sobre los tipos de armas empleadas ni el impacto que estas pueden llegar a causar entre la flora y la fauna del Parque Natural.

— ¿Considera la Comisión que España está cumpliendo la Directiva 2011/92/UE sobre la evaluación de impacto ambiental pese a la carencia de información sobre el impacto para los ciudadanos de la zona?

— ¿Considera que España cumple la Directiva 2009/147/CE sobre la conservación de aves en el caso expuesto?

— ¿Considera que España cumple la Directiva 92/43/CEE sobre hábitats? En caso negativo, ¿qué medidas piensa desarrollar para que se cumplan las citadas Directivas?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(1 de julio de 2013)

Los parajes ES0000292 Loma la Negra-Bárdenas y ES0000171 El Plano-Blanca Alta han sido declarados Zonas Especiales de Protección para las Aves con arreglo a la Directiva de Aves (56). Bárdenas Reales (ES2200037) es, además, un Lugar de Importancia Comunitaria en el marco de la Directiva de Hábitats (57). La Comisión sabe de la práctica en ese lugar de actividades militares, porque así consta en el Formulario Normalizado de Datos (58).

No hay, a priori, ninguna presunción en contra de la realización de actividades militares en el interior de un lugar Natura 2000, sobre todo si se trata de actividades que históricamente han tenido lugar en él. Corresponde a las autoridades nacionales pertinentes garantizar que todo plan o proyecto (incluidas las actividades militares) que pueda afectar de forma apreciable a un espacio Natura 2000 se someta a una evaluación en el marco del artículo 6, apartado 3, de la Directiva de Hábitats. Si la evaluación es negativa, y a falta de soluciones alternativas, el proyecto solo puede ser autorizado por razones imperiosas de interés público de primer orden, como dispone el apartado 4 de ese mismo artículo, y si se adoptan las medidas compensatorias adecuadas.

Por lo que se refiere a la Directiva 2011/92/UE (59) (conocida como Directiva de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental o Directiva EIA), hay que señalar que, según la información disponible, esas actividades militares empezaron antes de que se adoptara la Directiva 85/337/CEE y que, además, no entrarían en el ámbito de aplicación de la Directiva EIA, que solo regula los proyectos incluidos en los anexos I y II. Por otra parte, su artículo 1, apartado 3, prevé la posible exclusión de los proyectos que respondan a las necesidades de la defensa nacional.

La Comisión estudiará la información disponible y, si resulta necesario, se pondrá en contacto con las autoridades españolas para comprobar si ese polígono de tiro y bombardeo es conforme con la Directiva de Hábitats.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005227/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Firing range in Bardenas Reales, Navarra

Bardenas Reales is a semiarid nature reserve situated in the south of the Autonomous Region of Navarra. The reserve, which covers an area of 42 500 hectares, is an area of exceptional biological importance which enjoys the highest levels of environmental protection due to its classification as a Nature Reserve and a World Biosphere Reserve.

However, in spite of these very high levels of environmental protection, since 1951, Bardenas Reales has been home to the largest NATO firing and bombing range in Europe. Despite the area’s low population density, there are 19 municipalities, two valleys and a monastery, all of them rural settlements, the biggest being Tudela, a town of 30 000 inhabitants. These people have to coexist with the 2 222 hectares occupied by the firing and bombing range, although in practice NATO uses all of the air space within a radius of more than 50 kilometres of the range.

The people of Bardenas were never directly consulted about whether or not they wanted this firing and bombing range; the decision was taken by the Franco Government and these people have had to live with the range. Opponents of the firing and bombing range have come together in the Asamblea Antipolígono (Anti-Firing Range Assembly). In 2008, the different political groups governing the towns affected by the range, UPN (Navarra People’s Union) and PSN (Socialist Party of Navarra), switched from their traditional opposition to the range when a vote was held on whether it should remain in operation for a further 20 years. The municipal councils therefore chose to continue to put up with the nuisance and risks (there have been around 30 serious accidents in the last 60 years) associated with living with a NATO firing range. NATO does not provide information about the kinds of arms used or the impact they might have on the flora and fauna in the Nature Reserve.

— Does the Commission believe that Spain is complying with Directive 2011/92/EU on environmental impact assessment, despite the lack of information regarding the impact on citizens in the area?

— Does it believe that Spain is complying with Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds in this case?

— Does it believe that Spain is complying with Directive 92/43/EEC on habitats? If not, what measures does it intend to take in order to ensure compliance with these Directives?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(1 July 2013)

The sites ES0000292 Loma la Negra-Bárdenas and ES0000171 El Plano-Blanca Alta were designated as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive (60). Furthermore, Bárdenas Reales (ES2200037) is a site of Community importance under the Habitats Directive (61). The Commission is aware of the existence of military activities in this site, as specified in its Standard Data Form (62).

There is no a priori presumption against military activities inside a Natura 2000 site, especially if these activities are consistent with the activities which have historically been undertaken there. It is the responsibility of the relevant national authorities to ensure that any plan or project (including military activities) likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites is subject to an assessment under Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive. In case of a negative assessment and in the absence of alternative solutions, the project can be authorised only for imperative reasons of overriding public interest under Art.6.4 and if adequate compensatory measures are adopted.

In relation to Directive 2011/92/EU (63) (known as the Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA Directive) it should be noted that, according to the available information, these military activities started before the adoption of Directive 85/337/EEC. Moreover, it seems that these activities would not fall under the scope of the EIA Directive, which is only applicable to projects covered by Annexes I and II. Furthermore, Article 1(3) foresees the possible exclusion of projects serving national defence purpose.

The Commission will examine the information available and if necessary it will contact the Spanish authorities to verify the compliance of this firing range with the Habitats Directive.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005229/13

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Empréstimos financiam bolsas do Programa Erasmus

A proposta da Comissão Europeia de criar um mecanismo de garantia de empréstimos para os estudantes de mestrados no Programa «Yes Europe — Erasmus para todos» tem levantado diversas dúvidas, uma vez que a proposta implica o endividamento do estudante e da sua família ainda antes de este terminar o curso e começar a trabalhar. Esta situação é ainda agravada pelo momento em que muitos Estados-Membros se encontram, em profunda crise económica e social e com taxas de desemprego com níveis históricos, principalmente entre as camadas mais jovens.

Assim solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Resposta dada por AndroullaVassiliou em nome da Comissão

(21 de junho de 2013)

A proposta da Comissão relativa a um mecanismo de garantia de empréstimo a estudantes está concebida para ser particularmente relevante para os estudantes provenientes de meios desfavorecidos que, de outra forma, não poderiam estudar num programa completo de mestrado no estrangeiro por razões económicas. As garantias sociais incluem taxas de juro reduzidas, sem cauções ou garantias parentais e a possibilidade de adiar ou congelar os reembolsos. Os diplomados dispõem de um prazo máximo de dois anos para encontrar trabalho antes do início do reembolso dos seus empréstimos.

As bolsas Erasmus para a mobilidade de crédito apoiam o financiamento dos custos adicionais das estadias no estrangeiro e os Estados-Membros podem ter em conta diferentes custos de vida entre os países quanto ao nível de bolsas. A Comissão prevê aumentar o número e a dimensão das bolsas Erasmus durante o próximo período de financiamento de sete anos. No entanto, as bolsas concebidas para a mobilidade de crédito nunca serão suficientes para cobrir todas as despesas decorrentes de estudos nem para financiar a mobilidade total, para a qual há uma crescente procura económica e social. Uma garantia de empréstimo oferece o melhor modelo para o acesso a possibilidades de financiamento favoráveis em condições equitativas para o grupo de estudantes que enfrenta o maior défice de financiamento: os estudantes de um programa completo de mestrado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005229/13

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Loans to fund grants under the Erasmus programme

The Commission’s proposal to establish a loan guarantee facility for Master’s students under the ‘Yes Europe — Erasmus for all’ programme is questionable in several respects, since the proposal involves the student and their family getting into debt even before the student finishes the course and starts work. This state of affairs is exacerbated by the situation many Member States are in, namely a deep economic and social crisis with unemployment at record levels, predominantly affecting young people.

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(21 June 2013)

The Commission proposal for a Student Loan Guarantee Facility is designed to be particularly relevant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise be unable financially to study for a full master programme abroad. Social safeguards include reduced interest rates, no collateral or parental guarantees, and the possibility to defer or freeze repayments. Graduates have up to two years to get a job before starting to repay their loans.

Erasmus grants for credit mobility help finance the extra costs of going abroad and Member States are able to take account of different living costs between countries in the level of grants. The Commission foresees to increase both the number and size of Erasmus grants during the next seven year funding period. However, the grants designed for credit mobility will never be sufficient to cover all study costs nor to finance full degree mobility for which there is increasing economic and social demand. A loan guarantee offers the best model to open up access to affordable finance on equitable terms for the student group facing the widest financing gap: full programme masters students.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005230/13

à Comissão

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

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Volume de juros a pagar num quadro de alargamento dos prazos de maturidade do empréstimo da troika

A troika informou recentemente que está disponível para alargar em 7 anos os prazos de maturidade do empréstimo concedido no quadro do «memorando de entendimento» assinado pelo governo português e pela troika.

Sendo a Comissão parte da troika (FMI-CE-BCE), solicitamos que nos informe sobre o seguinte:

Tendo em conta que a extensão dos prazos de maturidade do empréstimo implicará o aumento do volume de juros a pagar por Portugal à troika, qual o diferencial entre o montante global previsto a pagar em juros com as maturidades revistas e o montante global previsto a pagar em juros com as maturidades anteriormente estipuladas (a preços constantes)?

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(17 de junho de 2013)

O alargamento dos prazos de vencimento dos empréstimos a Portugal e à Irlanda destinam-se a facilitar a readmissão no mercado dos dois países e proporcionar financiamento, a baixo custo, por um período mais longo. O alargamento é aplicável aos empréstimos concedidos pelo Mecanismo Europeu de Estabilização Financeira (MEEF) e o Fundo Europeu de Estabilidade Financeira (FEEF); não haverá alterações nas condições do empréstimo do FMI.

No que diz respeito aos empréstimos do MEEF, devido à sua natureza «back-to-back », os empréstimos do MEEF a vencer serão refinanciados pela Comissão antes de chegarem ao seu termo, desde que tenha acesso aos mercados. Os empréstimos serão refinanciados à taxa de juro disponível para o MEEF nessa altura, em função das condições de mercado para a contração de empréstimos do MEEF. A taxa de juro dos empréstimos do FEEF depende dos custos de financiamento do FEEF e é flexível. Considerando que a evolução das taxas de juro não é previsível, é impossível fazer uma estimativa da diferença dos custos dos juros. É de notar, contudo, que tanto as taxas de juros do MEEF como do FEEF são atualmente inferiores às taxas de juro que a maioria dos Estados-Membros estão a pagar pelos seus empréstimos e, por conseguinte, o financiamento pelo FEEF e o MEEF, por um período mais longo, é vantajoso para ambos os países.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005230/13

to the Commission

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

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Amount of interest to be paid in the light of the extended maturity of the loan from the Troika

The Troika recently stated that it was prepared to extend by seven years the maturity of the loan granted under the ‘memorandum of understanding’, signed by the Portuguese Government and the Troika.

The Commission is part of the Troika (International Monetary Fund-Commission-European Central Bank).

Considering that extending the maturity of the loan will mean that Portugal will have to pay more interest to the Troika, what is the difference between the total amount expected to be paid in interest under the revised maturity, and the total amount expected to be paid in interest under the previously agreed maturity (at constant prices)?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(17 June 2013)

The extension of the official loan maturities to Portugal and Ireland is intended to facilitate market re-entry for both countries and to provide financing for a longer period at low cost. The extension applies to the loans granted by the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM) and the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) only; there will be no change in the IMF loan terms.

As regards the EFSM loans, due to their back-to-back nature, the maturing EFSM loans will be re-financed by the Commission prior to the maturity, subject to having access to the markets. The loans will be refinanced at the interest rate available for the EFSM at that point in time, depending on market conditions for the EFSM borrowing. The interest rate on EFSF loans depends on the EFSF funding cost and is flexible. Since future interest rates are not predictable, it is impossible to estimate the difference in interest costs. It should be noted however that both the EFSM and EFSF interest rates are currently below the interest rates that most Member States are paying on their debt and hence funding by the EFSF/EFSM for a longer period is advantageous for both countries.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-005231/13

adresată Comisiei

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Subiect: Modificarea Regulamentului (UE) nr. 1129/2011 al Comisiei

Regulamentul (UE) nr. 1129/2011 al Comisiei, de modificare a anexei II la Regulamentul (CE) nr. 1333/2008 al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului prin stabilirea unei liste a Uniunii a aditivilor alimentari, prevede doar ca anumiți aditivi să poată fi folosiți în compoziția produselor din carne. Printre aceștia nu se numără și bicarbonatul de sodiu (E500), a cărui utilizare în produsele din carne ar urma să fie interzisă începând cu luna iunie 2013.

Totuși, există anumite preparate, care ar putea fi considerate tradiționale (precum „micii”, în cazul României), în compoziția cărora intră bicarbonatul de sodiu.

Are în vedere Comisia modificarea Anexei II la Regulamentul (CE) nr. 1333/2008, pentru a include bicarbonatul de sodiu între aditivii a căror utilizare este permisă în compoziția produselor din carne?

Dacă da, când va fi efectuată această modificare?

În caz contrar, cum intenționează să procedeze Comisia pe viitor pentru a evita ca producția anumitor produse considerate tradiționale să nu fie pusă în pericol prin interzicerea utilizării unor aditivi?

Răspuns dat de dl Borg în numele Comisiei

(4 iulie 2013)

Noua listă a aditivilor alimentari („lista Uniunii”) a fost instituită prin Regulamentul (UE) nr. 1129/2011 al Comisiei în noiembrie 2011 și se aplică de la 1 iunie 2013.

În această listă a Uniunii au fost transferați în mod corect din vechile directive toți aditivii autorizați și condițiile lor de utilizare. Aditivii sunt enumerați în funcție de categoria de produse alimentare la care pot fi adăugați. Noua listă este mult mai transparentă și menționează în mod clar aditivii care pot fi utilizați în anumite produse alimentare. Stabilirea acestei liste a fost precedată de discuții ample cu statele membre și de consultări intensive cu organizațiile părților interesate.

Legislația UE privind aditivii alimentari nu a autorizat utilizarea bicarbonatului de sodiu (E500) în produsul tradițional românesc menționat („mititei”).

Serviciile Comisiei au primit recent o cerere de autorizare a aditivului respectiv pentru utilizare în „mititei”, care este în prezent procesată în conformitate cu dispozițiile Regulamentului (CE) nr. 1331/2008 de instituire a unei proceduri comune de autorizare pentru aditivii alimentari, enzimele alimentare și aromele alimentare (64).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005231/13

to the Commission

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Amendment to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011, amending Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council through the establishment of a Union list of food additives, only stipulates that certain additives can be used in the composition of meat products. This list does not include sodium bicarbonate (E500), whose use in meat products is to be prohibited as of June 2013.

However, there are certain products, which could be considered traditional (and ‘small’ in the case of Romania), in which sodium bicarbonate is used as an ingredient.

Does the European Commission envisage amending Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 to include sodium bicarbonate amongst the additives whose use is permitted in the composition of meat products?

If so, when will this amendment be implemented?

Otherwise, what does the Commission intend to do going forward to prevent the production of certain products that are considered traditional from being jeopardised by the ban on the use of some additives?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 2013)

The new list of food additives (‘Union list’) was established by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011, in November 2011 and applies as of 1 June 2013.

For this Union list all authorised additives and their conditions of use have been correctly transferred from the old Directives and are now listed according to the food category to which they may be added. The new list is much more transparent and clearly lists which additives may be used in a certain food. The establishment of this list was preceded by lengthy discussions with Member States and intensive consultations with stakeholder organisations.

The EU legislation of food additives has never authorised the use of sodium bicarbonate (E500), in the traditional Romanian product referred to (‘mititei’).

The Commission services have recently received a request for the authorisation of that additive for the use in ‘mititei’ , which is currently being dealth with in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings (65).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005232/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Sacs plastiques non biodégradables dans l'Union européenne

Alors que l'Union européenne met l'accent sur la protection de l'environnement, qui fait partie des objectifs du programme Horizon 2020, il est étonnant que les sacs en plastique non biodégradable contenant du polyéthylène ne soient toujours pas interdits dans l'Union.

La France avait interdit en 2005 l'utilisation de ces sacs, mais la loi a été abrogée parce que non conforme au droit européen.

La Commission n'estime-t-elle pas qu'il serait bon d'interdire l'utilisation de sacs en plastique non biodégradable pour aller dans le sens d'une réduction des déchets plastiques et, partant, d'une amélioration du traitement des déchets, points noirs de certains États membres?

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(21 juin 2013)

La Commission convient qu'il est nécessaire de réduire la consommation non-durable de sacs en plastique au sein de l'Union européenne, et examine les options envisageables en vue d'une éventuelle action au niveau de l'Union, puisque cela a également été demandé par les ministères chargés de l'environnement des États membres (66).

Une étude sur les conséquences des modes de production et de consommation de sacs en plastique et sur les répercussions de diverses options stratégiques mises en œuvre pour réduire leur utilisation (y compris la possibilité d'interdire les sacs en plastique non biodégradables) a été publiée en 2011. Une autre étude évaluant de manière plus approfondie les incidences socioéconomiques de différentes options stratégiques a été publiée en 2012 (67).

Dans le cadre d'une consultation publique à ce sujet réalisée en 2011, la Commission a reçu plus de 15 500 réponses, ce qui montre le grand intérêt manifesté par l'opinion publique à l'égard de la consommation non-durable de sacs en plastique et les grandes attentes vis-à-vis d'une action de l'Union visant à réduire les incidences environnementales liées à l'utilisation de ces sacs. Les avis divergent quant aux meilleurs instruments à utiliser, avec une légère préférence pour une prévention ciblée sur l'utilisation de sacs en plastique.

Les résultats de ces études et consultations fourniront des informations et des orientations à toute proposition de la Commission pour traiter cette question. Conformément aux pratiques habituelles de la Commission, tous les coûts et avantages potentiels de ces options stratégiques (c'est-à-dire d'un point de vue environnemental, économique et social) seront pris en considération.

L'Honorable Parlementaire sera peut-être intéressé d'apprendre que la Commission a récemment clôturé une consultation publique reposant sur son livre vert du 7 mars 2013 sur «une stratégie européenne en matière de déchets plastiques dans l'environnement» (68). La réponse au livre vert sera prise en considération lors de la révision plus générale de la politique et de la législation de l'Union en matière de déchets qui est prévue pour 2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005232/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Non-biodegradable plastic bags in the European Union

At a time when the European Union is stressing the need to protect the environment — one of the Horizon 2020 policy objectives — it is astonishing that non-biodegradable plastic bags containing polyethylene should still not have been banned in the EU.

France banned the use of these bags in 2005, but the act was revoked for breaching EC law.

Does the Commission not think it would be a good idea to ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags with a view to reducing plastic waste and improving waste management, areas in which some Member States have a lot of progress to make?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(21 June 2013)

The Commission agrees on the need to reduce the unsustainable consumption of plastic bags in the EU and is assessing the options available for possible action at EU level, having also been asked to do so by Member States' Environment Ministers (69).

A study on the impacts of production and consumption patterns of plastic carrier bags, and the impacts incurred by various policy options to reduce their use (including a possible ban of non-biodegradable plastic bags) was published in 2011. A further study assessing in more detail the socioeconomic impacts of different policy options was published in 2012 (70).

The Commission received more than 15 500 responses to a public consultation on the issue in 2011 indicating a high level of public concern about the unsustainable consumption of plastic carrier bags and high expectations for EU action to reduce the environmental impacts of their use. Opinions were divergent on the best instruments, with a slight preference for a prevention target on the use of plastic carrier bags.

The results of these studies and consultations will inform and guide any proposals made by the Commission to deal with the issue. In accordance with standard Commission practice, all potential costs and benefits of policy options (i.e. environmental, economic and social) will be taken into account.

The Honourable Member may be interested to learn that the Commission recently closed a public consultation on the basis of its Green Paper of 7 March 2013 on ‘a European Strategy on Plastic Waste in the Environment’ (71). The response to the Green Paper will feed into the wider review of EU waste policy and legislation that is planned for 2014.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005233/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Mise en place d'une base de données européenne des personnes disparues et non identifiées

Aux États-Unis, il existe une base de données qui centralise toutes les personnes disparues et non identifiées, système qui n'existe pas pour le moment en Europe. À ce jour, au niveau européen, il n'existe qu'un numéro d'urgence pour signaler les enfants disparus et le programme FASTID d'Interpol.

Alors que la Commission s'est engagée à continuer les efforts de ses services sur la question des personnes disparues (en réponse à la question parlementaire E‐008273/2011), l'hypothèse d'un registre central européen n'a pas été envisagée.

La Commission envisage-t-elle de mettre en place une base de données européenne des personnes disparues et non identifiées pour faciliter les recherches de personnes disparues?

Réponse donnée par Mme Malmström au nom de la Commission

(16 juillet 2013)

La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à prendre connaissance de sa réponse à la question parlementaire E-008273/2011.

Le système d'information Schengen de deuxième génération (SIS II) comprend les signalements concernant des personnes disparues, conformément aux dispositions du chapitre VI de la décision 2007/533/JAI du Conseil du 12 juin 2007 sur l'établissement, le fonctionnement et l'utilisation du SIS II. Ce système contient des données relatives aux personnes disparues qui doivent être placées sous protection et/ou dont il convient d'établir la localisation. Dans le cas d'une personne disparue, et notamment d'un enfant, l'autorité communique le lieu où elle se trouve et la mesure prise à la demande des autorités signalantes.

En outre, les Pays-Bas ont lancé l'initiative «AMBER Alert Europe», un projet pilote visant à mettre en place un système d'alerte transfrontière pour les enlèvements d'enfants à l'échelle de l'Union européenne. Ce projet est financé en partie par un programme national de subvention qui est financé, quant à lui, par le programme européen de recherche en matière sécurité dans le cadre du 7e programme-cadre pour la recherche.

La Commission n'a pas l'intention d'élaborer des propositions visant à créer d'autres bases de données concernant les personnes disparues/non identifiées.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005233/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Establishing a European database of missing and unidentified persons

The United States has a centralised database of all missing and unidentified persons, for which there is currently no European equivalent. The only European‐wide arrangements currently in place are the emergency number for reporting missing children and Interpol's FASTID programme.

Whilst the Commission has signalled its ongoing commitment to addressing the issue of missing persons (answer to parliamentary Question E-008273/2011), a centralised European database has not been considered.

Does the Commission plan to create a European database of missing and unidentified persons to help find missing individuals?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2013)

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its answer to parliamentary Question E-008273/2011.

In the recently launched second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) alerts on missing persons are included,as stipulated in Chapter VI, Council Decision 2007/533/JHA of 12 June 2007 on the establishment, operation and use of SIS II. The system includes data on missing persons who need to be placed under police protection and/or whose whereabouts need to be ascertained. In the case of a missing person, including a child, the authority will report when that person has been located and the action taken as requested by the authorities creating the alert.

In addition, the Netherlands has undertaken the so called AMBER Alert Europe Initiative which is a pilot project with the aim to establish a EU‐wide cross‐border alert system for abducted children. This project is partially funded by a national subvention programme which in turn is supported by the Security Research Programme of the 7th Framework Programme for Research.

The Commission does not intend making proposals to establish further databases on missing/unidentified persons.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005234/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Droit néerlandais des recours collectifs et droit communautaire

Les recours collectifs sont inexistants en droit français. Jusqu'à présent, les actionnaires français ne pouvaient donc demander réparation en vertu de ce système. En Europe, une quinzaine de pays autorisent les recours collectifs, mais les Pays-Bas offrent une procédure extraordinairement accueillante et autorisent des sociétés non néerlandaises à obtenir des indemnisations considérables.

La Commission n'estime-t-elle pas que les Pays-Bas, en autorisant des entreprises non-néerlandaises à bénéficier d'un droit non reconnu par certains États membres comme la France, enfreint le droit communautaire en matière de concurrence?

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(21 août 2013)

Le droit à une réparation des dommages causés par une infraction de droit commun est reconnu dans tous les États membres. Les actions en justice, y compris les actions collectives, ne sont qu'un moyen procédural permettant d'exercer ce droit dans la pratique. Le recours à ces actions ne peut généralement pas être contesté si les règles nationales sur les recours collectifs sont conçues dans le but de faciliter l'application de droits à réparation justifiés, de garantir l'indemnisation des personnes lésées et d'assurer une procédure équitable pour toutes les parties (72).

En ce qui concerne les cas de préjudices de masse causés par une violation des droits conférés par la législation européenne, la Commission a adopté, le 11 juin, une recommandation (73) invitant les États membres à disposer, pour les actions en réparation, de mécanismes nationaux de recours collectif. Ces mécanismes devraient faire en sorte que les procédures soient objectives, équitables et rapides sans que leur coût soit prohibitif et qu'elles respectent les principes fondamentaux énoncés dans la recommandation. Celle-ci couvre tous les domaines d'intervention, y compris le droit de la concurrence. Elle traite également des litiges transnationaux et invite les États membres à veiller à ce que les règles nationales en matière de recevabilité ou de qualité pour agir des groupes de demandeurs ou des entités représentatives provenant d'autres États membres n'empêchent pas l'introduction d'une action collective unique devant une seule et même juridiction.

Par conséquent, les raisons pour lesquelles les règles néerlandaises en matière de recours collectif devraient être considérées comme une violation de la législation européenne en général et des règles de concurrence de l'Union en particulier n'apparaissent pas clairement. Ces dernières règles ne s'appliquent qu'aux pratiques anticoncurrentielles des entreprises ou à la distorsion de concurrence causée par les subventions des États membres. La compétence des tribunaux quant aux litiges transnationaux en matière civile et commerciale est déterminée par le règlement (CE) n° 44/2001 et, dans une certaine mesure, par les règles de compétence relevant du droit national ou du droit international.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005234/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Dutch law on class actions, and EC law

French law makes no provision for class actions. Until now, French shareholders have not been able to seek legal redress in this way. Class actions can be brought in more than a dozen European countries, but the Netherlands has introduced extraordinarily liberal arrangements that make it possible even for foreign companies to secure significant amounts in compensation.

Does the Commission not think that by affording companies from outside the Netherlands a right that is not recognised by certain Member States, such as France, the Netherlands is in breach of EU competition law?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

The right to compensation for harm caused by a breach of law is recognised in all Member States. Court actions, including collective actions, are merely a procedural means to enforce that right in practice. As long as national rules on collective actions are designed to facilitate the enforcement of meritorious compensation claims and ensure compensation for injured parties and guarantee fair proceedings for all parties (74), there can generally be no objections against the availability of such actions.

As regards mass harm situations caused by violations of rights granted under Union law, the Commission adopted on 11 June a recommendation (75) which invites Member States to have at national level compensatory collective redress mechanisms. Such mechanisms should ensure fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive procedures and should respect basic principles set out in the recommendation. The recommendation covers all policy fields, including competition law. It covers also cross-border disputes and invites Member States to ensure that a single collective action in a single forum is not prevented by national rules on admissibility or standing of groups of claimants or representative entities from other Member States.

It is therefore not obvious why the Dutch rules on collective redress should be considered to breach Union law in general or Union competition rules in particular. The latter only apply to anticompetitive conduct of undertakings or competition-distorting aid granted by Member States. The jurisdiction of courts with regard to cross-border disputes in civil and commercial matters is determined by Regulation 44/2001 and to some extent by jurisdictional rules under national or international law.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005235/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Introduction des recours collectifs («class actions») en droit européen

En 2011, la Commission a ouvert une consultation publique ayant pour objet l'élaboration d'une approche cohérente des recours collectifs (les «class actions») dans l'Union Européenne.

La législation européenne en vigueur prévoit déjà la possibilité d'intenter des actions collectives en cessation dans le domaine du droit de la consommation, mais les États restent compétents en matière de marchés financiers, de droit de la concurrence et de protection de l'environnement. Le projet de la Commission était donc de recenser les principes juridiques communs de l'Union pour élargir les possibilités d'utilisation des «class actions».

Alors que la consultation publique a pris fin en avril 2011, la Commission ne semble plus communiquer sur ce projet. La Commission pourrait-elle donc expliquer où en est le projet de recours collectifs en Europe?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(15 juillet 2013)

Le 11 juin 2013, la Commission a adopté la recommandation C(2013)3539 relative à des principes communs applicables aux mécanismes de recours collectif en cessation et en réparation dans les États membres en cas de violation de droits conférés par le droit de l'Union, accompagnée par la communication de la Commission COM(2013) 401 intitulée «Vers un cadre horizontal européen pour les recours collectifs». La Commission a recommandé aux États membres d'instaurer des mécanismes de recours collectif pour les plaintes motivées par la violation des droits conférés par le droit de l'Union. La recommandation est de nature horizontale et les principes qui y sont posés s'appliquent donc à tous les domaines de la politique de l'Union, y compris les marchés financiers, le droit de la concurrence et la protection de l'environnement. Les États membres devraient appliquer les principes posés dans la recommandation aux systèmes nationaux de recours collectif dans les 2 ans suivant la publication de la recommandation. La Commission devrait ensuite, dans les 4 ans suivant la publication de la recommandation, évaluer la mise en œuvre de cette dernière ainsi que ses effets, et déterminer si d'autres mesures sont nécessaires.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005235/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Incorporation of the concept of collective redress (class actions) into European law

In 2011, the Commission launched a public consultation with the aim of developing a coherent approach to the concept of collective redress (class actions) in the European Union.

EC law already provides for the possibility of pursuing injunctive collective actions in the field of consumer law, but Member States retain jurisdiction in matters concerning financial markets, competition law and environmental protection. The Commission’s idea was therefore to identify common legal principles in force in the EU with a view to broadening the scope for bringing class actions.

Although the public consultation ended in April 2011, the Commission seems to have decided not to release any more details about the outcome. Could it therefore shed light on the current status of the proposals to incorporate the concept of collective redress into EC law?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 2013)

On 11 June 2013 the Commission adopted the recommendation C(2013) 3539 on common principles for injunctive and compensatory collective redress mechanisms in the Member States concerning violations of rights granted under Union Law, accompanied by the Commission Communication COM(2013) 401 ‘Towards a European Horizontal Framework for Collective Redress’. The Commission recommended to the Member States to have collective redress mechanism for the claims that are grounded in infringements of the rights granted under the Union law. The recommendation is of horizontal character; therefore the principles set forth therein apply to all of the Union's policy fields, including financial markets, competition law and environmental protection. Member States should implement the principles set out in the recommendations in national collective redress systems within 2 years of its publication. The Commission should then, within 4 years of publication, assess the implementation and its effects, and will reflect whether further steps are needed.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005236/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Articulation des compétences des différents organes européens en matière de cybersécurité

Le Parlement européen a voté le renforcement de l'Agence pour la cybersécurité de l'Union européenne (ENISA). La nouvelle réglementation mise en place permettra à l'ENISA de soutenir pleinement la stratégie de l'Union européenne pour la cybersécurité.

D'autres organes, comme Europol, responsable des opérations de prévention de la cybercriminalité, et le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE), en charge de la cybersécurité à l'échelle mondiale, occupent déjà une place prépondérante dans la sécurité des réseaux et de l'information.

Comment la Commission conçoit-elle l'articulation entre ces différents organes pour éviter l'empiètement et le dédoublement des compétences en matière de cybersécurité?

Avoir tant d'organes en charge de la surveillance des réseaux et de l'information ne risque-t-il pas d'entraîner la dispersion des compétences et d'affaiblir la lutte contre la cybercriminalité?

Réponse donnée par Mme Malmström au nom de la Commission

(5 juillet 2013)

Dans l'économie et la société numériques interconnectées d'aujourd'hui, les cyberincidents ne s'arrêtent pas aux frontières et il est souvent difficile d'en déterminer l'origine. La prévention et le renforcement de la cybersécurité et, notamment, la riposte aux incidents à caractère criminel, ne seront possibles que si toutes les parties prenantes assument leurs responsabilités, au niveau des États membres et de l'Union européenne, et unissent leurs efforts.

La stratégie de cybersécurité de l'Union (76) précise le rôle des divers organes chargés de la cybersécurité à l'échelle de l'UE, les responsabilités respectives de ceux-ci et le degré de leur participation aux différentes actions proposées au titre de la stratégie. En particulier, l'ENISA, le Centre européen de lutte contre la cybercriminalité (EC3), créé au sein d'Europol, et l'AED sont trois agences qui œuvrent de façon active à la sécurité des réseaux et de l'information (SRI), au maintien de l'ordre et à la défense. Ces trois agences sont encouragées à collaborer tout en préservant leurs spécificités, et ce dans les limites de leur mandat.

La stratégie présente les divers canaux, formels et informels, de coordination et de coopération existant entre ces trois agences. Le comité de direction d'EC3 réunit, entre autres, Eurojust, l'ENISA, le CEPOL, les États membres et la Commission; il garantit que les actions de l'EC3 sont menées en partenariat, eu égard à l'expertise additionnelle et aux mandats de toutes les parties prenantes. Le nouveau mandat de l'ENISA lui permet de resserrer ses liens avec Europol. Dans une perspective plus ambitieuse encore, le projet de directive de la Commission sur la SRI (77) instaurerait un cadre de coopération entre les autorités compétentes en la matière et le partage des informations entre ces dernières et les autorités chargées du maintien de l'ordre à l'échelon national des États membres et à celui de l'Union.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005236/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Delineation of competencies held by various European bodies in the field of cybersecurity

The European Parliament has voted to strengthen the role of the EU’s cybersecurity agency (ENISA). The new regulation which has been adopted will allow ENISA to lend its full support to the European Union’s cybersecurity strategy.

Other bodies such as Europol, which is responsible for cybercrime prevention operations, and the European External Action Service (EEAS), which is in charge of cybersecurity at global level, already play a leading role in the field of network and information security.

How does the Commission believe that the competencies held by these various bodies in the field of cybersecurity should be delineated in order to avoid overlapping and duplication?

With so many bodies in charge of monitoring networks and information, is there not a risk that competencies will be fragmented and the fight against cybercrime will be weakened?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(5 July 2013)

Cyber incidents do not stop at borders in the interconnected digital economy and society and it is often difficult to ascertain their origin from the outset. Preventing and strengthening cybersecurity, and in particular tackling incidents that are of criminal nature, requires that all actors take responsibility both nationally and at EU level and work together.

The EU Cybersecurity Strategy (78) clarifies the roles of the various bodies dealing with cybersecurity at EU level, their respective responsibilities and degree of involvement in the various actions foreseen under the strategy. In particular, ENISA, the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) within Europol and the EDA are three agencies active from the perspective of network and information security (NIS), law enforcement and defence respectively. These three agencies are encouraged to collaborate while preserving their specificities, and within their respective mandates.

The strategy outlines the various channels for coordination and cooperation that exist between these three agencies — both at formal and informal level. The Programme Board of EC3 brings together among others EUROJUST, ENISA, CEPOL, the Member States and the Commission, and ensures that EC3's actions are carried out in partnership, recognising the added expertise and respecting the mandates of all stakeholders. The new mandate of ENISA makes it possible to increase links with Europol. Going further, the Commission's draft Directive on NIS (79) would establish a cooperation framework between NIS competent authorities and address information sharing between NIS and law enforcement authorities, both at national and EU level.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005237/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Chasse des oiseaux migrateurs

En 2009, l'Union européenne a adopté la «directive Oiseaux» afin de promouvoir la protection et la gestion des populations d'espèces d'oiseaux sauvages sur le territoire européen.

Cette directive reconnait le droit de chasse sur les espèces pour autant que des limites soient établies et respectées pour maintenir la population de ces espèces à un niveau satisfaisant. La liste des espèces autorisées figure dans une annexe de la directive, mais une très grande souplesse est laissée aux États membres en termes de dates d'ouverture et de fermeture de la chasse en fonction des mouvements migratoires des oiseaux.

Ainsi, à Chypre, 1,4 million d'oiseaux migrateurs ont été abattus en 2010 pendant la période des mouvements migratoires.

La Commission estime-t-elle que les règles en matière de chasse d'oiseaux migrateurs sont suffisantes?

Afin de veiller à la préservation de la nature et de la biodiversité, des règles plus strictes ne devraient-elles pas être établies pour veiller à l'interdiction de la chasse aux oiseaux migrateurs en période de mouvements migratoires?

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(20 juin 2013)

La Commission estime que les règles régissant la chasse des oiseaux sauvages dans l'Union européenne, telles qu'énoncées dans la directive «Oiseaux» (80), sont suffisantes pour assurer leur conservation et leur exploitation durable. La directive limite la pratique de la chasse aux espèces d'oiseaux énumérées à l'annexe II qui peuvent faire l'objet d'actes de chasse dans le cadre de la législation nationale. L'article 7 de la directive définit les conditions dans lesquelles la chasse doit être pratiquée pour garantir le respect des principes d'utilisation raisonnée et de régulation équilibrée du point de vue écologique. Les espèces susceptibles d'être chassées ne peuvent l'être pendant les périodes de migration et de reproduction, lorsqu'elles sont le plus vulnérables. Le régime dérogatoire prévu par la directive ne peut être appliqué dans le cas de la chasse que dans un nombre très limité de circonstances, lorsque cela est pleinement justifié, et en l'absence d'autre solution satisfaisante. Les États membres peuvent prendre des mesures plus restrictives que celles prévues au titre de la directive «Oiseaux». La Commission continue de travailler en étroite collaboration avec les États membres afin d'assurer la bonne application de cette législation et de prendre les mesures répressives nécessaires lorsqu'elle constate des manquements évidents.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005237/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Hunting of migratory birds

In 2009, the European Union adopted the Birds Directive in order to promote the protection and management of populations of wild bird species within the EU.

The directive recognises the right to hunt different bird species provided that limits are set and complied with in order to ensure that populations of these species remain at satisfactory levels. Authorised species are listed in an annex to the directive, but Member States are given a great deal of flexibility in terms of the opening and closing dates for hunting seasons, depending on the birds’ migratory movements.

In Cyprus, for instance, 1.4 million migratory birds were killed in 2010 during the migratory period.

Does the Commission believe that the rules governing the hunting of migratory birds are adequate?

With a view to promoting nature and biodiversity conservation, should more stringent rules not be imposed in order to ensure that the hunting of migratory birds is banned during their migratory period?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2013)

The Commission considers that the rules governing the hunting of wild birds in the EU, as set out in the Birds Directive (81), are adequate to ensure their conservation and sustainable use. The directive restricts the practice of hunting to bird species listed in its Annex II which may be hunted under national legislation. Article 7 of the directive sets out the conditions for hunting so that this is carried out in accordance with principles of wise use and ecologically balanced control. Huntable species may not be hunted during the migration and reproduction periods when they are most vulnerable. The derogation scheme under the directive may only be applied to hunting in very limited circumstances where it is fully justified in the absence of alternative solutions. Member States may take more restrictive measures than those provided for under the Birds Directive. The Commission continues to work closely with Member States to ensure proper implementation of the legislation and where there are clear failures of compliance takes the necessary enforcement action.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005238/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Poisson pangasius dans nos assiettes

Le pangasius est un nouveau poisson importé en masse dans l'Union européenne. Il provient du delta du Mékong au Vietnam, l'un des fleuves les plus pollués de la planète. Le panga est un poisson d'élevage industriel intensif, par conséquent hautement infecté par des bactéries (résidus industriels toxiques), et son alimentation est effectuée en dehors de tout contrôle sanitaire. Devant l'importante quantité disponible et le faible coût de production de ce poisson, il est largement importé et consommé en Europe.

Compte tenu des risques indéniables pour la santé que représente la consommation de pangas, la Commission estime-t-elle que des contrôles sanitaires renforcés devraient être opérés sur ces poissons avant de les servir dans les assiettes des Européens?

Réponse donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(9 juillet 2013)

Les produits de l'aquaculture importés de pays tiers doivent être conformes aux conditions sanitaires à l'importation fixées par la législation de l'Union européenne.

Les États membres procèdent à des contrôles sur ces produits aux postes d'inspection frontaliers afin de garantir le respect du droit de l'Union. Ces contrôles peuvent comprendre, entre autres, des prélèvements d'échantillons servant à déterminer si les exigences de l'UE en matière de microbiologie sont remplies ou à déceler la présence éventuelle de résidus de substances chimiques.

En outre, l'Office alimentaire et vétérinaire (OAV) de la direction générale Santé et consommateurs de la Commission effectue des audits sur place pour s'assurer de l'application des dispositions susmentionnées.

Étant donné que, depuis janvier 2011, le pangasius n'a fait l'objet que de vingt notifications, la Commission n'a pour l'instant pas l'intention de renforcer les contrôles sanitaires qui le concernent.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005238/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: The appearance of Pangasius on our dinner plates

Pangasius is a new type of fish to be imported in massive quantities into the European Union. It comes from the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, one of the most polluted rivers on earth. Pangasius are raised in intensive industrial fish farms and are therefore infected with high levels of bacteria (toxic industrial waste), and there are no sanitary controls on what they are fed. The fact that this fish is available in such large quantities and its low production costs mean that is imported into Europe and consumed on a huge scale.

Given that the consumption of pangasius is associated with indisputable health risks, does the Commission believe that more stringent sanitary controls should be carried out on these fish before they are served up on Europeans’ plates?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2013)

In accordance with EU legislation, aquaculture products imported from third countries shall comply with the relevant EU sanitary import requirements.

Member States carry out checks on these products at border inspection posts to ensure compliance with EC law. These checks may include, inter alia, samples to check compliance with EU microbiological requirements or residues of chemical substances.

In addition, the Food and Veterinary office of the Commission's Health and Consumers Directorate General (FVO) conducts audits on the spot to verify the implementation of the abovementioned provisions.

For the moment, considering that since January 2011 only 20 notifications were reported on this fishery products, the Commission does not intend to take more stringent sanitary controls on this fish.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-005239/13

à la Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 mai 2013)

Objet: Le parti néo-nazi grec Hrysi Avgi

En Grèce, le parti néo-nazi «Aube dorée» a été créé en 1992, réactivé en 2007 et est entré au Parlement grec en 2012. Vantant des valeurs comme la politique de la main de fer, l'élimination des traîtres et le négationnisme du génocide juif lors de la seconde guerre mondiale, il est en parfaite opposition aux valeurs que prône l'Union européenne.

Comment la Commission compte-t-elle concilier les valeurs fondamentales qu'elle défend et qu'elle prône avec le principe de liberté d'association et de formation de partis politiques de l'article 12, paragraphe 2, de la charte des droits fondamentaux?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(15 juillet 2013)

La Commission européenne a rejeté et condamné à maintes reprises toutes les manifestations de racisme, de xénophobie et d'antisémitisme, ces phénomènes étant incompatibles avec les valeurs et les principes sur lesquels repose l'UE.

La Commission utilise tous les instruments à sa disposition, dans le respect des pouvoirs conférés à l'Union par les traités, pour lutter contre le racisme, la xénophobie et l'antisémitisme. Elle contrôle le respect, par les États membres, de la législation européenne contre les discours et les crimes de haine (82), en ce compris la décision-cadre sur le racisme et la xénophobie, qui interdit ce genre de discours et les crimes fondés sur la religion (83).

Les principes de liberté d'expression et de liberté d'association, consacrés aux articles 11 et 12 de la charte des droits fondamentaux de l'UE et aux articles 10 et 11 de la convention européenne des Droits de l'homme, constituent deux piliers essentiels des sociétés démocratiques. Il ne s'agit cependant pas de droits absolus. Il est mentionné explicitement dans la jurisprudence de la Cour européenne des Droits de l'homme qu'il peut s'avérer nécessaire, dans les sociétés démocratiques, de sanctionner toute forme d'expression destinée à propager, inciter à, promouvoir ou justifier la haine fondée sur l'intolérance, ainsi que de restreindre la liberté de réunion et d'association afin de préserver la sécurité nationale et la sûreté publique.

C'est aux autorités nationales qu'il incombe d'enquêter sur les cas individuels, y compris en ce qui concerne les partis politiques, afin de déterminer s'ils incitent à la violence ou à la haine et de prendre les mesures qui s'imposent en vertu du droit pénal.

La Commission européenne et, en dernier recours, la Cour européenne de justice, sont quant à elles chargées de contrôler l'application correcte de la décision-cadre, conformément aux pouvoirs qui leur sont conférés par les traités.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005239/13

to the Commission

Philippe Boulland (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Greek neo-Nazi party ‘Chrysi Avgi’

The Greek neo-Nazi party ‘Golden Dawn’ was founded in 1992, revived in 2007 and entered the Greek Parliament in 2012. The values it extols include the ‘iron fist’ policy, the elimination of traitors and denial of the genocide of Jews during the Second World War, or in other words the complete opposite of the values advocated by the European Union.

How does the Commission intend to reconcile the fundamental values it defends and advocates with the principle of freedom of association and the freedom to establish political parties as enshrined in Article 12(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 2013)

The European Commission has repeatedly rejected and condemned all manifestations of racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism as these phenomena are incompatible with the values and principles the EU is founded on.

The Commission uses all the instruments at its disposal, in line with the powers conferred to the Union by the Treaties, to fight against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. It is monitoring Member States' compliance with EU legislation banning hate speech and hate crime (84), including the framework Decision on racism and xenophobia prohibiting hate speech and crime based on religion (85).

Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Association constitute two of the essential foundations of democratic societies, as enshrined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights. However these are not absolute rights. It is specifically stated in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights that it may be considered necessary in democratic societies to sanction all forms of expression which spread, incite, promote or justify hatred based on intolerance, and to limit assembly and association in the interest of national security and public safety.

It is for national authorities to investigate individual cases, including in relation to political parties, to determine whether they represent incitement to violence or hatred, and to draw the necessary consequences under criminal law.

The Commission and ultimately the European Court of Justice are monitoring the correct application of the framework Decision, under the powers afforded to them under the Treaties.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-005240/13

alla Commissione

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(13 maggio 2013)

Oggetto: Sicurezza dei siti industriali a rischio

Sin dal 1982, a seguito dell'incidente di Seveso, l'Unione europea si è dotata di una direttiva comune sulla sicurezza industriale degli impianti a rischio. La direttiva europea detta «direttiva Seveso» (82/501/CEE, recepita in Italia con il DPR 17 maggio 1988, n. 175) impone agli Stati membri di identificare i propri siti a rischio. Tale direttiva si è evoluta nel corso del tempo: dal 3 febbraio 1999 è in vigore la direttiva 96/82/CE («Seveso II»), concernente il controllo dei pericoli di incidenti rilevanti che coinvolgano sostanze pericolose. Dopo l'incidente di una fabbrica di fertilizzanti a Tolosa, che ha causato uno sversamento di nitrato di ammonio nell'ambiente circostante, e lo scoppio di un'azienda di materiale pirotecnico in Olanda, si è sentita l'esigenza di attuare delle modifiche alla Seveso II con la direttiva 2003/105/CE, meglio conosciuta come Seveso III (o «Seveso ter»). In questa normativa si sono introdotti nuovi limiti per le aziende che detengono nitrato di ammonio o materiale pirotecnico e per le aziende minerarie, oltre all'abbassamento dei valori limite per le sostanze tossiche e l'innalzamento dei limiti per le sostanze ritenute cancerogene.

Considerato che dall'entrata in vigore della direttiva Seveso III si sono verificati prima l'incidente ferroviario di Viareggio del giugno 2009 e in questi giorni quello alla fabbrica di fertilizzanti in Texas, e considerato che la direttiva Seveso III non si applica allo stoccaggio di fertilizzanti né al trasporto di sostanze pericolose e al loro deposito temporaneo intermedio su strada, per ferrovia, per idrovia interna o marittima o per via aerea, comprese le attività di carico e scarico e il trasferimento da e verso un altro modo di trasporto alle banchine, ai moli o agli scali ferroviari di smistamento,

tutto ciò premesso, voglia la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(27 giugno 2013)

La direttiva 96/82/CE «Seveso II» sul controllo dei pericoli di incidenti rilevanti connessi con determinate sostanze pericolose (86), modificata dalla direttiva 2003/105/CE (87), si applica agli stabilimenti in cui sono presenti sostanze pericolose al di sopra di determinate soglie, stabilite nell’allegato I. Il 4 luglio 2012, il Parlamento europeo e il Consiglio hanno adottato la direttiva Seveso III (88), che sostituirà la direttiva Seveso II a decorrere dal 1o giugno 2015.

La nuova direttiva Seveso III, proprio come la precedente, riguarda il deposito di sostanze pericolose, compresi i fertilizzanti, a meno che si tratti di un deposito temporaneo intermedio direttamente connesso ai trasporti. Il trasporto di sostanze pericolose è escluso dalla direttiva Seveso in quanto è coperto da altra normativa pertinente dell’UE, compresa la direttiva 2008/68/CE relativa al trasporto interno di merci pericolose (89). In considerazione di ciò, la Commissione non è del parere che sia necessaria una revisione della direttiva Seveso in un prossimo futuro.

Per quanto riguarda l’aspetto internazionale, l’UE è parte contraente della Convenzione UNECE sugli effetti transfrontalieri degli incidenti industriali, firmata a Helsinki nel 1992 nell’ambito della Commissione economica delle Nazioni Unite per l’Europa. Tale convenzione promuove un’attiva cooperazione internazionale tra i paesi, prima, durante e dopo eventuali incidenti industriali. Tutti i paesi limitrofi dell’Europa orientale hanno sottoscritto la convenzione e/o ricevono assistenza tecnica sulla sua base. (90)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005240/13

to the Commission

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Safety of hazardous industrial sites

Since 1982, following the Seveso accident, the European Union has had a joint directive on the industrial safety of hazardous facilities. The European directive known as the ‘Seveso Directive’ (82/501/EEC, transposed in Italy by means of Presidential Decree No 175 of 17 May 1988) requires the Member States to identify their hazardous sites. Over time, this directive has evolved: on 3 February 1999 Directive 96/82/EC (Seveso II) on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances entered into force. After the accident at a fertiliser plant in Toulouse, which caused a discharge of ammonium nitrate into the surrounding environment, and the blast at a pyrotechnic materials firm in the Netherlands, it was felt there was a need to amend Seveso II through Directive 2003/105/EC, better known as Seveso III. This measure introduced new limits for firms holding ammonium nitrate or pyrotechnic materials and for mining firms, and also lowered the limit values for toxic substances and raised the limits on substances considered carcinogenic.

Since the entry into force of the Seveso III Directive, we have seen, firstly, the Viareggio rail accident in June 2009 and, secondly, the recent accident at the fertiliser plant in Texas. Moreover, the Seveso III Directive does not apply to the storage of fertilisers or the transport of dangerous substances and intermediate temporary storage by road, rail, internal waterways, sea or air, including loading and unloading and transport to and from another means of transport at docks, wharves or marshalling yards.

— Does the Commission believe that the current directive should be reviewed in order to avoid and prevent further fatal accidents?

— Does it believe that the directive should also be extended to hazardous industrial sites located in countries close to the EU, through bilateral agreements with non-EU countries, in order to prevent the far-reaching catastrophic effects of possible industrial accidents being felt on EU territory?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2013)

The Seveso II Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (91), as amended by Directive 2003/105/EC (92), applies to establishments where dangerous substances are present above certain thresholds, defined in its Annex I. On 4 July 2012, the European Parliament and the Council have adopted the Seveso III Directive (93), which will replace the Seveso II Directive as from 1 June 2015.

The Seveso III Directive, just like the Seveso II Directive, covers the storage of dangerous substances, including fertilisers, unless the storage is intermediate, temporary and directly related to transport. The transport of dangerous substances is excluded from Seveso because it is covered under other relevant EU legislation, including Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods (94). Considering this, the Commission is not of the opinion that a review of the Seveso Directive is necessary in the near future.

Regarding the international aspect, the EU is a Party to the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, signed in Helsinki in 1992 within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. This Convention promotes active international cooperation between countries, before, during and after an industrial accident. All Eastern European Neighbourhood Countries have signed the Convention and/or receive technical assistance under the Convention (95).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-005241/13

alla Commissione

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(13 maggio 2013)

Oggetto: Graduatorie ad esaurimento

In quasi tutti i Paesi dell'UE l'occupazione stabile e a tempo pieno si va sempre più riducendo, dando spazio all'occupazione precaria, fatta di lavori diversi, con tipologie contrattuali e statuti professionali fortemente differenziati, sia nell'area del lavoro dipendente (pubblico o privato) sia in quella del lavoro autonomo.

Considerato questo «scenario» generale, si può poi porre l'accento sul problema del precariato scolastico che, pur presentando aspetti differenti nei vari Stati membri, sta diventando una delle preoccupazioni più drammatiche dell'Italia di oggi: all'incirca 200.000 laureati lavoratori aspettano una stabilizzazione.

Le graduatorie ad esaurimento dei docenti italiani contengono migliaia di professionisti abilitati secondo il D.L. 240 del 28.8.2000, convertito in legge il 17.10.2000, che da anni aspettano di essere assunti a tempo indeterminato nel mondo scolastico. Si tratta di personale altamente qualificato con comprovata esperienza alle spalle e che, nella maggior parte dei casi, vanta plurimi incarichi annuali a tempo determinato conferiti dallo Stato.

Questa situazione blocca le speranze e gli accessi ai giovani universitari, non solo perché si alza l'età per l'entrata nei ruoli, ma soprattutto perché si genera un «corto circuito» tra le necessità della didattica e le esigenze dell'occupazione.

A tal riguardo, la legge 106/11 rende cronica la precarietà nella scuola decidendo di aggiornare le graduatorie ogni tre anni, quando una direttiva comunitaria afferma l'esatto contrario: dopo tre anni di contratto su posto vacante e disponibile si deve assumere a tempo indeterminato.

Tutto ciò premesso, voglia la Commissione rispondere al seguente quesito:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(3 luglio 2013)

La direttiva 1999/70/CE sul lavoro a tempo determinato fa obbligo agli Stati membri di prendere misure efficaci per contrastare gli abusi nel ricorso a contratti di lavoro successivi a tempo determinato da parte dello stesso datore di lavoro. La direttiva non prescrive però in modo specifico che, dopo essere stato occupato da un lavoratore con un contratto triennale, un posto di lavoro vacante debba essere colmato con personale ingaggiato a tempo indeterminato. Di fatto, gli Stati membri sono liberi di scegliere i metodi atti a fare rispettare le limitazioni adottate a condizione che tali metodi siano efficaci.

Per quanto concerne la situazione nel settore dell'istruzione in Italia e l'efficacia delle misure che l'Italia ha adottato per limitare il ricorso indebito a contratti successivi a tempo determinato, la Commissione ha già avviato un'indagine e ha inviato una lettera di costituzione in mora. Una lettera di costituzione in mora addizionale è stata inviata il 25 ottobre 2012. La risposta è attualmente in corso di valutazione e viene confrontata con le denunce e la documentazione presentate nell'ambito di un gran numero di reclami e petizioni. Una volta completata la valutazione si prenderanno le misure appropriate in linea con le competenze attribuite alla Commissione a garanzia della corretta applicazione della normativa dell'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005241/13

to the Commission

Aldo Patriciello (PPE)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Reserve lists for qualified staff

In almost all EU Member States permanent, full-time employment is continuing to fall and is being replaced by precarious employment, made up of miscellaneous jobs whose contract types and professional statutes vary greatly, in the fields of both paid employment (in the public or private sector) and self-employment.

Given this general picture, the problem of precarious employment in the education system should be highlighted. Although precarious employment varies from one Member State to another, it is becoming one of the most serious concerns in Italy today: approximately 200 000 graduate workers are looking for a permanent post.

The reserve lists of Italian teachers contain thousands of professionals who are licensed under Legislative Decree No 240 of 28 August 2000, converted into law on 17 October 2000. For years they have been waiting for a permanent job in the education system. These are highly qualified staff with proven experience who, in the majority of cases, have already completed multiple annual fixed-term contracts for the State.

This situation is destroying the hopes of young university students and is preventing them from finding a job, not only because the age for entry into employment is rising, but also because a disconnect is being created between education needs and employment requirements.

In this respect, Italian Law No 106/11 makes precarious employment in schools a chronic issue by decreeing that reserve lists must be updated every three years, while an EU directive states exactly the opposite: at the end of a three-year contract, a vacant post must be filled by a permanent member of staff.

— What immediate action does the Commission believe can be taken to permanently resolve the above problem, both in Italy and in the wider European context?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2013)

Directive 1999/70/EC on fixed-term work requires Member States to take effective measures against abusive successions of fixed-term employment contracts by the same employer. However, the directive does not specifically require that after a three-year contract a vacant post must be filled by permanent staff. In fact, Member States are free to choose the method(s) to enforce the limit(s) adopted, as long as these are effective.

Regarding the situation in the Italian education sector and the effectiveness of the measures that Italy has taken to limit abusive successions of fixed-term employment there, the Commission has already launched an investigation and sent a Letter of Formal Notice. An additional Letter of Formal Notice was sent on 25 October 2012. The reply is currently being assessed and compared to the claims and materials submitted in a large number of complaints and petitions. Upon completion of the assessment, the appropriate action will be taken in line with the competence of the Commission in ensuring the correct application of EC law.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-005242/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Charalampos Angourakis (GUE/NGL)

(13 Μαΐου 2013)

Θέμα: Ανάγκη ανακατασκευής του σχολικού συγκροτήματος Κολυμβαρίου Κρήτης

Η πολιτική της τρικομματικής κυβέρνησης ΝΔ-ΠΑΣΟΚ-ΔΗΜΑΡ, με τις ευλογίες της ΕΕ και της «Τρόικας», έχει προκαλέσει τεράστια προβλήματα στις σχολικές υποδομές, δραματική μείωση εκπαιδευτικών και τον υποσιτισμό χιλιάδων μαθητών.

Σε απαράδεκτες συνθήκες αναγκάζονται να κάνουν μάθημα εκατοντάδες μαθητές Γυμνασίου/Λυκείου του σχολικού συγκροτήματος Κολυμβαρίου του Νομού Χανίων, καθώς, εδώ και δύο χρόνια, κάθε φορά που βρέχει πλημμυρίζουν οι αίθουσες του σχολείου. Οι μαθητές και οι κάτοικοι της ενότητας Κολυμβαρίου ανέλαβαν την διαδικασία και το κόστος για εκπόνηση μελέτης για την ένταξη του σχολείου στο τρέχον ΕΣΠΑ με στόχο την ανακατασκευή του σχολικού συγκροτήματος.

Οι ελληνικές αρχές έδωσαν την υπόσχεση ότι η ανακατασκευή του σχολείου θα ενταχθεί σε συμπληρωματική χρηματοδότηση του προγράμματος, χωρίς να έχει γίνει τίποτα μέχρι στιγμής. Η έλλειψη κονδυλίων για τα σχολικά κτίρια είναι ολοφάνερη από το γεγονός ότι ο Νομός Χανίων δεν έχει εντάξει κανένα σχολείο στο ΕΣΠΑ, δηλαδή δεν έχει συντηρήσει, ανακατασκευάσει ή κατασκευάσει από την αρχή ούτε ένα σχολείο.

Όλα αυτά συμβαίνουν τη στιγμή που εκατοντάδες εκατομμύρια ευρώ από το ΕΣΠΑ τροφοδοτούν τα κέρδη ελληνικών και ξένων μονοπωλιακών συγκροτημάτων σε έργα αντίθετα με τις λαϊκές ανάγκες.

Ποια είναι η θέση της Επιτροπής για το δίκαιο αίτημα των κατοίκων του Κολυμβαρίου;

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(8 Ιουλίου 2013)

Σύμφωνα με τους κανονισμούς των διαρθρωτικών ταμείων, η βοήθεια στο πλαίσιο των εν λόγω ταμείων παρέχεται σύμφωνα με μια προσέγγιση συμπληρωματικότητας και σύμπραξης μεταξύ των κρατών μελών και της Επιτροπής, λαμβανομένων δεόντως υπόψη των αντίστοιχων αρμοδιοτήτων τους. Με βάση την αρχή της επιμερισμένης διαχείρισης, ο σχεδιασμός, η προετοιμασία, η υλοποίηση, η παρακολούθηση, ο έλεγχος και η αξιολόγηση των συγχρηματοδοτούμενων παρεμβάσεων στο πλαίσιο των προγραμμάτων αποτελούν αρμοδιότητα των εθνικών αρχών, στο καταλληλότερο εδαφικό επίπεδο και σύμφωνα με το θεσμικό σύστημα κάθε κράτους μέλους.

Αυτό σημαίνει ότι η Επιτροπή δεν παρεμβαίνει στην επιλογή των έργων (με εξαίρεση τα μεγάλα έργα), δεδομένου ότι αυτή εμπίπτει στην αρμοδιότητα των εθνικών διαχειριστικών αρχών, υπό την προϋπόθεση ότι οι επιλογές τους είναι σύμφωνες με τα έγγραφα προγραμματισμού που έχουν εγκριθεί σε διαβούλευση με την Επιτροπή, και ότι τηρούν την ισχύουσα νομοθεσία.

Ως εκ τούτου, η Επιτροπή προτείνει στο αξιότιμο μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου να έρθει σε επαφή με την ενδιάμεση διαχειριστική αρχή της Κρήτης, η οποία είναι αρμόδια για την επιλογή και την παρακολούθηση των έργων σύμφωνα με τη στρατηγική και τους στόχους του προγράμματος «Κρήτη και Νήσοι Αιγαίου» 2007-2013:

Ενδιάμεση διαχειριστική αρχή της περιφέρειας Κρήτης

Δουκός Μποφώρ 7,

71202 Ηράκλειο Κρήτης

Τηλ.: 2813-404500, Φαξ: 2810-335040

Διεύθυνση ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου: Kriti@mou.gr

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005242/13

to the Commission

Charalampos Angourakis (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Necessary reconstruction of the Kolymbari school in Crete

The tri-partite (ND-PASOK-DIMAR) government’s policy, approved by the EU and the Troika, has caused major problems for school buildings, a sharp reduction in teaching and the malnutrition of thousands of students.

Hundreds of lower and upper secondary school pupils are forced to take lessons in unacceptable conditions at the Kolymbari School in the prefecture of Chania as, for two years, every time it rains the classrooms are flooded. The pupils and residents of Kolymbari have undertaken the procedure and the cost of preparing the study to include the school in the current NSRF with the aim of reconstructing the school.

The Greek authorities have promised that the reconstruction of the school will be fully funded by the programme; however, nothing has happened to date. The lack of funds for school buildings can be clearly seen by the fact that the Prefecture of Chania does not have any schools in the NSRF. In other words, not a single school has been maintained, is being reconstructed or constructed by the authority.

All this is happening at a time when hundreds of millions of euros from the NSRF are supporting the profits of Greek and foreign monopolies for projects that go against public needs.

What is the Commission’s position on the fair demand made by the residents of Kolymbari.

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 2013)

In accordance with the Structural Fund regulations, assistance under these Funds is provided according to an approach of complementarity and partnership between the Member States and the Commission, with due respect for their respective responsibilities. On the basis of the shared management principle, the design, preparation, implementation, monitoring, audit and evaluation of co-funded interventions under the programmes is the responsibility of the national authorities, at the most appropriate territorial level and according to the institutional system of each Member State.

This means that the Commission does not intervene in the selection of projects (except for major projects) as this comes under the competence of the national managing authorities, provided that their choices are in line with the programming documents adopted in consultation with the Commission, and that they comply with current legislation.

Therefore, the Commission suggests that the Honourable Member contact the intermediate managing authority of Crete, which is the competent authority for the selection and monitoring of projects in line with the strategy and objectives of the 2007-2013 ‘Crete and Aegean Islands’ programme:

Intermediate Managing Authority of Crete

Doukos Bofor 7

71202 Herakleion Crete

Tel: 2813-404500, Fax: 2810-335040

email: kriti@mou.gr

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005243/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Execução do Proder

Solicito à Comissão que me comunique que autorizações orçamentais relativas ao programa de desenvolvimento rural português — o Proder — foram, até à data, anuladas, por não terem sido utilizadas para pré-financiamento ou pagamentos intermédios até ao final do segundo ano seguinte ao da autorização. Peço que me sejam indicados quais os montantes e os anos a que se referem (do atual Quadro Financeiro Plurianual).

Resposta dada por Dacian Cioloş em nome da Comissão

(19 de junho de 2013)

A Comissão gostaria de informar o Senhor Deputado de que, até dezembro de 2012, não foram perdidas dotações no que diz respeito aos eixos 1, 2 e 3 do Proder ou do 2.o pilar em geral.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005243/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Implementation of the Portuguese Rural Development Programme

Can the Commission say what budgetary commitments relating to the Portuguese Rural Development Programme (Proder) have been decommitted to date because they had not been used for prefinancing or interim payments by the end of the second year following commitment? Can it state the relevant sums and years (under the current multiannual financial framework)?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2013)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that no appropriations were lost up to December 2012 as regards Proder axis 1, 2 and 3 or more generally in the 2nd pillar.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005244/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Rede Rural Nacional — níveis de execução

Solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre que autorizações orçamentais relativas à Rede Rural Nacional, em Portugal, foram, até à data, anuladas, por não terem sido utilizadas para pré‐financiamento ou pagamentos intermédios até ao final do segundo ano seguinte ao da autorização. Peço que me sejam indicados quais os montantes e os anos a que se referem (do atual Quadro Financeiro Plurianual).

Resposta dada por Dacian Cioloș em nome da Comissão

(27 de junho de 2013)

O Senhor Deputado poderá encontrar no quadro seguinte os montantes anulados até à data no que respeita ao programa da Rede Rural Nacional, por força da aplicação do artigo 29.°, n.° 1, do Regulamento (CE) n.° 1290/2005 (96) do Conselho (regra n +2):

No que diz respeito aos montantes anuais de apoio a este programa, a dotação orçamental antes das anulações para o período 2007-2013 foi repartida do seguinte modo:

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005244/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: National rural network — execution levels

Does the Commission have any information on what budget authorisations relating to the national rural network in Portugal have been cancelled thus far, due to them not being used for pre-financing or intermediate payments by the end of the second year following authorisation? Can it provide the figures for each year of the current multiannual financial framework?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2013)

The Honourable Member can find in the table below the amounts decommitted to date with regard to the programme National Rural Network due to the application of Article 29.1 of Regulation (EC) 1290/2005 (97) (N+2 rule):

As regards the annual amounts of support to this programme, the budgetary allocation before decommitments for the period 2007-2013 was distributed as follows:

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005245/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Diferencial entre pagamentos potenciais e reais do RPU (Portugal)

Poderia a Comissão prestar informações sobre o diferencial entre o nível de pagamentos potencial de que Portugal poderia beneficiar ao abrigo do Regime de Pagamento Único (RPU) da PAC e o que foi efetivamente pago? Poderá indicar quais os montantes e os anos a que se referem (do atual Quadro Financeiro Plurianual)?

Resposta dada por Dacian Cioloș em nome da Comissão

(26 de junho de 2013)

O Senhor Deputado poderá encontrar no quadro a seguir apresentado os pagamentos que Portugal recebeu abrigo do Regime de Pagamento Único (RPU) e o total das ajudas diretas relativas ao atual período financeiro (anos civis 2006-2011, exercícios financeiros 2007‐2012).

Foi incluída uma coluna com os limites máximos líquidos (anexo IV do Regulamento (CE) n.° 73/2009 (98)) acrescida dos pagamentos diretos no âmbito do POSEI, que correspondem aos pagamentos máximos que Portugal poderia potencialmente conceder ao abrigo do regime de ajudas diretas, a fim de permitir a comparação entre o total dos pagamentos no âmbito das ajudas diretas e o limite máximo. Estes dados demonstram que, ao longo dos anos, os pagamentos relativos a ajudas diretas têm vindo gradualmente a aproximar-se do limite máximo e que excederam o limite máximo líquido a partir do ano civil de 2010. Os pagamentos ao abrigo do RPU não podem ser diretamente comparados com o limite máximo líquido, dado que este é estabelecido a nível global para todas as ajudas diretas (exceto POSEI)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005245/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: The gap between potential and actual payments to Portugal under the single payment scheme

Can the Commission provide information on the gap between the payments that Portugal could potentially receive under the CAP single payment scheme and the amount actually paid? Can it provide the figures for each year of the current multiannual financial framework?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 2013)

The Honourable Member can find in the table below both the payments that Portugal received under the single payment scheme (SPS) and the total direct aids for the current financial period (calendar years 2006‐2011, financial years 2007-2012).

A column with the net ceilings (Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (99)) plus POSEI direct payments, which correspond to the maximum payments that Portugal could potentially grant under the direct aids regime, has been included to allow the comparison between the total direct aids payments and the ceiling. The figures show that over the years the direct aids payments have gradually approached the ceiling and that they exceeded the net ceiling as from calendar year 2010. The SPS payments cannot be compared directly to the net ceiling, as it is established globally for all direct aids (except POSEI).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005246/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Apoios comunitários à construção naval (II)

Relativamente aos apoios a estaleiros navais na UE, tendo em conta as conhecidas limitações impostas pela legislação da UE, mas sabendo que em países terceiros a concessão desses apoios é prática corrente (e. g. Coreia do Sul), o que acaba inevitavelmente por ter implicações na atividade de construção e reparação naval na Europa, pergunto à Comissão qual a avaliação que faz desta situação e, em especial, que medidas tomou ou pensa tomar perante a ocorrência de situações de dumping no setor?

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(9 de julho de 2013)

Tal como referido na resposta à pergunta E-3501/2013 do Senhor Deputado, a construção naval da UE beneficia de apoio concedido pela UE à ID&I no âmbito do Sétimo Programa‐Quadro de atividades em matéria de investigação, desenvolvimento tecnológico e demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007 a 2013).

Os Estados-Membros podem também dar apoio nacional recorrendo aos instrumentos horizontais em material de auxílios estatais (100), salvo indicação em contrário nesses instrumentos. Além desses instrumentos horizontais, a Comissão adotou, em 7 de dezembro de 2011, regras específicas revistas em matéria de auxílios estatais à construção naval (101) incluindo as condições em que podem ser concedidos auxílios para navios inovadores em comparação com a situação existente na UE (102). Essas regras em matéria de auxílios à inovação visam promover a especialização da indústria da UE.

Especialmente desde o início da crise financeira, o financiamento das exportações regulado pelo Memorando Setorial da OCDE (SSU) e as garantias reguladas pelas regras da UE em matéria de auxílios estatais (103) adquiriram grande importância no financiamento de contratos de construção naval.

Embora as informações disponíveis no «Inventário» da OCDE dedicado a medidas de apoio à construção naval confirmem o forte aumento do apoio ao financiamento no setor da construção naval, as estatísticas são bastante incompletas devido à indisponibilidade de dados relativos à China. No âmbito do grupo de trabalho da OCDE sobre a construção naval, a Comissão está a trabalhar no sentido de reforçar as disciplinas respeitantes a medidas de apoio e à prática de preços lesivos, uma vez que neste setor é difícil aplicar regras anti-dumping.

O grupo de trabalho internacional sobre o crédito à exportação é um novo fórum de discussão dos créditos à exportação. Entre os seus participantes contam-se a China e todos os demais grandes construtores navais. Chegou-se a acordo quanto ao facto de a construção naval ser um dos setores nos quais o grupo de trabalho iria começar a trabalhar.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005246/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: EU support for shipbuilding (II)

What is the Commission’s assessment of the support available to shipyards in the EU, taking account of the known limitations imposed by EU legislation, but being aware that in third countries (e.g. South Korea), such support is provided, which inevitably has implications for shipbuilding and ship repair in the EU? What measures has it taken, or intends taking, in order to address dumping in this sector?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2013)

As laid out in the answer to Question E-3501/2013 of the Honourable Member, EU shipbuilding benefits from EU support to RD&I under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013).

Member States may also provide national support the horizontal state aid instruments (104), unless otherwise provided for in those instruments. In addition to these horizontal instruments, the Commission adopted on 7 December 2011 revised specific state aid rules for shipbuilding (105) including the conditions under which aid can be granted for vessels that innovate by comparison to the state of the art in the EU (106). These rules on innovation aid aim to promote the specialization of the EU industry.

Especially since the outbreak of the financial crisis, export financing governed by the OECD Sectoral Understanding (SSU) and guarantees governed by EU State aid rules (107) have gained much importance for the financing of shipbuilding contracts.

While information available from the OECD ‘Inventory’ on support measures to shipbuilding confirm the strong increase of support for ship financing the statistics are grossly incomplete due to the non-availability of data from China. In the context of the OECD Working Party on Shipbuilding the Commission is working to strengthen the disciplines on support measures as well as on injurious pricing as anti-dumping rules are difficult to apply in this sector.

The International Working Group on Export Credits is a new forum to discuss export credits. Among its participants are China and all other major producers of ships. It has been agreed that ships are one of the sectors on which the Group should work first.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005247/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Proposta de modificação dos instrumentos de defesa comercial

Solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre os objetivos e princípios orientadores das propostas de modificação dos instrumentos de defesa comercial, em preparação. Ademais, solicito que me informe sobre que entidades portuguesas foram auscultadas no âmbito deste processo.

Resposta dada por Karel De Gucht em nome da Comissão

(26 de junho de 2013)

O objetivo da iniciativa de modernização é melhorar a transparência e a previsibilidade dos instrumentos de defesa comercial. A tónica é colocada no sentido de encontrar soluções práticas para os problemas reais de uma forma equilibrada.

A Comissão deseja enviar um sinal claro de que não irá tolerar práticas comerciais desleais e intervirá em apoio da indústria da UE quando confrontada com tais práticas. Assim, foi proposta não-aplicação da regra do direito inferior em caso de subvenções e distorções estruturais ao nível das matérias-primas, por exemplo, início de processo ex offício em caso de ameaça de retaliação, bem como a intenção de explorar formas de assegurar a instituição antecipada de medidas provisórias.

Ao mesmo tempo, a Comissão pretende garantir que os importadores e utilizadores das importações objeto de dumping não sejam indevidamente penalizados por direitos. Por conseguinte, a Comissão propôs uma cláusula de expedição de duas semanas e o reembolso de direitos em certos reexames da caducidade. Vários esforços visam igualmente pequenas e médias empresas (PME) quer sejam produtoras, importadoras ou comerciantes.

Por conseguinte, a proposta adotada pela Comissão em 10 de abril é equilibrada e justa e contém melhorias reais para benefício de todas as partes interessadas, sem alterar o equilíbrio entre os interesses de produção e importação.

Todas as partes interessadas e os Estados-Membros foram estreitamente associados ao processo. Em abril de 2012, o processo de modernização foi discutido no Conselho e num seminário realizado em Portugal. Além disso, o Ministério da Economia e do Emprego português e cerca de 20 produtores portugueses responderam à consulta pública.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005247/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Proposed modifications to the trade defence instruments

What are the Commission’s objectives and guiding principles for the proposed modifications to the trade defence instruments currently under preparation? Which Portuguese bodies have been consulted as part of this process?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 2013)

The objectiveof the modernisation initiative is to improve transparency and predictability of the trade defence instruments. The focus is to find practical solutions for real problems in a balanced way.

The Commission wishes to send a strong signal that it will not tolerate unfair trading practices and will act in support of the EU’s industry when faced with such practices. Therefore, it has proposed the non-application of the lesser duty rule in cases of subsidisation and structural raw material distortions, ex-officio initiations for example in cases of threats of retaliation as well as the intention to explore ways to ensure the earlier imposition of provisional measures.

At the same time the Commission wants to make sure that importers and users of the dumped imports are not unduly penalised by duties. Therefore, the Commission has proposed a two weeks-shipping clause and the reimbursement of duties in certain expiry reviews. Several efforts are also aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) be they producers, importers or traders.

Therefore, the proposal adopted by the Commission on 10 April is balanced and fair and contains real improvements for the benefit of all stakeholders without changing the balance between producing and importing interests.

All stakeholders and Member States have been closely associated with the process. The modernisation process has been discussed in the Council and at a seminar held in Portugal in April 2012. Furthermore, the Portuguese Ministry of Economy and Employment and around 20 Portuguese producers replied to the public consultation.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005248/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Quotas leiteiras e quotas do açúcar

Em resposta à pergunta escrita E-011170/2012, sobre «recuperação das quotas leiteiras», a Comissão justifica mais uma vez a decisão de acabar com as quotas leiteiras, referindo que os dois relatórios que elaborou sobre «a evolução da situação do mercado e as consequentes condições para a supressão faseada e harmoniosa do regime de quotas leiteiras» concluíram que «numa grande maioria dos Estados-Membros estava bem encaminhada uma “aterragem suave” e que não era necessária qualquer alteração do quadro existente».

Todavia, a Comissão não responde à questão sobre a comparação entre o setor do leite e o setor do açúcar, tendo em conta as decisões de sentido contrário tomadas em relação a um e a outro.

Assim sendo, reitero a seguinte pergunta à Comissão:

Como se pode justificar a recuperação de instrumentos de regulação e de distribuição da produção (quotas) no setor do açúcar e não no setor do leite? Que razões justificam, no entender da Comissão, a diferença de tratamento entre os dois setores?

Resposta dada por Dacian Cioloş em nome da Comissão

(21 de junho de 2013)

Conforme afirmado na pergunta escrita E-011171/2012 (108), a Comissão não propôs a alteração, em 2015, do prazo estabelecido no Regulamento «OCM única» (109) para a supressão das quotas leiteiras e das quotas do açúcar.

Além disso, no quadro das negociações para a reforma da PAC, nem o Parlamento Europeu nem o Conselho propuseram a alteração desse prazo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005248/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Milk and sugar quotas

In response to Written Question E-011170/2012 on restoring milk quotas, the Commission once again defended the decision to end milk quotas, referring to two reports it produced on ‘the evolution of the market situation and the consequent conditions for a smooth phasing-out of the milk quota system’, which concluded that ‘the soft landing was on track in the vast majority of Member States and that no change to the existing framework was required’.

However, the Commission did not answer the question comparing the contrary decisions taken in connection with the milk and sugar sectors.

Accordingly, I once again ask the Commission how it can justify restoring regulatory and production distribution instruments (quotas) in the sugar sector and not in the milk sector? Why, in the Commission’s understanding, might the two sectors be treated differently?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(21 June 2013)

As replied in Written Question E-011171/2012 (110), the Commission has not proposed to change the deadline for the abolition of milk and sugar quotas in 2015, as it is currently stated in the single CMO regulation (111).

Furthermore, in the framework of the CAP reform negotiations neither the European Parliament nor the Council have proposed to change this deadline.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005250/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Estratégia de Desenvolvimento para o Distrito de Setúbal

Na base de uma ampla e detalhada caracterização do distrito de Setúbal e das suas sub‐regiões, tendo em conta os seus problemas, necessidades e potencialidades, ganha importância crescente a possibilidade de concretização de uma Estratégia de Desenvolvimento para o distrito, a aplicar através de um Plano de Desenvolvimento Integrado da Península de Setúbal (PDIPS) e de um Plano de Desenvolvimento Integrado do Alentejo Litoral (PDIAL).

Seriam objetivos específicos desta Estratégia: a) reforço da coesão e identidade territorial; b) Diminuição das desigualdades e promoção da integração social; c) criação de empregos, melhoria das qualificações profissionais, da qualidade do emprego e das condições de trabalho; d) diversificação, modernização e expansão das atividades económicas e em particular dos setores produtivos; e) promoção do ordenamento do território, da defesa do ambiente, da valorização do património histórico e cultural e da qualidade de vida dos cidadãos.

A Estratégia desenvolver-se-ia em torno de quatro eixos: 1) promoção da qualidade do território regional; 2) promoção da coesão do tecido social; 3) reforço da capacidade do tecido económico; 4) reforço do sistema regional de conhecimento.

Solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre o seguinte:

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(8 de julho de 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005250/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Development strategy for the district of Setúbal

In the light of a comprehensive and detailed characterisation of the district of Setúbal and its sub-regions, taking into account its problems, needs and strengths, it is becoming increasingly important to implement a development strategy for the district, through an Integrated Development Plan for the Setúbal Peninsula (PDIPS) and an Integrated Development Plan for the Coastal Alentejo Region (PDIAL).

The specific objectives of this strategy would be: a) to strengthen cohesion and regional identity; b) to reduce inequalities and promote social integration; c) to create jobs and improve vocational skills, the quality of jobs and working conditions; d) to diversify, modernise and expand economic activities particularly in the productive sectors; e) to promote spatial planning, environmental protection, historical and cultural heritage and citizens’ quality of life.

The strategy would be developed around four axes: 1) promoting the quality of the region; 2) promoting social cohesion; 3) strengthening economic capacity; 4) strengthening the regional knowledge system.

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 2013)

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005251/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Candidaturas a fundos comunitários no domínio do ciclo urbano da água

Em 2012, o governo português publicou um aviso para apresentação de candidaturas no domínio do ciclo urbano da água, no âmbito do Programa Operacional Temático Valorização do Território (POVT) 2007-2013, inserido no QREN, dirigido ao investimento nas redes de abastecimento de água e de drenagem de águas residuais, na vertente em baixa. Nesse aviso é estabelecido que um dos critérios a considerar na avaliação das candidaturas apresentadas é a exigência de que a entidade beneficiária — municípios, associações de municípios, juntas metropolitanas, comunidades intermunicipais, serviços municipalizados, setor empresarial local e sistemas municipais ou intermunicipais — «não tenha manifestado oposição ao processo de fusão de sistemas multimunicipais de captação, tratamento e distribuição de água para consumo público e/ou recolha, tratamento e rejeição de efluentes, ou aos processos de verticalização através de parcerias estabelecidas nos termos do Decreto-Lei n.° 90/2009, de 9 de abril».

Ou seja, os critérios de seleção, em vez de assentarem em parâmetros de avaliação objetivos e rigorosos, quanto à necessidade, importância e qualidade dos investimentos nas redes em baixa, quer de água quer de saneamento, são condicionados à aceitação de determinadas opções políticas tendentes à concessão e privatização dos serviços de água. Assim prejudicando todos, nomeadamente os municípios, que defendem a gestão pública da água e do saneamento, e prejudicando as duas populações.

Solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre o seguinte:

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(11 de julho de 2013)

A promoção de sistemas mais integrados de infraestruturas hídricas no âmbito de convites à apresentação de candidaturas para o ciclo das águas urbanas está em conformidade com os objetivos fixados no Peaasar II (Plano Estratégico de Abastecimento de Água e de Saneamento de Águas Residuais II) para o período de 2007-2013, que estabelece os objetivos para estruturas a nível do domínio da gestão da água em Portugal e, em especial, o objetivo de desenvolver soluções integradas territoriais. Tal está também em conformidade com a Diretiva-Quadro da Água (112), que visa assegurar o uso sustentável, a longo prazo, da água. Os princípios fundamentais da gestão integrada das bacias hidrográficas estão incorporados no Peaasar II, que é juridicamente vinculativo e reúne as perspetivas económicas e ecológicas da gestão da água. A Comissão sempre apoiou esta abordagem, que está em conformidade com os investimentos em infraestruturas de água que tenham sido cofinanciados pela política de coesão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005251/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Applications for EU funds relating to the urban water cycle

In 2012, the Portuguese Government published a call for applications relating to the urban water cycle, under the Thematic Territorial Enhancement Operational Programme (POVT) 2007‐2013, included in the National Strategic Reference Framework, for investment in the underground water supply and wastewater drainage networks. The call stipulates that one of the criteria to be considered in assessing the applications submitted is that the beneficiary — municipalities, associations of municipalities, city councils, inter-municipal communities, municipal services, the local business sector and municipal or inter-municipal systems — must not have expressed opposition towards the merging of multi-municipal systems for the collection, treatment and distribution of drinking water and/or the collection, treatment and disposal of effluents, or towards vertical integration through partnerships established under Decree-Law No 90/2009 of 9 April 2009.

In other words, rather than being based on objective and rigorous evaluation parameters, to determine the need, importance and quality of investments in underground water and sanitation networks, the selection criteria are based on the acceptance of certain policy options aimed at the concession and privatisation of water services. This harms everyone, including the municipalities, which defend the public management of water and sanitation, as well as those using these services.

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2013)

The promotion of more integrated water infrastructure systems in the framework of calls for applications for the urban water cycle is in line with the objectives set in the PEAASAR II (Plano Estratégico de Abastecimento de Água e de Saneamento de Águas Residuais II) for 2007-2013, which sets the objectives for water management developments in Portugal and in particular the objective to develop territorial integrated solutions. This is also in line with the Water Framework Directive (113), which aims to ensure the long term sustainable use of water. The key principles of integrated river basin management are incorporated into PEAASAR II, which is legally binding, bringing together economic and ecological perspectives into water management. The Commission has always supported this approach which is in line with the water infrastructure investments that have been co-financed by cohesion policy.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005252/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Candidatura da Arrábida a Património Mundial

A recente aceitação pela Unesco da candidatura da Arrábida a Património Mundial foi o mais recente passo de um processo que se iniciou em 2001, envolvendo municípios e diversas entidades e visando concretizar uma das iniciativas do Plano Estratégico de Desenvolvimento Regional da Península de Setúbal.

O trabalho de pré-candidatura assentou fundamentalmente na valorização da componente natural da Serra da Arrábida, muito embora a candidatura se revista de um caráter mais amplo, não se cingindo apenas aos critérios de ordem natural, mas incluindo também os de ordem cultural e cultural imaterial, tendo-se transformado numa Candidatura a Património Mundial Misto.

Ao longo dos últimos anos, com a coordenação da Associação de Municípios da Região de Setúbal, foi possível construir uma candidatura abrangente e amplamente participada, envolvendo um grande número de instituições, entidades, agentes regionais, assim como da população em geral.

O objetivo desta candidatura é proteger, preservar e valorizar a Arrábida, enquanto expressão de harmonia entre natureza e cultura, assegurando a fruição, pelas populações, da Arrábida mediante critérios de sustentabilidade.

A prossecução da candidatura exige agora o desenvolvimento de um conjunto de estudos e de ações, exigência que se confronta com a escassez de meios necessários, designadamente no plano financeiro, para lhe dar cabal resposta. Desde os estudos exigidos pela Unesco (por exemplo, capacidade de carga) às ações de valorização e salvaguarda dos valores candidatados — recuperação de espaços, sinalização de caminhos, sensibilização da população, entre outras.

Em face do exposto, poderá a Comissão prestar-me informações sobre os programas e medidas da poderão apoiar financeiramente as ações e os estudos a desenvolver no âmbito da candidatura da Arrábida a Património Mundial da Unesco.

Resposta dada por Androulla Vassiliou em nome da Comissão

(25 de julho de 2013)

A Comissão gostaria de informar o Senhor Deputado de que a UE não é parte da Convenção do Património Mundial da Unesco (1972). Como tal, o processo de apresentação de candidaturas para Património Mundial não faz parte das competências da União. Porém, as autoridades portuguesas/responsáveis pela Arrábida podem explorar a possibilidade de utilizar os fundos estruturais da UE para apoiar o projeto em questão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-005252/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 May 2013)

Subject: Arrábida's bid to become a World Heritage Site

Unesco recently accepted Arrábida’s bid to become a World Heritage Site. This was the latest step in a process that began in 2001, involving municipalities and several organisations, which aims to implement one of the initiatives established in the Strategic Regional Development Plan for the Setúbal Peninsula.

The pre-application work was founded primarily on promoting the natural beauty of the Arrábida Mountains; however, the bid encompasses much more than just natural criteria, including culture and cultural heritage, which puts it in the running to become a mixed World Heritage Site.

A comprehensive and broadly inclusive bid has been put together over the last few years, coordinated by the Association of Municipalities of the Setúbal Region and involving a large number of institutions, organisations, regional actors and the general public.

The aim of this bid is to protect, preserve and promote Arrábida as an expression of harmony between nature and culture, ensuring public enjoyment of the area through sustainability criteria.

The next stage of the bid now requires a number of studies and measures to be carried out; however, there are insufficient funds available to fully meet these requirements, from the studies required by Unesco (for example, load capacity), to promoting and protecting elements of the bid (area regeneration, marking pathways, raising public awareness, etc.).

In view of this, can the Commission provide information on programmes and measures which could help fund the actions and studies to be undertaken as part of Arrábida’s bid to become a Unesco World Heritage Site?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the EU is not a party to the Unesco World Heritage Convention (1972). The World Heritage Site bidding process is not therefore a matter of Community competence. However, the Portuguese / Arrábida authorities could explore the possibility of using EU structural funds to support the project in question.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-005253/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(13 de maio de 2013)

Assunto: Apoio à requalificação da Escola Luís António Verney

Numa visita recente à Escola Básica EB 2,3 Luís António Verney, em Lisboa, pude constatar o avançado estado de degradação em que esta se encontra, com pavilhões fechados por não terem condições para funcionar e um ginásio com falhas que põem em risco a segurança dos alunos, entre outros problemas.

Ademais, este é um dos estabelecimentos escolares que ainda tem estruturas de fibrocimento que não foram substituídas e que, dado o avançado estado de degradação em que se encontram, colocam problemas quanto à possível libertação de amianto.

Em face do exposto, pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(4 de julho de 2013)

A política de coesão é gerida no âmbito do princípio da gestão partilhada pelas autoridades nacionais e regionais designadas pelos Estados-Membros. Por conseguinte, para mais informações, a Comissão sugere que o Senhor Deputado contacte as autoridades de gestão do programa Lisboa:

PO Regional de Lisboa

Rua de Artilharia Um, n.° 33

1269-145 Lisboa

Telefone: +351 213 837 100

Fax: +351 213 847 985

presid@ccdr-lvt.pt

http://www.ccdr-lvt.pt/