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 263/01)

Contents

E-013583/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Funding needed for an effective implementation of the Youth Guarantee

E-013640/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Probable kidnapping of Hamed Abdel-Samad in Egypt

E-013641/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Reducing pollution in Europe's cities

E-013642/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Expiry date of medicinal products

E-013643/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Patient information leaflets

E-013644/13 by Sari Essayah to the Commission

Subject: Use and monitoring of development cooperation funds for the Palestinian Territory

E-013645/13 by Teresa Riera Madurell to the Commission

Subject: Technological education for a more qualified human capital

P-013646/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: EU aid (via the TEN-T programme) for the widening of the Brussels Ring Road

P-013647/13 by Marisa Matias to the Commission

Subject: Estaleiros Nacionais de Viana do Castelo

E-013648/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: The contribution to CAP objectives of agricultural products imported from outside the Union.

E-013649/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation of agricultural workers in Honduras

E-013650/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Situation of agricultural workers in Honduras

E-013651/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: EU financing of AVE high-speed railway lines that are almost in disuse

E-013652/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: The role of major companies in climate change

E-013720/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: The role of large companies in climate change

E-013653/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Construction workers' rights in Qatar

E-013654/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: European companies and construction workers' rights in Qatar

E-013655/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Illegal expulsion of immigrants in Melilla

E-013657/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Repercussions of the Snowdon affair in France — role of Vice-President/High Representative of the EU

E-013658/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Implications of the Snowdon affair in France and consumer protection

E-013659/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Malpractice, García Carrión business group

E-013662/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Spain's non-compliance with European regulations on waste

E-013663/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Airlines and taxation of pilots

P-013664/13 by Janusz Władysław Zemke to the Commission

Subject: Rules on recruitment to the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex)

E-013665/13 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject: Risk cycle: contamination of recycling systems with POPs and chemical additives

E-013667/13 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject: Risk cycle: flame retardants for plastic products

E-013668/13 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject: Risk cycle: illegal export of waste — examination of REACH dossiers

E-013669/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: EU-Turkey readmission agreement

E-013670/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Foreign exchange market manipulation

E-013671/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Morocco outlaws contacts with Israelis

E-013672/13 by Teresa Riera Madurell and Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: EU-Mexico scientific relations in the new H2020 programme

E-013673/13 by Nessa Childers and Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Putting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on the EU mental health agenda

E-013677/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: India: persecution of Christians in the state of Karnataka

E-013678/13 by Philippe De Backer to the Commission

Subject: Explanation in response to public investment in renewable energy

E-013679/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: The impact of the planned widening of the Brussels Ring Road by Flanders and European air quality standards

E-013680/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: Role of vitamin D in cancer prevention

P-013682/13 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: Land take in connection with the Val Tolosa plan

P-013683/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Link between cash registers and the General Secretariat for Information Systems in Greece

P-013684/13 by Romana Jordan to the Commission

Subject: Increase in consumption-related emissions in the EU

E-013685/13 by Luis de Grandes Pascual to the Commission

Subject: Impact assessment of the Eastside project

E-013686/13 by Luis de Grandes Pascual to the Commission

Subject: Land reclamation for the Eastside project

E-013687/13 by Luis de Grandes Pascual to the Commission

Subject: Fuel bunkering activities in Gibraltar

E-013688/13 by Luis de Grandes Pascual to the Commission

Subject: Concrete blocks dumped in Algeciras Bay

E-013689/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — ‘Let the rain bring life, not blood’ campaign in response to attacks by the Israeli army: protection for subsistence farmers in the Gaza Strip during seeding time

E-013690/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Follow-up to Question E-003977/2013: clarifications regarding the intimidating attack by the Israeli authorities against a Spanish delegation in the Gaza Strip

E-013692/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Health and safety at work

E-013693/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Absenteeism in primary and secondary schools

E-013694/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Storms in Madeira

E-013921/13 by Edite Estrela, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Elisa Ferreira, Luís Paulo Alves and Ana Gomes to the Commission

Subject: Storm in Madeira

E-013695/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Portuguese workers exploited in Belgium

E-013696/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Experiments with transgenic organisms

E-013697/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: The European food aid programme in 2013 and the next budget period

E-013931/13 by Salvador Sedó i Alabart to the Commission

Subject: Potential closure of Presseurop

P-014325/13 by Ricardo Cortés Lastra to the Commission

Subject: Closure of the Presseurop portal on 20 December 2013

E-013700/13 by Constance Le Grip to the Commission

Subject: End of the Commission's contract with Presseurop

E-013812/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Closure of Presseurop

E-013780/13 by Edite Estrela to the Commission

Subject: Termination of the contract with the Presseurop project

E-013702/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Rules on indication of origin and traceability of products

E-013703/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Creation of deferred tax assets in the Spanish financial sector

E-013704/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Spanish football in Equatorial Guinea supports the country's dictator

E-013706/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Pardoning environmental crime

E-013707/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Potential impact of the conflict between Japan and China

E-013708/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Nuclear talks — Iran

E-013709/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Action against the detention of Yulia Tymoshenko

E-013710/13 by Evelyn Regner to the Commission

Subject: Gender-neutral signs at airports

E-013711/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Azerbaijan

E-013712/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Cypriot property

E-013713/13 by Paolo De Castro, Patrizia Toia, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Iratxe García Pérez, Eric Andrieu, Carlo Fidanza, Oreste Rossi, Michel Dantin, Esther Herranz García, Franck Proust and Dominique Vlasto to the Commission

Subject: Rice imports from Least Developed Countries

E-013714/13 by David Martin to the Commission

Subject: Inclusion of animal welfare clauses in Vietnam FTA

E-013715/13 by Phil Bennion to the Commission

Subject: Preventing suicide

E-013716/13 by Jacek Włosowicz, Jacek Olgierd Kurski and Tadeusz Cymański to the Commission

Subject: Ban on coal burning in the Małopolskie province

E-013717/13 by Edite Estrela and António Fernando Correia de Campos to the Commission

Subject: Closure of the shipyard Estaleiros Navias de Viana do Castelo, S.A.

E-013719/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Internal market in electricity

E-013721/13 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject: Diseases of the central nervous system as a result of poisoning

E-013722/13 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject: Endocrine disruptors in food packaging

P-013723/13 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Commission

Subject: Register of traditional sports

P-013724/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Seismic study on the Doñana gas storage project

P-013725/13 by Evelyn Regner to the Commission

Subject: Russian anti-homosexual policies

P-013727/13 by Pablo Zalba Bidegain to the Commission

Subject: EIB's financing of SMEs

P-013728/13 by Jan Březina to the Commission

Subject: Prospects to impose an EU-wide minimum wage

P-013730/13 by Glenis Willmott to the Commission

Subject: Youth Employment Initiative

E-013731/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Youth employment measures — simplifying systems

E-013732/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Family law

E-013734/13 by Mariya Gabriel to the Commission

Subject: Negotiation on measure 321 ‘Basic services for the economy and rural population’ of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Bulgaria

E-013737/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Non-inclusion of education spending in calculating the deficit

E-013738/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Reform of the Pensions System

E-013739/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Hair dye

E-013741/13 by Peter van Dalen, Cornelis de Jong, László Surján and Hannu Takkula to the Commission

Subject: Tanzania/Zanzibar

E-013742/13 by Santiago Fisas Ayxela to the Commission

Subject: The Autonomous Government of Catalonia's Law on the Cinema

E-013743/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: How the EU has turned non-EU depositors in Cyprus into owners

E-013744/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Further delays for the Financial Transaction Tax

E-013745/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: PISA test results

E-013746/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Rural development budget

E-013747/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Olive oil

E-013749/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Research on bees and honey production

E-013750/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Victims of cartels claiming compensation

E-013751/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Animal cloning and labelling

E-013754/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Marine KIC

E-013755/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: State of play in the negotiations on the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur

E-013756/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The European Union and the Pacific Alliance

E-013757/13 by Ana Gomes to the Commission

Subject: Sale of Viana do Castelo Shipyard (ENVC)

E-013758/13 by Sebastian Valentin Bodu to the Commission

Subject: Official infringement procedures against Romania

E-013761/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: New forms of slavery in Europe: the Prato tragedy (Italy)

E-013762/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: European credit rating agency (CRA)

E-014079/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Public rating agency

E-013864/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Credibility of rating agencies

E-013763/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Reform of Spain's Citizen Security Act

E-013765/13 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: EU ODA for the Western Sahara

E-013766/13 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: The ‘Pousadas’ project, with ERDF funds, in the province of Pontevedra (Galicia)

E-013767/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Unauthorised works in Yésero (Aragon, Spain)

E-013768/13 by Thomas Ulmer to the Commission

Subject: Adaptation of the regulatory arrangements for homeopathic and anthroposophic medicinal products

E-013769/13 by Thomas Ulmer to the Commission

Subject: Export ban on medicinal products

E-013770/13 by Glenis Willmott to the Commission

Subject: Anti-competitive behaviour by Apple

E-013771/13 by Philippe De Backer and Andrew Duff to the Commission

Subject: Equity instruments in Horizon 2020

E-013772/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: UK Thalidomide Trust

E-013773/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Cohesion policy: smart specialisation indicators

E-013774/13 by Tokia Saïfi and Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Mixed patrols along internal Schengen borders

E-013775/13 by Ivo Belet and Tokia Saïfi to the Commission

Subject: Exchange of information via the Schengen Information System II

E-013776/13 by Astrid Lulling to the Commission

Subject: German VAT on Luxembourg company cars used by cross-frontier workers

E-013777/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Request for information regarding food safety in the ‘Terra dei Fuochi’ area

E-013778/13 by Lucas Hartong and Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Subsidy for Maastricht-Lanaken rail link

E-013779/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Burden of childhood influenza: a critical situation

E-013781/13 by Britta Reimers to the Commission

Subject: EAFRD (Leader) funding for mobile cider presses

P-013783/13 by Philippe Lamberts to the Commission

Subject: Impact of the TTIP on European SMEs

E-013784/13 by Norbert Neuser and Birgit Schnieber-Jastram to the Commission

Subject: G8 programme ‘New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition in Africa’

E-013785/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Dilution of the EU visa application process for Georgia

E-013786/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Dilution of the EU visa application process for Belarus

E-013787/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Dilution of the EU visa application process for Ukraine

E-013788/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Belarus and European Union membership

E-013790/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Council

Subject: PCE/PEC — President Van Rompuy and the auditing of the EU accounts

E-013791/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Cooperation between the UK and the EU in criminal matters

E-013792/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Council

Subject: Milli Görüş activities

E-013793/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Reassessing Turkey's potential membership of the European Union

E-013794/13 by Biljana Borzan to the Council

Subject: Translation of EU official documents and publications into Croatian

E-013795/13 by Biljana Borzan to the Commission

Subject: Translation of EU official documents and publications into Croatian

P-013796/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Help for flood-stricken areas in Sardinia

P-013797/13 by Jarosław Kalinowski to the Commission

Subject: Validity of outright ban on ritual slaughter in Poland

E-013798/13 by Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón to the Commission

Subject: Import of contaminated citrus products from South Africa

E-013799/13 by Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón to the Commission

Subject: Youth in Action programme in the Autonomous Community of Valencia (Spain)

E-013802/13 by Anna Záborská to the Commission

Subject: Funding of abortion through EU development aid — An analysis of EU Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy

E-013803/13 by Emer Costello to the Commission

Subject: Coordination of social security systems and national pension entitlement ages

E-013804/13 by Peter Skinner to the Commission

Subject: Commission representation in third countries

E-013805/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: OECD calls for reduction of Greek debt

E-013806/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Instruments to support victims of child abuse and for its prevention

E-013807/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Welfare tourism and the free movement of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-013583/13

à la Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(2 décembre 2013)

Objet: Moyens nécessaires pour une véritable garantie jeunesse

Le Conseil européen qui s'est tenu au mois d'avril 2013 s'est donné pour objectif d'offrir à tous les jeunes de moins de 25 ans, qu'ils soient inscrits au chômage ou non, une offre d'emploi, de formation ou de stage dans les quatre mois suivant la fin de leur scolarité ou la perte de leur emploi. Effectivement, le niveau de chômage des jeunes est extrêmement inquiétant et douloureux pour celles et ceux qui le subissent. Il atteint 25 % dans l'Union européenne et 50 % dans les pays les plus touchés par la crise.

Le budget envisagé pour cette garantie jeunesse, au départ fixé à 6 milliards d'euros, a été annoncé par M. Herman Van Rompuy, président du Conseil, à 8 milliards, en anticipant les redistributions de crédits provenant des fonds structurels non utilisés. Sur ces 6 milliards annoncés par la Commission, l'essentiel doit être débloqué au cours des deux premières années.

Réponse donnée par M. Andor au nom de la Commission

(10 février 2014)

Le Conseil européen a adopté des conclusions sur la promotion de l'emploi des jeunes dans la perspective de la réalisation de l'objectif de la stratégie Europe 2020 de porter le taux d'emploi à 75 % d'ici à 2020. Compte tenu de la situation très difficile des jeunes, il est urgent de mettre en place des programmes nationaux de garantie pour la jeunesse. Toutefois, ces programmes devraient constituer un élément permanent de réforme structurelle. Ils nécessitent un engagement ferme des États membres dans la durée et un soutien budgétaire de ceux-ci. Pour compléter leurs dotations budgétaires, les États membres peuvent avoir recours au Fonds social européen et à l'initiative pour l'emploi des jeunes. En 2013, les États membres admis au bénéfice de cette initiative ont présenté leurs plans de mise en œuvre de la garantie pour la jeunesse. La Commission suivra le déroulement de ces plans dans le cadre du semestre européen.

La création de l'initiative pour l'emploi des jeunes est une composante essentielle de la réponse de l'Union à la priorité urgente de lutter contre le chômage des jeunes dans les régions les plus touchées de son territoire. Mais si cette initiative est un instrument important pour lutter contre le chômage des jeunes, elle ne doit pas être considérée comme l'unique source de financement de la garantie pour la jeunesse. Les États membres devraient mobiliser leurs ressources nationales et d'autres du FSE et les affecter à la mise en place de la garantie pour la jeunesse. Par ailleurs, même si l'allocation destinée à l'initiative pour la jeunesse sera imputée sur les deux premières années de programmation, la mise en œuvre de cette initiative se poursuivra au-delà de 2015.

En juillet 2012, l'Organisation internationale du travail a estimé les coûts de mise en œuvre du programme de garantie pour la jeunesse dans la zone euro à environ 21 milliards d'euros, sur la base du modèle suédois. Comme le programme en question de l'UE a une portée plus grande que celle du programme de la Suède, le coût réel dépendra des situations nationales. Les frais de mise en place de la garantie pour la jeunesse seront plus élevés dans les pays qui enregistrent des niveaux plus élevés de chômeurs ne suivant aucun enseignement ni aucune formation (NEET) ou des taux supérieurs de chômage des jeunes. Dans ces pays, il pourrait être envisagé d'appliquer progressivement la garantie pour la jeunesse.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013583/13

to the Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: Funding needed for an effective implementation of the Youth Guarantee

The European Council held in April 2013 set the goal of offering everyone under the age of 25, whether unemployed or not, the chance of a job, further education or work-focused training no later than four months after leaving education or losing a job. The level of unemployment among young people is extremely worrying and distressing for those concerned, standing at 25% in the European Union as a whole and 50% in the countries most affected by the crisis.

A budget of EUR 6 billion was initially earmarked for the Youth Guarantee, but Mr Herman Van Rompuy, President of the Council, has announced that the scheme will receive EUR 8 billion, some of which will come from unallocated Structural Funds. Most of the EUR 6 billion announced by the Commission will be released over the next two years.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2014)

The European Council adopted conclusions on promoting youth employment in order to achieve the Europe 2020 objective to raise the employment rate to 75% by 2020. The setting up of national Youth Guarantee (YG) schemes is urgent in view of the dire situation of young people. However, YG schemes should represent a permanent, structural reform. They require a firm commitment from Member States (MS) over time and national budgetary support. To complement national budget allocations, MS can draw on the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI). MS eligible for the YEI submitted YG Implementation Plans in 2013. The Commission will monitor implementation within the framework of the European Semester.

Creating the YEI is a key part of the EU answer to the urgent priority to address youth unemployment in the Union's most affected regions. But while the YEI is an important instrument to tackle youth unemployment, it should not be regarded as the single source of funding to the YG. MS should mobilise their national and other ESF resources to the implementation of the YG. Moreover, although the YEI allocation shall be committed in the first two years of the programming period, implementation of YEI shall continue beyond 2015.

In July 2012, the International Labour Organisation estimated the costs of implementing the YG scheme in the Eurozone at about EUR 21 billion, based on the Swedish model. As the EU YG goes beyond the Swedish model, the real cost will depend on national circumstances. The costs of implementing the YG will be higher in those countries experiencing higher levels of people not in employment, education or training (NEET) or youth unemployment rates. In these countries, gradual implementation could also be considered.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-013640/13

aan de Commissie (Vicevoorzitter / Hoge Vertegenwoordiger)

Philip Claeys (NI)

(2 december 2013)

Betreft: VP/HR — Waarschijnlijke ontvoering van Hamed Abdel-Samad in Egypte

De Duitse staatsburger Hamed Abdel-Samad is op zondag 24 november verdwenen in Caïro. Volgens zijn broer is deze islamcriticus, die al meermaals doodsbedreigingen ontving, wellicht ontvoerd door radicale islamisten (1).

Namen de diensten van de hoge vertegenwoordiger contact op met de Egyptische autoriteiten over de vermoedelijke ontvoering van Hamed Abdel-Samad? Is de hoge vertegenwoordiger van oordeel dat de Egyptische regering voldoende doet om de veiligheid van mensen zoals Abdel-Samad te garanderen?

Werd bezorgdheid geuit over de veiligheid van islamkritische personen, en niet-moslims in het algemeen in Egypte?

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(18 februari 2014)

De HV/VV was op de hoogte van de ontvoering van de Duitse staatsburger Hamad Abdel-Samad eind november 2013. Twee dagen na zijn verdwijning daagde de heer Abdel-Samad opnieuw ongedeerd op.

De EU maakt zich ernstig zorgen over de veiligheid van critici en politieke activisten in Egypte. Derhalve heeft de EU-delegatie in Caïro over deze aangelegenheid regelmatig contact met de voorlopige autoriteiten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013640/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Philip Claeys (NI)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Probable kidnapping of Hamed Abdel-Samad in Egypt

On Sunday 24 November the German citizen Hamed Abdel-Samad disappeared in Cairo. According to his brother, this critic of Islam, who has already received multiple death threats, has probably been kidnapped by radical Islamists (2).

Have the offices of the High Representative been in contact with the Egyptian authorities about the suspected kidnapping of Mr Abdel-Samad? Does the High Representative believe that the Egyptian Government is doing enough to guarantee the security of people like Mr Abdel-Samad?

Have concerns been raised about the safety of critics of Islam, and of non-Muslims in general, in Egypt?

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

(18 February 2014)

The HR/VP was aware of the abduction of the German citizen Hamad Abdel-Samad in late November 2013. Two days after Mr Abdel-Samad disappeared, he turned up unharmed.

The EU is highly concerned about the security of critics and political activists in Egypt. The EU Delegation in Cairo is therefore in regular contact with the interim authorities on this issue.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-013641/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(2 decembrie 2013)

Subiect: Reducerea poluării în orașele europene

Conform evaluărilor realizate de Agenția Internațională pentru Cercetare în Domeniul Cancerului (IARC), poluarea aerului este printre cauzele de mediu principale ale deceselor provocate de cancer. Cele mai recente date arată că, în 2010, din cauza poluării aerului s-au înregistrat 223 000 de decese de cancer pulmonar. IARC a subliniat că poluarea aerului crește riscurile pentru o gamă largă de boli, cum ar fi afecțiunile respiratorii și cardiace.

Aș dori să întreb Comisia care sunt măsurile pe care intenționează să le adopte pentru a reduce poluarea în orașele europene?

Are în vedere Comisia sprijinirea campaniilor de informare și prevenire a cetățenilor europeni privind riscurile asociate poluării? Dacă da, prin ce instrumente financiare?

Răspuns dat de dl Potočnik în numele Comisiei

(10 februarie 2014)

Comisia a prezentat o nouă strategie de reducere a poluării atmosferice la 18 decembrie 2013. În această strategie se anunță propuneri legislative privind noi plafoane naționale de emisii și noi standarde de emisii pentru principalii poluanți, precum particulele în suspensie. De asemenea, în strategie se reiterează faptul că Comisia va urmări deplina conformitate cu legislația actuală, în special cu legislația UE în materie de calitate a aerului (3), cu legislația UE privind sursele staționare și mobile (4). Una dintre politicile-cheie pentru mediul urban este pachetul legislativ privind mobilitatea urbană, adoptat de Comisie la 17 decembrie 2013, care prezintă o serie de inițiative și recomandări la nivelul UE pentru acțiuni menite să sporească eficiența și durabilitatea mobilității urbane. Acest pachet abordează în special provocările legate de mediu, cum ar fi reducerea semnificativă a emisiilor de poluanți generate de sectorul transporturilor.

Comisia și Agenția Europeană de Mediu vor continua să informeze cetățenii UE cu privire la calitatea aerului în orașele europene prin rapoarte, comunicări și comunicate de presă emise periodic. Statele membre au, de asemenea, obligația de a informa și, după caz, de a-i avertiza pe cetățeni cu privire la poluarea aerului și la riscurile aferente, astfel cum se precizează în Directiva 2008/50/CE.

În plus, propunerea Comisiei referitoare la pachetul legislativ privind politica de coeziune în perioada 2014-2020 a consolidat sprijinul acordat de fondurile de investiții și structurale europene pentru strategiile de dezvoltare urbană care ar trebui să abordeze în mod integrat diferite provocări, inclusiv poluarea aerului. În cele din urmă, ca parte a programului LIFE + (5), proiectele integrate vor fi finanțate, printre altele, în funcție de prioritățile tematice pentru calitatea aerului și emisiile din mediul urban.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013641/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: Reducing pollution in Europe's cities

According to the assessments carried out by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), air pollution is one of the main environmental causes of deaths from cancer. The most recent data indicate that in 2010, 223 000 deaths from lung cancer resulted from air pollution. The IARC has stressed that air pollution increases risks for a wide range of diseases such as respiratory and heart conditions.

What measures does the Commission intend to take to reduce pollution in Europe’s cities?

Does the Commission intend to support the campaigns informing and warning European citizens about pollution-related risks? If so, which financial instruments are being used?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2014)

The Commission put forward a new Strategy to reduce air pollution on 18 December 2013. This strategy sets forth legislative proposals for new national emission ceilings and emission standards for key pollutants like particulate matter. It also confirms that the Commission will pursue full compliance with current legislation, in particular the air quality legislation (6), source-related EU legislation on stationary (7) and mobile sources. One key policy for the urban environment is the Urban Mobility Package adopted by the Commission on 17 December 2013, which presents a range of EU-level initiatives and recommendations for action aimed at rendering urban mobility more efficient and sustainable. That Package in particular tackles environmental challenges, such as significantly reducing transport emissions of pollutants.

The Commission and the European Environment Agency will continue to inform EU citizens about air quality in European cities through regular updates of reports, communications and press releases. The Member States also have the obligation to inform, and where appropriate warn, its citiziens about air pollution and it risks, as outlined in EU Directive 2008/50/EC.

Furthermore, the Commission proposal on the legislative package for 2014-2020 cohesion policy has strengthened the support of European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds for strategies for urban development which should address in integrated way various challenges — including air pollution. Finally, as part of the Life+ programme (8), integrated projects will be financed, inter alia on the thematic priorities for air quality and emissions in the urban environment.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-013642/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(2 decembrie 2013)

Subiect: Data de expirare a medicamentelor

Directiva 2001/83/CE de instituire a unui cod comunitar cu privire la medicamentele de uz uman reunește într-un act unic totalitatea dispozițiilor în vigoare în materie de autorizare pentru introducerea pe piață, fabricarea, etichetarea, clasificarea, distribuția și publicitatea medicamentelor de uz uman. Conform acesteia, pe ambalajul exterior al medicamentelor sau, în cazul în care nu există ambalaj exterior, pe ambalajul direct trebuie să figureze informații referitoare la data expirării medicamentului. Aceste informații trebuie să fie ușor de citit și de înțeles și rezistente la ștergere. Cu toate acestea, mulți cetățeni europeni ne sesizează în legătură cu faptul că pe multe medicamente este greu de citit data expirării, informația fiind neinteligibilă, întrucât aceasta este inscripționată fie cu litere foarte mici, fie ștanțate, ceea ce face dificilă citirea sa, în special de către persoanele vârstnice.

Aș dori să întreb Comisia dacă are în vedere adoptarea unor măsuri, inclusiv legislative, în sensul unei etichetări mai clare și ușor de citit a datei de expirare a medicamentului?

Răspuns dat de dl Borg în numele Comisiei

(3 februarie 2014)

Directiva 2001/83/CE prevede că data expirării trebuie să figureze, în termeni clari (lună/an), fie pe ambalajul exterior al medicamentelor, fie pe ambalajul direct, în cazul în care nu există un ambalaj exterior (articolul 54). Articolul 55 precizează, la rândul său, că data expirării trebuie să figureze atât pe ambalajele directe sub formă de blister, cât și pe ambalajele directe de dimensiuni mici. Prospectul însoțitor trebuie și el să conțină o trimitere la data expirării, însoțită de un avertisment împotriva utilizării medicamentului după această dată și, dacă este necesar, de măsuri speciale de precauție privind depozitarea, precum și de un avertisment privind anumite semne vizibile de deteriorare (articolul 59).

În conformitate cu documentul intitulat „Commission Guideline on the Readability of the Labelling and Package Leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use” (Orientarea Comisiei privind lizibilitatea etichetei și a prospectului produselor medicamentoase de uz uman) (9), se consideră acceptabilă aplicarea numărului lotului și a datei expirării la unul dintre capetele blisterului. Dacă este tehnic posibil, trebuie avută în vedere aplicarea acestor informații la ambele capete, pe fiecare blister. În plus, este încurajată includerea datei expirării în Braille, deși este recunoscut faptul că acest lucru s-ar putea să nu fie întotdeauna posibil.

Lizibilitatea informațiilor destinate pacienților este evaluată în prezent în cadrul unui studiu focalizat. Acest studiu se concentrează însă, în principal, pe prospect și pe rezumatul caracteristicilor produsului.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013642/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: Expiry date of medicinal products

Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use brings together, in a single instrument, all the provisions in force governing marketing authorisation, production, labelling, classification, distribution and advertising of medicinal products for human use. According to this, the outer packaging of medicinal products or, if there is no outer packaging, the immediate packaging must feature information about the product’s expiry date. This information must be easy to read and understand, as well as be indelible. However, many European citizens contact us to say that they find the expiry date on many medicinal products illegible, as it is unintelligible because it is printed in very small letters and stamped, which makes it difficult to read, especially for the elderly.

Does the Commission intend to adopt measures, including legislation, aimed at producing labelling which is clearer and makes it easier to read the medicinal product’s expiry date?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 2014)

Directive 2001/83/EC stipulates that the expiry date in clear terms (month/year) shall appear on the outer packaging of medicinal products or, where there is no outer packaging, on the immediate packaging (Article 54). Article 55 further stipulates that the expiry date shall appear on immediate packagings which take the form of blister packs and on small immediate packaging units. A reference to the expiry date is also compulsory in the package leaflet with a warning against using the product after that date and, if necessary, special storage precautions and a warning concerning certain visible signs of deterioration (Article 59).

According to the Guideline on the Readability of the Labelling and Package Leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use (10), it is acceptable to apply the batch number and expiry date to the end of the blister strip. If technically possible, applying this information to both ends of each strip is to be considered. Moreover, the inclusion of the expiry date in Braille is encouraged, although it is acknowledged that this may not always be feasible.

The readability of the patient information leaflet is currently being assessed within a targeted study. However, this study focuses on the patient information leaflet and the summary of product characteristics.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-013643/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(2 decembrie 2013)

Subiect: Prospectele medicamentelor

Directiva 2001/83/CE de instituire a unui cod comunitar cu privire la medicamentele de uz uman reunește într-un act unic totalitatea dispozițiilor în vigoare în materie de autorizare pentru introducerea pe piață, fabricarea, etichetarea, clasificarea, distribuția și publicitatea medicamentelor de uz uman.

Conform acesteia este obligatorie includerea unui prospect în ambalajul tuturor medicamentelor, cu excepția cazului în care toate informațiile cerute figurează direct pe ambalajul exterior sau pe ambalajul direct.

Prospectul trebuie să includă anumite informații, inclusiv:

Mulți cetățeni europeni ne sesizează în legătură cu faptul că multe prospecte sunt greu de citit deoarece sunt scrise cu litere foarte mici, ceea ce face dificilă citirea acestora, în special de către persoanele vârstnice.

Aș dori să întreb Comisia dacă are în vedere adoptarea unor măsuri, inclusiv legislative, în sensul impunerii unui standard de format pentru prospectele medicamentelor, astfel încât accesul la informațiile conținute de acestea să fie garantat pentru toate persoanele?

Răspuns dat de dl Borg în numele Comisiei

(3 februarie 2014)

Conform prevederilor articolului 59 alineatul (3) din Directiva 2001/83/CE (11), astfel cum a fost modificat, prospectul însoțitor trebuie să reflecte rezultatele consultărilor cu grupurile țintă de pacienți, pentru a asigura lizibilitatea, claritatea și ușurința folosirii.

În conformitate cu documentul intitulat „Commission Guideline on the Readability of the Labelling and Package Leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use” (Orientarea Comisiei privind lizibilitatea etichetei și a prospectului produselor medicamentoase de uz uman) (12), dimensiunea caracterelor ar trebui să fie cât se poate de mare, pentru a veni în sprijinul utilizatorilor. O dimensiune a caracterelor de 9 puncte, măsurată în fontul „Times New Roman” neîngustat, cu un spațiu între linii de cel puțin 3 mm, ar trebui considerată un minim. Cu toate acestea, în ceea ce privește cererile de autorizații de introducere pe piață formulate până la 1 februarie 2011, poate fi acceptată ca minim absolut o dimensiune de 8 puncte, măsurată în fontul „Times New Roman” neîngustat, cu un spațiu între linii de cel puțin 3 mm.

Lizibilitatea informațiilor destinate pacienților este evaluată în prezent în cadrul unui studiu focalizat. Pe baza rezultatelor și a calității acestei evaluări, s-ar putea avea în vedere aplicarea unor eventuale măsuri în domeniu, inclusiv o actualizare a orientării menționate mai sus.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013643/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: Patient information leaflets

Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use brings together, in a single instrument, all the provisions in force governing marketing authorisation, production, labelling, classification, distribution and advertising of medicinal products for human use.

According to this, the packaging of all medicinal products must contain a package leaflet, unless all the information required features directly on the outer packaging or on the immediate packaging.

The package leaflet must contain certain information, including:

Many European citizens contact us to say that many package leaflets are illegible as they are written in very small letters, making them difficult to read, especially for the elderly.

Does the Commission intend to adopt measures, including legislation, aimed at establishing a standard format for patient information leaflets so that everyone is guaranteed access to the information they contain?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 2014)

Article 59 of Directive 2001/83/EC (13), as amended, stipulates that the package leaflet shall reflect the results of consultations with target patient groups to ensure that it is legible, clear and easy to use.

According to the Commission Guideline on the Readability of the Labelling and Package Leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use (14), the type size should be as large as possible to aid readers. A type size of 9 points, as measured in font ‘Times New Roman’, not narrowed, with a space between lines of at least 3 mm, should be considered as a minimum. However, for marketing authorisation applications until 1 February 2011, a type size of 8 points, as measured in font ‘Times New Roman’, not narrowed, with a space between lines of at least 3 mm, is acceptable as an absolute minimum.

The readability of the patient information leaflet is currently being assessed within a targeted study. Possible action in this field, including an update of the abovementioned guideline, could be considered based on the outcome and the quality of that assessment.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-013644/13

komissiolle

Sari Essayah (PPE)

(2. joulukuuta 2013)

Aihe: Palestiinalaisalueelle suunnattujen kehitysyhteistyövarojen käyttö ja seuranta

Euroopan Unioni on pitkään tukenut kehitysyhteistyötä Palestiinalaisalueella. Esimerkiksi vuonna 2011 EU:n myönsi yhteensä 459 miljoonaa euroa palestiinalaisille eri sektoreihin kohdistuvina avustuksina. Aluksi EU:n myöntämä tuki kohdistui kehitysyhteistyöhön mutta toisen palestiinalaisten kansannousun jälkeen taloudellista tukea on myönnetty suoraan palestiinalaishallinnolle. Myös monet EU:n jäsenvaltiot, esimerkiksi Suomi, tukevat kehitysyhteistyötä Palestiinalaisalueella.

Viimeisten kymmenen vuoden aikana EU on myös tukenut Yhdistyneiden kansakuntien palestiinalaispakolaisten avustusjärjestöä (UNRWA) jopa miljardilla eurolla. Yksi UNRWA:n tavoitteista on tukea opetussektoria ja taata palestiinalaislapsille laadukas koulutus, jonka arvopohja rakentuu ihmisarvosta, suvaitsevaisuudesta, kulttuuri-identiteetistä, sukupuolten tasa-arvosta ja ihmisoikeuksista. Lisäksi UNRWA on mm. kesällä 2013 järjestänyt ”Summer Fun Weeks”-lastenleirejä, joiden tarkoituksena on tarjota gazalaislapsille tauko konfliktista ja heitä ympäröivästä köyhyydestä järjestämällä virkistys‐ ja toimintaohjelmaa kesäloman aikana. Leirien ohjelman tavoitteena on ehkäistä radikalisoitumista lasten keskuudessa vahvistamalla suvaitsevaisuutta. Yhdistyneiden kansakuntien järjestönä UNRWA:n keskeisiin arvoihin kuuluu puolueettomuus.

On esitetty epäilyjä että ”Summer Fun Weeks” ‐leireillä on myös järjestetty aktiviteetteja, jotka ovat vastoin UNRWA:n puolueettomuuden ja suvaitsevaisuuden arvoja, ja lietsottu Israeliin ja israelilaisiin kohdistuvaa vihamielisyyttä. On myös väitetty, että gazalaiskouluissa käytetyt koulukirjat ovat vahvasti puolueellisia ja Hamasin ideologian sävyttämiä. On erityisen tärkeää valvoa, ettei vastuulliseen ja hyväksyttävään toimintaan tarkoitettuja varoja päädy heikon valvonnan johdosta kyseenalaisen toiminnan tukemiseen.

Miten EU tukee koulujen neutraliteettia Palestiinalaisalueella?

Miten EU valvoo Palestiinalaisalueella myöntämänsä taloudellisen tuen käyttöä, etenkin sitä ettei rahoja käytetä terroristijärjestöksi luokitellun Hamasin arvojen edistämiseksi, edes epäsuorasti?

Štefan Fülen komission puolesta antama vastaus

(30. tammikuuta 2014)

Palestiinan kansalle sekä palestiinalaishallinnon että Yhdistyneiden Kansakuntien palestiinalaispakolaisten avustusjärjestön (UNRWA) kautta annetun EU:n taloudellisen tuen tavoite on perustaa palestiinalaisten oma valtio, joka eläisi Israelin kanssa sovussa ja rauhanomaisesti. EU toimittaa suoraa taloudellista tukea palestiinalaishallinnolle, jotta se voi maksaa opettajien palkat Länsirannalla ja Gazan kaistalla. EU toimittaa tukea myös UNRWA:n yleisrahastolle, jonka tarkoitus on kattaa UNRWA-koulujen kulut. Nämä koulut tarjoavat opetusta noin kolmelle neljäsosalle lapsista Gazan kaistalla, ja ne noudattavat opetuksessaan palestiinalaista opetussuunnitemaa. Ensimmäiseen kysymyksen osalta komissio vahvistaa, että se on rahoittanut 3,5 miljoonalla eurolla vuosina 2009–2012 hanketta nimeltä ”Laadukkaita opettajia laadukkaisiin kouluihin”, jonka UNRWA on toteuttanut yhdessä opetusministeriön kanssa.

EU:n tarjoama tuki UNRWA:n Gazan kaistalla järjestämille kesäleireille vuosina 2010–2012 oli enimmillään miljoona euroa. Kesäleirien ansiosta 250 000 lasta osallistui toimintaan, joka sisälsi urheilua, taidetta ja käsitöitä, teatteria, musiikkia ja kansanperinnettä. Toimintaan ei kuulunut minkäänlaista suvaitsemattomuuteen kannustamista, minkä vuoksi Hamas-vastarintaliike suhtautui leireihin jokseenkin vihamielisesti.

PEGASE-rahoitusmekanismi tarjoaa varoja valtiovarainministeriölle, jotta se voi huolehtia maksuista nimetylle joukolle tukeen oikeutettuja virkamiehiä ja eläkeläisiä sekä tarjota sosiaalietuuksia heikossa asemassa oleville palestiinalaisperheille. Maksunsaajien soveltuvuuden määrittämiseksi ja maksujen oikeanlaisen toimeenpanon varmistamiseksi tehdään ennakko‐ ja jälkitarkastuksia. Lisäksi komissio toimittaa jokaisen maksun osalta kaikki siihen liittyvät nimet tarkastettavaksi tunnustetussa tietokannassa, joka sisältää luettelon kaikista terroristijärjestöjen toimintaan yhdistetyistä henkilöistä. Tarkastuksessa tietokannasta löytynyt nimi poistetaan automaattisesti tuensaajien luettelosta.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013644/13

to the Commission

Sari Essayah (PPE)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: Use and monitoring of development cooperation funds for the Palestinian Territory

For some time, the European Union has provided support for development cooperation in the Palestinian Territory. For example, in 2011, the EU granted EUR 459 million to the Palestinians in the form of assistance for various sectors. At first, EU aid went on development cooperation, but following the second Palestinian uprising, financial aid was granted directly to the Palestinian National Authority. Furthermore, many EU Member States, Finland for example, support development cooperation in the Palestinian Territory.

In the past 10 years, the EU has also given as much as a billion euros to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). One of the aims of UNRWA is to provide support for the education sector and guarantee a first-rate education for Palestinian children, one whose values are built on human dignity, tolerance, cultural identity, gender equality and human rights. In addition, in the summer of 2013, UNRWA organised the ‘Summer Fun Weeks’ children’s camps, whose purpose is to give the children of Gaza a break from the conflict and the poverty that engulfs them, with a programme of recreation and activities taking place during the summer holiday. The objective is to prevent radicalisation among the children by encouraging tolerance. As a United Nations organisation, one of UNRWA’s key values is impartiality.

Misgivings have been expressed, however, that the ‘Summer Fun Weeks’ camps have also been the setting for activities that are contrary to UNRWA’s values of impartiality and tolerance, and have stirred up feelings of hostility towards Israel and the Israelis. It has also been claimed that the text books used in schools in Gaza are strongly biased and smack of Hamas ideology. It is most important to ensure that funds intended for responsible and acceptable activities do not end up being used to support questionable activities as a result of poor monitoring.

How does the EU support the neutrality of schools in the Palestinian Territory?

How does the EU oversee the use of the financial aid it grants in the Palestinian Territory, and ensure, in particular, that the money is not used to promote the values of Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organisation, even indirectly?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2014)

The objective of the EU’s financial assistance to the Palestinian people, both to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), is the establishment of a Palestinian State living with Israel in peace and security. The EU provides direct financial support to the PA to cover the salaries of teachers in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It also provides support to UNRWA’s General Fund, used to cover the costs of UNRWA schools, which provide education for around ¾ of children in the Gaza Strip and teach the PA curriculum. Regarding question one, the Commission confirms that it financed a project from 2009-2012, carried out by UNRWA with the Ministry of Education, worth EUR 3.5 million entitled ‘Quality Teachers for Quality Schools’.

The EU made a maximum of EUR 1 million available for UNRWA’s Summer Games in the Gaza Strip in 2010-12. The games allowed 250 000 children to participate in sports, arts and crafts, theatre, music and folklore activities. Far from being used to stir up hatred, they were considered by Hamas with some hostility.

The PEGASE mechanism provides funds to the Ministry of Finance to pay a nominative list of eligible civil servants and pensioners, as well as social allocations to vulnerable Palestinian families. In addition to the ex-ante and ex-post controls carried out to determine eligibility and to verify that payments were correctly executed. The Commission submits all names for each payment for verification within a recognised data-base of names of persons listed as being associated with terrorist organisations. Any name which is flagged by this check is automatically deleted from the list of beneficiaries.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013645/13

a la Comisión

Teresa Riera Madurell (S&D)

(2 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Formación en tecnología para un capital humano más cualificado

El Gobierno español ha reformado el sistema educativo en España a través de la nueva Ley Orgánica para la mejora de la calidad educativa (LOMCE).

Esta reforma podría ser muy perjudicial para la formación en tecnología de los colegios de educación secundaria, dado que las dos asignaturas principales relacionadas con ella, «Tecnología» e «Informática», ya no son obligatorias. Los diferentes centros de enseñanza estarán capacitados en lo sucesivo para decidir si ofrecen o no estas dos asignaturas a los estudiantes. Las modificaciones afectarán a alumnos de educación secundaria (de entre 12 y 16 años), así como a estudiantes de bachillerato (de entre 16 y 18 años). Con esta reforma, la población española puede alcanzar los 18 años sin haber recibido ningún tipo de formación en tecnología.

La ley española se ha promulgado en un momento en el que las principales conclusiones de iniciativas reconocidas, como el proyecto Relevance of Science Education (ROSE), advierten de que los escolares de los países ricos no muestran mucho interés por la ciencia y la tecnología. Muchos expertos consideran primordial atraer el interés de los jóvenes estudiantes hacia la ciencia y la tecnología en una fase temprana de su formación.

Asimismo, una de las preocupaciones de la Comisión Europea, señalada en su publicación «Resultados en materia de investigación e innovación en España 2013», en el marco del informe sobre «la Evolución de la Innovación en la Unión a nivel estatal», es que España tiene una menor proporción de nuevos licenciados en ciencias e ingeniería que la media de la UE. Por otro lado, uno de los principales ámbitos de actuación en España que la Comisión ha señalado en este informe es avanzar hacia un capital humano de gran calidad.

¿Considera la Comisión que la reforma educativa española podría agravar el problema que se presenta en este informe en relación con la baja proporción de nuevos licenciados en ciencias e ingeniería en España?

¿Cree la Comisión que aumentar los conocimientos de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones y las habilidades tecnológicas es fundamental para avanzar hacia un capital humano más cualificado?

Respuesta de la Sra. Vassiliou en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de febrero de 2014)

Su Señoría estará al corriente de que, de conformidad con el artículo 165 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea, las responsabilidades en cuanto a los contenidos de la enseñanza y a la organización del sistema educativo corresponden a los Estados miembros.

Mediante el método abierto de coordinación, la Comisión apoya a los Estados miembros en sus esfuerzos por mejorar sus sistemas educativos. Por ejemplo, desde 2010 existe un grupo de expertos sobre enseñanza de las matemáticas, las ciencias y la tecnología. Su objetivo consiste en definir las políticas que puedan ayudar a los Estados miembros a reducir los niveles de abandono escolar. Sin embargo, el propio grupo decidió excluir la «tecnología» de sus análisis, ya que el significado de este término difiere según las jurisdicciones y contextos y no existen orientaciones claras e internacionalmente aceptadas para evaluar la enseñanza de la tecnología.

La Comisión considera que aumentar el conocimiento de los estudiantes en TIC y capacidades tecnológicas es fundamental para mejorar la calidad del capital humano. Esta postura se refleja en la Recomendación del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo sobre «competencias básicas para el aprendizaje permanente» (15), y en varios documentos de la Comisión, en concreto «Rethinking Education» (Replantear la educación) (16) y «Opening Up Education» (Abrir la educación al mundo) (17).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013645/13

to the Commission

Teresa Riera Madurell (S&D)

(2 December 2013)

Subject: Technological education for a more qualified human capital

The Spanish Government has reformed the educational system in Spain with the new Organic Law for the Improvement of Educational Quality (LOMCE).

This reform could be seriously detrimental to technological education in secondary schools, since the two main tech-related subjects, ‘Technology’ and ‘Computing’ will no longer be compulsory. Individual educational establishments will henceforth hold the power to decide whether or not to offer these two subjects to students. The changes will affect pupils in compulsory secondary education (aged 12 to 16) as well as Spanish Baccalaureate students (aged 16 to 18). With this reform, Spanish people could reach age 18 without receiving any kind of technological education.

This Spanish law has been introduced at a time when key findings from recognised initiatives such as the Relevance of Science Education (ROSE) Project indicate that school pupils in wealthy countries are not enthusiastic about science and technology. Many experts consider it fundamental to get young students interested in science and technology at an early stage in their education.

In addition, one of the European Commission’s concerns, explained in its publication ‘Research and Innovation Performance in Spain 2013’ in the ‘Innovation Union Progress at Country Level’ report, is that Spain has a lower share of new graduates in science and engineering than the EU average. Moreover, one of the key areas for action in Spain identified by the Commission in this report is to advance towards a high-quality human capital.

Does the Commission think that the Spanish educational reform could exacerbate the problem highlighted in its report regarding the low share of new graduates in science and engineering in Spain?

Does the Commission believe that increasing students’ information and communications technology knowledge and technological skills is fundamental in order to advance towards a more qualified human capital?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2014)

The Honourable Member will be aware that, in accordance with Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the responsibility for the content and organisation of education and training systems rests entirely with Member States.

Through the Open Method of Coordination, the Commission supports Member States in their efforts to improve their education systems. For example, since 2010 there has been an expert group on Maths, Science and Technology Education. Its goal is to identify policies that might help Member States reduce levels of low achievement. However, the group itself decided to exclude ‘technology’ from its analyses, because the meaning of this term differs among jurisdictions and contexts, and there are no clear and internationally agreed guidelines for assessing technology education.

The Commission believes that increasing students’ ICT knowledge and technological skills is essential for improving the quality of human capital. This stance is reflected in the recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council on ‘Key Competences for Life Long Learning’ (18), and several Commission documents, notably ‘Rethinking Education’ (19) and ‘Opening Up Education’ (20).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-013646/13

aan de Commissie

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(3 december 2013)

Betreft: EU-steun (TEN-T programma) voor de verbreding van de Brusselse ring

Op haar website kondigde de Commissie op 20 november aan dat de EU 1 miljoen euro uittrekt van het TEN-T programma voor studies in het kader van de „optimalisering van de Brusselse ring”. Op haar website geeft de Commissie aan studiewerk te financieren voor de aanpassing van de ring, waarvan het doel is „het scheiden van het lokaal en doorgaand verkeer, zonder bestaande weginfrastructuur uit te breiden”. De Vlaamse regering besloot eind vorige maand (25.10.2013) weliswaar tot een verbreding van de ring rond Brussel met extra rijstroken. De mobiliteits‐ en milieu-impactstudies die aan de basis liggen van de beslissing van de Vlaamse regering gaan weldegelijk uit van bijkomende infrastructuur op ten minste delen van de ring. Dit  terwijl het milieueffectenrapport over de verbreding van de ring aantoont dat hierdoor de Europese grenswaarden voor stikstofdioxide (Richtlijn 2008/50/EG) zelfs tegen 2020 niet gehaald zullen worden. Ook de uitstoot van fijn stof en broeikasgassen zou aanzienlijk verhogen. Bovendien gaat een verbreding van de Brusselse ring in tegen de logica van het transportwitboek dat de Commissie in 2011 voorstelde, dat inzet op duurzame stedelijke mobiliteit door middel van intelligente tolheffingen, investeringen in openbaar vervoer en betere stadsplanning.

Antwoord van de heer Kallas namens de Commissie

(21 januari 2014)

Het besluit van de Commissie (21) tot toekenning van financiële bijstand van de Unie voor studies met het oog op de „optimalisering van de Brusselse Ring” in het kader van het trans-Europees vervoersnetwerk (TEN-T) heeft tot doel bij te dragen tot vlotter verkeer en een betere verkeersveiligheid op de Brusselse ringweg overeenkomstig artikel 9 van de TEN-V-richtsnoeren (22). De studies omvatten,onder meer een nieuw ontwerp van de verkeersknooppunten, een gedeeltelijke verbreding van de ringweg en een milieu-effectbeoordeling (MER), die in 2014 wordt aangevat als voortzetting van de reeds zonder EU-steun uitgevoerde strategische milieustudies. In het MER zal bijzondere aandacht worden besteed aan de impact van de voorgestelde ingrepen, met name op het gebied van geluid, luchtkwaliteit, landschap en mensen.

De informatie op de website moest duidelijk maken dat het subsidiebesluit betrekking heeft op de voorbereidende studies en niet op eigenlijke werkzaamheden. De formulering zal worden verduidelijkt.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-013646/13

to the Commission

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: EU aid (via the TEN-T programme) for the widening of the Brussels Ring Road

On 20 November 2013 the Commission announced on its website that the EU will be paying out EUR 1 million from the TEN-T programme for a study to ‘optimise the Brussels Ring Road’. On its site the Commission states that it is funding studies for work on the Ring Road aiming to ‘separate local and transit traffic, without extending the existing road infrastructure’. It is true that, at the end of the previous month (25 October 2013), the Flemish government decided to widen the Brussels Ring Road, adding new lanes. However, the mobility and environmental impact studies which underlie the Flemish government’s decision do indeed assume additional infrastructure at least on parts of the Ring Road. And yet the environmental impact report on the widening of the Ring Road shows that this would result in European limit values for nitrogen oxides (Directive 2008/50/EC) being exceeded as early as 2020. Particulate and greenhouse gas emissions would also rise significantly. Furthermore, the widening of the Brussels Ring Road runs counter to the arguments in the Transport White Paper presented by the Commission in 2011, which is committed to sustainable urban mobility through smart tolls, investments in public transport and better town planning.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(21 January 2014)

Commission Decision (23) granting Union aid to studies for the ‘Optimisation of the Brussels Ring Road’ under the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) programme aims at contributing to improved traffic flows and road safety on the Brussels Ring Road in compliance with Article 9 of the TEN-T Guidelines (24). The studies include, inter alia, junction redesign and targeted widening, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to start in 2014, which is a continuation of previous environmental studies already carried out at strategic level without Union support. This EIA will pay specific attention to the impact of the proposed interventions, notably on noise, air quality, landscape and people.

The information on the website was meant to explain that the grant decision concerned studies and not works. The wording will be clarified.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita P-013647/13

à Comissão

Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(3 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Estaleiros Nacionais de Viana do Castelo

O Governo português anunciou, através do seu Ministro da Defesa, José Aguiar Branco, que anulou o processo de reprivatização dos Estaleiros Nacionais de Viana do Castelo (ENVC) e optou por «um concurso público para a venda quer do Atlântida, quer de material que existe nos estaleiros» e pela «subconcessão dos terrenos que atualmente são ocupados pelos estaleiros». O processo dos ENVC e respetivas ilegalidades é já bem conhecido pela Comissão Europeia, nomeadamente através do processo SA.35546 da DG Concorrência. Aliás, é precisamente a decisão desse processo que é invocada pelo Governo português para justificar a decisão agora tomada. «Não é uma vontade do Governo, resulta desse processo aberto pela União Europeia, porque lesou a concorrência, insistiu [o Ministro da Defesa Português], realçando que “não há condições”, atualmente, para devolver os 180 milhões de euros reclamados, o que evitaria o fecho de uma empresa que tem quase 70 anos».

Esta decisão determina o despedimento dos 618 trabalhadores atuais e não garante sequer que se mantenha a atividade que a ENVC sempre desenvolveu naquele local, uma vez que a subconcessão é relativa apenas aos terrenos. Como contrapartida deste contrato, o Estado português deverá receber um total de 7,05 milhões de euros em rendas que serão pagas pela Martifer até 2031, mas terá de pagar, até janeiro de 2014, cerca de 30 milhões de euros para despedir os trabalhadores, sendo público e conhecido que a Martifer tem atualmente uma dívida que ascende a 378 milhões de euros.

Acresce ainda que o próprio Governo português anuncia também que é preciso dar início à construção de dois navios asfalteiros, para não entrar em incumprimento em relação à empresa de petróleos da Venezuela (PDVSA), que os encomendou. É certo que, sem trabalhadores nem estaleiros, não o poderá fazer.

Assiste-se, assim, a um negócio ruinoso para Portugal, para os trabalhadores dos ENVC, mas muito vantajoso para a empresa que vai assumir a subconcessão dos terrenos por ajuste direto — a Martifer.

Resposta dada por Joaquín Almunia em nome da Comissão

(15 de janeiro de 2014)

A Comissão ainda não adotou uma decisão final no processo SA.35546. Por conseguinte, a Comissão não ordenou a Portugal a recuperação de qualquer auxílio estatal concedido aos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo (ENVC).

Tal como indicou nas suas respostas às perguntas E-5205/2013 e E-11396/2013, desde a abertura do procedimento formal de investigação no processo SA.35546, a Comissão efetuou diversas trocas de correspondência com as autoridades portuguesas e está a acompanhar de perto a evolução mais recente da situação dos ENVC. Neste contexto, as autoridades portuguesas informaram a Comissão das medidas a que se refere o Senhor Deputado e do resultado do procedimento de subconcessão, bem como das medidas subsequentes que planeiam adotar em relação aos trabalhadores dos ENVC por cartas de outubro e novembro de 2013.

A Comissão continuará a sua avaliação do processo SA.35546 e a supervisionar atentamente a evolução da situação dos ENVC.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-013647/13

to the Commission

Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Estaleiros Nacionais de Viana do Castelo

The Portuguese Government, represented by the Minister of Defence, José Aguiar Branco, has announced that it has cancelled the privatisation of Estaleiros Nacionais de Viana do Castelo (ENVC) and opted for competitive bidding for the sale of the ferry Atlântida and of the shipyard materials and for subconcession of the land currently occupied by the shipyards. The Commission is already familiar with the developments — and illegalities — in the ENVC case, which was the subject of its Competition DG’s procedure SA.35546. The Portuguese Government, moreover, maintains that the outcome of that procedure is the reason for its latest decision, which, in the words of the Defence Minister, has been taken not from choice, but because of the EU procedure arising from the breach of competition. The Minister also says that it is not possible at present to pay back the EUR 180 million being claimed; the return of the money would entail the closure of a company established for almost 70 years.

As a result of the government decision the present 618 workers are to be made redundant, and there is no guarantee even that the shipyard will continue to operate as it always has done under ENVC, given that the subconcession relates only to the land. Under the subconcession agreement Portugal is to receive a total of EUR 7.05 million in rent to be paid by Martifer until 2031, but by January 2014 it will have to pay out approximately EUR 30 million to finance the redundancies, as it is common knowledge that Martifer now has a debt amounting to EUR 378 million.

Furthermore, according to the Portuguese Government, work needs to begin on two asphalt ships so as to avoid defaulting on obligations to the party that has ordered them, the Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company PDVSA. Clearly, without workers or shipyards, the ships cannot be built.

The arrangement in question is thus ruinous for Portugal and the ENVC workers, but highly advantageous for the company to which the land subconcession has been awarded directly, namely Martifer.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 2014)

The Commission has not yet adopted a final decision in case SA.35546. Therefore, the Commission has not ordered Portugal to recover any possible state aid granted to ENVC.

As indicated in its replies to questions E-5205/2013 and E-11396/2013, since the opening of the formal investigation procedure in case SA.35546, the Commission has had several exchanges of correspondence with the Portuguese authorities and is closely following the latest developments in relation to ENVC. In this context, the Portuguese authorities informed the Commission of the measures referred to by the Honourable Member and the outcome of the sub-concession procedure, as well as of the next steps they plan to undertake in relation to the employees of ENVC, by correspondence dated October and November 2013.

The Commission will continue its assessment of case SA.35546 and will closely monitor the developments in relation to ENVC.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013648/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Contribución de la importación internacional de productos agrarios a los objetivos de la PAC

El desarrollo de la Política Agraria Común en la Unión Europea ha sido uno de los principales pilares políticos desde la fundación de la Comunidad Europea, otorgando un lugar de importancia a la agricultura europea dentro de la Unión.

Las importaciones de productos agrícolas que llegan a los Estados miembros suponen aproximadamente unos 60 000 millones de euros anuales, convirtiendo al continente en el mayor importador mundial de productos alimentarios. Analizando dichas importaciones, podemos llegar a la conclusión de que no existe un comercio complementario con respecto al tipo de bienes que producen los agricultores europeos, sino que estas importaciones son de bienes que podrían ser producidos en el continente y se importan debido a sus menores costes.

Aproximadamente la mitad de los bienes agroalimentarios que importa la Unión Europea proviene de EE.UU., y los siguientes países en función de su importancia son Japón, Australia y Canadá. Buena parte de estos se localizan en las zonas climáticas templadas del planeta, lo que supone que los bienes agroalimentarios que exportan hacia Europa son en su mayoría cultivo o ganado que podrían cultivarse o criarse en el continente. En un contexto de continua desaparición de agricultores y despoblación de numerosas áreas del medio rural europeo, el comercio internacional de bienes agrícolas continúa inundando los mercados europeos, bajando los precios y provocando la precaria situación de agricultores así como el desempleo rural, a la vez que se contribuye al calentamiento global, puesto que el transporte intercontinental de bienes que podrían ser producidos en Europa supone un coste ambiental que no resulta contabilizado en los balances de las compañías importadoras.

¿Conoce la Comisión el porcentaje de importaciones alimentarias que podrían ser producidas en Europa?

¿No considera la Comisión que la importación de productos agroalimentarios de zonas climáticas similares va en contra de la realización del objetivo de la PAC de fijar población en el medio rural europeo? ¿Considera que dicho tipo de comercio contribuye a la generación de empleo en el medio rural europeo?

¿No considera que la importación de los citados productos agroalimentarios contribuya al deterioro de la sostenibilidad ambiental, teniendo en cuenta la contaminación que supone el transporte innecesario de bienes?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloș en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de febrero de 2014)

Los sucesivos cambios políticos hacia una mayor apertura comercial y una orientación de mercado han reforzado la competitividad del sector agroalimentario de la UE, lo que queda bien reflejado en la mejora de la balanza comercial de la UE en los últimos años. Además, la estructura del comercio agrícola pone de manifiesto un aumento de las exportaciones de la UE de productos acabados con un valor más elevado, mientras que, en gran parte, el incremento de las importaciones se da en forma de materias primas y productos intermedios; lo que aporta un valor añadido a la UE a través de la utilización (de piensos, por ejemplo) o la transformación en productos acabados, con la obtención de unos claros beneficios económicos.

En lo que respecta a las posibilidades de producción de los bienes que la UE importa en la actualidad y a los aspectos económicos y medioambientales de las pautas comerciales actuales, del reciente excedente comercial neto de la UE puede desprenderse que esta sí estaría en disposición de producir determinadas mercancías, aunque esto implicaría desventajas económicas y medioambientales. Encontramos un caso ilustrativo al respecto en las importaciones de proteaginosas para el sector ganadero de la UE, a través de las cuales el sector puede obtener piensos ricos en proteínas procedentes de terceros países con ventajas en materia de costes, mientras que los productores de cultivos herbáceos de la UE sacan una mayor rentabilidad a los cultivos alternativos. Por lo que se refiere a las consecuencias medioambientales, la rotación de cultivos de proteaginosas aporta un claro valor añadido, teniendo en cuenta que el inferior rendimiento de las proteaginosas en comparación con los cereales conllevaría la necesidad de un aumento de las superficies a fin de producir cantidades equivalentes de proteaginosas, lo que supondría una carga adicional a la limitación del terreno y de otros recursos naturales de la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013648/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: The contribution to CAP objectives of agricultural products imported from outside the Union.

Developing the European Union’s common agricultural policy has been a main pillar of policy since the foundation of the European Community, giving agriculture a position of importance in the Union.

Imports of agricultural products to Member States account for approximately EUR 60 billion a year, making the continent the world's largest importer of food products. We can conclude from an analysis of these imports that no complementary trade exists with respect to the type of goods produced by European farmers, but that the goods imported could be produced within the continent and are imported due to their lower costs.

Approximately half of the agri-food imported by the EU comes from the USA, followed, in order of importance, by Japan, Australia and Canada. Many of these are located in temperate climate zones, meaning that the agri-food products exported to Europe are mostly crops and livestock that could be farmed or reared in the continent. In the context of falling numbers of farmers and depopulation in many of Europe’s rural areas, internationally traded agricultural goods continue to flood European markets, lowering prices and causing a precarious situation for farmers and rural unemployment. This also contributes to global warming, since intercontinental transport of goods that could be produced in Europe has an environmental cost not accounted for in the balance sheets of importing companies.

Does the Commission know what percentage of imported food could be produced in Europe?

Does the Commission not believe that importing agri-food products from similar climate zones runs counter to the CAP objective of maintaining population in European rural areas? Does the Commission believe that this type of trade contributes to job creation in rural Europe?

Does it not believe that imports of the abovementioned agri-food products contribute to deterioration in environmental sustainability, taking into account the pollution caused by the unnecessary transport of goods?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2014)

Consecutive policy changes towards more trade opening and market orientation have improved the competitiveness of the EU agro-food sector that is well reflected in the improved EU trade balance over recent years. Furthermore, the structure of agricultural trade reveals an increase in EU exports of finished products with a higher value, while most of the increase in imports are in the form of raw commodities and intermediate products; hence allowing for value to be added within the EU through utilisation (as feed for example) or processing into finished goods with clear economic benefits.

Regarding the scope for producing currently imported goods in the EU and the economic and environmental considerations of current trade patterns, it could be assumed from the recent EU net trade surplus that the EU could indeed produce certain commodities; however, this would come at an economic and environmental disadvantage. This can be illustrated through the case of protein imports for the EU livestock sector, whereby the sector can procure protein rich feed from third countries at a cost advantage while EU arable producers benefit from higher returns of alternative crops. In terms of environmental implications, protein crops in rotation have a clear added value, taking into account that the lower yields of protein crops vis-à-vis cereals implies that increased areas would be needed to produce equivalent quantities of protein crops, placing additional burden on the limited land and other natural resources of the EU.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013649/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Situación de los trabajadores agrarios en Honduras

Según han denunciado en repetidas ocasiones numerosas ONGs, el Gobierno de Honduras no está implementando en una manera adecuada un sistema de control sobre las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores del medio agrario. Así, el 34 % de los trabajadores del país, según datos de 2012, se enfrentan a condiciones inhumanas víctimas del miedo y las desiguales relaciones de poder entre propietarios de tierras y jornaleros de escasos recursos.

La propia FAO señaló en 2012 que 15 personas mueren diariamente en las zonas rurales del país debido a problemas relacionados con una mala alimentación. Por un salario promedio de aproximadamente unos 146 dólares, los trabajadores agrícolas del país ponen en riesgo sus vidas, siendo comúnmente rociados con pesticidas tóxicos, aceptando terribles condiciones de hacinamiento, jornadas de trabajos interminables, etc. Estas condiciones de los trabajadores son plena responsabilidad del Gobierno de Honduras, que no pone a disposición de los sistemas de control de la legislación laboral los recursos necesarios para realizar inspecciones de trabajo.

Sin un sistema de control de la aplicación tanto del derecho laboral nacional como de las convenciones internacionales de la OIT que Honduras ha firmado, el Estado no está en condiciones de garantizar que la producción de materias primas que el país comercia en el mercado internacional cumple dichas legislaciones. Según las informaciones disponibles, parece que la realidad de los trabajadores agrarios dista mucho de las normas que regulan dicho ámbito en el país, generando situaciones de absoluto abandono y barbarie de estos trabajadores, que soportan condiciones que —en algunas ocasiones— son propias de sistemas de producción esclavistas. La situación es más grave aún para las mujeres del medio rural, que carecen de derecho alguno por maternidad y se enfrentan al despido ante un embarazo.

¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante los escandalosos datos sobre las terribles condiciones que afrontan diariamente en Honduras los trabajadores agrarios?

Teniendo en cuenta el marco de la implementación del Acuerdo de Asociación con América Central, ¿piensa instar a Honduras que realice un control efectivo de las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores agrarios e implemente de manera efectiva los convenios de la OIT que ha ratificado, así como sus propias leyes en el ámbito laboral?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013650/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Situación de los trabajadores agrarios en Honduras

Según han denunciado en repetidas ocasiones numerosas ONG, el Gobierno de Honduras no está implementando en una manera adecuada un sistema de control sobre las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores del medio agrario. Así, el 34 % de los trabajadores del país, según datos de 2012, se enfrentan a condiciones inhumanas víctimas del miedo y las desiguales relaciones de poder entre propietarios de tierras y jornaleros de escasos recursos.

La propia FAO señaló en 2012 que quince personas mueren diariamente en las zonas rurales del país debido a problemas relacionados con una mala alimentación. Por un salario medio de aproximadamente unos 146 dólares, los trabajadores agrícolas del país ponen en riesgo sus vidas, siendo comúnmente rociados con pesticidas tóxicos, aceptando terribles condiciones de hacinamiento, jornadas de trabajos interminables, etc. Estas condiciones de los trabajadores son plena responsabilidad del Gobierno de Honduras que no pone a disposición de los sistemas de control de la legislación laboral los recursos necesarios para realizar inspecciones de trabajo.

Sin un sistema de control de la aplicación tanto del Derecho laboral nacional como de las convenciones internacionales de la OIT que Honduras ha firmado, el Estado no está en condiciones de garantizar que la producción de materias primas que el país comercia en el mercado internacional cumple dichas legislaciones. Según las informaciones disponibles, parece que la realidad de los trabajadores agrarios dista mucho de las normas que regulan dicho ámbito en el país, generando situaciones de absoluto abandono y barbarie de estos trabajadores que soportan condiciones, que, en algunas ocasiones, son propias de sistemas de producción esclavistas. La situación es más grave aún para las mujeres del medio rural que carecen de derecho alguno por maternidad y se enfrentan al despido ante un embarazo.

¿Conoce la Comisión los escandalosos datos sobre las terribles condiciones que afrontan diariamente en Honduras los trabajadores agrarios? ¿De qué instrumentos dispone el Acuerdo de asociación UE-América Central para controlar que este tipo de importaciones realizadas a la Unión Europea cumplan los convenios de la OIT así como la propia legislación de Honduras? ¿Planteará sistemas de trazabilidad para garantizar la visibilidad de las condiciones laborales en origen de los productos importados desde Honduras? ¿Se plantea exigir a Honduras un sistema de inspecciones viable para asegurar que se cumplen los derechos laborales y los convenios de la OIT?

Respuesta conjunta de la Alta Representante/vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de febrero de 2014)

El control de los compromisos internacionales en material de normas laborales se realiza en el marco de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), con la que la UE trabaja estrechamente para promover la ratificación y la aplicación efectiva de los Convenios fundamentales de la OIT en material laboral, así como el Programa de Trabajo Decente. Las inspecciones de trabajo contribuyen a la mejora del cumplimiento de la legislación laboral. La UE dialoga sobre las políticas sociales y de empleo, incluida la salud y la seguridad en el trabajo y otras normas laborales, con una serie de regiones y países socios. Tal diálogo suele ir acompañado de proyectos de asistencia para el desarrollo de las capacidades administrativas y del marco político y administrativo a fin de mejorar el respeto de las normas laborales y las condiciones de trabajo.

La UE sigue de cerca la situación en Honduras. La protección de los derechos humanos, incluidos los derechos laborales, es una de las prioridades del diálogo político y la cooperación con Honduras. La UE se propone fomentar el empleo decente y el respeto de las leyes y normas laborales, la mejora del marco jurídico y el refuerzo de las instituciones competentes.

El Acuerdo de Asociación UE-Centroamérica no prevé ningún mecanismo de trazabilidad específico de los productos importados de Honduras. No obstante, a través de su Título sobre Comercio y Desarrollo Sostenible y de los mecanismos de control relacionados, la UE dispondrá de un instrumento adicional para fomentar e impulsar el progreso continuo de los derechos laborales en Honduras

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013649/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Situation of agricultural workers in Honduras

According to a series of reports by a number of NGOs, the Honduran Government is not properly monitoring the working conditions of agricultural labourers.Data from 2012 showed that 34% of workers in Honduras were working in inhumane conditions, were victims of intimidation and had no way of standing up to the landowners who employed them.

In 2012 the Food and Agricultural Organisation revealed that 15 people die every day in rural areas of Honduras from problems linked to malnutrition.The country’s agricultural workers face repeated exposure to toxic pesticides, desperately overcrowded living conditions and endlessly long working days, thus putting their lives at risk, all for an average monthly wage packet of a paltry USD 146. These conditions are the direct result of the Honduran Government's failure to provide labour law enforcement authorities with the resources needed to carry out inspections.

Without a system to monitor the application of national labour law and ILO international agreements to which Honduras is party, the government is unable to ensure that production of the raw materials traded by Honduras on the international market meets the relevant provisions. According to the information available, national employment rules seem quite simply not to apply to agricultural labourers, with the result that the latter are forced to endure conditions that sometimes amount to slavery, characterised by neglect and mistreatment.The situation is even worse for women in rural areas, who have no maternity rights and face dismissal if they become pregnant.

Is the Vice‐President/High Representative aware of the data concerning the scandalous conditions faced daily by agricultural workers in Honduras?

In view of the implementation of the Association Agreement with Central America, does the Vice‐President/High Representative intend to call on Honduras to monitor effectively the working conditions of agricultural labourers and to implement properly national labour legislation and the ILO agreements it has ratified?

Question for written answer E-013650/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Situation of agricultural workers in Honduras

According to a series of reports by a number of NGOs, the Honduran Government is not properly monitoring the working conditions of agricultural labourers. Data from 2012 showed that 34% of workers in Honduras were working in inhumane conditions, were victims of intimidation and had no way of standing up to the landowners who employed them.

In 2012 the Food and Agricultural Organisation revealed that 15 people die every day in rural areas of Honduras from problems linked to malnutrition. The country’s agricultural workers face repeated exposure to toxic pesticides, desperately overcrowded living conditions and endlessly long working days, thus putting their lives at risk, all for an average monthly wage packet of a paltry USD 146. These conditions are the direct result of the Honduran Government's failure to provide labour law enforcement authorities with the resources needed to carry out inspections.

Without a system to monitor the application of national labour law and ILO international agreements to which Honduras is party, the government is unable to ensure that production of the raw materials traded by Honduras on the international market meets the relevant provisions. According to the information available, national employment rules seem quite simply not to apply to agricultural labourers, with the result that the latter are forced to endure conditions that sometimes amount to slavery, characterised by neglect and mistreatment. The situation is even worse for women in rural areas, who have no maternity rights and face dismissal if they become pregnant.

Is the Commission aware of the data concerning the scandalous conditions faced daily by agricultural workers in Honduras? What instruments are provided for under the EU-Central America Association Agreement to verify that imports into the Union from Honduras comply with ILO agreements and Honduran law? Will the Commission consider setting up traceability systems for products imported from Honduras with a view to guaranteeing the visibility of working conditions at source? Will it consider calling on Honduras to introduce a workable system of inspections for the purpose of ensuring compliance with labour rights and ILO agreements?

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

(21 February 2014)

Monitoring of international commitments on labour standards takes place within the framework of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), with whom the EU works closely in order to promote the ratification and the effective implementation of ILO fundamental labour Conventions as well as the Decent Work Agenda. Labour inspections form an integral part of improving compliance with labour legislation. The EU conducts policy dialogues on employment and social policy, including health and safety at work and other labour standards with a number of partner countries and regions. They are often accompanied by assistance projects aiming at development of administrative capacity, policy and legislative framework to improve respect of labour standards and working conditions.

The EU is closely following the situation in Honduras. The promotion of human rights protection, including labour rights, is one of the priorities of the political dialogue and cooperation with Honduras. The EU plans to promote decent employment and respect for labour laws and standards, the improvement of the legal framework and strengthening the institutions in charge.

The EU-Central America Association Agreement does not foresee a specific traceability mechanism for products imported from Honduras. However, through its Trade and Sustainable Development Title and related monitoring mechanisms, it will provide the EU with an additional instrument to promote and leverage continued progress on labour rights in Honduras.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013651/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Financiación europea de líneas de AVE casi en desuso

Según datos publicados recientemente por la prensa española, uno de cada cuatro trayectos del AVE (tren español de alta velocidad), se realizan con un único pasajero diario. Esto supone que el programa de inversiones multimillonarias realizadas por el Gobierno de España carezca absolutamente de todo interés para la población.

Ya existían voces críticas en el momento de su construcción, pero el impulso que el anterior Gobierno dio a la alta velocidad en el país y los millones de euros que fueron a parar a las manos de los grandes grupos constructores del país impusieron su finalización. A la luz de los últimos escándalos de corrupción en España, donde estas mismas empresas han financiado a los partidos políticos en el poder a cambio de recibir contratos públicos, se puede comprender un posible motivo para la construcción de cientos de kilómetros de líneas que son usados por una persona al día. Muchos directivos de las empresas que se han beneficiado de los contratos de construcción de la red del AVE se encuentran actualmente sometidos a procedimientos judiciales en relación con los casos de corrupción.

Más allá de las posibles implicaciones penales que puedan darse, existen casos en los que la cofinanciación de los fondos de la Unión Europea ha contribuido a la construcción de dichas infraestructuras. La cofinanciación de este tipo de proyectos debe ser aprobada tras cumplirse los supuestamente exigentes requisitos que impone el Derecho europeo. Sin embargo, vemos cómo la evaluación previa del impacto y la utilidad pública de dichos proyectos ha sido cuando menos errónea, si es que no es posible demostrar actitudes que podrían haber sido hasta delictivas.

¿Cuántos millones de euros procedentes de los fondos europeos han cofinanciado, y están cofinanciando actualmente, la construcción de los tramos de AVE que apenas se usan hoy en día en España?

¿Qué criterios han sido aplicados en la evaluación de la pertinencia o no de financiación europea y la utilidad de dichos proyectos con un usuario al día?

¿Quién ha sido el responsable de dicha evaluación? ¿Piensa la Comisión exigir responsabilidades por el despilfarro de fondos en estas líneas de AVE?

Respuesta del Sr. Hahn en nombre de la Comisión

(12 de febrero de 2014)

Mejorar la accesibilidad es esencial para reforzar las economías regionales y lograr la competitividad y la cohesión territorial. Entre 2000 y 2013 se han destinado al desarrollo de la red ferroviaria española de alta velocidad unos 11,6 millones EUR del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), el Fondo de Cohesión y la RTE-T. Por lo que se refiere a las inversiones en la infraestructura de transportes, incluida la red ferroviaria de alta velocidad, la Comisión, en el marco del semestre europeo de 2013, insistió en que «la infraestructura de transporte es abundante, pero hay margen para que la selección de las inversiones sea más estricta y se dé prioridad al mantenimiento eficiente de las redes existentes».

Las normas de la política de cohesión y del Mecanismo «Conectar Europa» exigen un análisis de costes y beneficios (ACB) de todos los grandes proyectos de inversión que solicitan ayuda. Así pues, la autoridad española de gestión debe facilitar este análisis para los grandes proyectos que se financiarán en el marco de sus programas. El ACB, es decir, la evaluación financiera y económica de los proyectos, que incluye la evaluación del riesgo, es fundamental para tomar decisiones sobre los grandes proyectos cofinanciados por la UE.

El ACB del tren de alta velocidad tiene en cuenta un mínimo de veinte a veinticinco años de actividad y debe examinar el rendimiento financiero y económico en todo el país y en la EU. Al evaluar la red de alta velocidad española debe tenerse en cuenta el valor añadido europeo derivado de la integración de España en la RTE-T a través de líneas interoperables aptas para el tráfico mixto.

En el caso de proyectos que han demostrado no ser funcionales, la Comisión puede proceder a recuperar los fondos asignados al proyecto en su conjunto. Si el Estado miembro no está de acuerdo con la recuperación, la Comisión puede proceder a una corrección financiera.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013651/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: EU financing of AVE high-speed railway lines that are almost in disuse

According to information recently published in the Spanish press, one of every four legs of routes covered by the AVE (Spanish high-speed train) carries one passenger a day. This means that the Spanish Government’s multimillion investment programme is completely irrelevant to the population.

Some people already voiced criticism when it was being constructed, but the impetus given by Spain’s previous government to high-speed rail and the millions of euros that found their way into the hands of large construction groups ensured that it was completed. In light of recent corruption scandals in Spain, these same companies having funded political parties in power in exchange for public contracts, one can see one possible reason for the construction of hundreds of kilometres of lines that are used by one person a day. Many managers of companies that benefited from construction contracts for the AVE network are now the subject of legal proceedings related to corruption cases.

Beyond any possible criminal implications, there are cases in which the construction of such infrastructures was co-financed by the EU. Co-financing of projects of this kind can only be approved after the supposedly strict requirements of European law have been met. However, we see that prior assessments of the impact and public utility of such projects were — even if criminal attitudes cannot be demonstrated — at the very least incorrect.

How many millions of euros of EU funds have co-financed, and continue to co-finance, the construction of AVE sections hardly used today in Spain?

What criteria have been applied to assess the appropriateness or otherwise of EU funding and the utility of these projects with one user a day?

Who was responsible for making this assessment? Will the Commission demand accountability for the funds wasted on these AVE lines?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2014)

Enhancing accessibility is essential in order to strengthen regional economies and achieving both competitiveness and territorial cohesion. Around EUR 11.6 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund and TEN-T has gone into the development of the Spanish high-speed rail network between 2000 and 2013. With regard to the investments in transport infrastructure, including the high-speed rail network, the Commission has stressed in the framework of the 2013 EU Semester that ‘transport infrastructure is abundant but there is a scope to make the selection of investments more stringent and prioritize efficient maintenance of existing networks’.

Cohesion policy and Connecting Europe Facility rules require a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of all major investment projects applying for assistance. The Spanish managing authority is therefore required to provide such analysis for major projects to be financed under their programmes. The CBA, i.e. financial and economic project appraisal, including risk assessment, is essential for decision-making on major projects co-financed by the EU.

The CBA analysis of the high speed train takes into consideration at least 20-25 years of activity and has to consider the financial and economic returns to the whole country and the EU. When assessing the Spanish high-speed network, the European added value arising from integration of Spain in the TEN-T network, through interoperable lines suitable for mix traffic, should be considered.

In case of projects proven to be non-functional, the Commission could proceed with the recovery of the funds allocated to the whole project. If the Member State does not agree with the recovery, the Commission can proceed with a financial correction.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013652/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: El papel de las grandes compañías en el cambio climático

En un reciente artículo publicado el pasado 14 de octubre en la revista Climatic Change por el reconocido científico Richard Heede se llega a afirmar que 90 compañías multinacionales son responsables del 63 % de las emisiones de dióxido de carbono y metano a la atmósfera.

Estas conclusiones, muy compartidas entre buena parte de la comunidad científica, surgen de un estudio en profundidad del impacto de las grandes compañías sobre las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Con una evidencia empírica relativa a quienes suponen los principales actores que están contribuyendo al cambio climático, no existen incentivos para continuar empleando enfoques de trabajo orientados a la acción a escala estatal que han demostrado tener muy escaso éxito. Este estudio permite señalar a los principales culpables del calentamiento global y debe obligar la Comisión a considerar un cambio de metodología de trabajo que suponga poner en el punto de mira a las grandes compañías emisoras.

En la actualidad se trata de reducir el nivel de emisiones cambiando los comportamientos de los consumidores, con acciones como eficiencia energética en los hogares, empleo de nuevas formas de transporte, etc., aunque estas medidas han fracasado al no lograr reducir aceleradamente el nivel de emisiones. Sin embargo, la contaminación se realiza en la producción, y sólo actuando firmemente sobre las empresas será posible detener estas emisiones. Los derechos de emisión no son suficientes y es necesaria la acción sobre las grandes compañías emisoras para detener de una forma efectiva el cambio climático.

¿Conoce la Comisión el citado estudio?

A la luz de lo contenido en el citado artículo, ¿considera necesario centrar la acción internacional sobre las compañías multinacionales citadas en él?

¿Qué medidas está tomando la Comisión en los foros internacionales para focalizar los puntos de negociación en la acción sobre las grandes compañías emisoras?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013720/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: El papel de las grandes compañías en el cambio climático

En un reciente artículo publicado el pasado 14 de octubre en la revista Climatic Change por el reconocido científico Richard Heede se llega a afirmar que 90 compañías multinacionales son responsables del 63 % de las emisiones de dióxido de carbono y metano a la atmósfera.

Estas conclusiones, muy compartidas entre buena parte de la comunidad científica, surgen de un estudio en profundidad del impacto de las grandes compañías sobre las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Con una evidencia empírica relativa a quienes suponen los principales actores que están contribuyendo al cambio climático, no existen incentivos para continuar empleando enfoques de trabajo orientados a la acción a escala estatal que han demostrado tener muy escaso éxito. Este estudio permite señalar a los principales culpables del calentamiento global y debe obligar a la Comisión Europea a considerar un cambio de metodología de trabajo que suponga un pase de los enfoques orientados a los Estados miembros a un enfoque orientado a las grandes compañías emisoras.

En la actualidad se trata de reducir el nivel de emisiones cambiando los comportamientos de los consumidores, con acciones como eficiencia energética en los hogares, empleo de nuevas formas de transporte, etc. Estas medidas han fracasado al no lograr reducir aceleradamente el nivel de emisiones. Sin embargo, la contaminación se realiza en la producción, y solo actuando firmemente sobre las empresas será posible detener estas emisiones. Los derechos de emisión no son suficientes y es necesaria la acción sobre las grandes compañías emisoras para detener de una forma efectiva el cambio climático.

¿Conoce la Comisión el citado estudio?

¿Dispone la Comisión de algún sistema de información para conocer cuáles son las empresas europeas con mayor nivel de emisiones de dióxido de carbono y metano?

¿Piensa hacer pública información de este tipo para que los ciudadanos europeos esté totalmente informados sobre cuáles son las compañías que más contaminan, atendiendo a lo establecido en la Directiva 2003/4/CE y en el Convenio de Aahrus?

Respuesta conjunta de la Sra. Hedegaard en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de febrero de 2014)

La Comisión tiene conocimiento de este estudio, pero no está de acuerdo con las conclusiones extraídas por Su Señoría. En la UE y en los tres Estados del EEE (Islandia, Liechtenstein y Noruega), el régimen de comercio de derechos de emisión de la UE (RCDE UE) fija un «tope», o límite, decreciente con respecto a la cantidad total de determinados gases de efecto invernadero que pueden emitir más de 11 000 instalaciones que realizan un gran consumo energético para la producción de electricidad y la industria manufacturera. De este modo, el régimen engloba aproximadamente el 45 % de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de la UE. Desde su puesta en marcha en 2005, este ha propiciado constantemente reducciones de las emisiones.

Con arreglo al RCDE UE, las empresas deben informar cada año de sus emisiones, lo que es comprobado por un verificador independiente, y entregar los suficientes derechos de emisión para cubrir todas sus emisiones. El registro de la Unión, una base de datos en línea (25), garantiza que la contabilidad se lleve de manera exacta conforme al RCDE UE. Este registro consigna las emisiones verificadas anuales de todas las instalaciones, así como la conciliación anual de los derechos de emisión y las emisiones verificadas. Por tanto, la información sobre las empresas europeas que generan el mayor nivel de emisiones está a disposición del público.

Por último, aunque los esfuerzos por parte de las empresas multinacionales más contaminantes son, sin duda, importantes, la Comisión opina que la transición a una economía hipocarbónica no tendrá éxito si no se produce una transformación social más general en la que haya un mayor compromiso por parte de las empresas, los ciudadanos y las partes interesadas, incluso aunque no sean los «principales contribuidores» en cuanto a emisiones.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013652/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: The role of major companies in climate change

A recent article by renowned scientist Richard Heede, published on 14 October in the journal Climatic Change, goes so far as to claim that 90 multinational companies are responsible for 63% of carbon dioxide and methane emissions into the atmosphere.

These conclusions, very much shared by the scientific community, are the result of a thorough study of the impact of large companies on greenhouse gas emissions. With empirical evidence about who are the main actors contributing to climate change, there is no incentive to continue using approaches aimed at taking action at state level, which has been shown to have very little success. This study allows the main culprits of global warming to be identified and should compel the Commission to consider changing the methodology so as to spotlight the companies that are major emitters.

The current methodology attempts to reduce emissions by changing consumer behaviour, with action such as energy efficiency in homes, use of new forms of transport and so on. However, these measures have failed to achieve a rapid reduction in emission levels. In fact, pollution occurs in production, and only by taking firm action on companies can these emissions be stopped. Emission allowances are not enough. In order to be effective in stopping climate change, action has to be taken on the companies that are major emitters.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

In light of this article’s content, does the Commission consider it necessary to focus international action on the multinational companies mentioned in the study?

What measures is the Commission taking in international forums to direct points of negotiation towards action on companies that are major emitters?

Question for written answer E-013720/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: The role of large companies in climate change

According to a recent article published on 14 October 2013 in the journal Climatic Change by renowned scientist Richard Heede, 90 multinational companies are responsible for 63% of emissions of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

These conclusions are very much shared by most of the scientific community and are based on a thorough study into the impact of large companies on greenhouse gas emissions. As there is empirical evidence showing who are main culprits contributing to climate change, there is no reason to keep using State-level, action-oriented work approaches, which have proven to be largely unsuccessful. This study makes it possible to identify the main culprits of global warming and should make the Commission consider changing the methodology of its work so as to shift from Member State-oriented approaches to an approach focused on companies that are major emitters.

Currently, the aim is to reduce emissions levels by changing consumer behaviour with measures such as energy efficiency in homes, using of new forms of transport, etc. These measures have failed to rapidly reduce emission levels. However, it is manufacturing that causes pollution, and these emissions can only be stopped by taking firm action with businesses. Emission allowances are not enough, and action needs to be taken against the major emitting companies to effectively stop climate change.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

Does the Commission have an information system to determine which European businesses produce the highest level of carbon dioxide and methane emissions?

Does the Commission intend to disclose this kind of information so that European citizens are fully informed about which companies pollute the most according to the provisions of Directive 2003/4/EC and the Aarhus Convention?

Joint answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(13 February 2014)

The Commission is aware of this study, but does not agree with the conclusions drawn by the Honourable Member. In the EU and the three EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) puts a declining ‘cap’, or limit, on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted from more than 11 000 heavy energy-using installations in power generation and manufacturing industry. The system thereby covers around 45% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. Since its start in 2005, the system has continuously delivered emission reductions.

Under the EU ETS, a company must each year report its emissions — verified by an independent verifier — and surrender enough emission allowances to cover all its emissions. Accurate accounting under the EU ETS is ensured by the Union registry, an online database (26). The registry records the annual verified emissions from all installations as well as the annual reconciliation of allowances and verified emissions. Information on which European businesses produce the highest level of emissions is therefore publicly available.

Finally, while efforts by the most polluting multinational companies are of course important, the Commission is of the view that the transition to the low-carbon economy will not be successful without a broader societal transformation that engages companies, citizens and stakeholders more widely, also if they are not among the ‘top contributors’ in terms of emissions.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013653/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Derechos de los trabajadores de la construcción en Qatar

Amnistía Internacional ha publicado un informe titulado «The Dark Side of Migrations: Sportlight on Qatar's construction sector ahead of the World Cup» en el que acusa a dicho país de gravísimas violaciones de los derechos de los trabajadores en el sector de la construcción.

La ola de la construcción que ha supuesto la elección de Qatar como sede de la Copa del Mundo para el año 2020 está atrayendo a miles de trabajadores procedentes de diferentes países de Asia con la promesa de encontrar empleo. La Copa del Mundo requiere la construcción de un elevado número de infraestructuras deportivas pero, a su vez, de infraestructuras auxiliares como una red eficiente de transporte, así como un significativo incremento de la capacidad hotelera del país. Ante esta ola constructiva son miles los inmigrantes que llegan al país con la promesa de un empleo en el sector, pero esta promesa termina convirtiéndose en una trampa.

Se trata a estos trabajadores extranjeros en condiciones cercanas a la esclavitud: se les quita el pasaporte, impidiendo su salida del país, y se les obliga a aceptar condiciones infrahumanas, así como sueldos muy inferiores a lo acordado en sus respectivos países de origen. El informe de Amnistía Internacional presenta escalofriantes testimonios de trabajadores atrapados en el país que sufren esta realidad, mientras los cuerpos diplomáticos de muchos Estados miembros de la Unión Europea felicitan al país por la celebración del Copa del Mundo.

¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante la situación de los trabajadores extranjeros en Qatar?

¿Ha solicitado en alguna ocasión a las autoridades cataríes que garanticen los derechos y las libertades fundamentales de los trabajadores extranjeros en el país?

¿Piensa congelar la cooperación en materia de comercio e inversiones con Qatar a través del Consejo de Cooperación del Golfo hasta que dicho país respete los derechos humanos de los citados trabajadores y los convenios de la OIT que ha ratificado?

Respuesta de la alta representante y vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(12 de febrero de 2014)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta es muy consciente de la cuestión de los derechos de los trabajadores migrantes en Qatar y, más en general, en la región del Golfo. La Delegación de la UE en Riad (acreditada en Qatar) y las misiones diplomáticas de la UE en Doha siguen muy de cerca la situación de los derechos humanos y, en particular, la situación de los derechos de los trabajadores migrantes.

El respeto de la dignidad humana es un valor central de la UE. La UE ha abogado permanentemente por que nuestros socios del Golfo adopten una legislación y medidas de ejecución más decisivas para abordar la situación de los trabajadores migrantes que, a pesar de los innegables avances de los últimos años, todavía requiere mejoras de conformidad con las normas internacionales del trabajo y en colaboración con los países de origen de los trabajadores extranjeros, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la aplicación de la legislación existente.

Para más detalles sobre la posición de la UE en este asunto, puede remitirse a la respuesta dada a las preguntas escritas E-011091/2013, P-011553/2013, E‐011648/2013 y E-011649/2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013653/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Construction workers' rights in Qatar

Amnesty International has published a report entitled ‘The dark side of migration:Spotlight on Qatar’s construction sector ahead of the World Cup’, which accuses this country of very serious violations of workers’ rights in the construction sector.

The wave of construction resulting from Qatar being chosen to host the 2020 World Cup is attracting thousands of workers from various Asian countries with the promise of finding employment. The World Cup requires a large number of sports facilities to be built, but also ancillary infrastructures, an efficient transport network and a significant increase in the country’s hotel capacity. This wave of construction is leading thousands of migrants to enter the country with the promise of finding employment in the sector, but this promise turns out to be a trap.

These foreign workers are treated in conditions close to slavery: their passports are taken away, preventing them from leaving the country, and they are forced to accept inhumane conditions and much lower wages than those agreed in their countries of origin. The Amnesty International report presents chilling testimonies from workers trapped in the country under these conditions, while diplomats from many Member States congratulate the country on hosting the World Cup.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the situation of foreign construction workers in Qatar?

Has she, on any occasion, asked the Qatar authorities to ensure the rights and fundamental freedoms of foreign workers in the country?

Does she intend to suspend cooperation on trade and investment with Qatar through the Gulf Cooperation Council until that country respects the human rights of these workers and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions it has ratified?

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

(12 February 2014)

The HR/VP is well aware of the issue of migrant workers' rights in Qatar and more broadly in the Gulf region. The EU Delegation in Riyadh (accredited to Qatar) and EU diplomatic missions in Doha are closely following the human rights situation, including the situation of migrant workers' rights.

The respect of human dignity is at the core of EU values. The EU has consistently advocated for more decisive legislation and enforcement measures to be taken by our Gulf partners in order to address the situation of migrant workers which, in spite of undeniable progress in recent years, still deserves improvements in accordance with International Labour Organisation conventions and in collaboration with the countries of origin of foreign workers‐ in particular as regards implementation of existing legislation.

Please refer to the answer given to written questions E-011091/2013, P-011553/2013, E‐011648/2013 and E-011649/2013 for more details on the EU's position on the issue.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013654/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Empresas europeas y derechos de los trabajadores de la construcción en Qatar

Amnistía Internacional ha publicado un informe titulado «The Dark Side of Migrations: Sportlight on Qata's construction sector ahead of the World Cup», en el que acusa a dicho país de gravísimas violaciones de los derechos de los trabajadores en el sector de la construcción.

La ola de la construcción que ha supuesto la elección de Qatar como sede de la Copa del Mundo para el año 2020 está atrayendo a miles de trabajadores procedentes de diferentes países de Asia con la promesa de encontrar un empleo. La Copa del Mundo requiere la construcción de un elevado número de infraestructuras deportivas pero, a su vez, de infraestructuras auxiliares como una red eficiente de transporte así como un significativo incremento de la capacidad hotelera del país. Ante esta ola constructiva son miles los inmigrantes que llegan al país con la promesa de un empleo en el sector, pero esta promesa termina convirtiéndose en una trampa.

Se trata a estos trabajadores extranjeros en condiciones cercanas a la esclavitud: se les quita el pasaporte, impidiendo su salida del país, y se les obliga a aceptar trabajos en condiciones infrahumanas, así como sueldos muy inferiores a lo acordado en sus respectivos países de origen. El informe de Amnistía Internacional presenta escalofriantes testimonios de trabajadores atrapados en el país que sufren esta realidad, mientras los cuerpos diplomáticos de muchos Estados miembros de la Unión Europea felicitan al país por la celebración del Copa del Mundo.

¿Conoce la Comisión la situación de los trabajadores extranjeros en Qatar?

¿Existen empresas europeas del sector de la construcción o de los servicios auxiliares que estén realizando inversiones en el país arábigo? ¿Podría enumerarlas?

¿De qué mecanismos dispone la Comisión para garantizar que las empresas europeas no estén contratando bajo las condiciones laborales esclavistas que permite Qatar, y que las subcontratas de las empresas europeas respeten los derechos fundamentales de los trabajadores?

Respuesta de la alta representante y vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de febrero de 2014)

La alta representante y vicepresidenta es muy consciente de la cuestión de los derechos de los trabajadores migrantes en Qatar y, más en general, en la región del Golfo. La Delegación de la UE en Riad (acreditada en Qatar) y las misiones diplomáticas de la UE en Doha siguen muy de cerca la situación de los derechos humanos, en particular la situación de los derechos de los trabajadores migrantes.

La UE sigue estos problemas, especialmente en el marco de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT). La UE apoya el Programa de Trabajo Decente y la ratificación y aplicación efectiva de los convenios de la OIT, en particular por lo que respecta a las normas fundamentales del trabajo, y coopera con la OIT en este sentido.

El respeto de la dignidad humana se encuentra en el núcleo de los valores de la UE. La UE aboga permanentemente porque nuestros socios del Golfo adopten una legislación y medidas de ejecución más decisivas para abordar la situación de los trabajadores migrantes que, a pesar de los innegables avances de los últimos años, todavía requiere mejoras de conformidad con las normas internacionales del trabajo (en particular, los convenios de la OIT n° 111 y 81, que han sido ratificados por Qatar) y en colaboración con los países de origen de los trabajadores extranjeros, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la aplicación de la legislación existente.

La Comisión no dispone de información sobre las empresas de la UE que operan en terceros países. La UE fomenta la responsabilidad social de las empresas, tal como señala en su estrategia en este ámbito, en particular el cumplimiento por las empresas de la UE de los principios y directrices reconocidos internacionalmente, como las Líneas Directrices de la OCDE para Empresas Multinacionales y los principios rectores de las Naciones Unidas sobre Empresas y Derechos Humanos.

Para más detalles sobre la posición de la UE en este asunto, puede remitirse a la respuesta dada a las preguntas escritas E-11091/2013, P-11553/2013, E-11648/2013 y E-11649/2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013654/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: European companies and construction workers' rights in Qatar

Amnesty International has published a report entitled ‘The dark side of migration: Spotlight on Qatar’s construction sector ahead of the World Cup’, which accuses this country of very serious violations of workers’ rights in the construction sector.

The wave of construction resulting from Qatar being chosen to host the 2020 World Cup is attracting thousands of workers from various Asian countries with the promise of finding employment. The World Cup requires a large number of sports facilities to be built, but also ancillary infrastructures, an efficient transport network and a significant increase in the country’s hotel capacity. This wave of construction is leading thousands of migrants to enter the country with the promise of finding employment in the sector, but this promise turns out to be a trap.

These foreign workers are treated in conditions close to slavery: their passports are taken away, preventing them from leaving the country, and they are forced to accept jobs with inhumane conditions and much lower wages than those agreed in their countries of origin. The Amnesty International report presents chilling testimonies from workers trapped in the country under these conditions, while diplomats from many Member States congratulate the country on hosting the World Cup.

Is the Commission aware of the situation of foreign construction workers in Qatar?

Are any EU companies in the construction or ancillary service sectors investing in this Arab country? Can the Commission list them?

What mechanisms does the Commission have to ensure that EU companies are not hiring workers under the slave labour conditions tolerated by Qatar and that subcontracting by EU companies respects workers’ fundamental rights?

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

(7 February 2014)

The HR/VP is well aware of the issue of migrant workers' rights in Qatar and more broadly in the Gulf region. The EU Delegation in Riyadh (accredited to Qatar) and EU diplomatic missions in Doha are closely following the human rights situation, including the situation of migrant workers' rights.

The EU follows these issues notably under the framework of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The EU supports the Decent Work Agenda and the ratification and effective implementation of ILO Conventions, in particular with regard to core labour standards, and cooperates with the ILO in this respect

The respect of human dignity is at the core of EU values. The EU consistently advocates for more decisive legislation and enforcement measures to be taken by our Gulf partners in order to address the situation of migrant workers which, in spite of undeniable progress in recent years, still deserves improvements in accordance with international international labour standards (in particular ILO conventions No 111 and No 81 which have been ratified by Qatar) and in collaboration with the countries of origin of foreign workers‐ in particular as regards implementation of existing legislation.

The Commission does not have information concerning individual EU companies operating in third countries. The EU promotes Corporate Social Responsibility as outlined in its CSR strategy , including the adherence of EU companies to internationally recognised principles and guidelines, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights.

Please refer to the answer given to Written Questions E-11091/2013, P-11553/2013, E-11648/2013 and E-11649/2013 for more details on the EU's position on the issue.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013655/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Expulsiones ilegales de inmigrantes en Melilla

El pasado 18 de noviembre, un importante periódico español publicaba una noticia referente a cómo la Guardia Civil expulsa, de manera absolutamente ilegal, a personas inmigrantes llegadas a Melilla, a quienes devuelve a Marruecos haciéndoles cruzar la valla, sin respetar ninguno de los procedimientos legales que España debe observar.

Según la información publicada, la Guardia Civil, en la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla, emplea la puerta del sector A-13 para expulsar a los inmigrantes subsaharianos. Dichas expulsiones ilegales violan lo establecido en la Directiva relativa al retorno de inmigrantes (2008/115/CE) y la propia legislación española, puesto que no se respeta ningún tipo de procedimiento legal, ni se vela por la seguridad o los riesgos para la vida de los inmigrantes que se expulsan de esta forma. Los efectivos de la Guardia Civil realizan estas expulsiones a escondidas para no alertar a la opinión pública española de la violación de los derechos de los inmigrantes que estas expulsiones suponen. Según la información presentada, entre un 20 % y un 30 % de los inmigrantes que entran en Melilla de manera irregular son devueltos sin ser conducidos a una comisaría, tal y como establecen la legislación española y la propia Convención sobre el Estatuto de los Refugiados firmada por España.

Las autoridades españolas deben aclarar en qué nivel de la jerarquía se han dado las órdenes para realizar este tipo de expulsiones haciendo caso omiso a toda la legislación vigente. España está endureciendo su política migratoria en la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla, a través de las expulsiones masivas, la instalación de la alambrada de cuchillas, etc., en muchas ocasiones incumpliendo sus propias leyes. Esta situación no puede ser permitida por las instituciones europeas, que gozan de mecanismos para garantizar que los Estados miembros cumplan la legislación europea.

¿Conoce la Comisión la actuación ilegal de la Guardia Civil en Melilla?

¿Considera que dicha actuación de la Guardia Civil española se ajusta a lo establecido en la Directiva 2008/115/CE? ¿Considera que España garantiza, con este tipo de acciones, lo establecido en la Convención sobre el Estatuto de los Refugiados?

¿Qué acciones piensa llevar a cabo para obligar a España a terminar con este tipo de expulsiones ilegales?

Respuesta de la Sra. Malmström en nombre de la Comisión

(3 de febrero de 2014)

La noticia a que Su Señoría parece referirse («La Guardia Civil expulsa ilegalmente a inmigrantes de Melilla a Marruecos», El País del 18 de noviembre de 2013) describe la supuesta práctica de las autoridades españolas de Melilla de devolver directamente a las autoridades marroquíes a los inmigrantes que entran irregularmente en territorio español, sin la expedición previa de una decisión oficial de devolución.

Con arreglo al artículo 2, apartado 2, letra a), de la Directiva sobre el retorno (27), los Estados miembros pueden decidir no aplicar la Directiva a los inmigrantes interceptados con ocasión del cruce irregular de la frontera exterior de un Estado miembro. No obstante, el artículo 4, apartado 4, prevé que pese a todo, debe respetarse el principio de no devolución, también en el caso de las personas excluidas con arreglo al artículo 2, apartado 2, letra a).

Por tanto, la supuesta práctica no representaría —como tal— una infracción de la Directiva sobre el retorno. No obstante, las autoridades españolas deben respetar las salvaguardias mínimas enumeradas en el artículo 4, apartado 4.

Por otra parte, el código de fronteras Schengen (28) debe aplicarse sin perjuicio de los derechos de los refugiados y de las personas que solicitan protección internacional, en particular en lo que se refiere a la no devolución. Esto significa que, al realizar labores de control fronterizo, los Estados miembros deben respetar sus obligaciones en el marco del principio de no devolución y, en su caso, garantizar el acceso efectivo al procedimiento de asilo de conformidad con lo dispuesto en la Directiva sobre los procedimientos de asilo (29).

Al tiempo que toma nota del artículo a que se refiere Su Señoría, la Comisión considera que la noticia en cuestión no presenta datos probados sobre el respeto o no de dichas salvaguardias.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013655/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Illegal expulsion of immigrants in Melilla

On 18 November a leading Spanish newspaper published an article on how the Guardia Civil is breaching all the applicable legal procedures in Spain by expelling immigrants arriving in Melilla and sending them back to Morocco by forcing them to cross the border fence.

According to the article, the Guardia Civil in Melilla is using the sector A-13 gateway to expel Sub-Saharan immigrants. These illegal expulsions violate not only Spanish legislation but also Directive 2008/115/EC on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals, by failing to observe legal procedures or to monitor the physical safety and security of these immigrants. The Guardia Civil is carrying out the expulsions in secret to prevent the Spanish public from becoming aware that they are breaching the immigrants’ rights. According to the information provided, 20‐30% of immigrants who enter Melilla illegally are returned without being taken to a police station as required by Spanish legislation and indeed by the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, of which Spain is a signatory.

The Spanish authorities must clarify at what level orders were given to carry out this type of expulsion, disregarding all the relevant legislation. Spain is tightening its migration policy in Melilla by carrying out large-scale expulsions and installing razor wire, etc., much of the time in breach of its own laws. This situation cannot be allowed by the European institutions, which have mechanisms to ensure that Member States comply with European legislation.

Is the Commission aware of the Guardia Civil’s illegal actions in Melilla?

Does it consider that these actions are in line with Directive 2008/115/EC? Does it consider Spain to be upholding the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees?

What action does it intend to take in order to force Spain to end this kind of illegal expulsion?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 2014)

The media report to which the Honourable Member appears to be referring (‘La Guardia Civil expulsa ilegalmente a inmigrantes de Melilla a Marruecos’ in El Pais of 18 November 2013) describes an alleged practice of Spanish authorities in Melilla of passing back irregularly entering migrants directly to Moroccan authorities, without previous issuing of a formal return decision.

Under Article 2(2)(a) of the Return Directive (30), Member States may decide not to apply the directive to migrants who are apprehended in connection with the irregular crossing of the external border of a Member State. Article 4(4) provides, however, that nevertheless, in each case the principle of non-refoulement must be respected — also with regard to persons excluded under Article 2(2)(a).

The alleged practice would therefore not — as such — infringe the Return Directive. However, the Spanish authorities must respect the minimum safeguards listed in Article 4(4).

Further, the Schengen Borders Code (31) applies without prejudice to the rights of refugees and persons requesting international protection, in particular as regards non-refoulement. This means that when carrying out border control activities, Member States must respect their obligations under the principle of non-refoulement and, where appropriate, ensure effective access to the asylum procedure in accordance with the Asylum Procedures Directive (32).

While it takes note of the article referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission considers that no substantiated information on the respect or not of these safeguards can be found in the media report.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013657/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Caso Snowden en Francia, papel de la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante de la UE

El Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores del Gobierno de Francia, Laurent Fabius, ha anunciado que convocará al Embajador de los EE.UU. en Francia, Charles Rivkin, para pedir explicaciones por la información publicada por el periódico Le Monde, que sostiene que, según los datos en poder de Edward Snowden, Francia fue espiada, habiéndose interceptado más de 70 millones de llamadas telefónicas en un mes.

El Gobierno francés ha sido el primer gobierno europeo que exige una comparecencia a un embajador de los EE.UU. para tratar exclusivamente los temas relacionados con las informaciones filtradas por el ex analista de la NSA. La intolerable actitud de los Gobiernos de los EE.UU. y el Reino Unido, que espían sistemáticamente a la práctica totalidad de la población de un país como Francia que, como demanda la lógica y el derecho de sus ciudadanos, exige ahora la comparecencia de los EE.UU.

A las diferentes preguntas que he presentado a la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante de la Unión Europea, la Sra. Ashton ha respondido siempre que no hace declaraciones en lo concerniente al Caso Snowden. Dicha representante actúa ridiculizando la imagen internacional de la Unión Europea al no haber exigido rendición de cuentas alguna a la administración de los EE.UU., pese a que dicho país ha violado el derecho a la intimidad de millones de ciudadanos así como de instituciones de carácter estratégico. Esta situación en la que la Alta Representante está ignorando las violaciones perpetradas en contra de los pueblos europeos es a todas luces insostenible.

¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante la convocatoria por parte de Francia del embajador de los EE.UU.? ¿Ha solicitado la comparecencia oficial del embajador de los EE.UU. ante la UE para tratar el caso de la escuchas en los mismos términos? ¿Está solicitando información o investigando el número exacto de violaciones que han cometido las autoridades estadounidenses en contra de los derechos y los intereses de los ciudadanos europeos? ¿Piensa congelar las negociaciones del Acuerdo Transatlántico de Comercio e Inversiones para garantizar que el espionaje no perjudique los intereses europeos en dicho Acuerdo?

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

(11 de febrero de 2014)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta se toma muy en serio los informes sobre la vigilancia que ejercen los Estados Unidos sobre los ciudadanos y las instituciones de la UE y reaccionó rápidamente expresando su preocupación antes las autoridades de aquel país y pidiéndoles explicaciones cuando se produjeron esas revelaciones por primera vez. A este respecto, el Secretario General Ejecutivo del Servicio Europeo de Acción Exterior convocó al Embajador estadounidense ante la UE, William Kennard, el 1 de julio de 2013. El mismo día, la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta planteó el asunto directamente ante el Secretario de Estado de los EE UU, John Kerry. También manifestó su preocupación por teléfono a la Consejera de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos, Susan Rice. La UE ha mantenido el tema constantemente en el orden del día de las reuniones con los homólogos estadounidenses pertinentes y ha seguido recabando explicaciones y garantías a los Estados Unidos por los canales apropiados.

En julio de 2013, se creó un grupo de trabajo UE-EE UU ad hoc para estudiar el asunto. El informe de las conclusiones de los copresidentes de la UE de este grupo de trabajo (33) incluye las explicaciones y otros datos aportados por los EE UU, al tiempo que aclara el marco jurídico estadounidense al respecto. El 27 de noviembre de 2013, la Comisión publicó una Comunicación titulada «Restablecer la confianza en los flujos de datos entre la UE y EE.UU.» (34), en la que se indican la postura y las expectativas de la Comisión en un intento de recuperar la confianza en los flujos de datos transatlánticos.

Por lo que se refiere a la incidencia en las negociaciones de cara a la Asociación Transatlántica de Comercio e Inversión (ATCI), la Comisión remite a Su Señoría a la Comunicación mencionada y a las respuestas dadas a las preguntas escritas 12850/13 y 13439/13.

La Delegación de la UE en Washington ha desempeñado un papel importante en la transmisión y explicación de las preocupaciones de los ciudadanos y las instituciones de la UE a diversas partes interesadas de los Estados Unidos en el marco de la revisión de la inteligencia de señales que dio lugar al discurso del Presidente Obama de 17 de enero de 2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013657/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Repercussions of the Snowdon affair in France — role of Vice-President/High Representative of the EU

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has announced his intention of summoning Charles Rivkin, US ambassador to France, to seek an explanation regarding allegations by Edward Snowdon published in ‘Le Monde ’ to the effect that France has been targeted by spying operations, with over 70 million telephone calls intercepted in just one month.

The French Government is the first in Europe to summon a US ambassador for discussions relating solely to leaks by the former NSA analyst. The actions of the US and UK in systematically spying on almost the entire population of a country such as France are totally inadmissible. It is therefore only reasonable for the US to be held to account and for individual rights to be upheld.

In reply to my questions regarding this matter, the Vice-President/High Representative of the European Union, Baroness Ashton, has consistently indicated that no statements will be issued concerning the Snowdon affair. Her failure to call the US administration to account in any way, despite the fact that it has breached the privacy of millions of citizens and a number of strategic organisations, is making the European Union appear ridiculous at international level and the decision of the High Representative to ignore this is clearly untenable.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware that France has summoned the US Ambassador? Has she officially summoned the US ambassador to the EU to discuss the interceptions also? Is she seeking information or carrying out investigations into the precise number of breaches committed by the US authorities undermining the rights and interests of European citizens? Is she envisaging the suspension of negotiations for the transatlantic trade and investment agreement in a bid to ensure that European interests in this connection are not in any way undermined by acts of espionage?

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

(11 February 2014)

HR/VP takes very seriously reports of US surveillance on EU citizens and institutions and moved swiftly to raise concerns and seek clarifications from US authorities when these revelations were first made. In this regard, the Executive Secretary General of the European External Action Service summoned US Ambassador to the EU William Kennard on 1 July 2013. On the same day, HR/VP raised the issue directly with US Secretary of State John Kerry. She also raised concerns at that time during a telephone conversation with the US National Security Advisor Susan Rice. The EU has maintained the issue consistently on the agenda of meetings with relevant US counterparts and has continued to seek clarifications and assurances from the US through appropriate channels.

In July 2013, an ad hoc EU-US Working Group was set up to examine these issues. The report on the findings by the EU Co-chairs of this working group (35) entails the clarifications and further information given by the US, while shedding light on the US legal framework in this field. On 27 November 2013 the Commission issued a communication on Rebuilding Trust in EU-US Data Flows (36), which outlines the Commission's position and expectations in a bid to restore trust in transatlantic data flows.

As regards the impact on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, the Commission refers the Honorable Member to the abovementioned communication and to the answers provided to written questions 12850/13 and 13439/13.

The EU Delegation in Washington has played an important role in conveying and explaining the concerns of EU citizens and institutions to various US stakeholders, in the context of the review of signals intelligence that led to President Obama's speech of 17 January 2014.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013658/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Caso Snowden en Francia y protección de los consumidores

El Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores del Gobierno de Francia, Laurent Fabius, ha anunciado que convocará al Embajador de los EE.UU. en Francia, Charles Rivkin, para pedirle explicaciones por las informaciones publicadas en el periódico Le Monde en las que se señala que, según los datos en poder de Edward Snowden, Francia fue espiada y que en dicho país se interceptaron más de 70 millones de llamadas telefónicas en un mes.

El Gobierno francés ha sido el primer Gobierno europeo en exigir una comparecencia a un embajador de los EE.UU. para tratar exclusivamente sobre los temas relacionados con las informaciones filtradas por el ex analista de la NSA. La intolerable actitud de los Gobiernos de EE.UU. y Gran Bretaña, que espían sistemáticamente a la práctica totalidad de la población de un país como Francia exige ahora, como impone la lógica y el derecho de sus ciudadanos, que comparezcan los EE.UU.

A las diferentes preguntas que he presentado a la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante de la Unión Europea, la Sra. Ashton, ha respondido siempre que no tiene intención de hacer declaraciones en relación con el caso Snowden. La Sra. Ashton ridiculiza la imagen internacional de la Unión Europea al no haber exigido rendición de cuentas alguna al Gobierno de los EE.UU. pese a que este país ha violado el derecho a la intimidad de millones de ciudadanos así como de instituciones de carácter estratégico.

En lo referente a la protección de los consumidores europeos, son numerosas las compañías que han colaborado en esta violación masiva de los derechos de los consumidores. Además del caso conocido de la empresa Belgacom, todo parece indicar que cientos de empresas de telecomunicaciones han violado las cláusulas de respeto del derecho a la intimidad de sus contratos desde el momento en que han colaborado con el Gobierno de los EE.UU.

¿Conoce la Comisión el número de empresas europeas de telecomunicaciones que han colaborado con las autoridades de los EE.UU. en los casos de espionaje llevados a cabo por la NSA? ¿Está investigando el número exacto de violaciones que han cometido estas empresas tanto en Francia como en toda Europa para exigir compensaciones por esta conducta ilegal? ¿Tiene intención de hacer público el listado de estas empresas para advertir a los consumidores de cuáles son las que no respetan su intimidad? ¿Se planta la Comisión la posibilidad de vetar a estas empresas del mercado europeo de telecomunicaciones para garantizar la protección del derecho a la protección de la intimidad de los consumidores europeos?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(25 de febrero de 2014)

El 27 de noviembre de 2013, la Comisión expuso las medidas que es preciso adoptar para restablecer la confianza en los flujos de datos entre la UE y los Estados Unidos. La Comisión ha publicado, entre otras cosas: 1) la Comunicación de la Comisión al Parlamento Europeo y al Consejo «Restablecer la confianza en los flujos de datos entre la UE y EE.UU.» (37); 2) la Comunicación de la Comisión al Parlamento Europeo y al Consejo sobre el funcionamiento del puerto seguro desde la perspectiva de los ciudadanos de la UE y las empresas establecidas en la EU (38); 3) el informe de las conclusiones de los copresidentes de la UE del grupo de trabajo UE-EE.UU. ad hoc sobre protección de datos (39).

Por lo que respecta en particular al «puerto seguro», que es un instrumento utilizado para las transferencias de datos comerciales a Estados Unidos, la Comisión hizo trece recomendaciones para mejorar el funcionamiento del régimen «puerto seguro», basado en un análisis (40) que concluyó que el funcionamiento del régimen era deficiente en varios aspectos. Las soluciones deben fijarse antes del verano de 2014. La Comisión estudiará el funcionamiento del régimen basándose en la aplicación de esas trece recomendaciones.

Si bien la Comisión es el garante de los Tratados, corresponde a las autoridades nacionales, incluidas las autoridades de control de la protección de datos, garantizar la correcta aplicación y observancia de la legislación de la UE en materia de protección de datos con respecto a los organismos públicos y privados de la Unión Europea. El Grupo de trabajo del Artículo 29 sobre la protección de las personas en el procesamiento de datos de carácter personal, que es el órgano consultivo independiente en materia de protección de datos que reúne a los representantes de las autoridades de control de la protección de datos de los Estados miembros de la UE, trabaja actualmente en un dictamen sobre la vigilancia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013658/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Implications of the Snowdon affair in France and consumer protection

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has announced his intention of summoning Charles Rivkin, US ambassador to France, to seek an explanation regarding allegations by Edward Snowdon published in ‘Le Monde ’ to the effect that France has been targeted by spying operations, with over 70 million telephone calls intercepted in just one month.

The French Government is the first in Europe to summon a US ambassador for discussions relating solely to leaks by the former NSA analyst. The actions of the US and UK in systematically spying on almost the entire population of a country such as France are totally inadmissible. It is therefore only reasonable for the US to be held to account and for individual rights to be upheld.

In reply to my questions regarding this matter, the Vice-President/High Representative of the European Union, Baroness Ashton, has consistently indicated that she intends to issue no statements concerning the Snowdon affair. Her failure to call the US administration to account in any way, despite the fact that it has breached the privacy of millions of citizens and a number of strategic organisations, is making the European Union appear ridiculous at international level.

Concerning the protection of European consumers, numerous companies have collaborated in this massive infringement of their rights. In addition to the widely publicised Belgacom affair, it would appear that hundreds of telecommunications companies, through their collaboration with the US administration, have infringed the privacy clauses of their contracts.

Does the Commission know how many European telecommunications companies have been illegally complicit in acts of espionage by the NSA? Is it investigating the precise number of breaches committed by these companies both in France and throughout Europe with a view to seeking damages? Does it intend to publish a list of offending companies with a view to alerting consumers? Will it consider banning these companies from the European telecommunications market so as to ensure that European consumers’ rights to privacy can be protected?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 2014)

On 27 November 2013, the Commission set out the actions that need to be taken to restore trust in data flows between the EU and the US. The Commission published, inter alia:

In particular with respect to the Safe Harbour, which is an instrument used for commercial data transfers to the US, the Commission made thirteen recommendations to improve the functioning of the Safe Harbour scheme, after an analysis (44) that found the functioning of the scheme deficient in several respects. Remedies should be identified by summer 2014. The Commission will then review the functioning of the scheme based on the implementation of these thirteen recommendations.

While the Commission is guardian of the Treaties, it is for national authorities, including data protection supervisory authorities, to ensure the correct implementation and enforcement of EU data protection legislation vis-à-vis public and private bodies in the European Union. The article 29 Working Party on the Protection of Individuals with regard to the Processing of Personal Data, which is the independent advisory body on data protection bringing together representatives from the data protection supervisory authorities of the EU Member States, is currently working on an opinion on surveillance.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013659/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Malas prácticas del grupo empresarial García Carrión

El pasado mes de enero la compañía vitivinícola García Carrión dio un fuerte golpe a los productores españoles de vino con la importación de 17 millones de litros de vino procedentes de Chile en un barco cisterna que arribó al puerto de Cartagena.

La compañía vitivinícola alegó el elevado precio de la pasada temporada del vino español para importar y embotellar el producto en España. Sin embargo, tal volumen de importación supone un golpe a los productores españoles y un engaño a los consumidores al emplear una marca típicamente española. El grupo García Carrión es el grupo vitivinícola más grande del país, lo que le convierte en casi un monopsonio para miles de productores que abusa de su posición de poder, dejando claro su carácter de explotador de agricultores y del medio rural.

Observando sus prácticas en contra de productores y en contra del sector vitivinícola, esta compañía, primera bodega de Europa y quinta del mundo, no ha dejado de recibir millones de euros procedentes de los fondos de la política agrícola común (PAC), incluido dinero destinado al desarrollo rural. Esta compañía, que obra claramente en contra de los objetivos establecidos en dicha política europea, está siendo financiada con los fondos de la PAC mientras actúa como una multinacional importando vino de otras regiones del planeta y arruinando al medio rural.

¿Conoce la Comisión la cantidad exacta de fondos procedentes de la PAC que percibe el grupo García Carrión? ¿Cuánto percibe de los fondos destinados al desarrollo rural?

¿Considera que dicho grupo vitivinícola ejerce un abuso de mercado sobre los diferentes productores de vino al poder desplazar su demanda a otros países?

¿Considera que la compañía desarrolla prácticas que pueden producir la desinformación del consumidor al comercializar el vino procedente de Chile con una marca típicamente española?

A la vista de las prácticas de abuso de mercado así como de la importación del vino, ¿considera necesario retirar cualquier tipo de fondo que la empresa reciba en concepto de ayuda al desarrollo rural?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloş en nombre de la Comisión

(17 de febrero de 2014)

Los Estados miembros tienen la obligación de publicar la información relativa a las personas jurídicas beneficiarias de los pagos de la PAC. La información relativa a España está disponible en el siguiente sitio web:

http://www.fega.es/PwfGcp/es/accesos_directos/datos_abiertos/index.jsp

Se invita a Su Señoría a consultar ese sitio web.

Por otro lado, sobre la base de la información recibida y en el marco de sus responsabilidades, la Comisión no está en condiciones de responder con precisión a las tres últimas preguntas.

Ahora bien, sí puede precisar lo siguiente:

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013659/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Malpractice, García Carrión business group

Last January, wine business García Carrión dealt Spanish wine producers a heavy blow by importing 17 million litres of Chilean wine in a tanker which docked at Cartagena.

The company alleged that it was importing and bottling the product in Spain because of recent price increases in Spanish wines. However, importing on such a large scale is a blow for Spanish producers and misleading for consumers who believe they are buying a typical Spanish brand. The García Carrión group is the largest winemaker in the country, which gives it a monopsony position over thousands of producers whom it abuses. It is clearly exploiting farmers and the countryside.

Despite its damaging practices in respect of the wine sector and producers, this company, which is Europe’s leading winery and the fifth largest in the world, is still receiving millions of euros from the common agricultural policy (CAP), including money intended for rural development. This company is being financed with CAP funds while operating in clear contravention of the objectives of that European policy and acting like a multinational, importing wines from other world regions and ruining the countryside.

Is the Commission aware of the exact amount of CAP funding that the García Carrión group is receiving? How much rural development funding is it receiving?

Does the Commission consider that this winemaking group is guilty of market abuse in respect of producers, in its ability to take its business to other countries?

Does the Commission consider that this company’s practices could be misleading consumers by marketing Chilean wine under a typically Spanish brand?

Does the Commission consider that all funding intended for rural development should be withdrawn from this company in view of its abuse of the market and of wine importation?

(Version française)

Les États membres ont l'obligation de publier les informations relatives aux personnes légales bénéficiaires des paiements de la PAC. Pour l'Espagne, l'information est disponible sur le site internet suivant:

http://www.fega.es/PwfGcp/es/accesos_directos/datos_abiertos/index.jsp

L'Honorable Parlementaire devrait trouver des informations sur ce site.

Par ailleurs, sur base des informations fournies et de ses responsabilités, la Commission n'est pas en mesure de répondre précisément aux trois dernières questions.

La Commission peut toutefois préciser que :

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013662/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Incumplimiento por parte de España de la normativa europea en el ámbito de residuos

El pasado mes de enero la Comisión Europea emitió un dictamen que obligaba al Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente a intervenir para ajustar a Derecho la situación de 22 vertederos repartidos por toda la geografía del país.

La Comisión Europea solicitó a las autoridades españolas que tomasen las medidas pertinentes para evitar la apertura de un procedimiento judicial por el incumplimiento de la legislación europea en dicho ámbito. La Comisión denunció que varios vertederos de España estaban violando la legislación comunitaria y declaró que, si no se tomaban medidas correctivas, iniciaría un procedimiento de sanción.

La iniciativa «Retorna», en la que participan diferentes asociaciones ecologistas, y ONG como Ecologistas en Acción han impulsado la lucha contra la ilegalidad de los citados vertederos españoles, en los que se almacena más del 70 % de los residuos sólidos producidos por los españoles, presentando una pregunta al Ministerio sobre cuáles son los vertederos que incumplen dicha directiva. El Ministerio nunca ha respondido a la misma, pudiendo incumplir la Directiva sobre el acceso a la información ambiental, 2003/4/CE. Los efectos ambientales de una gestión inadecuada de 22 vertederos son gravísimos y pueden suponer consecuencias a muy largo plazo para los residentes de las zonas cercanas.

¿Considera la Comisión que las autoridades españolas están incumpliendo la Directiva 2003/4/CE al no informar sobre los citados vertederos?

¿Podría indicar la Comisión cuáles son los vertederos españoles que, según ella, incumplían la normativa europea en el ámbito de residuos en 2009?

¿Cuáles de estos vertederos continúan incumpliendo la normativa europea?

¿Piensa multar a España por continuar con los citados incumplimientos?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(3 de febrero de 2014)

En todos los casos en los que la normativa de la UE contiene disposiciones sobre los procedimientos de recurso —como, por ejemplo, en conexión con las solicitudes de acceso a información medioambiental (45) que se denieguen (en todo o en parte) sin fundamento o que no se respondan o se respondan inadecuadamente o que no se traten de cualquier otra forma de acuerdo con las disposiciones vigentes—, es preciso utilizar esos procedimientos de recurso. En esos casos, la Comisión no adopta medidas alternativas para no restar eficacia a los mecanismos de resolución de litigios.

En lo que respecta a los vertederos a los que se refiere la pregunta que nos ocupa, la Comisión remite a Su Señoría a la respuesta que ya diera en su día a la pregunta escrita E-001783-13 (46).

La Comisión está evaluando en estos momentos la información que han presentado las autoridades y, sobre esta base, decidirá los pasos que deban darse.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013662/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Spain's non-compliance with European regulations on waste

Last January the Commission provided an opinion obliging Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment to bring 22 landfill sites across the country into line with legislation.

The Commission requested that the Spanish authorities take the necessary steps to avoid legal proceedings for non-compliance with relevant European legislation. The Commission alleged that a number of landfill sites in Spain were in breach of Community legislation and announced it would start a penalty procedure unless the sites took corrective measures.

The ‘Retorna’ (‘Turnaround’) initiative, which involves various ecological associations as well as NGOs like Ecologistas en Acción has raised the profile of the fight against these illegal landfills, which store over 70% of Spain’s solid waste, by asking the Ministry which ones are failing to comply with the directive in question. The Ministry never responded, which possibly leaves it in breach of Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information. The environmental effects of poor management at 22 landfill sites are extremely serious and could result in very long-term consequences for local residents.

Does the Commission consider that in failing to provide information on these sites the Spanish authorities are breaching Directive 2003/4/EC?

Could the Commission specify which of the sites, in its opinion, were failing to comply with European waste regulations in 2009?

Which of the sites are still failing to comply?

Is it considering fining Spain for failing to rectify this non-compliance?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 2014)

Where EU legislation includes provisions on appeal procedures, such as in connection with access to environmental information (47) for requests for information ignored, wrongfully refused (whether in full or in part), inadequately answered or otherwise not dealt with in accordance with the provisions, these review procedures need to be used. In such cases the Commission will not take alternative action to avoid undermining the efficiency of the redress mechanisms.

As regards the landfill sites referred to in this Question, the Commission refers the Honourable Member to the reply given to Written Question E-001783-13. (48)

The Commission is now assessing the information submitted by the authorities and will decide accordingly on the appropriate course of action.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-013663/13

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(3 dicembre 2013)

Oggetto: Compagnie aeree e fisco dei piloti

Stando ad alcune indagini di tribunali europei e a quanto riportano fonti giornalistiche, parrebbe che la nota compagnia low cost Ryanair aggiri il fisco di molti Stati membri con strumenti fiscali e pensionistici «fantasiosi». Un centinaio di piloti che lavorano stabilmente in Italia, ad esempio, sarebbero stati costretti ad aprire una Società a responsabilità limitata (SRL) uni-personale con sede a Dublino. Tali SRL fatturano ad una seconda società, la quale a sua volta fattura a Ryanair. I piloti, così facendo, si ritrovano sprovvisti di copertura pensionistica in Italia e soprattutto si trovano in difficoltà quando devono pagare le tasse, non sapendo come e in quale paese dichiarare il proprio reddito. Un pilota anonimo dichiara che questi colleghi «liberi professionisti» pongono la sede delle loro SRL in paesi dalla fiscalità agevolata come Irlanda, Slovacchia, Cipro, Malta e l'Isola di Man. Nel 2012 il Ministero allo Sviluppo italiano aveva inserito nel Decreto Sviluppo un articolo specifico sulle compagnie aeree con basi stabili in Italia, specificando che lì avrebbero dovuto pagare le tasse.

La Commissione:

Risposta di Algirdas Šemeta a nome della Commissione

(28 gennaio 2014)

2.-3. L’UE non ha la competenza di intervenire nei singoli casi relativi a questioni di previdenza sociale ed evasione fiscale; spetta infatti agli Stati membri applicare il diritto nazionale. Se le pratiche in questione hanno un carattere «di puro artificio» (49) possono essere applicate le disposizioni antiabuso nazionali. La direttiva 2011/16/UE sullo scambio di informazioni tra le amministrazioni fiscali potrebbe essere uno strumento utile a questo riguardo. La piattaforma per una buona governance fiscale, la pianificazione fiscale aggressiva e la doppia imposizione, che ha recentemente avviato le proprie attività, assisterà la Commissione nello sviluppo di iniziative adeguate. Il regolamento (UE) n. 465/2012 relativo al coordinamento dei sistemi di sicurezza sociale (50) ha fissato norme specifiche per il personale di volo assoggettandolo alle norme di sicurezza sociale applicabili alla loro «base di servizio» (51).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013663/13

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Airlines and taxation of pilots

According to news reports and a number of European court investigations, the well-known low-cost airline Ryanair is apparently circumventing the tax systems of several Member States by using ‘imaginative’ fiscal and pension instruments. Around a hundred pilots who work permanently in Italy, for example, have allegedly been forced to open a single-member private limited liability company (LLC) based in Dublin. These LLCs bill a second company, which in turn bills Ryanair. By doing this, the pilots have no pension coverage in Italy and, above all, get into trouble when it comes to paying tax, as they do not know how, and in which country, to declare their income. An anonymous pilot has declared that these ‘freelance’ colleagues are establishing the headquarters of their LLCs in countries with lower tax rates, such as Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, Malta and the Isle of Man. In 2012, the Italian Ministry for Development included in its Development Decree a specific article on airlines which have stable bases in Italy, specifying that they should pay their taxes there.

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(28 January 2014)

2 and 3. The EU does not have competence to act in relation to individual cases of social security and tax avoidance. It is for the Member States to apply their national law. If the practices at issue are of a ‘purely artificial’ (52) character, national anti-abuse provisions could apply. Directive 2011/16/EU on exchange of information between tax administrations will be a useful tool in this respect. The Platform for Tax Good Governance, Aggressive Tax Planning and Double Taxation which recently started its work will assist the Commission in developing appropriate initiatives. Regulation 465/2012 on the coordination of social security systems (53) has laid down specific rules for air crews that make them subject to the social security rules applicable at their ‘home base’ (54).

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-013664/13

do Komisji

Janusz Władysław Zemke (S&D)

(3 grudnia 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Zasady zatrudniania w Europejskiej Agencji Zarządzania Współpracą Operacyjną na Zewnętrznych Granicach Państw Członkowskich (FRONTEX)

Powstała w 2005 r. agencja FRONTEX ma wzmacniać bezpieczeństwo granic i koordynować działalność państw członkowskich w zakresie zarządzania granicami zewnętrznymi Unii Europejskiej. W związku z wydarzeniami na zewnątrz UE, znaczenie FRONTEX-u rośnie. Szczególne istotna w tej sytuacji jest zatem jakość kadr zatrudnianych przez Agencję.

Proszę w związku z tym o odpowiedź na 2 pytania:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Cecilię Malmström w imieniu Komisji

(20 stycznia 2014 r.)

Komisja zwróciła się do Europejskiej Agencji Zarządzania Współpracą Operacyjną na Zewnętrznych Granicach Państw Członkowskich (FRONTEX) o odpowiedź na kwestie poruszone przez Szanownego Pana Posła. Odpowiedź agencji zostanie wysłana przez Komisję do Szanownego Pana Posła tak szybko, jak to będzie możliwe.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-013664/13

to the Commission

Janusz Władysław Zemke (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Rules on recruitment to the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex)

The objective of the Frontex agency, which was formed in 2005, is to strengthen border security and to coordinate activities between Member States concerning the EU’s external borders. In view of events taking place outside the EU, the importance of Frontex is growing. The quality of staff recruited by the agency is therefore of particular importance.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(20 January 2014)

The Commission has asked the Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex) to provide a response to the questions raised by the Honourable Member. The Agency's reply will be sent by the Commission to the Honorable Member as soon as possible.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013665/13

an die Kommission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Riskcycle: Kontamination von Recyclingkreisläufen mit POPs und chemischen Additiven

Viele möglicherweise gefährliche Stoffe werden als Chemikalien gehandelt oder als Zusätze zu Produkten hinzugesetzt. Deren Freisetzung in die Umwelt gibt nach Ansicht der Europäischen Kommission (KOM), der Vereinten Nationen (UN), der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) sowie der Organisation für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (OECD) Anlass zu großer Sorge. Das EU-finanzierte Forschungsprojekt „Risk-based management of chemicals and products in a circular economy at a global scale“ (RISKCYCLE, FP7‐226552) stellte der Öffentlichkeit Informationen zu den Risiken von Gefahrstoffen und Zusätzen sowie Maßnahmen zur Risikominderung von Substanzen zur Verfügung.

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(20. Februar 2014)

Einer der Schwerpunkte des Siebten Umweltaktionsprogramms ist die Feststellung (55)„langfristige[r] Maßnahmen … die auf eine schadstofffreie Umwelt ausgerichtet sind“. Das Recycling sollte keine unannehmbaren Risiken für die menschliche Gesundheit und die Umwelt mit sich bringen, und die Förderung einer Recycling-Gesellschaft muss Hand in Hand gehen mit dem allmählichen Aus-dem-Verkehr-ziehen schädlicher Chemikalien und ihrer Ersetzung durch weniger schädliche Alternativen, sofern dies wirtschaftlich und technisch machbar ist. Besondere Bedeutung hat hierbei die Änderung der POP-Verordnung (56), an der die Kommission zurzeit arbeitet, um Obergrenzen für die Konzentrationen neu aufgelisteter persistenter organischer Stoffe (POP) festzusetzen, damit sichergestellt wird, dass mit POP belastete Abfälle nicht recycelt werden. Außerdem strebt die Kommission an, gefährliche Stoffe in Primärprodukten zu ersetzen, um die Mengen an diesen Stoffen in den Abfallströmen zu reduzieren.

Der erste Aufruf zur Einreichung von Vorschlägen im Rahmen von Horizont 2020, dem Rahmenprogramm der Kommission für Forschung und Innovation (2014-2020), umfasst auch ein Vorhaben mit dem Titel „Call-Waste“ (57), das Forschungs- und Innovationstätigkeiten unterstützen könnte, die darauf abzielen, die Schadstoffemissionen in den Produktions- und Verbrauchszyklen durch Abfallvermeidung, Gestaltung der Verfahrensabläufe und Produkte im Hinblick auf die Rezyklierfähigkeit, Wiederverwendung oder Abfallbewirtschaftung zu verringern.

Bezüglich des Recyclings von Kunststoffen, die mit Lebensmitteln in Berührung kommen, sieht die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 282/2008 (58) vor, dass nur Materialien aus Kunststoffen verwendet werden dürfen, die nach den Bestimmungen der Kunststoffverordnung (59) hergestellt wurden, und dies nur unter strenger Qualitätskontrolle innerhalb zugelassener Recyclingverfahren.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013665/13

to the Commission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Risk cycle: contamination of recycling systems with POPs and chemical additives

Many potentially hazardous substances are sold as chemicals or added as additives to products. The release of these substances into the environment gives cause for concern according to the Commission, the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The EU-funded research project ‘Risk-based management of chemicals and products in a circular economy at a global scale’ (RISKCYCLE, FP7‐226552) provides the general public with information on the risks associated with hazardous substances and additives and measures to minimise the risk from substances.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2014)

The 7th Environmental Action Programme (60) sets among its priorities the identification of ‘long-term actions with a view to reaching the objective of a non-toxic environment’. Recycling should not create an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment and promoting a recycling society needs to go hand in hand with the phase out of harmful chemicals and their substitution by safer alternatives where economically and technically viable. As a matter of priority, the Commission is preparing an amendment to the POP Regulation (61) to establish concentration limits for the newly listed POPs, in order to ensure that wastes contaminated with POPs are not recycled. The Commission is also striving for the substitution of hazardous substances in primary products to reduce the presence of hazardous substances in waste streams.

The first call for proposals in the context of Horizon 2020, the Commission Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) comprises Call-Waste (62) which could support research and innovation aiming to reduce pollutants emissions in the production and consumption cycles, from waste prevention and the design of process and products for recyclability to reuse and waste management.

For the recycling of plastic materials for food contact, Regulation (EC) No 282/2008 (63) sets out that only materials originating from plastics manufactured in accordance with the Plastics Regulation (64) can be used under strict quality control within authorised recycling processes.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013667/13

an die Kommission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Riskcycle: Flammschutzmittel für Kunststoffprodukte

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(14. Februar 2014)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013667/13

to the Commission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Risk cycle: flame retardants for plastic products

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2014)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013668/13

an die Kommission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Riskcycle: illegaler Export von Abfall — Prüfung von REACH-Dossiers

Riesige Mengen an importierten Elektronikmüll und Blei landen illegal in Asien und Afrika und belasten dort vor allem Boden und Menschen. Nur ein Bruchteil wird dort umweltgerecht recycelt. Entsprechende Studien (des deutschen Umweltbundesamts bzw. der Vereinten Nationen) belegen die Dimension illegaler Exporte von Elektroaltgeräten.

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(12. Februar 2014)

In der REACH-Verordnung sind alle Stufen des Lebenszyklus eines Stoffes aus einem Herstellungsprozess aufgeführt, und bei der Stoffsicherheitsbeurteilung müssen die festgestellten Verwendungszwecke berücksichtigt werden. Dies umfasst auch Maßnahmen zur Abfallbewirtschaftung wie das Recycling in der Europäischen Union. Es ist nicht zwingend vorgeschrieben, Recyclingpraktiken in Drittländern in einem REACH-Expositionsszenario zu dokumentieren.

ECHA hat in einigen Fällen Expositionsszenarien im Zusammenhang mit dem Abfall-Lebenszyklus bewertet; wo es notwendig war, wurden Maßnahmen im Rahmen von REACH getroffen. Die ECHA-Leitlinien R18 (65) enthalten Hinweise darüber, wie die Bewertung des Abfall-Lebenszyklus durchgeführt werden sollte.

Seit 2009 unterstützt die Kommission gemeinsam mit anderen Geldgebern das Programm zur Ermittlung toxischer Standorte (Toxic Sites Identification Programme). Bei den Arbeiten, die in beinahe 50 Entwicklungsländern durchgeführt werden, wurden tausende Standorte gefunden, die mit Chemikalien kontaminiert sind. Die weltweite Allianz für Gesundheit und gegen Umweltverschmutzung (Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP)), an deren Gründung im Jahr 2012 die Kommission mitgewirkt hat, hilft Ländern mit niedrigen und mittleren Einkommen bei der Lösung von Problemen mit Abfall und toxischer Verunreinigung.

Der Vorschlag der Kommission (66) zur Änderung der Verordnung über die Verbringung von Abfällen hat zum Ziel, die Koordinierung, Effizienz und Wirksamkeit der Kontrollen durch die Mitgliedstaaten zu verbessern. Ein Großteil dieser Ausfuhren sind Elektro‐ und Elektronik-Altgeräte, die häufig in irreführender Weise als zur Wiederverwertung bestimmt eingestuft werden. Der Vorschlag sieht eine Umkehr der Nachweispflicht vor, so dass die zuständigen Behörden von den Ausführern Belege dafür verlangen können, dass die ausgeführten Geräte für die Wiederverwendung geeignet und voll funktionsfähig sind, oder im Falle von Abfall Nachweise darüber fordern können, welche Abfallbehandlungsmethoden im Bestimmungsland angewandt werden. Der Vorschlag wird derzeit vom Europäischen Parlament geprüft.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013668/13

to the Commission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Risk cycle: illegal export of waste — examination of REACH dossiers

Huge quantities of illegally imported waste electronics and lead end up in Asia and Africa, where, in particular, they contaminate the soil and are harmful to people. Only a fraction of this is recycled there in an environmentally sound way. Relevant studies (by the German Federal Environment Agency and the United Nations) provide evidence of the scale of the illegal export of waste electrical equipment.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2014)

REACH sets out that all the stages of the life-cycle of a substance resulting from the manufacture and identified uses must be taken into account in the chemical safety assessment. This includes waste management measures such as recycling within the European Union. It is not compulsory to document recycling practices in third countries in a REACH exposure scenario.

A number of cases of exposure scenario related to the waste life cycle stage have been evaluated by ECHA and, where necessary, actions have been taken within the framework of REACH. ECHA Guidance R 18 (67) provides information on how the assessment of the waste life cycle stage should be performed.

Since 2009, under the Development Cooperation Instrument, the Commission along with other donors, supports the Toxic Sites Identification Program. The effort, underway in nearly 50 developing counties, has identified and assessed thousands of sites contaminated by chemicals. Formed in 2012, the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), co-founded by the Commission, assists low and middle-income countries to address the problem of waste and toxic pollution.

The Commission proposal (68) amending the regulation on Shipments of Waste aims to make Member States inspections and controls more coordinated, efficient and effective. Many such exports are of waste electrical and electronic equipment, often misleadingly classed as being for re-use. The proposal includes a change in the burden of proof enabling competent authorities to require shippers to prove that equipment being exported is fully functional and for re-use, or where it is waste to require evidence of the treatment methods in the destination country. The proposal is currently under consideration by the Parliament.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-013669/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(3 Δεκεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Συμφωνία επανεισδοχής ΕΕ-Τουρκίας

Σε μετωπική σύγκρουση με τη Λευκωσία φαίνεται να προσανατολίζεται η κυβέρνηση Ερντογάν. Δρομολογεί την υπογραφή και την υλοποίηση Συμφωνίας Επανεισδοχής Παρανόμων Μεταναστών στην ΕΕ, στα κράτη μέλη της Eυρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, εξαιρώντας, ωστόσο, την Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία. Αυτό ακριβώς έπραξε και στην περίπτωση της εφαρμογής του Πρωτοκόλλου. Ως γνωστόν μια πανομοιότυπη «τουρκική συνταγή» ακολούθησε η Άγκυρα προς τις Βρυξέλλες το 2004-2005, διασφαλίζοντας την τελωνειακή της ένωση με όλα τα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ, πλην της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας. Ως αποτέλεσμα, οι τουρκικοί λιμένες εξακολουθούν έκτοτε να είναι κλειστοί για κυπριακά σκάφη, γεγονός που παραβιάζει τη συμφωνία Τουρκίας-ΕΕ.

Ερωτάται λοιπόν η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κ. Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Φεβρουαρίου 2014)

Η συμφωνία επανεισδοχής μεταξύ της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και της Τουρκίας την οποία υπέγραψε η Επίτροπος Malmström στις 16 Δεκεμβρίου 2013 δεν ισχύει για την Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή προσβλέπει στην πλήρη και αποτελεσματική εφαρμογή της συμφωνίας έναντι όλων των κρατών μελών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης.

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 19 της συμφωνίας, πρόκειται να συσταθεί μικτή επιτροπή επανεισδοχής ώστε να επιτραπεί στις δύο πλευρές η παροχή αμοιβαίας συνδρομής κατά την εφαρμογή και την ερμηνεία της συμφωνίας. Η Επιτροπή σκοπεύει να συγκροτήσει την εν λόγω επιτροπή χωρίς καθυστέρηση μόλις αρχίσει να ισχύει η συμφωνία. Η εν λόγω επιτροπή θα αποτελέσει το πρώτο και κυριότερο όργανο για την αντιμετώπιση οποιουδήποτε ζητήματος ενδέχεται να προκύψει κατά την εφαρμογή της συμφωνίας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013669/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: EU-Turkey readmission agreement

The Erdogan Government seems to be heading for a confrontation with Nicosia. It is working towards signing and implementing an agreement on the readmission of illegal immigrants in the EU — in the Member States of the Union — with the exception of the Republic of Cyprus. This is exactly what it did with the Protocol. It is no secret that a similar ‘Turkish formula’ was applied by Ankara with regard to Brussels in 2004-2005, securing Turkey’s customs union with all EU Member States except for the Republic of Cyprus. As a result, Turkish ports have been closed to Cypriot vessels since then, which is an infringement of the EU-Turkey agreement.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 2014)

The European Union-Turkey readmission agreement, which Commissioner Malmström signed on 16 December 2013, does apply to the Republic of Cyprus. The Commission looks forward to the full and effective implementation of the Agreement vis-à-vis all the Member States of the European Union.

In accordance with Article 19 of the Agreement, a Joint Readmission Committee will be set up to allow the two sides to provide each other with mutual assistance in the application and interpretation of the Agreement. The Commission plans to establish this Committee without delay once the Agreement enters into force. The Committee will provide the first and main platform to address any issue which may arise in the implementation of the Agreement.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-013670/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(3 Δεκεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Χειραγώγηση στην αγορά συναλλάγματος

Τα τελευταία χρόνια διεξάγονται έρευνες σε σειρά μεγάλων τραπεζών, ανάμεσα στις οποίες συγκαταλέγονται οι γαλλικές Credit Agricole και Société Générale, η γερμανική Deutsche Bank, οι Βρετανικές HSBC Holdings και Royal Bank of Scotland, για χειραγώγηση των επιτοκίων διατραπεζικής, Libor του Λονδίνου και Euribor της Ευρωζώνης.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(10 Φεβρουαρίου 2014)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για τις έρευνες που διεξάγονται σχετικά με την παραποίηση των διατραπεζικών επιτοκίων δανεισμού Libor και Euribor και έχει αντιδράσει κατάλληλα.

Η πρόταση κανονισμού της Επιτροπής σχετικά με την κατάχρηση αγοράς και η πρόταση οδηγίας σχετικά με ποινικές κυρώσεις σε περίπτωση καταχρηστικών πρακτικών στην αγορά, οι οποίες αποτέλεσαν αντικείμενο πολιτικής συμφωνίας του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου τον Ιούνιο και τον Δεκέμβριο του 2013 αντιστοίχως, απαγορεύουν την παραποίηση των δεικτών αναφοράς.

Επιπλέον, στις 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013, η Επιτροπή πρότεινε σχέδιο κανονισμού σχετικά με τους δείκτες που χρησιμοποιούνται ως σημεία αναφοράς σε χρηματοπιστωτικά μέσα και σε χρηματοοικονομικές συμβάσεις (69), το οποίο έχει στόχο να εξασφαλίσει σταθερούς, ακριβείς και αξιόπιστους δείκτες αναφοράς. Η εν λόγω πρόταση συνοδεύεται από εκτίμηση επιπτώσεων, η οποία αξιολογεί τον αντίκτυπο που ενδέχεται να έχει η παραποίηση των δεικτών αναφοράς, όπως των Libor και Euribor, στους επενδυτές, την πραγματική οικονομία και την εμπιστοσύνη στις χρηματοπιστωτικές αγορές. Αξιολογεί επίσης την ανάγκη καθιέρωσης ενός ρυθμιστικού πλαισίου σε επίπεδο Ένωσης για τους δείκτες αναφοράς, ώστε να εξασφαλίζεται η εύρυθμη λειτουργία της εσωτερικής αγοράς καθώς και υψηλό επίπεδο προστασίας των καταναλωτών και των επενδυτών. Η πρόταση της Επιτροπής εξετάζεται επί του παρόντος από το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο και το Συμβούλιο στο πλαίσιο της συνήθους νομοθετικής διαδικασίας.

Η Επιτροπή γνωρίζει ότι ορισμένες αρμόδιες αρχές διεξάγουν έρευνες σχετικά με την παραποίηση ορισμένων δεικτών αναφοράς του χρηματιστηρίου. Ωστόσο, η διεξαγωγή των ερευνών αυτών εμπίπτει στην αρμοδιότητα των οικείων αρμόδιων αρχών και, συνεπώς, η Επιτροπή δεν μπορεί να τοποθετηθεί επί του προσανατολισμού των ερευνών.

Μολονότι είναι νωρίς για να εκφέρει γνώμη, η Επιτροπή εξετάζει το θέμα από πλευράς πολιτικής ανταγωνισμού, υπό την έννοια ότι η παραποίηση δεικτών αναφοράς του χρηματιστηρίου από διαχειριστές της αγοράς ενδέχεται να συνιστά παραβίαση των κανόνων ανταγωνισμού της ΕΕ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013670/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Foreign exchange market manipulation

Investigations have been conducted at a number of major banks in recent years, including Credit Agricole and Société Générale of France, Deutsche Bank of Germany and the UK’s HSBC Holdings and Royal Bank of Scotland, concerning manipulation of the Libor and Euribor interbank lending rates.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2014)

The Commission is aware of the investigations concerning manipulation of the Libor and Euribor interbank lending rates and has responded accordingly.

Commission’s proposals for a regulation on Market Abuse and for a directive on Criminal Sanctions for Market Abuse, politically agreed by the European Parliament and the Council in June and December 2013 respectively, prohibit the manipulation of benchmarks.

Moreover, on 18 September 2013 the Commission proposed a draft Regulation on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts (70) which aims to ensure benchmarks are robust, accurate and reliable. This proposal is accompanied by an impact assessment which evaluates the impact that the manipulation of benchmarks such as Libor and Euribor may have on investors, the real economy and confidence in financial markets. It also assesses the need for a regulatory framework for benchmarks at Union level to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and ensure a high level of consumer and investor protection. The Commission proposal is now being considered by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedures.

The Commission is aware that a number of competent authorities are investigating the manipulation of certain foreign exchange benchmarks. However the conduct of these investigations is the responsibility of the relevant competent authorities and the Commission therefore cannot comment on where these investigations are heading.

While it is too early to pronounce on the matter, the Commission is looking into it from a competition policy perspective, since manipulations of the forex exchange rates by market operators may constitute violations of EU competition rules.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-013671/13

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(3 december 2013)

Betreft: Marokkaans verbod op contacten met Israëli's

Een grote meerderheid van de Marokkaanse wetgevers heeft een wetsvoorstel ingediend op grond waarvan elk contact met Israëli's wordt verboden. In het voorstel wordt beoogd ieder economisch, politiek, cultureel, artistiek of andersoortig contact met een natuurlijke persoon of een rechtspersoon die het Israëlische staatsburgerschap heeft of ingezetene is van de Israëlische entiteit, te bestraffen met twee tot vijf jaar gevangenisstraf en te beboeten met circa 10 000 tot 100 000 euro. Tevens biedt het voorstel de mogelijkheid om de persoon die het contact heeft gelegd het recht op pensioen te ontzeggen, te ontslaan of het Marokkaans staatsburgerschap te ontnemen (71).

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(11 februari 2014)

De EU is op de hoogte van dit recente voorstel, maar het is onwaarschijnlijk dat het bij wet zal worden vastgesteld. Als dit wel het geval zou zijn, zal het vanuit verschillende invalshoeken grondig worden onderzocht.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013671/13

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Morocco outlaws contacts with Israelis

A large majority of the Moroccan parliament has proposed a bill that would outlaw all contacts with Israelis. The bill proposes that any economic, political, cultural, artistic or other contact with natural persons holding Israeli citizenship or resident in Israel or with Israeli legal persons be punished by two to five years imprisonment, a fine of approximately EUR10 000 to 100 000 and the possibility of losing the right to a pension, being dismissed from work or losing Moroccan citizenship. (72)

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

(11 February 2014)

The EU is aware of this recent proposal, although it is unlikely that it will be enacted. However, should this be a case, it will be thoroughly examined, from different perspectives.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013672/13

a la Comisión

Teresa Riera Madurell (S&D) y Ricardo Cortés Lastra (S&D)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Las relaciones científicas UE-México en el nuevo programa Horizonte 2020

Ya desde comienzos de la década de los años 60, un gran número de proyectos para la formación de investigadores en Europa han sido financiados por México. Como resultado, muchos científicos mexicanos que recibieron formación en Europa regresaron posteriormente a México para continuar su trabajo científico. Actualmente, México es uno de los grandes protagonistas de Latinoamérica en el campo de la ciencia y la tecnología, y, desde el Sexto Programa Marco, sus investigadores han participado activamente en los programas marco de investigación financiados por la Comisión. Además, la Comisión ha firmado acuerdos bilaterales de cooperación con el Gobierno mexicano. Dicha cooperación internacional ha sido de importancia estratégica para el desarrollo de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación en México.

La actual situación económica implica que México se haya agrupado con los denominados países MIST (México, Indonesia, Corea del Sur y Turquía), por lo que la Comisión ha modificado las condiciones para la participación de los grupos de investigación mexicanos en el programa Horizonte 2020. Ahora México tendrá que aportar una parte de la financiación.

¿Considera la Comisión que este cambio afectará de manera significativa a la participación de los grupos mexicanos en los proyectos del programa marco?

De ser así, ¿qué medidas tomará la Comisión para remediar, mantener y, si fuese necesario, mejorar nuestra cooperación científica y tecnológica con México? ¿Qué iniciativas adoptará la Comisión para garantizar que las universidades europeas continúen siendo un destino prioritario para la juventud mexicana en busca de una formación científica de gran calidad?

Respuesta de la Sra. Geoghegan-Quinn en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de febrero de 2014)

En el marco del nuevo enfoque estratégico de la cooperación internacional en investigación e innovación, las actividades de cooperación con México se verán incrementadas gracias a la apertura general de las convocatorias de Horizonte 2020, que se complementará con actividades de cooperación internacional específicas, desarrolladas sobre la base del interés común y el beneficio mutuo, una escala y un alcance óptimos, así como asociaciones y sinergias.

Asimismo, tanto las autoridades mexicanas como la Comisión han evaluado positivamente la cooperación en ciencia y tecnología en el contexto del 7PM (73). Con motivo de la sexta reunión del Comité Directivo Conjunto México-Unión Europea organizada en Bruselas por la Comisión el 28 de noviembre de 2013, ambas delegaciones acordaron intensificar la cooperación en los ámbitos clave de: investigación sobre energía geotérmica y tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. La cooperación también se verá reforzada con el Consejo Europeo de Investigación y el Centro Común de Investigación en tres áreas prioritarias: medio ambiente y clima, energía, y seguridad alimentaria. El Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones mexicano ha anunciado su compromiso de proporcionar financiación a las instituciones y a los investigadores mexicanos participantes en las convocatorias de Horizonte 2020, con lo que demuestra el interés de México por mantener la actual cooperación con la UE en materia de ciencia, tecnología e innovación.

Además, los investigadores mexicanos particulares pueden optar a financiación a través de las acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie de Horizonte 2020, que brindan atractivas oportunidades de desarrollo de carreras de investigación en cualquier ámbito, incluida la movilidad hacia o desde Europa. No obstante, puede ocurrir que las organizaciones mexicanas solo reciban financiación para acoger investigadores Marie Skłodowska-Curie si esta participación se considera fundamental para la ejecución de la acción.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013672/13

to the Commission

Teresa Riera Madurell (S&D) and Ricardo Cortés Lastra (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: EU-Mexico scientific relations in the new H2020 programme

Since the early 1960s, a great many projects for training researchers in Europe have been funded by Mexico. As a result, many Mexican scientists who have received training in Europe have subsequently returned to Mexico to continue their scientific work. Today, Mexico is one of Latin America’s key players in the field of science and technology and since FP6 its researchers have actively participated in the research framework programmes funded by the Commission. In addition, the Commission has signed bilateral cooperation agreements with the Mexican Government. This bilateral cooperation has been strategically important for the development of science, technology and innovation in Mexico.

The prevailing economic situation means that Mexico is now grouped with the so-called MIST countries, and as such the Commission has changed the conditions for the participation of Mexican research groups in H2020. Mexico will now have to provide a part of the funding.

In this context,

Does the Commission consider that this change will significantly affect the participation of Mexican groups in framework programme projects?

If so, what steps will the Commission take to remediate, maintain and, where necessary, improve our scientific and technological cooperation with Mexico? What initiatives will the Commission take to ensure that European universities remain a priority destination for young Mexicans seeking high-quality scientific training?

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

(5 February 2014)

In the context of the New Strategic Approach on International Cooperation in Research and Innovation, cooperation activities with Mexico will be enhanced by the general openness of Horizon 2020 calls complemented with targeted international cooperation activities, developed on the basis of common interest and mutual benefit, optimal scale and scope, partnership and synergy.

Furthermore, both the Mexican authorities and the Commission have appraised positively the state of S&T cooperation under FP7 (74). On the occasion of the 6th EU-Mexico Joint Steering Committee meeting hosted by the Commission in Brussels on 28 November 2013, both delegations agreed to step up cooperation in the following key areas: Geothermal energy research and Information and Communication Technologies. Cooperation will also be stepped up with the European Research Council and with the Joint Research Centre in three priority areas: environment and climate; energy; and food security. The Mexican National Research Council announced its commitment to finance Mexican institutions and researchers participating in the Horizon 2020 calls showing the interest of Mexico in maintaining the ongoing cooperation with the EU in Science, Technology and Innovation.

In addition, individual Mexican researchers are eligible for funding by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions in Horizon 2020 offering attractive research career development opportunities in any field, and including mobility to or from Europe. However, Mexican organisations may only be funded for hosting Marie Skłodowska-Curie researchers if the participation is deemed essential for carrying out the action.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013673/13

to the Commission

Nessa Childers (NI) and Marian Harkin (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Putting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on the EU mental health agenda

A recently published European Expert White Paper on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — entitled ‘ADHD: making the invisible visible’ — has revealed that ADHD affects 1 in 20 children and adolescents in Europe. The paper shows that ADHD can have significant negative long-term consequences on multiple aspects of an individual’s life, along with wide‐ranging associated costs, especially for national healthcare and education systems. The White Paper shows that the annual healthcare costs arising from ADHD currently range from EUR 716 to EUR 2 134 per patient in many EU countries. Unfortunately, awareness and recognition of this mental health condition are still very limited across the Member States. As a result, many of those affected by ADHD do not benefit from adequate treatment and support facilities or, even worse, are left to cope with their condition by themselves.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2014)

The Commission has no specific policy on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it addresses this issue, together with the other mental disorders which may affect children and young people, through its work on mental health and disorders under the European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being. The work package on ‘Mental Health and Schools’ of the Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being (75) intends to address ADHD indirectly in the context of work on the prevention of psycho-social distress, especially in adolescence, that may lead to psychopathological diseases in adulthood. ADHD Europe network is a collaborating partner in this work package.

In addition, the Commission is implementing a preparatory action for the European Parliament to create a European network of experts on adapted care for adolescents with mental health problems. This action will consider the usefulness and transferability of specific settings which offer a range of support services to adolescents with mental health problems, including ADHD.

Through the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-2013), the Commission has fostered cross-border research on ADHD with an overall budget of EUR 26 million, addressing in particular the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ADHD and possible treatments.

Horizon 2020 (76), the new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (77) (2014‐2020), through its ‘Health, demographic change and wellbeing’ societal challenge will provide further opportunities to support research in this area, including in the bottom-up activities, e.g. the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions.

The Commission has at present no plans for further actions explicitly targeting ADHD.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-013677/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(3 dicembre 2013)

Oggetto: India: persecuzione dei cristiani nello stato di Karnataka

In India, nello stato di Karnataka, in cima alle classifiche per episodi di violenza anticristiana, un gruppo indù che opera per lo sviluppo delle popolazioni tribali ha presentato alla polizia una denuncia contro i missionari cristiani, accusandoli di aver convertito oltre mille famiglie tribali al cristianesimo. Un gruppo di missionari cristiani è stato accusato di «convertire in modo fraudolento e con la forza» le popolazioni tribali dei villaggi nel distretto di Mysore e di altri distretti vicini.

Da tempo vi sono casi di persecuzioni e attacchi durante servizi liturgici o incontri di preghiera organizzati da comunità tribali cristiane.

Può dire la Commissione:

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

(10 febbraio 2014)

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è a conoscenza delle questioni sollevate dall'onorevole parlamentare nella sua interrogazione. Per quanto riguarda l'India, infatti, i problemi delle comunità cristiane dello stato del Karnataka sono gli stessi che si incontrano in altre regioni.

L'Unione europea è molto sensibile alla necessità di tutelare i diritti umani e le libertà fondamentali in India; le forme di discriminazione, le questioni di genere, i diritti delle donne e le libertà di religione e di credo sono alcuni dei principali temi che vengono regolarmente affrontati nei contatti con le autorità indiane. Discussioni approfondite sulla situazione in India avvengono anche a livello multilaterale, in particolare in sede di Consiglio per i diritti umani delle Nazioni Unite a Ginevra.

Anche il dialogo UE-India sui diritti umani rappresenta una buona occasione per uno scambio regolare di opinioni in materia; l'ultimo di questi incontri si è svolto il 27 novembre 2013. Inoltre, la delegazione dell'UE in India è regolarmente in contatto con i membri del Consiglio nazionale per l'integrazione, nonché con la Commissione nazionale per le minoranze, organismi che sono stati istituiti per garantire che incidenti come quelli in questione, che sono violano i principi della libertà di religione e di credo sanciti dalla Costituzione indiana, vengano segnalati alle autorità competenti e che queste ultime adottino le misure del caso.

In India, l'UE sostiene anche progetti in materia di diritti umani e libertà fondamentali, in particolare attraverso lo Strumento europeo per la democrazia e i diritti umani (EIDHR).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013677/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: India: persecution of Christians in the state of Karnataka

In the Indian state of Karnataka, which tops the list for acts of violence against Christians, a Hindu group working for the development of tribal populations has lodged a complaint with the police against Christian missionaries, accusing them of having converted over 1 000 tribal families to Christianity. A group of Christian missionaries has been accused of ‘fraudulently and forcibly converting’ the tribal people of the villages in the district of Mysore and other neighbouring districts.

There have long been instances of persecution and attacks during church services and prayer meetings organised by Christian tribal communities.

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

(10 February 2014)

The HR/VP is aware of the issues mentioned by the Honourable Member in her question. Indeed, as regards to India, the problems Christian communities face in Karnataka are the same encountered in other regions.

The European Union pays great attention to the necessity of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in India; non-discrimination, gender issues and women's rights, freedom of religion and belief are some of the most relevant topics that are regularly raised with Indian authorities. Thorough discussions on the situation in India also take place at the multilateral level, in particular at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The EU-India Human Rights Dialogue also provides a good opportunity to exchange views on these matters at regular intervals; the latest such meetings took place on 27 November 2013. Moreover, the EU Delegation in India is regularly in touch with members of the National Integration Council as well as with the National Commission for Minorities, bodies which were set up to ensure that incidents of such nature, which run counter the principles of Freedom of Religion and Belief enshrined in the Indian Constitution, are reported and dealt with by the relevant authorities

The EU also supports projects on human rights and fundamental freedoms in India, especially through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-013678/13

aan de Commissie

Philippe De Backer (ALDE)

(3 december 2013)

Betreft: Uitleg naar aanleiding van overheidsinvesteringen in hernieuwbare energie

Electrawinds is een Belgisch energiebedrijf dat internationaal actief is in de hernieuwbare energie. Het ontwikkelt en beheert projecten met windenergie, biomassa en de productie van biodiesel.

Opstarten van groene-energieprojecten is kapitaalintensief. In de loop van de jaren investeerden de Vlaamse en Federale overheid in totaal 160 miljoen euro in het bedrijf. Dit gebeurde via investeringsvehikels waarover de overheid direct of indirect controle heeft: Gimv, de Federale Participatie‐ en Investeringsmaatschappij, de Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen, Gigarant en het Vlaamse energieagentschap, de Gemeentelijke Holding en Belfius bank. Deze kapitaalinjecties gebeurden in de vorm van achtergestelde leningen en kapitaalsgaranties. Ondertussen kent Electrawinds financiële problemen en wordt de aard van de overheidsinvesteringen in vraag gesteld.

Vandaar de volgende vragen:

Antwoord van de heer Almunia namens de Commissie

(17 februari 2014)

Volgens Richtlijn 2009/28/EG (78) zijn de lidstaten verplicht om bindende doelstellingen te halen voor het aandeel van hernieuwbare energie in hun totale energieverbruik. In artikel 3, lid 3, van de richtlijn wordt bepaald dat lidstaten o.a. steunregelingen mogen gebruiken om deze doelstellingen te behalen. Overeenkomstig artikel 108, lid 3, VWEU moeten de lidstaten bovendien opgezette steunregelingen voor de productie van hernieuwbare energie bij de Commissie aanmelden wanneer die regelingen staatssteun inhouden. De Commissie beoordeelt de aangemelde regelingen aan de hand van de richtsnoeren inzake staatssteun ten behoeve van het milieu (mededeling 2008/C 82/01 van de Commissie) of de beschikkingspraktijk wanneer de richtsnoeren niet van toepassing zijn. Wanneer de Commissie een steunregeling heeft goedgekeurd in het kader van de richtsnoeren, moet steun aan een specifiek project in het kader van de regeling bij de Commissie worden aangemeld als die steun bepaalde grenswaarden overschrijdt.

Het is mogelijk dat Electrawinds dergelijke steun heeft gekregen, ofwel in België (zie bijvoorbeeld Beschikking N 14/2002 van de Commissie over overheidssteun voor windparken op zee en hernieuwbare energiebronnen in het algemeen, Beschikking N 550/2000 van de Commissie over een systeem van groenestroomcertificaten in het Vlaams Gewest, Beschikking N 415/A/01 en N 415/B/01 van de Commissie over een systeem van groenestroomcertificaten in het Waals Gewest en Beschikking N 608/04 van de Commissie over een systeem voor certificaten  ter bevordering van warmtekrachtkoppeling en warmteproductie), ofwel in andere EU-landen. De Commissie is echter niet op de hoogte van enige specifieke steun aan Electrawinds.

De Commissie beschikt momenteel niet over informatie die een nieuw onderzoek naar Electrawinds zou rechtvaardigen en is niet in contact geweest met de participatiemaatschappijen waarnaar wordt verwezen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013678/13

to the Commission

Philippe De Backer (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Explanation in response to public investment in renewable energy

Electrawinds is a Belgian energy company with international operations in renewable energy. It develops and manages projects relating to wind energy, biomass and the production of biodiesel.

Starting up green energy projects is capital intensive. In the course of the years, the Flemish and the Federal governments invested a total of EUR 160 million in the company. This was done through investment vehicles which the government directly or indirectly controlled: Gimv, the Federal Holding and Investment Company, de Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen, Gigarant and the Flemish Energy Agency, de Gemeentelijke Holding and Belfius Bank. These capital injections were made in the form of subordinated loans and capital guarantees. Meanwhile, Electrawinds has faced financial problems and the nature of public investment has been questioned.

Hence the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2014)

Directive 2009/28/EC (79) obliges Member States to achieve binding targets for the share of renewable energy in their overall energy consumption. Article 3(3) of the directive provides that Member States may i.a. use support schemes to reach those targets. Moreover, support schemes for renewable energy production set up by Member States have to be notified to the Commission pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU insofar as they involve state aid. The Commission assesses the notified schemes on the basis of the Guidelines on State Aid for Environmental Protection (Commission Notice 2008/C 82/01) or case practice where the Guidelines do not apply. Once an aid scheme has been approved by the Commission under the Guidelines, aid under the scheme to a specific project only has to be notified to the Commission if it exceeds certain thresholds.

It is possible that Electrawinds has obtained support from such renewables support schemes either in Belgium (cf. for instance Commission Decision N 14/2002 relating to federal support to off-shore wind farms and generally to renewables, Commission Decision N 550/2000 regarding a green certificates system in the Flemish Region, Commission Decisions N 415/A/01 and N 415/B/01 regarding a green certificates system in the Walloon Region and Commission Decision N 608/04 regarding a certificates system supporting Cogeneration and Heat Production) or in other Member States. However, the Commission is not aware of any specific support to Electrawinds.

The Commission currently does not have information that would justify launching an inquiry into Electrawinds and has not been in contact with the private equity firms referred to.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-013679/13

aan de Commissie

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(3 december 2013)

Betreft: De impact van de geplande verbreding van de Brusselse ring door Vlaanderen en de Europese luchtkwaliteitsnormen

Om de luchtvervuiling tegen te gaan en de daaraan verbonden schadelijke gevolgen voor de volksgezondheid en het milieu tot een minimum in te perken, voert de EU sinds 1996 beleid rond schonere lucht voor Europa. De in Richtlijn 2008/50/EG vastgelegde grenswaarden voor schadelijke stoffen dienen sinds 2010 nageleefd te worden. De Commissie keurde op 6 juli 2012 voor Vlaanderen een aanvraag goed tot 5 jaar uitstel voor het halen van de grenswaarden voor stikstofdioxide (NO2) op basis van een luchtkwaliteitsplan dat uitstippelt hoe Vlaanderen de normen in 2015 wél zal halen. Vlaanderen houdt zich echter niet aan dit luchtkwaliteitsplan. De belangrijkste maatregel van het plan (ongeveer 80 % van de geplande vermindering van de NO2-uitstoot), namelijk een kilometerheffing voor vrachtverkeer, werd uitgesteld van 2013 tot 2016. Bovendien besliste de Vlaamse regering op 25 oktober 2013 tot een verbreding van de ring rond Brussel. De verbreding van de ring is niet opgenomen in het luchtkwaliteitsplan. Dit  terwijl het milieueffectenrapport over de verbreding van de ring aantoont dat hierdoor de Europese luchtkwaliteitsnormen zelfs tegen 2020 niet gehaald zullen worden. Vlaanderen bereidt deze plannen sinds 2008 voor en had de Commissie reeds bij de uitstelaanvraag op de hoogte kunnen brengen. Brussel is in permanente overschrijding van de grenswaarden voor stikstofdioxide.

Antwoord van de heer Potočnik namens de Commissie

(11 februari 2014)

.

. Als de jaarlijkse grenswaarden voor NO

worden overschreden, zal de Commissie de kwestie onderzoeken en passende maatregelen vaststellen, zoals zij al heeft gedaan voor de PM10-daggrenswaarde.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013679/13

to the Commission

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: The impact of the planned widening of the Brussels Ring Road by Flanders and European air quality standards

In order to combat air pollution and minimise the associated harmful effects on human health and the environment, the EU has been pursuing a policy for cleaner air for Europe since 1996. Since 2010 we have had limit values for pollutants laid down in Directive 2008/50/EC that need to be observed. On 6 July 2012, the Commission granted an application by Flanders for a 5-year extension for achieving the limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on the basis of an air quality plan that maps out how Flanders will reach the standards by 2015. However, Flanders is not complying with this air quality plan. The centrepiece of the plan (accounting for around 80% of the planned reduction of NO2 emissions), a toll for heavy goods vehicles, to be specific, was deferred from 2013 to 2016. In addition, the Flemish Government decided on 25 October 2013 to widen the Brussels Ring Road. However, the widening is not included in the air quality plan. And this at a time when the environmental impact assessment on the widening of the Ring Road has shown that these European air quality standards will not even be achieved by 2020. The Flanders has been preparing these plans since 2008 and could have already notified the Commission when it applied for the deferral. Brussels has continuously been exceeding limit values for nitrogen dioxide.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 2014)

.

. If the annual limit values for NO2 are exceeded, the Commission will examine the issue and decide on an appropriate course of action, as it already did for the PM10 daily limit value.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-013680/13

adresată Comisiei

Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

(3 decembrie 2013)

Subiect: Rolul vitaminei D în prevenirea cancerului

În 2008, un studiu efectuat de cercetători canadieni a dus la concluzia că pacientele care aveau un nivel suficient de vitamina D în organism prezentau un risc de două ori mai mic de îmbolnăvire de cancer la sân decât pacientele care prezentau un deficit de vitamina D, iar studii efectuate în Norvegia și Germania au ajuns la concluzii asemănătoare.

Deficitul de vitamina D poate crește riscul instalării bolilor cronice, inclusiv osteoporoza, bolile de inimă, unele forme de cancer și de scleroză, precum și a bolilor infecțioase, cum ar fi tuberculoza și chiar gripa sezonieră, conform Școlii de Sănătate Publică de la Harvard.

Având în vedere cele relatate mai sus:

Răspuns dat de dl Borg în numele Comisiei

(3 februarie 2014)

Comisia este în favoarea unei abordări integrate, care să implice actori de la nivel local, regional, național și european, pentru a promova o alimentație sănătoasă, cu un consum corespunzător de fructe și legume, care să permită un aport echilibrat al tuturor substanțelor nutritive utile în prevenirea cancerului. Strategia din 2007 a UE pentru Europa privind problemele de sănătate legate de alimentație, excesul de greutate și obezitate (84) promovează o alimentație echilibrată și un stil de viață activ în rândul cetățenilor UE.

La solicitarea Comisiei Europene, Grupul pentru produse dietetice, nutriție și alergii din cadrul Autorității Europene pentru Siguranța Alimentară (EFSA) a fost invitat să reevalueze siguranța vitaminei D și să stabilească, dacă este necesar, doze maxime tolerabile (DMT) revizuite de vitamina D, pentru toate categoriile de populație vizate (85). Informațiile privind aportul de vitamina D, rezultate în urma unor anchete desfășurate în 14 țări europene, indică faptul că, pentru toate categoriile de populație, consumul de vitamina D se situează sub nivelul dozei maxime tolerabile revizuite. Nu a fost demonstrată explicit nicio legătură între consumul de vitamina D și reducerea riscului de cancer.

În mod similar, Institutul Oncologic American nu recomandă utilizarea de suplimente de vitamina D pentru a reduce riscul de cancer colorectal, cancer la sân sau orice alt tip de cancer (86). Concluzii asemănătoare se regăsesc în studiul „Vitamine D and cancer” al Agenției Internaționale de Cercetare în domeniul Cancerului (87).

Prin urmare, în prezent, Comisia nu are în vedere acțiuni specifice de sensibilizare a populației cu privire la consumul de vitamina D pentru prevenirea cancerului.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013680/13

to the Commission

Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Role of vitamin D in cancer prevention

In 2008 a study conducted by researchers in Canada reached the conclusion that female patients who had a sufficient level of vitamin D in their body had a two times lower risk of having breast cancer than patients with vitamin D deficiency. Studies conducted in Norway and Germany also reached similar conclusions.

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of the onset of chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, heart diseases, some forms of cancer and sclerosis, as well as of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and even seasonal flu, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Taking into consideration the above,

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 2014)

The Commission advocates an integrated approach, involving stakeholders at local, regional, national and European levels, to promote a healthy diet, with suitable fruit and vegetable consumption, permitting a balanced intake of all nutrients useful to prevent cancer. The 2007 EU Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity-related Health Issues (88) promotes a balanced diet and active lifestyles among EU citizens.

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies) was asked to re-evaluate the safety of vitamin D and to provide, if necessary, revised Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) of vitamin D for all relevant population groups (89). Data on vitamin D intake from surveys in 14 European countries indicate that intake is below the revised Upper Intake Levels for vitamin D for all population groups. No association between higher intakes of vitamin D and reduction of risk cancer has been explicitly demonstrated.

Similarly, the US National Cancer Institute does not recommend, the use of vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of colorectal, breast or any other type of cancer (90). Similar conclusions can be found in the study ‘Vitamin D and cancer’ from the International Agency on Research on Cancer (91).

On this basis, the Commission does not envisage at this moment specific actions on awareness on intake of vitamin D for cancer prevention.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-013682/13

à la Commission

Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(3 décembre 2013)

Objet: Artificialisation des sols liée au projet Val Tolosa

Val Tolosa est un projet de mégacentre commercial à Plaisance du Touch, en Haute-Garonne, en proche banlieue toulousaine. Le projet s'étend sur près de 115 000 m2 et nécessiterait pour sa mise en œuvre la réalisation de nouvelles infrastructures routières et la destruction de plus de 44 hectares de terres naturelles. Il rencontre une forte opposition parmi la population depuis plus de huit ans; l'argument de l'intérêt public majeur pour sa réalisation est contesté en raison de son intérêt purement financier et spéculatif.

Selon le Conseil national des centres commerciaux, plus de 50 centres commerciaux sont actuellement en construction en France, alors que le pays en compte déjà plus de 740. Le rythme de création des implantations commerciales ne cesse de s'accélérer depuis 10 ans. D'après l'Assemblée des communautés de France, qui fédère les élus d'intercommunalités, «tous les ans, la surface commerciale augmente de plus de 3 %, alors que la consommation évolue à moins de 1 %». Tous situés en périphérie urbaine ou en milieu rural, ces centres commerciaux contribuent très fortement à l'artificialisation des terres.

À l'échelle européenne, c'est l'équivalent d'un département de surfaces agricoles qui disparaît chaque année. C'est pourquoi la Commission européenne a placé la lutte contre ce phénomène parmi ses priorités: elle a publié, le 12 avril 2012, de nouvelles lignes directrices contre l'imperméabilisation des sols.

Au sein de ces lignes directrices figurent les assertions et engagements suivants: «l'imperméabilisation des sols peut être freinée par un aménagement avisé de l'espace et par la limitation de l'étalement urbain»; «la limitation de l'imperméabilisation des sols est toujours prioritaire par rapport aux mesures d'atténuation ou de compensation, car l'imperméabilisation des sols est un processus quasiment irréversible»; «la Commission européenne est résolue à œuvrer en faveur d'une utilisation plus durable des terres et du sol».

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(15 janvier 2014)

contiennent des exemples de bonnes pratiques appliquées dans le cadre de mesures nationales, régionales et locales pour limiter, atténuer ou compenser l'imperméabilisation des sols lors de leur occupation. Il s'agit d'un outil qui peut être utilisé par les autorités compétentes lors de l'évaluation des multiples incidences de l'imperméabilisation des sols sur l'environnement et l'économie locale. Ces lignes directrices ne sont toutefois pas contraignantes.

, un tel projet s'inscrit dans le cadre de l'annexe II, paragraphe 10, point b, et devrait être soumis à une procédure de vérification. Cette procédure est menée par les autorités nationales compétentes avant l'octroi de l'autorisation et vise à déterminer si le projet est susceptible d'avoir des incidences notables sur l'environnement.

En outre, lorsque le projet est susceptible d'avoir des incidences significatives sur un site Natura 2000, une évaluation appropriée est nécessaire, en vertu de l'article 6, paragraphe 3, de la directive «Habitats» (94). Si l'évaluation est négative, l'autorité compétente peut décider d'autoriser le projet, pour autant que les conditions de l'article 6, paragraphe 4, soient remplies, y compris l'existence de raisons impératives d'intérêt public majeur. Dans ce cas, la Commission doit être informée par les autorités compétentes des mesures de compensation adoptées et est alors en mesure de poser des questions en cas de besoin, en particulier s'il existe des preuves d'une infraction à la législation de l'UE. En ce qui concerne le projet en cause, il n'existe aucune preuve de ce type et la Commission n'a pas l'intention, sur la base des informations disponibles, d'ouvrir une enquête.

Des informations en matière d'environnement peuvent être demandées conformément à la directive 2003/4/CE (95).

(English version)

Question for written answer P-013682/13

to the Commission

Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Land take in connection with the Val Tolosa plan

Val Tolosa is a plan to build a massive shopping centre in Plaisance du Touch (Haute-Garonne), in the inner suburbs of Toulouse. It will stretch over an area of almost 115 000 m2; new road infrastructure will need to be built and over 44 hectares of natural land destroyed. The local population has fought strongly against the plan for over eight years. The argument that its construction is of overriding public interest is disputed on the grounds that the interest is purely financial and speculative.

According to the CNCC, France's National Council for shopping centres, more than 50 shopping centres are under construction at present in France, which already has more than 740 across the country. For 10 years now, retail outlets have been springing up at an ever increasing rate. The ‘Assemblée des communautés de France’, an inter-municipal association of elected municipal councillors, says that the amount of land occupied by shopping centres rises every year by more than 3% but consumption rises by less than 1%. These shopping centres, all sited on the edge of towns and cities or in rural areas, are responsible for a large share of land take.

At European level, this is equivalent to seeing a whole French ‘département’ of agricultural land disappear every year. This is why the Commission has made combating this phenomenon one of its priorities: on 12 April 2012 it published new guidelines to limit soil sealing.

The guidelines contain the following assertions and commitments — ‘soil sealing can be limited through smart spatial planning and limiting urban sprawl’ and ‘limiting soil sealing always has priority over mitigation or compensation measures, since soil sealing is an almost irreversible process’ — as well as declaring that the Commission is determined to work towards a more sustainable use of land and soil.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 2014)

contain best practice examples of national, regional and local measures to limit, mitigate or compensate soil sealing in case of land take. They are a tool which may be used by competent authorities in considering the many impacts that soil sealing has on the environment and the local economy. However, they are not binding.

, such a project falls under Annex II.10.b and should be made subject to a screening procedure. This procedure is carried out by the relevant national authorities before consent is given and aims to determine whether the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment.

In addition, if the project is likely to have a significant impact on a Natura 2000 site, an appropriate assessment will be required under Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive (98). If the assessment is negative the competent authority may decide to authorise the project, provided that the conditions of Article 6.4 are met, including the existence of imperative reasons of overriding public interest. In that case the Commission has to be informed by the competent authorities of the compensation measures adopted and is then in a position to ask questions if necessary, in particular if there is evidence of a breach of EU legislation. With regard to the project at stake, there is no such evidence and the Commission does not intend, on the basis of the information available, to open an investigation.

Environmental information can be requested in accordance with Directive 2003/4/EC (99).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης P-013683/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Theodoros Skylakakis (ALDE)

(3 Δεκεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Σύνδεση ταμειακών μηχανών με Γενική Γραμματεία Πληροφορικών Συστημάτων στην Ελλάδα

O ελληνικός νόμος 3943 και συγκεκριμένα το αρθρο 26 παράγραφος 8, που ψηφίστηκε την 31η Μαρτίου 2011, υποχρέωνε τους επιτηδευματίες που εκδίδουν αποδείξεις λιανικής πώλησης ή παροχής υπηρεσιών με χρήση φορολογικών ταμειακών μηχανών να διαβιβάζουν ηλεκτρονικά τα δεδομένα των φορολογικών στοιχείων που εκδίδονται σε βάση δεδομένων της Γενικής Γραμματείας Πληροφοριακών Συστημάτων (ΓΓΠΣ).

O σκοπός του άρθρου ήταν η πάταξη της φοροκλοπής του ΦΠA στην Ελλάδα, που εκτιμάται ότι κυμαίνεται μεταξύ 8-10 δισεκατομμυρίων ευρώ, καθώς και ο μετριασμός της διαφθοράς που προκύπτει από τον φορολογικό έλεγχο με την φυσική παρουσία εφοριακών.

Ύστερα από καθυστέρηση 30 μηνών, διάστημα κατά το οποίο το άρθρο 26 παρ. 8 του 3943 ουδέποτε εφαρμόστηκε, το Υπουργείο Οικονομικών εξέδωσε ανακοίνωση σύμφωνα με την οποία «η υποχρέωση αποστολής online αναλυτικών στοιχείων ανά συναλλαγή δεν θα υλοποιηθεί προς το παρόν».

Δεδομένου ότι η απόφαση αυτή αναβάλλει εκ νέου και επ' αόριστον την πλήρη εφαρμογή του νόμου 3943, που θα μπορούσε να βοηθήσει σημαντικά στην βελτίωση των δημοσίων οικονομικών της Ελλάδας, μέσω της πάταξης της φοροδιαφυγής, της φοροκλοπής του ΦΠA και της διαφθοράς στην δημόσια διοίκηση,

Δεδομένου ότι ομάδα εργασίας του Υπουργείου Οικονομικών είχε βρει τεχνική λύση για να εφαρμοστεί πλήρως το άρθρο 26 παράγραφος 8 ήδη μέσα στο 2012, ενώ η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή άμεσα ενέκρινε τις σχετικές τεχνικές προδιαγραφές,

Δεδομένου ότι η Επιτροπή έχει δηλώσει ότι η φοροδιαφυγή και όχι η αύξηση της φορολογίας που υλοποιείται σήμερα, θα έπρεπε να αποτελεί προτεραιότητα του προγράμματος δημοσιονομικής προσαρμογής, καθώς επίσης και ότι οι πολιτικές της ελληνικής κυβέρνησης δεσμεύονται από το μνημόνιο συμφωνίας μεταξύ της Ελλάδας και της τρόικα, μέλος της οποίας είναι η Επιτροπή,

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(18 Φεβρουαρίου 2014)

Το δελτίο Τύπου του Υπουργείου Οικονομικών κάνει λόγο για μια σημαντική απλοποίηση του ελληνικού συστήματος παρακολούθησης των λογιστικών και των φορολογικών στοιχείων. Στο παρελθόν, το σύστημα αυτό χαρακτηριζόταν ως δύσκαμπτο και πολύπλοκο, απέκλινε από τις διεθνείς βέλτιστες πρακτικές και επιβάρυνε υπερβολικά τους οικονομικούς φορείς χωρίς κάποιο θετικό αντίκρυσμα στη φορολογική συμμόρφωση. Επομένως, η Επιτροπή εκφράζει την ικανοποίησή της για το προαναφερθέν ολοκληρωμένο σχέδιο για την απλοποίηση του συστήματος. Το εγχείρημα ανταποκρίνεται τόσο σε πάγιο αίτημα των ελληνικών και διεθνών επιχειρήσεων όσο και στην ανάγκη εναρμόνισης με τις διεθνείς βέλτιστες πρακτικές.

Όσον αφορά την υποχρεωτική χρήση Μητρώων Ηλεκτρονικών Συναλλαγών από όλους τους φορολογούμενους και τη συστηματική διαβίβαση στο Υπουργείο Οικονομικών αναλυτικών δεδομένων κάθε συναλλαγής, παραδείγματα άλλων χωρών δείχνουν ότι η συστηματική διαβίβαση των σχετικών δεδομένων στις φορολογικές αρχές δεν αρκεί για την αντιμετώπιση της απάτης στον τομέα του ΦΠΑ. Εξίσου απαραίτητη είναι η ενίσχυση της διοικητικής ικανότητας.

Για τον σκοπό αυτό, η Επιτροπή πρότεινε την παροχή εκτενούς τεχνικής βοήθειας, προκειμένου να περιοριστούν οι κίνδυνοι εφαρμογής και να βελτιωθεί η διοικητική ικανότητα.

Η Επιτροπή έχει πλήρη επίγνωση του οικονομικού διακυβεύματος που συνδέεται με την εφαρμογή του ΦΠΑ στην Ελλάδα, όπως περιγράφεται σε πρόσφατη αναφορά της ΓΔ TAXUD, η οποία συγκρίνει το έλλειμμα ΦΠΑ σε κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ (100). Η καταπολέμηση της απάτης στον τομέα του ΦΠΑ αποτελεί προτεραιότητα της Επιτροπής και πρόκειται να απασχολήσει έντονα τις υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής τόσο στο πλαίσιο των συζητήσεων που διεξάγονται σχετικά με την τέταρτη επανεξέταση του δεύτερου προγράμματος οικονομικής προσαρμογής όσο και στο πλαίσιο παροχής τεχνικής υποστήριξης.

Επιπλέον, η ομάδα δράσης για την Ελλάδα προωθεί τη συνεργασία με το Βέλγιο στον τομέα αυτόν, καθώς η χώρα διαθέτει μακρόχρονη πείρα στην καταπολέμηση της απάτης στον τομέα του ΦΠΑ και ιδίως στις αποκαλούμενες αλυσιδωτές απάτες ΦΠΑ (carousel).

(English version)

Question for written answer P-013683/13

to the Commission

Theodoros Skylakakis (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Link between cash registers and the General Secretariat for Information Systems in Greece

Greek Law No 3943, in particular Article 26, paragraph 8, thereof, which was adopted on 31 March 2011, required traders who issue receipts for retail sales or the provision of services with fiscal cash registers to transmit electronically the tax data issued to a database of the General Secretariat for Information Systems.

The purpose of this Article was to combat VAT tax fraud in Greece, which is estimated at between EUR 8 and 10 billion, and to reduce the corruption arising from tax audits involving the physical presence of tax inspectors.

After a period of thirty months, during which Article 26, paragraph 8, of Law No 3943 has never been implemented, the Finance Ministry has issued a notice stating that ‘the obligation to send online detailed data per transaction will not be enforced at present.’

Given that this decision has again postponed — indefinitely — the full implementation of Law No 3943, which could significantly help to improve Greece’s public finances by combating tax evasion, VAT tax fraud and corruption in the public administration;

Given that a working group in the Ministry of Finance had found a technical solution back in 2012 allowing the full implementation of Article 26, paragraph 8, and the Commission had immediately approved the relevant technical specifications;

Given that the Commission has declared that tax evasion, and not the tax increases being implemented today, should be a priority of the fiscal adjustment programme, and that the Greek government’s policies are bound by the Memorandum of Agreement between Greece and the Troika, of which the Commission is a member;

Will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2014)

The press release of the Ministry of Finance announced a major simplification of the accounting and tax recording framework in Greece. In the past, this framework has been characterised as being very cumbersome and detailed, out of step with international best practice and imposing excessive burden on economic actors with no positive impact on tax compliance. The Commission therefore welcomes such comprehensive plan for the simplification. This corresponds both to a longstanding request by Greek and international businesses and to an alignment with international best practices.

Regarding the mandatory use of Electronic Transaction Registers by all taxpayers and the systematic transmission to the Ministry of Finance of detailed data on all transactions, examples of other countries indicate that systematic transmission of such data to the tax administration is not on its own sufficient to deal with VAT fraud. The administrative capacity also needs to be strengthened.

Hence, Commission has proposed extensive technical assistance so as to limit implementation risks and improve the administration capacity.

The Commission is fully aware of the financial stakes linked to the application of VAT in Greece, as outlined in a recent report from DG TAXUD comparing the VAT gap across EU MS (101). Fight against VAT fraud is a priority for the Commission and this will be a major concern for Commission services both in the ongoing discussions on the forth review of Second Economic Adjustment Programme and in terms of provision of technical assistance support.

The Task Force for Greece is also facilitating cooperation in this field with Belgium which has a very strong experience in fighting VAT fraud and notably so-called VAT carousel fraud.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor P-013684/13

za Komisijo

Romana Jordan (PPE)

(3. december 2013)

Zadeva: Povečevanje izpustov iz potrošnje v Evropski uniji

Na plenarnem zasedanju 21. 10. 2013 sem v svojem govoru omenila, da v Evropski uniji izpuste povečujemo, če upoštevamo izpuste, ki jih ustvarimo z uporabo izdelkov in storitev. To trditev sem podprla s podatki iz študije Stevena J. Davisa in Kena Caldeire z naslovom „Consumption-based accounting of СО2 emission“. (102) Avtorja študije namreč pokažeta, da so se izpusti v Evropi med letoma 2000 in 2008 povečevali za 3,4 % na leto–1, kar je občutno povišanje glede na rast izpustov v 90. letih, ki je znašala 1,0 % na leto–1.

Komisarka Hedegaardova me je zato presenetila s svojo reakcijo, da Evropska unija izpuste zmanjšuje tudi celostno gledano.

Zato želim komisarko vprašati, na katerih podatkih je utemeljila svojo trditev.

Odgovor Connie Hedegaard v imenu Komisije

(14. januar 2014)

V Poročilu o napredku EU (103) so bile emisije v EU v letu 2012 ocenjene na 18 % pod ravnmi iz leta 1990. EU ločuje svoje emisije od rasti, saj je njen BDP v obdobju 1990–2011 zrasel za 45 %, predelovalni sektor pa v obdobju 1995–2009 za 2,2 % letno (104).

EU meri svoje emisije s seznami glede na smernice UNFCCC o poročanju in pregledu (105), kar velja za vse stranke. Ti seznami so posodobljeni, pregledni, dosledni in preverljivi nizi podatkov. Temeljijo na podatkih o neposrednih emisijah kot najbolj zanesljivem viru podatkov, ki je pogosto proizvodnja. Mednarodno dogovorjena metodologija poročanja omogoča vsem strankam ukrepe za zmanjšanje emisij, ki nastajajo na njihovem ozemlju.

Komisija se zaveda objave, ki jo omenja spoštovani poslanec. Za opis svetovne proizvodnje so potrebne posebne predpostavke (npr. nizi gospodarskih podatkov za leto 2004). Mednarodno dogovorjena in zanesljiva računovodska metodologija na podlagi potrošnje ne obstaja. Sedmi okvirni program EU za raziskave podpira raziskovanje podatkov o emisijah, potrošnji in trgovini, da bi se povečalo znanje o takšnih metodologijah ter njihova natančnost in razumevanje (106).

Spremembe v smislu potrošnje in emisij СО2 so v značilni korelaciji z globalizacijo in spreminjajočimi se trgovinskimi tokovi, ki se razvijajo ne glede na podnebne politike. Politike za trajnostno potrošnjo in učinkovito rabo virov bi lahko prispevale k zmanjšanju emisij toplogrednih plinov vzdolž dobavne verige porabljenih izdelkov.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-013684/13

to the Commission

Romana Jordan (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Increase in consumption-related emissions in the EU

Speaking at the plenary sitting of 21 October 2013, I made the point that emissions in the EU are increasing, assuming that we take into account those produced by the consumption of goods and services. That statement was supported by data from the study by Steven J. Davis and Ken Caldeira entitled ‘Consumption-based accounting of CO2 emissions’ (107), in which the two authors show that emissions in the EU increased by 3.4% a yearbetween 2000 and 2008, a substantial rise compared with the 1990s, when the annual growth rate amounted to 1%.

That being the case, I found it surprising that Commissioner Hedegaard should have responded by saying that the EU is reducing emissions, even when these are viewed as a whole.

On what data, therefore, did the Commission base its assertion?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 2014)

The EU Progress Report (108) has estimated EU emissions in 2012 at 18% below 1990 levels. The EU is decoupling its emissions and growth, with GDP growing by 45% in 1990-2011 and its manufacturing sector by 2.2%/year in 1995-2009 (109).

The EU measures its emissions through inventories following the UNFCCC guidelines on reporting and review (110), as do all parties. Such inventories are up-to-date, transparent, consistent, and verifiable datasets. These are based on direct emission data as the most robust data source, which is often production. The internationally agreed reporting methodology enables all parties’ action to reduce the emissions occurring on their territory.

The Commission is aware of the publication mentioned by the Honourable Member. It takes specific assumptions to describe global production (e.g. 2004 economic datasets). There is no internationally agreed and robust consumption-based accounting methodology. The EU 7th Research Framework Programme supports research on emissions, consumption and trade data to advance knowledge, accuracy and understanding of such methodologies (111).

Changes in terms of consumption and CO2 emissions are significantly correlated to changing trade patterns and globalisation, which are developing irrespective of climate policies. Policies for sustainable consumption and resource efficiency could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the supply chain of consumed products.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013685/13

a la Comisión

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Evaluación de impacto del proyecto Eastside

Se están llevando a cabo en Gibraltar una serie de rellenos con piedra y hormigón para ganar terreno al mar y construir espigones. La Directiva 2011/92/UE, relativa a la evaluación de las repercusiones de determinados proyectos públicos y privados sobre el medio ambiente, establece los requisitos y procedimientos para la realización de evaluaciones de impacto ambiental antes de la aprobación de cualquier proyecto susceptible de afectar al medio ambiente.

En su artículo 7, la Directiva obliga a enviar toda la documentación disponible relativa a proyectos que afecten a otro Estado miembro. Además, el Estado miembro en cuyo territorio se vaya a llevar a cabo el proyecto debe conceder al Estado miembro afectado un plazo de tiempo razonable para pronunciarse sobre su participación en los trámites ambientales pertinentes.

España afirma que ni ha sido consultada ni dispone de la información relevante sobre el proyecto. Un proyecto como este puede suponer alteraciones graves de la dinámica litoral, incidencia en los hábitats que lo rodean, así como un aumento de la presión humana sobre el medio marino (por vertidos, aguas residuales, etc.).

Además, el artículo 6, apartado 3, de la Directiva 92/43/CEE, relativa a la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres, establece la obligación de someter a evaluación de impacto ambiental todos los proyectos que tengan repercusiones en las zonas protegidas.

¿Ha comprobado la Comisión las alegaciones españolas? ¿Se ha realizado una evaluación de impacto ambiental antes de la autorización del proyecto? ¿Supondría la realización del proyecto Eastside una infracción del derecho de la UE? ¿Qué medidas de reparación deberían tomar las autoridades competentes responsables?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013686/13

a la Comisión

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Rellenos para el proyecto Eastside

Según las medidas de conservación aprobadas para la Zona Especial de Conservación (ZEC) «Estrecho Oriental», la realización de rellenos está prohibida. Estas son las medidas de conservación obligadas, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el artículo 6, apartado 1, de la Directiva 92/43/CEE, relativa a la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres.

La realización de rellenos en esta zona supone una eliminación de parte de los hábitats designados y una clara disminución de la superficie marina. Estos rellenos supondrían un deterioro del hábitat y una clara alteración del ecosistema en el que habitan las especies que motiva la designación de la ZEC, en claro incumplimiento del artículo 6, apartado 2, de la citada Directiva. Entre estas especies, figura una en peligro de extinción, la Patella ferruginea.

¿Considera la Comisión que se está incumpliendo el Derecho de la UE? ¿Qué medidas legales y de reparación se van a tomar para que este proyecto no siga adelante si no cumple con la legislación de la UE para la protección del medio ambiente?

Puesto que el proyecto afecta a las aguas de otro Estado miembro, en este caso España, ¿qué medidas va a adoptar la Comisión, de acuerdo con el artículo 15 de la Directiva 2008/56/CE (Directiva marco sobre la estrategia marina)?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013687/13

a la Comisión

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Actividades de abastecimiento de combustible de barco a barco (bunkering) en Gibraltar

La Zona de Especial Conservación (ZEC) «Estrecho Oriental» (ES6120032) fue declarada por España, previa aprobación de la Comisión Europea. El artículo 6, apartado 1, de la Directiva 92/43/CEE, relativa a la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres, impone a los Estados miembros la obligación de aprobar medidas de conservación y planes de gestión para las zonas protegidas. Mediante la publicación del Real Decreto 1620/2012, España ha establecido las medidas de conservación de la ZEC mencionada. Entre estas medidas se encuentra la prohibición de las actividades de abastecimiento de combustible de barco a barco (bunkering).

Además, la Directiva 2008/56/CE, Directiva marco sobre la estrategia marina, establece normas para garantizar una adecuada protección del mar que permita, al mismo tiempo, la explotación sostenible de los recursos marinos. En su artículo 15, apartado 1, los Estados miembros tienen la obligación de informar a la Comisión de aquellos problemas que inciden en el estado ambiental de sus aguas marinas, si las medidas nacionales no son suficientes. Según la definición del buen estado ambiental que España ha desarrollado para la Demarcación Marina del Estrecho y Alborán, la actividad de abastecimiento de combustible de barco a barco (bunkering) compromete el logro del buen estado ambiental de las aguas españolas.

¿Cree la Comisión que una actividad de alto riesgo, como es el abastecimiento de combustible de barco a barco (bunkering), puede practicarse en zonas protegidas? ¿Está incumpliendo Reino Unido con sus obligaciones al no haber establecido ninguna restricción a estas actividades en la zona protegida mencionada?

De acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el artículo 15, apartados 1 y 2, de la Directiva 2008/56/CE, ¿qué medidas va a tomar la Comisión para resolver el problema ambiental planteado?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013688/13

a la Comisión

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Vertido de bloques de hormigón en la bahía de Algeciras

Durante el mes de julio se produjo el vertido de 70 bloques de hormigón en la bahía de Algeciras en las proximidades de la Zona Especial de Conservación (ZEC) «Estrecho Oriental». Dicho vertido forma parte de un proyecto para la formación de un arrecife al lado de Gibraltar. Es muy probable que la presencia de los bloques de hormigón altere de forma sustancial las condiciones hidrográficas de la bahía, incluida la ZEC.

España no ha sido informada del proyecto por parte de las autoridades competentes. Por tanto, no han podido tenerse en cuenta los efectos transfronterizos del proyecto, en claro incumplimiento del artículo 2 de la Directiva 2008/56/CE por la que se establece un marco de acción comunitaria para la política del medio marino.

En la definición de «contaminación» que figura en la Directiva se incluyen los «obstáculos a las actividades marítimas, especialmente a la pesca […] y demás usos legítimos del mar». Como consecuencia de los vertidos de bloques de hormigón, la actividad pesquera en la bahía de Algeciras se ha visto seriamente impedida. Este concepto es clave en la Directiva, ya que la prevención de los vertidos y la eliminación de la contaminación deben inspirar la elaboración de las estrategias marinas por parte de los Estados miembros.

Además, el vertido de los bloques se ha llevado a cabo sin haber realizado antes una evaluación de impacto ambiental del proyecto en la ZEC colindante.

¿Podría indicar la Comisión si el vertido de estos bloques de hormigón es compatible con la protección del medio ambiente marino? ¿Tiene la Comisión constancia de que se haya realizado la correspondiente evaluación de impacto ambiental? Teniendo en cuenta el artículo 15 de la Directiva 2008/56/CE, ¿qué acciones tiene previsto emprender la Comisión?

Respuesta conjunta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(10 de febrero de 2014)

La Comisión ya planteó la cuestión del proyecto «Eastside» a las autoridades del Reino Unido en 2011. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación de impacto ambiental de conformidad con la Directiva 2011/92/UE (112) antes de conceder al proyecto la correspondiente autorización de ejecución. El Reino Unido informó a la Comisión de que no se había puesto en marcha el procedimiento dispuesto en el artículo 7 de la citada Directiva dado que la evaluación concluyó que el proyecto, tal como fue finalmente autorizado, no iba a tener un impacto transfronterizo significativo sobre el medio ambiente.

Recientemente, la Comisión ha solicitado al Reino Unido aclaraciones adicionales en relación con este proyecto y con otras actividades llevadas a cabo en las aguas en torno a Gibraltar, en particular en lo que respecta a su conformidad con las Directivas 2011/92/UE, 2008/56/CE (113) y 92/43/CEE (114). En estos momentos, la Comisión está a la espera de la respuesta del Reino Unido.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013685/13

to the Commission

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Impact assessment of the Eastside project

A series of stone and concrete fillings is under way in Gibraltar to reclaim land and build jetties. Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment establishes the requirements and procedures for undertaking environmental impact assessments before approving any project which could affect the environment.

Under Article 7 of the directive, Member States are required to forward all available documentation on projects affecting another Member State. Furthermore, the Member State in whose territory the project is to be carried out must allow the affected Member State reasonable time to decide whether it wishes to participate in the relevant environmental procedures.

Spain claims that it has not been consulted on the project, nor has it been given access to the relevant information. A project like this could significantly change the coastal dynamic, impact on surrounding habitats and increase human pressure on the marine environment (through discharges, waste water, etc.).

In addition, according to Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, all projects affecting protected areas must be subject to an environmental impact assessment.

Has the Commission verified Spain’s allegations? Was an environmental impact assessment undertaken before approving the project? Is the Eastside project in breach of EC law? What reparation measures should the competent authorities take?

Question for written answer E-013686/13

to the Commission

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Land reclamation for the Eastside project

According to the conservation measures adopted for the ‘Eastern Strait’ Special Area of Conservation (SAC), land reclamation is prohibited. These are the compulsory conservation measures adopted under the provisions of Article 6(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

Reclaiming land in this area would involve destroying some of the designated habitats and a clear reduction in the size of the marine area. Such land reclamation would involve a deterioration of the habitat and clear disturbance of the ecosystem in which the species for which the SAC was designated live, in flagrant breach of Article 6(2) of the aforementioned Directive. One of these species, Patella ferruginea, is endangered.

Does the Commission think that there is a breach of EC law here? What legal and reparation measures will it take to stop this project going ahead if it does not comply with EU environmental protection legislation?

Given that the project involves the waters of another Member State, Spain, what action will the Commission take under Article 15 of Directive 2008/56/EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)?

Question for written answer E-013687/13

to the Commission

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Fuel bunkering activities in Gibraltar

Spain declared the ‘Eastern Strait’ (ES6120032) a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), subject to European Commission approval. According to Article 6(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, Member States must approve conservation measures and management plans for protected areas. Spain’s Royal Decree 1620/2012 established conservation measures for the abovementioned SAC, including the prohibition of fuel bunkering activities.

In addition, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC establishes regulations to guarantee adequate marine protection while allowing the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Under Article 15(1), Member States have a duty to inform the Commission of any issues with the environmental status of their waters which cannot be tackled with measures adopted at national level. Based on the definition of good environmental status that Spain developed for the Marine Demarcation of the Strait and Alborán, fuel bunkering activities are a threat to that status in Spanish waters.

Does the Commission think that a high-risk activity like fuel bunkering should be permitted in protected areas? Is the UK in breach of its obligations by making no attempt to restrict these activities in the abovementioned protected area?

In line with Article 15(1) and (2) of Directive 2008/56/EC, what action does the Commission intend to take to resolve this environmental issue?

Question for written answer E-013688/13

to the Commission

Luis de Grandes Pascual (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Concrete blocks dumped in Algeciras Bay

In July, 70 concrete blocks were dumped in Algeciras Bay, near the ‘Eastern Strait’ Special Area of Conservation (SAC). They are part of a project to form a reef beside Gibraltar. It is highly likely that their presence will substantially change hydrographical conditions in the bay, including the SAC.

The competent authorities did not inform Spain about this project. Therefore, it was not possible to take account of the project’s cross-border impact, in clear contravention of Article 2 of Directive 2008/56/EC, which establishes a Community action framework for marine environmental policy.

The directive’s definition of ‘pollution’ includes ‘the hindering of marine activities, including fishing … and other legitimate uses of the sea.’ Fishing activity in Algeciras Bay has been seriously impaired by the concrete blocks dumped there. This is a key concept in the directive, as Member States’ marine strategies should be guided by the need to prevent discharges and eliminate pollution.

Furthermore, the blocks were dumped without any assessment of the project’s environmental impact on the adjacent SAC.

Can the Commission indicate whether dumping these concrete blocks is consistent with protecting the marine environment? Does the Commission have any record of the corresponding environmental impact assessment having been made? What action does the Commission intend to take in relation to Article 15 of Directive 2008/56/EC?

Joint answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(10 February 2014)

The Commission already raised the Eastside project with the United Kingdom authorities in 2011. An environmental impact assessment was carried out under Directive 2011/92/EU (115) before development consent for this project was granted. The United Kingdom informed the Commission that the procedure required under Article 7 of this directive had not been triggered because the assessment concluded that the project, as finally authorised, would not have a significant transboundary impact on the environment.

The Commission has recently asked the United Kingdom to provide further clarifications on this project and on other activities carried out in the waters around Gibraltar, and particularly regarding their compliance with Directives 2011/92/EU, 2008/56/EC (116) and 92/43/EEC (117). The Commission is now waiting for a reply from the United Kingdom.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013689/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Protección del campesinado de la Franja de Gaza durante el periodo de siembra

Al haber comenzado la temporada de lluvias, los campesinos de la Franja de Gaza han iniciado las labores de siembra y, lamentablemente, tal y como viene ocurriendo en los últimos años, los ataques y agresiones a los agricultores de la Franja de Gaza por parte del Ejército de Israel se incrementan.

Trágicamente, el período de siembra del año pasado se saldó con cuarto campesinos muertos por disparos de las fuerzas de ocupación y más de un centenar de heridos. Tras apenas una semana de siembra, se han perpetrado varios ataques contra agricultores palestinos y se han registrado acciones de intimidación para evitar el cultivo, en particular en los campos cercanos a la verja que cerca la Franja de Gaza y que la separa de parte de los territorios palestinos ocupados por Israel.

Estos ataques no son un hecho aislado sino que se inscriben en el marco de una política deliberada de Israel de continuación de la ocupación ilegal de tierras a través, en este caso, de una política de terror y miedo para evitar las escasas actividades económicas que, debido al ilegal e inhumano bloqueo, todavía pueden llevar a cabo los palestinos para sobrevivir.

De hecho, tal y como ya expresé en mi pregunta E-003977/2013, durante la primera semana del mes de abril una delegación española de solidaridad, de la que formé parte, fue testigo de la actitud beligerante del ejército israelí contra la población de la Franja de Gaza, en particular contra los campesinos. Así, cuando la delegación se acercó a unos 300 metros de las vallas fronterizas para permitir a los campesinos recoger su cosecha, los soldados israelíes dispararon a cinco metros de la delegación, claramente desarmada, para intimidarla.

Observamos que estos ataques se repiten, con total impunidad, contra los pescadores que maniobran en las aguas de Gaza así como que los disparos contra civiles mientras cultivan o salen a pescar son una actividad habitual en los puestos fronterizos israelíes.

¿Está al corriente la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante de esta política de las autoridades israelíes basada en sembrar terror y miedo con el objetivo de imposibilitar la vida «normal» en la Franja de Gaza? ¿Tiene intención la Alta Representante de condenar y denunciar públicamente los ataques contra los campesinos palestinos y exigir a las autoridades israelíes que respeten el desarrollo de las limitadas actividades económicas —agricultura y pesca— que escapan del criminal e ilegal bloqueo que mantienen sobre la Franja de Gaza?

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

(4 de febrero de 2014)

Tal y como figura en las conclusiones del Consejo de Asuntos Exteriores sobre el proceso de paz en Oriente Próximo de mayo de 2012, la UE destaca la aplicabilidad del Derecho internacional humanitario y la Cuarta Convención de Ginebra relativa a la protección de los civiles en los Territorios Palestinos Ocupados, incluido su derecho a llevar una vida lo más normal posible.

En las conclusiones del Consejo de Asuntos Exteriores de 16 de diciembre de  2013, la UE transmite su gran preocupación por la situación humanitaria en Gaza. A través de su mecanismo PEGASE, la UE dirige recursos fundamentales a la población de Gaza, incluida la entrega de prestaciones sociales a familias palestinas vulnerables. La ayuda humanitaria de la UE consiste en preparación para emergencias, ayuda alimentaria (en efectivo y en especie), intervenciones en el ámbito del agua, el saneamiento y la higiene, así como servicios médicos y psicosociales de urgencia. Casi el 60 % del presupuesto humanitario de la UE para Palestina se dedica a Gaza. En su calidad de principal donante del OOPS, la UE también apoya a los refugiados, que constituyen el 70 % de la población.

La UE concede gran importancia a la entrega sin trabas de su ayuda humanitaria y seguirá insistiendo en que así sea. La Unión ha pedido repetidamente la apertura inmediata, sostenida e incondicional de pasos para el flujo de ayuda humanitaria, mercancías y personas a y desde Gaza.

La UE seguirá utilizando todas las oportunidades que ofrezca el diálogo que se mantiene a distintos niveles en el marco del Acuerdo de Asociación UE-Israel para plantear las cuestiones que susciten preocupación.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013689/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — ‘Let the rain bring life, not blood’ campaign in response to attacks by the Israeli army: protection for subsistence farmers in the Gaza Strip during seeding time

The rainy season has started in the Gaza Strip and its subsistence farmers have begun seeding the land. Unfortunately, as has been the case in recent years, Israeli Army attacks on farmers in the Gaza Strip are on the increase.

Tragically, last year’s seeding saw four killed and over a hundred wounded, having been fired upon by occupying forces. Over barely one week of seeding there were numerous attacks on Palestinian farmers and acts of intimidation to bring cultivation to a halt, especially in the countryside near the perimeter fence surrounding the Gaza Strip and partly separating it from the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

These are not isolated attacks; they are part of a deliberate Israeli policy to continue its illegal occupation by, in this case, terrorising Palestinians into giving up the scarce economic activities to which the unlawful, inhumane blockade has reduced them but from which they can still eke out a living.

Indeed, as I have already pointed out in my Question E-003977/2013, in the first week of April I was part of a Spanish solidarity delegation that witnessed the belligerent attitude of the Israeli Army towards residents of the Gaza Strip and in particular the subsistence farmers. When the delegation positioned itself around 300 metres from the border fence so that the farmers could harvest their crops, Israeli soldiers opened intimidatory fire some five metres away from us despite the fact that were clearly unarmed.

We observed that these attacks also go on with complete impunity against fishermen who operate in Gaza’s waters, and that firing on civilians tending crops or going out to fish is habitual at Israeli border posts.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware that the Israeli authorities are pursuing this policy which aims to make ‘normal’ life impossible on the Gaza Strip by basically sowing terror and fear? Does the High Representative intend to publicly condemn and denounce attacks on Palestinian subsistence farmers and to demand that the Israeli authorities respect the development of the limited economic activities of fishing and farming which escape their ongoing illegal, criminal blockade in the Gaza Strip?

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

(4 February 2014)

As stated in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process of May 2012, the EU underlines the applicability of international humanitarian law and the fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, including their right to live as normal a life as possible.

In the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 16 December 2013, the EU conveys its grave concern with the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Through its PEGASE mechanism, the EU directs crucial resources to the population of Gaza, including the provision of social allowances to vulnerable Palestinian families. EU Humanitarian assistance consists of emergency preparedness, food assistance (cash and in-kind), interventions in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene and emergency medical and psycho-social services. . Almost 60% of the EU's humanitarian budget for Palestine is dedicated to Gaza. As UNRWA's main donor, the EU also supports the refugees, who make up 70% of the population.

The EU attaches great importance and will continue to insist on the unimpeded delivery of this humanitarian assistance. The EU has repeatedly called for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.

The EU will continue to use all opportunities afforded by the dialogue that takes place at different levels within the framework of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to raise issues of concern.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013690/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Seguimiento a la pregunta E-003977/2013: Aclaraciones ante el ataque intimidatorio que sufrió una delegación española en la Franja de Gaza por parte de las autoridades israelíes

En su respuesta, de 17 de junio de 2013, a mi pregunta E-003977/2013, relativa a la intimidación a una delegación política española en la Franja de Gaza, la Alta Representante afirmaba haber pedido al Jefe de Delegación de la UE ante el Estado de Israel que solicitara aclaraciones sobre el incidente específico planteado en esa pregunta.

¿Puede la Alta Representante comunicarme las aclaraciones sobre este ataque intimidatorio que sufrimos? ¿Ha solicitado la Alta Representante la depuración de responsabilidades ante la justicia de los autores materiales y responsables políticos de los ataques intimidatorios?

Si —tal y como afirma en la misma respuesta— la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante está « de acuerdo con la afirmación de que “ el Gobierno israelí esté masacrando a la población palestina a su antojo ” » , ¿qué medidas concretas está llevando a cabo la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante para evitar esta masacre? ¿Piensa la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante exigir la congelación inmediata del acuerdo preferencial que la UE mantiene con Israel?

Respuesta de la alta representante y vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(18 de febrero de 2014)

Como respuesta a una solicitud de información hecha por la Delegación de la UE en Tel Aviv, el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Israel declaró no haber recibido ninguna denuncia relativa al supuesto incidente de abril y señaló que agradecería cualquier comunicación directa sobre las actuaciones de autoridades israelíes que hayan incidido en las visitas de delegaciones, incluidas las de diputados del Parlamento Europeo. Por lo tanto, aunque no estaba en condiciones de abordar concretamente el incidente en cuestión, recordó las medidas y procedimientos de seguridad israelíes en vigor en el perímetro de la Franja de Gaza. La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta puede confirmar que las autoridades israelíes gestionan una zona de acceso prohibido a una distancia de 300 metros del vallado perimetral que es bien conocida por las Naciones Unidas y otros organismos.

En la respuesta a la pregunta E-003977/2013 se declaró que «la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta no está de acuerdo con la afirmación de que el Gobierno israelí esté masacrando a la población palestina a su antojo».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013690/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Follow-up to Question E-003977/2013: clarifications regarding the intimidating attack by the Israeli authorities against a Spanish delegation in the Gaza Strip

In her reply of 17 June 2013 to my Question E-003977/2013 on the intimidation of a Spanish political delegation in the Gaza Strip, the High Representative stated that she had asked the EU Head of Delegation to the State of Israel to seek clarifications concerning the specific incident raised in that question.

Can the High Representative say what clarifications she has received concerning this intimidating attack against us? Has the High Representative called for the perpetrators and politicians responsible for the intimidating attacks to be brought to justice?

If, as she states in the same reply, the High Representative/Vice-President accepts ‘the suggestion that “the Israeli Government is massacring the Palestinian population at will”’, what specific measures is the High Representative/Vice-President taking to prevent this massacre? Does the High Representative/Vice-President intend to call for the immediate freezing of the preferential agreement that the EU has with Israel?

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

(18 February 2014)

In response to an enquiry by the EU Delegation in Tel Aviv, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said it had not received any complaint about any such incident in April and underlined it would be happy to receive directly any communication regarding actions by Israeli authorities impacting visits of delegations, such as those including members of the European Parliament. Without, therefore, being in a position to address specifically the incident in question, it nevertheless drew attention to the Israeli security measures and procedures in force on the perimeter of the Gaza Strip. The HR/VP can confirm that the Israeli authorities operate a ‘no-go’ area within 300m of the Gaza perimeter fence which is well publicised by the UN and other agencies.

In the reply to Question E-003977/2013 it was stated that the ‘HR/VP does not accept the suggestion that the Israeli Government is massacring the Palestinian population at will.’

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-013692/13

lill-Kummissjoni

Claudette Abela Baldacchino (S&D)

(3 ta' Diċembru 2013)

Suġġett: Is-saħħa u s-sikurezza fuq il-Post tax-xogħol

Bejn Mejju u Awwissu 2013, il-Kummissjoni nediet konsultazzjoni pubblika dwar il-qafas ta' politika ġdid tal-UE dwar is-sikurezza u s-saħħa okkupazzjonali. L-għan ewlieni ta' din il-konsultazzjoni kien li jinġabru l-għarfien u l-kontribuzzjonijiet tal-pubbliku wara l-evalwazzjoni tal-Istrateġija Ewropea dwar is-Saħħa u s-Sikurezza fuq il-Post tax-Xogħol 2007-2012. Din kellha tgħin biex jiġu identifikati sfidi attwali u futuri fil-qasam tas-sikurezza u s-saħħa okkupazzjonali, u jiġu identifikati modi dwar kif jistgħu jiġu indirizzati dawn l-isfidi.

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

(7 ta' Frar 2014)

L-elementi kollha msemmija hawn fuq jipprovdu kontribut siewi ħafna fir-rigward tal-adozzjoni ta’ qafas politiku ġdid tal-UE dwar is-saħħa u s-sigurtà fuq il-post tax-xogħol li jistgħu jkunu previsti matul l-ewwel kwart tal-2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013692/13

to the Commission

Claudette Abela Baldacchino (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Health and safety at work

Between May and August 2013, the Commission launched a public consultation on the new EU occupational safety and health policy framework. The main purpose of this consultation was to gather insights and contributions from the public further to the evaluation of the European Strategy on Safety and Health at Work 2007-2012. This should have helped to identify current and future challenges in the area of occupational safety and health, and to identify ways of addressing these challenges.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2014)

All the abovementioned elements provide very valuable input as regards the adoption of a new EU policy framework on health and safety at work which could be envisaged during the first quarter of 2014.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-013693/13

lill-Kummissjoni

Claudette Abela Baldacchino (S&D)

(3 ta' Diċembru 2013)

Suġġett: L-assenteiżmu fl-iskejjel primarji u sekondarji

Huwa essenzjali li l-livelli ta' tluq bikri mill-iskola jonqsu sabiex jintlaħqu numru ta' għanijiet ewlenin fl-istrateġija Ewropa 2020, peress li dan hu wieħed mill-fatturi ta' riskju primarji għall-qgħad, il-faqar u l-esklużjoni soċjali.

Fatturi magħrufin li jwasslu għal tluq bikri mill-iskola huma r-riżultati ħżiena u l-problemi soċjali jew dawk relatati mal-familja. Madankollu, dawn il-kawżi diġà jagħtu lok għal assenteiżmu fl-iktar stadji bikrin tal-edukazzjoni, din hi problema frekwenti li mhijiex riċerkata b'mod estensiv. Sabiex jiġi miġġieled l-assenteiżmu f'dawn l-istadji bikrin tal-edukazzjoni, xi pajjiżi, bħal Malta, għandhom leġiżlazzjoni li żżomm lill-ġenituri responsabbli tal-assenteiżmu tat-tfal tagħhom fl-iskejjel primarji u sekondarji pubbliċi, iżda għall-maġġoranza tal-Istati Membri l-oħra dan mhuwiex il-każ. Ġew stabbiliti miri nazzjonali sabiex jonqos it-tluq bikri mill-iskola, iżda mhux għal assenteiżmu fi stadji iktar bikrin.

Fid-dawl ta' dan;

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

(30 ta' Jannar 2014)

tistieden lill-Istati Membri jadottaw strateġiji komprensivi bbażati fuq l-evidenza u li jinkludu miżuri ta’ prevenzjoni, intervent u kumpens biex jiġi miġġieled it-tluq bikri mill-iskola. F’dan il-kuntest, miżuri ta’ prevenzjoni li jindirizzaw l-iżvilupp ta' tipi ta' mġiba li tista’ twassal għal tluq bikri mill-iskola huma importanti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013693/13

to the Commission

Claudette Abela Baldacchino (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Absenteeism in primary and secondary schools

It is essential that levels of early school leaving are reduced in order to achieve a number of key objectives in the Europe 2020 strategy, as this is one of the primary risk factors for unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.

Known factors that cause early school leaving are poor results and social or family-related problems. However, these causes already give rise to absenteeism at earlier stages of schooling, a frequent but less extensively researched problem. In order to combat absenteeism during these earlier phases of schooling, some countries, such as Malta, have legislation in place that holds parents responsible for their children’s absenteeism from public primary and secondary school, but this is not the case in most other Member States. National targets have been set to reduce early school leaving, but not for absenteeism in earlier phases.

In light of this;

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2014)

asks Member States to adopt evidence-based, comprehensive strategies to combat ESL, encompassing prevention, intervention and compensation measures. In this context, preventive measures which address the emergence of behaviours which may lead to early school leaving are important.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-013694/13

à Comissão

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

(3 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Temporais na Madeira

A parte nordeste da ilha da Madeira foi afetada nos passados dias 28 e 29 de novembro por fortes intempéries que causaram elevados danos.

As consequências foram inundações, enxurradas, derrocadas, habitações e viaturas destruídas, localidades isoladas, estradas danificadas, intransitáveis e encerradas, cortes nos serviços de fornecimento de água potável e energia elétrica, saneamento básico e telecomunicações, zonas de produção agrícola completamente devastadas, equipamentos e infraestruturas públicas incapacitadas. Uma noite de chuvas fortes trouxeram a destruição a zonas predominantemente rurais dos concelhos de Santana, Machico e Santa Cruz, zonas essas que tinham escapado relativamente incólumes aos últimos temporais que afetaram a Região Autónoma da Madeira nos tempos mais recentes.

A dimensão dos prejuízos e a gravidade da destruição provocada por estas últimas intempéries, bem como os seus impactos para as populações, requer a urgente disponibilização de apoios com vista à imediata reconstrução, recuperação e revitalização das zonas mais afetadas.

Assim, solicitamos à Comissão que nos informe:

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-013921/13

à Comissão

Edite Estrela (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Elisa Ferreira (S&D), Luís Paulo Alves (S&D) e Ana Gomes (S&D)

(6 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Temporal na ilha da Madeira

Uma vez mais, os habitantes da Ilha da Madeira (Portugal) foram fustigados por chuvas torrenciais que provocaram inundações, deslizamentos de terras, derrocadas de muros e destruíram várias habitações, equipamentos sociais e vias de comunicação.

Tendo em conta os enormes estragos provocados pelo temporal e o facto de que, de acordo com estimativas provisórias, só os custos das obras de recuperação nas freguesias de Porto da Cruz e de Santo António da Serra, no Concelho de Machico, se elevam a mais de quatro milhões de euros, um valor muito superior às capacidades financeiras das autoridades locais, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta conjunta dada por Johannes Hahn em nome da Comissão

(29 de janeiro de 2014)

O Fundo de Solidariedade da UE foi criado para ajudar os Estados-Membros atingidos por catástrofes de grandes proporções. Em relação aos danos cobertos, o limiar aplicável a Portugal em 2014 para ativar o Fundo é de 963 milhões de euros. Em catástrofes de menor dimensão, o Fundo só pode ser ativado em circunstância muito excecionais, nos casos em que a maioria da população da região atingida pela catástrofe seja afetada e tenham sido demonstradas repercussões graves e prolongadas nas condições de vida e na economia. Os pedidos devem ser apresentados pelas autoridades nacionais no prazo de 10 semanas após a ocorrência da catástrofe. Se as autoridades portuguesas tiverem em vista recorrer à ajuda do Fundo de Solidariedade, a Comissão está pronta para dar orientações e aconselhamento.

Até à data, a Comissão não recebeu qualquer pedido de assistência com vista à recuperação ou a reparações na sequência da tempestade, nem projetos que possam ser considerados elegíveis no âmbito do atual Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional ou do Fundo de Coesão de 2007-2013.

No contexto da execução do Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional de 2007-2013, a identificação, seleção, implementação e o acompanhamento de projetos individuais é da responsabilidade das autoridades nacionais e regionais pertinentes. A fim de dispor de mais informações importantes no respeitante a projetos apoiados no âmbito dos atuais programas para a Região Autónoma da Madeira, a Comissão sugere que os Senhores Deputados contactem diretamente a autoridade de gestão:

Instituto de Desenvolvimento Regional da Região Autónoma da Madeira (IDR-RAM)

Travessa do Cabido, 16

Funchal — Madeira

Tel (00 351) 291 214 000

E-mail: idr-srpf@gov-madeira.pt

www.idr.gov-madeira.pt

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013694/13

to the Commission

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

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Storms in Madeira

The north-eastern part of the island of Madeira was hit by fierce storms on 28 and 29 November and suffered considerable damage.

The storms led to flash floods and landslides. Buildings and vehicles were destroyed, and several areas were cut off. Roads were damaged, impassable and closed. Drinking water, electricity supplies, basic sanitation and telecommunication services were disrupted. Farming areas were devastated., and public equipment and infrastructure were disabled. One night of heavy rain brought destruction to the predominantly rural municipalities of Santana, Machico and Santa Cruz, which had escaped relatively unscathed from the previous storms that hit the Autonomous Region of Madeira recently.

The scale of the damage and the severity of the destruction caused by these latest storms, and their impact on the population, require the urgent mobilisation of aid for the immediate rebuilding, repair and recovery of the most affected areas.

Question for written answer E-013921/13

to the Commission

Edite Estrela (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Elisa Ferreira (S&D), Luís Paulo Alves (S&D) and Ana Gomes (S&D)

(6 December 2013)

Subject: Storm in Madeira

Once again, the residents of Madeira (Portugal) have been battered by torrential rain that has caused flooding and landslides, brought down walls and destroyed a number of homes, social amenities and lines of communication.

In view of the tremendous damage caused by the storm and the fact that, according to provisional estimates, repairs in the parishes of Porto da Cruz and Santo António da Serra, in the municipality of Machico, alone are going to cost over EUR 4 million, much more than the local authorities can afford:

How could the local authorities benefit from EU aid for repairs in the areas affected by this storm?

Joint answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(29 January 2014)

The EU Solidarity Fund was set up to assist Member States affected by a major disaster. The damage threshold applicable to Portugal in 2014 for activating the Fund is EUR 963 million. For smaller disasters, the Fund can only be activated very exceptionally if the majority of the population in the disaster-stricken region is affected and serious and lasting repercussions on living conditions and the economy have been demonstrated. Applications have to be submitted by the national authorities within 10 weeks of the occurrence of the disaster. If the Portuguese authorities consider applying for Solidarity Fund aid, the Commission stands ready to give further guidance and advice.

The Commission has not received to date any request for supporting recovery or repairs following the storm or projects that could be considered eligible under the on-going 2007-2013 European Regional Development Fund or Cohesion Fund.

In the context of the implementation of the 2007-2013 Portuguese National Strategic Reference Framework, the identification, selection, implementation and follow-up of individual projects is the responsibility of the relevant regional and national authorities. In order to have more substantial information on projects supported under the current programmes for the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Therefore, the Commission suggests the Honourable Members to contact directly the managing authority:

Instituto de Desenvolvimento Regional da Região Autónoma da Madeira (IDR-RAM)

Travessa do Cabido, 16

Funchal — Madeira

Tel. (00.351) 291 214 000

Email: idr-srpf@gov-madeira.pt

www.idr.gov-madeira.pt

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-013695/13

à Comissão

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

(3 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Trabalhadores portugueses explorados na Bélgica

O Governo belga aprovou um plano de ação contra a utilização abusiva do mecanismo europeu de destacamento de trabalhadores estrangeiros, tendo sido referido como exemplo um grupo de 60 portugueses pagos a 2,6 euros à hora. Em notícias recentes foi revelado que um empregador foi alvo de um processo verbal, uma vez que fazia trabalhar 60 não-belgas, neste caso portugueses, por um salário de 2,6 euros à hora.

A diretiva relativa ao destacamento de trabalhadores refere que é da inteira responsabilidade do país de acolhimento garantir a proteção e os direitos aos trabalhadores destacados, sendo o país em causa obrigado a adotar medidas para evitar que as normas mínimas sejam contornadas, dando origem a situações de verdadeira discriminação, que, afinal, afetam todos os trabalhadores — os destacados e os do país de acolhimento.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que nos informe:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(5 de fevereiro de 2014)

Embora partilhe a preocupação relativa à exploração dos trabalhadores, a Comissão não está a considerar a possibilidade de tomar medidas no caso vertente e relembra que o acompanhamento e a execução concretos das condições de trabalho e de emprego estabelecidas na Diretiva relativa ao destacamento de trabalhadores (120) são da competência dos Estados-Membros. Os Estados-Membros dispõem de organismos especializados, nomeadamente as inspeções do trabalho, para efetuar controlos e determinar as medidas corretivas necessárias. Por conseguinte, cabe às autoridades belgas avaliar a situação descrita e adotar as medidas eventualmente necessárias.

. Além disso, a Comissão supõe que a pergunta se refere à Recomendação R198 da OIT.

Não cabe à Comissão acompanhar a aplicação dos instrumentos da OIT. No entanto, a UE tomou parte ativa e contribuiu para a adoção desta recomendação.

de diretiva de execução precisamente com esse objetivo. Essa proposta, que se encontra atualmente em exame pelo Conselho e o Parlamento, permitiria melhorar os instrumentos à disposição dos Estados-Membros com vista ao acompanhamento e à execução das disposições em matéria de condições de emprego.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013695/13

to the Commission

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

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Portuguese workers exploited in Belgium

The Belgian Government has approved an action plan to stop abuses of the EU mechanism for the posting of workers, citing the example of a group of 60 Portuguese workers paid EUR 2.60 per hour. It was recently reported that an employer had been given a verbal warning for employing 60 non-Belgians, in this case Portuguese workers, at a rate of EUR 2.60 per hour.

The directive concerning the posting of workers states that it is the sole responsibility of the host country to ensure that posted workers and their rights are protected. The host country is required to adopt measures to prevent minimum standards being violated, as this leads to discrimination that impacts on all workers, both those posted and those from the host country itself.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 2014)

1 and 2. The Commission was not aware of the specific case referred to by the Honourable Members.

As much as the Commission shares the concern as regards exploitation of workers, with respect to the particular example referred to, the Commission is not considering taking any measures, as it recalls that the monitoring and enforcement in practice of the working and employment conditions laid down in the posting of workers Directive (124) fall within the competence of the Member States. They have specialised bodies, such as labour inspectorates, to carry out checks and determine the corrective measures required. It is therefore for Belgian authorities to assess the situation described and to initiate any necessary actions.

The Commission further presumes that the question refers to the ILO recommendation R198

. It is not the role of the Commission to monitor the application of ILO instruments. However, the EU took active part in, and contributed to, the adoption of this recommendation.

for an enforcement directive aimed at achieving just that. The proposal, which is currently before the Council and Parliament, would improve the instruments available to the Member States for monitoring, and enforcing provisions on, employment conditions.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013696/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Experimentos con organismos transgénicos

Un grupo de asociaciones ecologistas y agrarias de España, entre ellas Amigos de la Tierra, COAG, Ecologistas en Acción, etc., ha publicado un mapa con la información relativa a la localización de los experimentos con organismos transgénicos que ha facilitado el Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente del Gobierno de España.

Dichas organizaciones, que han dispuesto dicho mapa para hacer más accesible la información facilitada por el Ministerio, han denunciado que la mayoría de los experimentos sobre los que ha informado ya han terminado, con lo cual no se ha respetado la obligación de informar a tiempo sobre los riesgos a los que se expone a otros agricultores o ciudadanos que habitan en las zonas cercanas a dichos experimentos. Asimismo, dichas organizaciones han denunciado que la información ofrecida tan solo es una estimación que el Ministerio nunca ha controlado y se encuentra por debajo del 70 % de la superficie real cultivada. Como consecuencia de los experimentos con cultivos transgénicos se han denunciado numerosos casos de externalidades negativas que han afectado a agricultores de zonas cercanas a dichos experimentos: desde miel ecológica que pierde su valor al contener una mínima parte de polen transgénico, hasta variedades tradicionales de maíz contaminadas por transgénicos cercanos.

La Directiva 2003/4/CE introduce en el acervo jurídico de la Unión Europea la obligación de facilitar información pertinente y permitir la participación en la toma de decisiones sobre proyectos que tengan efectos medioambientales, como los citados experimentos con transgénicos. La directiva introduce en el Derecho europeo las obligaciones adquiridas en el Convenio de Aarhus de 1998 y, por tanto, obliga a que se adapten en las legislaciones nacionales de los Estados miembros. En el caso de España, los agricultores próximos a dichos experimentos han podido sufrir contaminaciones que reducen el valor de sus producciones. El Gobierno es el encargado de autorizar cada uno de los experimentos y, por tanto, disponía de toda la información relativa a la localización de los cultivos de transgénicos, tan solo no la publicó hasta que terminó la mayoría de ellos.

¿Sabe la Comisión que las autoridades españolas han publicado la información sobre la localización de los cultivos transgénicos cuando ya habían terminado dichos experimentos? ¿Considera que España ha cumplido la Directiva 2003/4/CE en el caso de la información relativa a los cultivos transgénicos experimentales realizados en el país? ¿Tiene la intención de sancionar a España por incumplir la citada Directiva?

Respuesta del Sr. Borg en nombre de la Comisión

(11 de febrero de 2014)

Sobre la base de la información recibida de la autoridad competente española, la Comisión confirma que es consciente de que la localización de OMG cultivados con arreglo a la parte B de la Directiva 2001/18/CE (128) se registra en España en un registro nacional gestionado por el Consejo Interministerial de OMG (CIOMG) y que la información relativa a la localización de experimentos con OMG está a disposición del público durante los mismos a petición a la autoridad competente española. La Comisión también es consciente de que las autoridades españolas facilitan la información relativa a la localización de OMG cultivados con arreglo a la parte B de la Directiva 2001/18/CE en el informe final sobre el experimento, que se publica después de este haya tenido lugar.

La Comisión considera que todo ello se ajusta a la Directiva 2003/4/CE (129), relativa al acceso del público a la información medioambiental, en particular su artículo 3, sobre el acceso a la información medioambiental previa solicitud, y su artículo 7, sobre la difusión de la información medioambiental. El artículo 7, apartado 3, afirma que «sin perjuicio de cualquier obligación específica de informar derivada del Derecho comunitario», los Estados miembros publicarán informes sobre el estado del medio ambiente.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013696/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Experiments with transgenic organisms

A group of environmentalists and agricultural associations in Spain, including Friends of the Earth, COAG, Ecologists in Action, etc., has published a map showing information, provided by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, on the locations of experiments with transgenic organisms.

These organisations, which have provided the map to make the information provided by the Ministry more accessible, have complained that most of the experiments about which information was given have already been completed. Therefore, the obligation to provide timely information on risks to farmers and other people living in areas close to these experiments has not been respected. The organisations have also complained that the information provided is only an estimate, never controlled by the Ministry, and is below 70% of the actual area under cultivation. Numerous cases have been reported of farmers in areas close to these experiments being affected by negative externalities resulting from experiments with transgenic crops: from organic honey that loses its value because it includes a minimum part of transgenic pollen, to traditional varieties of maize contaminated by nearby transgenic crops.

Directive 2003/4/EC introduced into the Union’s legal acquis the obligation to provide relevant information and to allow participation in decision-making on projects with environmental effects, such as the abovementioned transgenic experiments. The directive introduces into European law the obligations acquired under the 1998 Aarhus Convention and, therefore, requires Member States’ national laws to be adapted. In Spain’s case, farmers nearby these experiments may have suffered from contaminations that reduce the value of their production. The Government is responsible for authorising all of these experiments. Therefore, it had all the information on the location of transgenic crops, and simply did not publish it until most of them had ended.

Is the Commission aware that the Spanish authorities published information about the location of transgenic crops only after these experiments were finished? Does it believe that Spain has complied with Directive 2003/4/EC in the case of the information on experimental transgenic crops grown in the country? Does it intend to sanction Spain for violating this directive?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 2014)

Based on the information received from the Spanish Competent Authority, the Commission confirms that it is aware that the location of GMOs grown under Part B of Directive 2001/18/EC (130) is recorded in Spain in a national Register managed by the Inter-ministerial Council on GMOs (CIOMG) and that information regarding the location of GMO trials is available to the public during the trial upon a request made to the Spanish Competent Authority. The Commission is also aware that the Spanish authorities make the information regarding the location of GMOs grown under Part B of Directive 2001/18/EC available in the final report for the trial which is published after the trial has taken place.

The Commission considers that this is in line with Directive 2003/4/EC (131) on public access to environmental information, in particular Article 3 on access to environmental information upon request and Article 7 on the dissemination of environmental information. Article 7(3) says that ‘without prejudice to any specific reporting obligations laid down by Community legislation’ Member States shall publish reports on the state of the environment.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013697/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Programa europeo de ayuda alimentaria en 2013 y el próximo periodo presupuestario

En su respuesta a mi pregunta E-006388/2011, el Comisario de Agricultura, Dacian Cioloș, expresaba, en nombre de la Comisión, su preocupación sobre la necesidad de un acuerdo político para garantizar la existencia del programa europeo de ayuda alimentaria para 2013, así como el proyecto de la Comisión de garantizar una partida para el periodo 2014‐2020.

Ante la gravísima situación que está viviendo la población en los países del sur de Europa, resulta necesario garantizar la cobertura alimentaria de las masas de población que están siendo sumidas en la pobreza. Las políticas de austeridad impulsadas desde la misma Comisión en el ámbito financiero están provocando el incremento del porcentaje de población que vive bajo los umbrales de la pobreza hasta unos niveles que, en el caso de España, llegan al 20,7 %, según datos de Eurostat para 2012.

Estos niveles de pobreza están aumentando desde el inicio de la crisis y la población no puede aceptar una respuesta de las instituciones europeas que solo trata de salvar al sector financiero. Al menos, la Unión no puede reducir aún más los escasos recursos que destina a la ayuda alimentaria en una situación en la que su política económica está destruyendo empleos y condenando a millones de personas a la escasez de recursos económicos. Los bancos de alimentos en Estados miembros como España no son capaces de cubrir las necesidades de la población y se necesitarían muchos más recursos para hacer frente a la alimentación de la población necesitada.

¿Podría indicar la Comisión qué fondos se han destinado al programa de ayuda alimentaria de la Unión Europea para el ejercicio 2013? ¿Cuáles son los recursos financieros que han quedado a disposición del citado programa para el periodo 2014‐2020? ¿Considera la Comisión que son suficientes para abordar la alimentación de las personas empobrecidas de la Unión Europea ante las perspectivas de crecimiento de la pobreza? ¿Qué medidas alternativas piensa adoptar la Comisión para garantizar la cobertura de las necesidades alimentarias de todos los ciudadanos europeos?

Con respecto al funcionamiento, ¿se plantea la Comisión la coordinación de dicho programa con los proyectos de gasto social para reducir la carga administrativa y garantizar un funcionamiento que permita satisfacer las necesidades sociales de cada Estado miembro en cada momento?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de febrero de 2014)

El Programa europeo de ayuda alimentaria a las personas más necesitadas (PEAD) ascendió a 500 millones de euros en 2013, y el marco financiero plurianual prevé para el nuevo Fondo de Ayuda Europea para los Más Necesitados (FEAD) un presupuesto que se halla entre 2 500 y 3 500 millones de euros en el período 2014-2020, a precios constantes 2011. El importe exacto, que se especifica en el propio reglamento, será determinado por ambos colegisladores.

Si bien su objetivo no es responder por sí solo a las condiciones de privación de los ciudadanos europeos más vulnerables, el Fondo de Ayuda Europea para los Más Necesitados sí debería contribuir respaldando o catalizando los dispositivos nacionales que prestan una asistencia no financiera a las personas que se hallan en condiciones de extrema pobreza. Se prevén dos tipos de ayuda para los Estados miembros: ya sea una ayuda alimentaria o material, ya sea una ayuda a la inclusión social.

Además de que el presupuesto para el período 2014-2020 seguirá estable comparado con las dotaciones de los últimos años, el nuevo instrumento garantizará al mismo tiempo una gran previsibilidad de los recursos y una gran flexibilidad. En efecto, el Fondo lo pondrían en marcha los Estados miembros a través de programas plurianuales. Cada país tendría, pues, la posibilidad de dar prioridad a una de las formas de asistencia o bien de combinarlas, para afrontar las situaciones nacionales de la mejor manera posible.

El Fondo de Ayuda Europea para los Más Necesitados complementa los instrumentos de la política de cohesión, en particular el Fondo Social Europeo (FSE), que es —y seguirá siendo— un instrumento fundamental para la inclusión social.

Además, la puesta en práctica del FEAD será similar a la del FSE, de modo que permitirá sinergias a fin de reducir la carga administrativa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013697/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: The European food aid programme in 2013 and the next budget period

In his answer to my question E-006388/2011, the Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Cioloş expressed concern about the need for a political agreement to ensure the existence of the European food aid programme for 2013 and about the Commission’s proposal to ensure provision for the period of 2014-2020.

The dire situation faced by the population in southern European countries makes it necessary to ensure food coverage for the masses of people who are being pushed into poverty. Austerity policies, promoted by the Commission itself in the financial sector, are causing an increase in the percentage of the population living below the poverty line, reaching 20.7% in Spain, according to Eurostat data for 2012.

These poverty levels have been increasing since the start of the crisis and the population cannot accept a response from European institutions that only looks at saving the financial sector. In a situation where economic policy is destroying jobs and condemning millions of people to live with scarce economic resources, the Union must at least ensure that it does not further reduce the limited resources allocated to food aid. Food banks in Member States like Spain are unable to meet the population’s necessities and many more resources would be required to feed the population in need.

Could the Commission indicate what funds have been allocated to the Union’s food aid programme for 2013? What financial resources have been made available to this programme for the period of 2014-2020? Does the Commission believe they are sufficient to deal with feeding impoverished people in the Union given the prospect of growing poverty? What complementary measures will the Commission take to ensure that the food needs of all European citizens are covered?

Regarding how the programme works, does the Commission intend to coordinate it with social expenditure projects in order to reduce the administrative burden and ensure that it operates to meet the social needs of all Member States at all times?

(Version française)

Le Programme européen d'aide aux plus démunis (PEAD) s'est élevé à 500 millions d'euros en 2013 et le cadre financier pluriannuel prévoit pour le nouveau Fonds Européen d'aide aux plus démunis (FEAD) un budget compris entre 2,5 et 3,5 milliards d'euros sur la période 2014-2020, en prix constant 2011. Le montant exact, spécifié dans le règlement lui-même, sera déterminé par les deux co-législateurs.

S'il ne saurait avoir pour ambition de répondre à lui seul au dénuement des citoyens européen les plus vulnérables, le Fonds européen d'aide aux plus démunis devrait néanmoins y contribuer en soutenant ou en catalysant les dispositifs nationaux qui fournissent une assistance non-financière aux personnes confrontées à la très grande pauvreté. Deux types d'aide sont envisagés pour les États-membres: soit une aide alimentaire ou matérielle, soit une aide à l'inclusion sociale.

Outre que le budget pour la période 2014-2020 restera stable comparé aux dotations de ces dernières années, le nouvel instrument assurera à la fois une grande prévisibilité des ressources et une grande flexibilité. En effet, le Fonds serait mis en œuvre par les États membres à travers des programmes multi-annuels. Chaque pays serait donc en mesure d'adapter l'assistance en privilégiant une des formes d'assistance ou en les combinant, afin de répondre au mieux aux situations nationales.

Le Fonds européen d'aide aux plus démunis vient compléter les instruments de la politique de cohésion, en particulier le Fonds social européen (FSE) qui est, et restera un instrument essentiel pour l'inclusion sociale.

En outre, la mise en œuvre du FEAD sera similaire à celle du FSE, permettant ainsi des synergies visant à une réduction de la charge administrative.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013931/13

a la Comisión

Salvador Sedó i Alabart (PPE)

(6 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Posible cierre de Presseurop

La pervivencia de Presseurop, el portal multilingüe financiado con fondos europeos que traduce y publica artículos de noticias relacionadas con Europa desde 2009, pende de un hilo a raíz de la decisión de la Comisión Europea de cancelar la financiación de dicho portal, aduciendo motivos presupuestarios.

La principal misión de Presseurop es facilitar y promover el debate público sobre una amplia gama de cuestiones relacionadas con el proyecto europeo, acercando así la Unión Europea a los ciudadanos europeos.

A tan solo medio año de las elecciones tal vez más importantes de la historia de la Unión Europea, la confianza de los ciudadanos en la EU ha alcanzado su punto más bajo.

Proyectos como Presseurop contribuyen a fomentar el interés y a potenciar el conocimiento sobre qué es y cómo funciona la UE.

¿Cómo valora la Comisión la labor de Presseurop a la hora de combatir el déficit democrático de la UE?

¿Qué ha llevado a la Comisión Europea a tomar dicha decisión? ¿Qué opina de los resultados de la evaluación independiente publicados el pasado 13 de noviembre?

¿Qué proyectos considera la Comisión prioritarios en el ámbito de la comunicación de cara al período 2014-2020?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-014325/13

a la Comisión

Ricardo Cortés Lastra (S&D)

(19 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Clausura del portal Presseurop el próximo 20 de diciembre

Lamento la decisión de la Comisión Europea de suspender la financiación del portal informativo Presseurop. En una época en la que la comunicación con el ciudadano sobre el trabajo que se realiza desde Europa urge más que nunca, en un contexto democrático en el que se aproximan las elecciones al Parlamento Europeo y en un momento en el que fortalecer la cohesión de Europa con el apoyo de los medios de comunicación es crucial, es intolerable que la Comisión haya decidido no renovar la financiación a Presseurop.

Presseurop, fundado en 2009, es un sitio web innovador que ha abierto en la red un gran camino para difundir la actualidad europea. Al estar dicha información disponible en diez idiomas, la utilidad y la necesidad de esta web, para que la ciudadanía europea tome el pulso de nuestras decisiones, están más que probadas.

En este contexto:

Respuesta conjunta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(17 de enero de 2014)

La Comisión remite a Su Señoría a la respuesta dada a la pregunta escrita E-011724/2013 (132).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-013700/13

à la Commission

Constance Le Grip (PPE)

(3 décembre 2013)

Objet: Fin du contrat liant la Commission européenne à Presseurop

Le 12 juillet dernier, la Commission européenne a retiré l'appel d'offres auquel avait postulé le site d'information Presseurop. Cette décision de la Commission implique la fin du contrat qui la lie à Presseurop, et donc l'arrêt des financements nécessaires au fonctionnement de ce site.

Presseurop, de par son indépendance éditoriale, son multilinguisme et la variété de ses publications, a su trouver une audience toujours grandissante et prouver son utilité en permettant à de nombreux Européens d'avoir accès, dans leur langue, à des articles de la presse européenne et internationale.

Réponse commune donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(17 janvier 2014)

La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à prendre connaissance de sa réponse à la question écrite E-011724/2013 (133).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-013812/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(5 dicembre 2013)

Oggetto: Chiusura di Presseurope

Presseurope è un sito di informazione che ripropone il meglio della rassegna stampa europea, in lingua italiana e altre 9 lingue. Dopo un lungo e costante lavoro al servizio dell'approfondimento dell'informazione europea cominciato nel 2009, il sito adesso lancia l'allarme. Nonostante un aumento costante dei suoi visitatori, almeno 600.000 al mese, e nonostante il fatto che una valutazione indipendente abbia raccomandato alla Commissione di continuare questo progetto, Presseurope chiuderà i battenti alla fine del mese e circa 70 persone — giornalisti, editori e traduttori — perderanno il lavoro.

Può la Commissione, attraverso la Direzione generale della comunicazione, che dipende dal Vicepresidente Viviane Reding, chiarire perché non intende andare avanti con un progetto molto apprezzato dai cittadini europei, stante che le motivazioni finanziarie addotte contrastano con la circostanza per la quale il Parlamento europeo ha votato un aumento del bilancio UE per il 2014 onde assegnare alla Commissione risorse finanziarie supplementari da dedicare ai progetti di comunicazione come Presseurope?

Risposta congiunta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(17 gennaio 2014)

La Commissione rimanda l'onorevole parlamentare alla sua risposta all'interrogazione scritta E-011724/2013 (134).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-013780/13

à Comissão

Edite Estrela (S&D)

(4 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Cessação do contrato com o projeto Presseurop

Tendo em conta que:

solicito à Comissão que esclareça as razões que estão na base de uma possível cessação do contrato com o projeto Presseurop, uma vez que os recursos financeiros para os projetos de «media» foram reforçados.

Resposta conjunta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(17 de janeiro de 2014)

A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para a resposta que deu à pergunta escrita E-011724/2013 (135).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013700/13

to the Commission

Constance Le Grip (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: End of the Commission's contract with Presseurop

On 12 July 2013, the Commission withdrew the invitation to tender to which the information website Presseurop had responded. The Commission’s decision spells the end of its contract with Presseurop and hence of the funding needed to run the site.

Because of its editorial independence, multilingualism and variety of publications, Presseurop has managed to attract an ever growing audience and to prove its worth by enabling scores of Europeans to access European and international press articles in their own language.

Question for written answer E-013780/13

to the Commission

Edite Estrela (S&D)

(4 December 2013)

Subject: Termination of the contract with the Presseurop project

The Commission’s contract with Presseurop ends soon and the Commission has announced that it will not continue with the project, for budgetary reasons.

Parliament, meanwhile, has voted in favour of increasing the EU’s budget for 2014 to allocate additional funds to the Commission for ‘media’ projects, including Presseurop.

Presseurop is one of the main independent sources of information on the European Union, providing its readers with carefully selected articles from the European and international press, in 10 languages, on a platform that allows content-sharing and discussion of European issues; it is valued by citizens, specialists in EU affairs and journalists alike.

Can the Commission clarify on what grounds it might terminate the contract with the Presseurop project, given that funding for ‘media’ projects has been increased?

Question for written answer E-013812/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(5 December 2013)

Subject: Closure of Presseurop

Presseurop is a news site which republishes the best European press articles in Italian and another nine languages. After prolonged and continuous service providing in-depth European news since 2009, the site has now sounded the alarm. Despite a steady increase in visitor numbers — almost 600 000 a month — and despite an independent assessment recommending that the Commission continue this project, Presseurop will close at the end of the month with around 70 journalists, editors and translators losing their jobs.

Can the Commission clarify — via the DG for Communication, which is controlled by Vice-President Viviane Reding — why it does not intend to press ahead with a project that enjoys substantial support among EU citizens, given that the financial reasons for the decision are inconsistent with Parliament’s vote to increase the EU’s 2014 budget in order to allocate additional funding to the Commission for communication-related projects such as Presseurop?

Question for written answer E-013931/13

to the Commission

Salvador Sedó i Alabart (PPE)

(6 December 2013)

Subject: Potential closure of Presseurop

The survival of Presseurop, the multilingual portal financed with European funds that has been translating and publishing news articles concerning Europe since 2009, is hanging by a thread as a result of the Commission decision to cancel its funding, citing budgetary reasons.

The primary aim of Presseurop is to facilitate and provoke public debate on a wide range of matters relating to the European project, thus bringing the European Union closer to European citizens.

With just half a year until perhaps the most important elections in the history of the European Union, the confidence of EU citizens has reached its lowest point.

Projects such as Presseurop contribute to boosting interest and strengthening knowledge of the EU and how it works.

What is the Commission’s assessment of the work of Presseurop at this time of combating the EU’s democratic deficit?

What has led the Commission to taking this decision? What is its opinion of the results of the independent assessment published on 13 November of this year?

What projects does the Commission consider to be a priority in the area of communications with regard to the period 2014-2020?

Question for written answer P-014325/13

to the Commission

Ricardo Cortés Lastra (S&D)

(19 December 2013)

Subject: Closure of the Presseurop portal on 20 December 2013

I deplore the Commission’s decision to suspend funding for the Presseurop news portal. At a time when it is more important than ever to provide citizens with information about the work being done at European level, within the democratic context of the approaching elections to the European Parliament and at a moment when it is crucial to strengthen European cohesion with support from the media, it is intolerable that the Commission should have decided not to renew funding for Presseurop.

Presseurop was set up in 2009 and is an innovative website which has provided a major online source of information about current affairs in Europe. With information provided in 10 languages, the need for this portal and its usefulness in enabling European citizens to take stock of our decisions has been amply demonstrated.

In light of this:

Joint answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(17 January 2014)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-011724/2013. (136)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-013702/13

alla Commissione

Lara Comi (PPE)

(3 dicembre 2013)

Oggetto: Norme sull'indicazione d'origine dei prodotti e tracciabilità

Premesso che:

può dire la Commissione:

Risposta di Antonio Tajani a nome della Commissione

(12 febbraio 2014)

La Commissione è consapevole dell'importanza che i consumatori attribuiscono alle informazioni relative al paese d'origine, fatto che è stato confermato da un'indagine condotta tra i consumatori e dalle consultazioni con gli stakeholder. La Commissione è altresì consapevole del sostegno del Parlamento europeo alle sue proposte passate e presenti, volte a istituire regole con validità unionale per le denunce relative al paese d'origine.

La Commissione è impegnata ad assicurare condizioni di equità tra le imprese dell'UE e i concorrenti di paesi terzi, come anche con i partner commerciali e si adopera anche per assicurare la tutela dei consumatori contro indicazioni, etichettature o marchi relativi all'origine dei prodotti che siano fuorvianti e ingannevoli, non comprovati e fraudolenti.

In tale contesto la Commissione porta rigorosamente avanti le sue iniziative per contribuire a raggiungere un consenso su regole comuni in merito all'indicazione del paese d'origine applicabili non solo ai tessuti, ai pellami e alle calzature, ma anche agli altri prodotti di consumo (non alimentari) nel quadro del neoproposto regolamento sulla sicurezza dei prodotti di consumo (COM(2013) 78).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013702/13

to the Commission

Lara Comi (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Rules on indication of origin and traceability of products

Proposal for a regulation COM(2005) 0661 has been withdrawn by the Commission following opposition from the Council, even though Parliament had adopted its own position on the matter.

In the legislative procedure concerning the adoption of Regulation COM(2009) 0031, on the labelling of textile products, no agreement was reached on the introduction of binding rules on indication of origin, again, because of opposition from the Council.

The final text of the regulation on textiles ((UE) No 1007/2011) stipulated that by 30 September 2013 the Commission would have submitted a report to Parliament and the Council concerning possible new labelling requirements to be introduced at EU level.

On 25 September 2013 the Commission adopted COM(2013) 0656. However, whilst acknowledging the public interest, in actual fact it postponed the issue, stating that the legislative procedure relating to the proposal for a regulation on consumer product safety was currently under way, and that this proposal sought to introduce an EU-wide cross-sector scheme which took account of the country of origin and other traceability-related aspects.

Negotiations in the Council on this latter dossier show, however, that some countries are still opposing it and there are serious risks that once again the indication of origin rules will not be adopted.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2014)

The Commission is aware of the importance that consumers attach to information on country of origin, which was confirmed by a consumer survey and consultations with stakeholders, and is mindful of the support of the European Parliament to its past and current proposals for establishing EU-wide rules for country of origin-related claims.

The Commission is engaged in preserving a level playing field between EU enterprises and competitors from third countries and trade partners and ensuring consumers’ protection against misleading and deceptive, unsubstantiated and fraudulent claims, labelling or marking of the origin of products.

In this context, the Commission is actively pursuing its efforts to facilitate reaching a consensus on common rules for the indication of the country of origin that would be applicable not only to textiles, leather and footwear, but also to other (non-food) consumer products, in the framework of the recently proposed Consumer Product Safety Regulation (COM(2013) 78).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013703/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Creación de activos por impuestos diferidos en el sector financiero español

El pasado 29 de noviembre, el Ministro de Economía del Gobierno de España anunció una medida que permitirá a los bancos españoles constituir una cantidad de 30 000 millones de euros como activos por impuestos diferidos (DTA por sus siglas en inglés).

Esta forma de creación de activos supone, en la práctica, un préstamo que el Estado hace a los bancos a través de una modificación del impuesto de sociedades. Es un crédito fiscal que dichos bancos deberán pagar a la administración del Estado en los próximos dieciocho años. De esta forma, el Gobierno presta dinero a los bancos renunciando a la justa recaudación de impuestos y difiriendo su recaudación en un momento de máxima necesidad de ingresos públicos. Debemos recordar cómo está actuando el Gobierno con millones de ciudadanos en total bancarrota que no están recibiendo ningún trato de favor por parte de la hacienda pública.

En el sector bancario español empieza a ser habitual la puesta a disposición de los fondos públicos para garantizar el «funcionamiento de la economía en su conjunto». Sin embargo, todos estos préstamos y ayudas se están realizando a costa de los servicios públicos, lo que está produciendo el hundimiento de la economía española. Este nuevo trasvase de fondos públicos a la banca —a cambio de intereses mucho menores que los del mercado— se hace justo antes de la implementación de la directiva que convierte en obligatorios los acuerdos Basilea III, lo que supone una reestructuración de todo el sector financiero del continente.

¿Conoce la Comisión la ayuda DTA que el Gobierno de España ha concedido al sector bancario?

¿Cuál estima la Comisión que es la cantidad total de fondos públicos puestos a disposición de los bancos españoles?

¿Considera que esta ayuda pública, la última de otras tantas, supone una distorsión de la competencia en el sector financiero europeo en favor de los bancos españoles?

¿Piensa que la drástica reducción de ingresos públicos que supondrá esta decisión permitirá a España cumplir alguno de sus objetivos económicos?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(30 de enero de 2014)

Su Señoría se refiere al Real Decreto-Ley 14/2013, aprobado en noviembre de 2013, que modifica la Ley del impuesto sobre sociedades (Real Decreto Legislativo 4/2004, de 5 de marzo). El mismo permite a los bancos y a otras empresas transformar sus activos de impuestos diferidos (deferred tax assets, DTA) en créditos fiscales directos reembolsables en tres supuestos concretos: DTA procedentes de las dotaciones para insolvencias crediticias, activos embargados y fondos de pensiones para los empleados de la empresa. En estos casos, las solicitudes de crédito reales solo se plantean si la empresa no puede generar los beneficios suficientes para compensar el resto de los DTA en el plazo de 18 años, la insolvencia o liquidación de la empresa o las pérdidas contables al final de un ejercicio determinado. En virtud del nuevo Reglamento de la UE sobre los requisitos de capital (137), los bancos no tendrán que deducir, gracias a esta reforma, esos DTA de sus fondos propios. En todos los bancos españoles, los DTA equivalen a unos 30 000 millones EUR. Los efectos presupuestarios de la reforma, no obstante, se espera que sean mucho menores, ya que la misma se limita a los tres casos mencionados.

En lo que respecta a la tercera pregunta, la Comisión entiende que la legislación se modificó para todas las empresas y que no se limita a los bancos. En los casos de fiscalidad, solo existe ayuda estatal si una medida confiere, de hecho o de derecho, una ventaja selectiva a determinadas empresas o la producción de determinados bienes. Las medidas fiscales que se aplican real e indistintamente a todas las situaciones no constituyen ayudas estatales. En este caso concreto, las autoridades españolas consideran que la medida no es constitutiva de ayuda estatal y, por el momento, no han pedido a la Comisión que adopte una decisión al respecto. A juzgar por la información disponible, la Comisión no tiene datos que indiquen que se trata de una ayuda estatal, pero está dispuesta naturalmente a volver a examinar la situación sobre la base de nuevos indicios.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013703/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Creation of deferred tax assets in the Spanish financial sector

On 29 November 2013, the Spanish Minister for the Economy announced a measure that would allow Spanish banks to hold EUR 30 billion as deferred tax assets (DTA).

In practice, this form of asset creation constitutes a loan that the State makes to banks by modifying corporation tax. It is a tax credit that these banks have to pay the State over the next 18 years. Thus, the government lends money to banks by giving up fair tax collection and deferring it at a time when public revenue is most needed. We should bear in mind that the government is acting this way while millions of citizens are utterly bankrupt and are not receiving any preferential treatment from the Treasury.

It is starting to become common to provide the Spanish banking sector with public funds to ensure that‘the whole economy works’. However, all of these loans and grants are being made at the expense of public services, which are in turn causing the Spanish economy to collapse. This new transfer of public funds to banks, which is at a much lower interest rate than the market rates, is taking place just before the implementation of the directive that would make the Basel III agreements binding, which involves restructuring Europe’s entire financial sector.

Is the Commission aware of the DTA assistance that the Spanish Government has given the banking sector?

What does the Commission believe is the total amount of public funds made available to Spanish banks?

Does the Commission think that this public assistance, the latest in a series assistance measures, distorts competition in the European financial sector to the benefit of Spanish banks?

Does the Commission think that the drastic reduction in government revenue that this decision will cause will enable Spain to meet any of its economic goals?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2014)

The Honourable Member refers to Royal-Decree Law 14/2013 approved in November 2013 that amends the Law on Corporate Income Tax (RDL 4/2004 of 5 March). It allows banks and other companies to transform deferred tax assets (DTAs) into direct refundable tax credits from January 2014 in three specific cases: DTAs stemming from provisioning for credit insolvencies, foreclosed assets and pension funds for the company’s employees. For these cases, actual credit claims only arise if the company cannot generate sufficient profits to offset remaining DTAs within an 18-year period, insolvency or liquidation procedure of the company, or accounting losses at the end of a specific year. Under the new EU Capital Requirement Regulation (138), due to this reform banks will not have to deduct from own funds these DTAs. These DTAs amount to an estimated EUR 30 billion across Spanish banks. The fiscal impact of that reform is, however, expected to be considerably lower, as it is limited to the three cases abovementioned.

As regards the third question, it is the Commission understanding that the legislation was changed for all companies, and not limited to banks. In taxation cases, there is state aid only where a measure grants, de jure or de facto, a selective advantage to certain undertakings or the production of certain goods. Taxation measures which genuinely apply across the board do not constitute state aid. In the specific case, the Spanish authorities consider the measure as not constituting state aid, and for the time being have not asked the Commission to take a decision on it. Based on the available information, the Commission has no elements showing that state aid is involved, but is of course ready to re-examine the situation based on new evidence.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013704/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — El fútbol español en Guinea Ecuatorial da alas a su dictador

Durante semanas, los medios de comunicación de ámbito nacional e internacional dieron publicidad al partido de fútbol celebrado el pasado 16 de noviembre en Malabo, capital de Guinea Ecuatorial, donde se enfrentaron en un encuentro amistoso la selección guineana y la española.

La Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) es el organismo rector del fútbol en España y quien se encarga de diseñar el calendario de partidos amistosos de la selección española, actual campeona del mundo. Al acceder a que la selección española participe en este evento deportivo, está satisfaciendo los deseos del dictador Obiang, máximo mandatario en Guinea Ecuatorial desde que alcanzó el poder en 1979 previo golpe de estado.

La RFEF es una asociación de utilidad pública que se encuentra bajo la supervisión del Consejo Superior de Deportes, órgano de la Administración General del Estado de España. El hecho de que el Gobierno español hiciera posible la celebración de este partido amistoso en Guinea Ecuatorial ha ofrecido una imagen pobre de España y, por tanto, de la Unión Europea.

La Unión Europea debe ser contundente y mostrar su reprobación ante este tipo de comportamientos. Es inadmisible que, habiendo tantos países en el mundo que desea albergar un evento deportivo de estas características, se elija uno donde los derechos y las libertades son inexistentes y un dictador brutal es quien decide sobre todo y sobre todos. Por otra parte, es lamentable que la celebración del encuentro se haya convertido para el dictador en motivo de orgullo, considerándolo un éxito de su régimen.

Por todo lo expuesto, pregunto a la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante:

¿Qué impacto considera que la celebración de un evento deportivo como este en Guinea Ecuatorial puede tener en la estrategia de la Unión Europea en defensa de los derechos humanos y de la democratización de este país?

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

(24 de enero de 2014)

Guinea Ecuatorial firmó el Acuerdo de Cotonú el 23 de junio de 2000. El Acuerdo fue modificado por primera vez el 25 de junio de 2005. Aunque Guinea Ecuatorial firmó dicho Acuerdo revisado, depositó un instrumento de ratificación con una reserva que fue rechazado por la Unión y sus Estados miembros. En consecuencia, la ratificación no fue validada y, por tanto, Guinea Ecuatorial no recibe fondos procedentes del 10° Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo. Al mismo tiempo, un diálogo político sobre la base del artículo 8 del Acuerdo de Cotonú se celebró el 15 de octubre de 2013; este diálogo ofreció a la Unión Europea la oportunidad de discutir las consecuencias de una serie de hechos recientes, incluida la nueva constitución y las últimas elecciones.

La Unión Europea concede la máxima importancia a la protección de los derechos humanos y al fomento de la democracia en Guinea Ecuatorial y ha expresado su especial preocupación en lo relativo a la falta de respeto del Estado de Derecho y de las garantías procesales, incluidos los límites impuestos a la libertad de expresión, de prensa y reunión; a las detenciones y encarcelamientos arbitrarios; a la impunidad de los funcionarios sospechosos de haber cometido abusos; y a la corrupción generalizada.

Los principales objetivos de la UE han sido lograr una moratoria oficial para la pena de muerte, mejorar las condiciones de la libertad de expresión, hacer realidad el pluralismo político y apoyar a la sociedad civil. La UE seguirá de cerca los resultados del «examen periódico universal» de Guinea Ecuatorial, que está previsto en 2014.

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta no fue consultada sobre los planes de la Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF). La celebración del partido no tiene ninguna incidencia sobre la determinación de la UE de prestar la debida atención y de dar prioridad al fomento de los derechos humanos y la democracia, en interés de todos los ciudadanos de Guinea Ecuatorial.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013704/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Spanish football in Equatorial Guinea supports the country's dictator

For weeks the international and national media have been publicising the friendly football match between the Equatorial Guinean and Spanish national teams, played on 16 November 2013 in the country’s capital Malabo.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is Spanish football’s governing body and is responsible for scheduling friendly matches for the Spanish squad, the current world champions. The dictator Teodoro Obiang, who has been Equatorial Guinea’s leader since taking power in a 1979 coup d’état, wanted the Spanish team to take part in this sporting event.

The RFEF is a non-profit association under the supervision of the Sports Council, a body of the Spanish Central Government. The fact that the Spanish Government would allow this friendly match to take place in Equatorial Guinea reflects poorly on Spain and, therefore, on the European Union.

The European Union must be strong and show its disapproval of such behaviour. It is unacceptable that, despite so many countries in the world wanting to host a sporting event of this nature, a country was chosen where rights and freedoms are non-existent and where a brutal dictator rules over everything and everybody. Moreover, it is unfortunate that the match became a point of pride for the dictator as he considers this a success for his regime.

What impact does the Vice-President/High Representative think holding a sporting event like this in Equatorial Guinea could have on the EU’s strategy for defending human rights and for the democratic process in that country?

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

(24 January 2014)

Equatorial Guinea signed the Cotonou Agreement on 23 June 2000. The Agreement was amended for a first time on 25 June 2005. While Equatorial Guinea signed the revised Cotonou Agreement, it deposited an instrument of ratification with a reservation — an instrument that was rejected by the Union and its Member States. As a result, the ratification is not valid and, thus, Equatorial Guinea does not receive funding from the 10th European Development Fund. At the same time, a political dialogue based on Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement took place on 15 October 2013 — this was an opportunity for the European Union to discuss the implications of a number of recent developments including the new Constitution and the recent elections.

The EU attaches the highest importance to the protection of human rights and the promotion of democracy in Equatorial Guinea. The EU has expressed particular concern on disregard for the rule of law and due process, including limits to the freedom of speech, press and assembly, arbitrary arrest and detention, impunity of officials who allegedly committed abuses and widespread corruption.

Principal aims for the EU have been the achievement of an official moratorium on the death penalty, the improvement of conditions for freedom of expression, effective political pluralism and the support to civil society. The EU will follow closely the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review exercise for Equatorial Guinea which is scheduled for 2014.

The HR-VP was not consulted on the plans of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The holding of the match has no impact on the EU's determination to give due attention and priority to encouraging human rights and democracy, in the interests of all citizens of Equatorial Guinea.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013706/13

a la Comisión

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Indulto de condena por delito medioambiental

El empresario canario Miguel Ángel Ramírez fue condenado por construir ilegalmente en el paraje natural protegido del Pino Santo (Las Palmas, Islas Canarias). El pasado 31 de octubre fue indultado por el Ministerio de Justicia del Reino de España.

¿Conoce la Comisión este asunto?

¿Considera la Comisión que la actuación del Gobierno español indultando a personas condenadas por delitos medioambientales está en conformidad con las políticas de protección del medio ambiente impulsadas por la Unión?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de febrero de 2014)

La Comisión se ha comprometido a garantizar que el medio ambiente esté lo suficientemente protegido, mediante el Derecho penal inclusive. A este respecto, la Comisión propuso la Directiva 2008/99/CE, relativa a la protección del medio ambiente mediante el Derecho penal, que entró en vigor el 26 de diciembre de  2008 y que debía incorporarse a los ordenamientos jurídicos nacionales antes del 26 de diciembre de  2010. La Directiva obliga a los Estados miembros a tipificar los comportamientos muy perjudiciales para el medio ambiente y a prever sanciones efectivas, proporcionadas y disuasorias en el Derecho nacional.

La Comisión no tiene competencias para intervenir en la ejecución de las condenas y la concesión de indultos en los distintos Estados miembros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013706/13

to the Commission

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Pardoning environmental crime

The businessman Miguel Ángel Ramírez from the Canary Islands has been convicted of illegally building on the protected natural area of Pino Santo (Las Palmas, Canary Islands). On 31 October 2013 he was pardoned by the Spanish Ministry of Justice.

Is the Commission aware of this matter?

Does the Commission believe that the Spanish Government’s action of pardoning people convicted of environmental crimes is in line with the environmental protection policies promoted by the Union?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(13 February 2014)

The Commission is committed to ensuring that the environment is sufficiently protected, including by means of criminal law. Against this background, the Commission has proposed Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of the environment through criminal law, which entered into force on 26 December 2008 and had to be implemented by 26 December 2010. The directive requires Member States to criminalise behaviour that is seriously detrimental to the environment and to provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in national legislation.

The Commission has no competence to intervene in the enforcement of convictions and the granting of pardons in any individual Member State.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013707/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Mögliche Auswirkungen des Konflikts zwischen Japan und China

Im November 2013 hat sich der Streit zwischen Japan und China um eine unbewohnte Inselgruppe besorgniserregend verschärft. Auch angesichts der Antwort der Kommission auf die Anfrage E-005641/2013, in der mitgeteilt wird, die EU unterstütze die friedliche Beilegung von Streitfällen im Raum des Südchinesischen Meeres, wird die Kommission um eine Stellungnahme hinsichtlich der folgenden Fragestellung gebeten:

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

(4. Februar 2014)

Die EU verfolgt die Entwicklungen im nordostasiatischen Raum aufmerksam. Die Situation im Ostchinesischen Meer ist besonders besorgniserregend. Die EU nimmt zu den jeweiligen Forderungen nicht Stellung, ist jedoch darüber besorgt, dass eine weitere Eskalation die Sicherheit in einer Region zu beeinträchtigen droht, in der die EU bedeutende wirtschaftliche Interessen hat.

Die EU setzt sich stets für Frieden und Stabilität in der Region ein. Sie nutzt alle verfügbaren Kommunikationskanäle zur Förderung einer friedlichen und gerechten dauerhaften Lösung der Differenzen in maritimen Fragen durch einen Dialog auf der Grundlage des Völkerrechts, insbesondere des Seerechtsübereinkommens der Vereinten Nationen, in Übereinstimmung mit dem Grundsatz der friedlichen Beilegung von Streitigkeiten gemäß der Charta der Vereinten Nationen. Die EU hat dieses Ansinnen mehrmals den betroffenen Ländern deutlich gemacht. Ferner gab sie am 28. November 2013 eine öffentliche Erklärung über die von China eingerichtete Flugüberwachungszone im Ostchinesischen Meer ab. Darin wurde die Besorgnis zum Ausdruck gebracht, dass dieser Schritt die Gefahr einer Eskalation erhöht und zu zunehmenden Spannungen in der Region beigetragen hat.

Der Sprecher der Hohen Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin erklärte am 26. Dezember 2013 in einer Mitteilung zum Besuch des Yasakuni-Schreins durch den japanischen Premierminister Shinzō Abe, dass dieser Besuch weder für einen Abbau der Spannungen in der Region noch für die Verbesserung der Beziehungen zu Japans Nachbarländern förderlich war.

Die EU beteiligt sich außerdem am Erfahrungsaustausch in Bezug auf die Beilegung von Streitigkeiten und die gemeinsame Verwaltung maritimer Ressourcen, zum Beispiel beim Seminar EU-ASEAN zur Gefahrenabwehr im Seeverkehr in Jakarta am 18. und 19. November 2013. Auch bei kommenden Zusammentreffen (strategischer Dialog zwischen der EU und China, politischer Dialog mit Japan) wird die EU weiterhin alle Beteiligten ermutigen, Sicherheitsherausforderungen anzugehen, um Stabilität, Berechenbarkeit und Wohlstand zu schaffen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013707/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Potential impact of the conflict between Japan and China

In November 2013, the dispute between Japan and China over an uninhabited group of islands intensified to worrying levels. In view of the above and also the Commission’s answer to Question E-005641/2013, which stated that the EU supports a peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea area, could the Commission answer following questions:

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

(4 February 2014)

The EU is following developments in North-East Asia closely. The situation in the East China Sea has been especially worrying. The EU takes no position regarding the respective claims, but is concerned that further escalation risks undermining security in a region where the EU has significant economic interests.

The EU is constantly promoting peace and stability in the region, using all available channels of communication to encourage a peaceful and equitable long-term resolution of the differences on maritime issues through dialogue and based on international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in line with the principle of the pacific settlement of disputes of the UN Charter. The EU has made this point several times to the countries concerned. It also issued, on 28 November 2013, a public statement on the establishment by China of an ‘East China Sea Air Defence Identification Zone’, expressing the concern that this step heightened the risk of escalation and has contributed to raising tensions in the region.

The Spokesperson of the HR/VP also, on 26 December 2013, issued a statement on the visit of PM Abe to the Yasukuni Shrine, indicating that this visit was not conducive to lowering tensions in the region or to improving relations with Japan's neighbours.

The EU is also engaged in sharing its experience regarding dispute settlement and the joint management of maritime resources, as was the case with the EU-ASEAN Seminar on maritime security organised in Jakarta on 18-19 November 2013. In our upcoming contacts (the EU's Strategic Dialogue with China and political dialogue with Japan), the EU will continue to encourage all sides to address security challenges in pursuit of stability, predictability and prosperity.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013708/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Atomgespräche — Iran

Obwohl der Iran einer der Unterzeichnerstaaten des Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ist, ist international bekannt, dass der Iran weiterhin an seinem Atomprogramm festhält und es als ziviles Programm bezeichnet. Die Atomgespräche in Genf wurden von EU-Außenbeauftragter Catherine Ashton angeführt und als Erfolg gewertet. Der Iran gibt an, Uran nicht mit mehr als fünf Prozent anzureichern und das höher verdichtete U-235 wieder zu verdünnen, um es somit waffenuntauglich zu machen. Des Weiteren werde die Entwicklung der Plutonium-Bombe nicht weiter angestrebt. Uran, das bereits auf 20 % angereichert war, solle so verdünnt oder verändert werden, dass es nicht für militärische Zwecke eingesetzt werden könne. Der Plutonium-Reaktor in Arak dürfe weitergebaut, aber nicht in Betrieb genommen werden.

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

(20. Februar 2014)

Durch die am 24. November 2013 von der 5+1-Gruppe und Iran in Genf erzielte Vereinbarung (gemeinsamer Aktionsplan) werden die Weiterentwicklung des iranischen Atomprogramms gestoppt und Teile des Programms rückgängig gemacht. Die in dem gemeinsamen Aktionsplan vereinbarten Einschränkungen betreffen sämtliche Tätigkeiten Irans im Nuklearbereich, insbesondere die Anreicherung, Produktion und Lagerung von Uran sowie die Weiterentwicklung des Schwerwasserreaktors in Arak, die auf Eis gelegt werden soll (keine Ausrüstung mit weiteren Komponenten, keine Herstellung und Prüfung von Brennelementen).

Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt des gemeinsamen Aktionsplans sind Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung der Transparenz sowie ein Stufenplan zur Überwachung und Überprüfung der von Iran eingegangenen Verpflichtungen durch die IAEO — bevor im Gegenzug die Sanktionen gelockert werden.

Insbesondere werden alle im gemeinsamen Aktionsplan genannten Nukleartätigkeiten in den sechs Monaten der ersten Phase von der IAEO überwacht und überprüft. Iran hat der Organisation im Rahmen des gemeinsamen Aktionsplans eine größere Rolle bei der Überprüfung der Sicherungsmaßnahmen zugestanden, die über seine derzeitige Zusammenarbeit mit der IAEO hinausgeht. Somit ist letztere in der Lage, die Maßnahmen Irans zur Einhaltung seiner Verpflichtungen zu überwachen und zu überprüfen. Die IAEO wird regelmäßig über die Umsetzung dieser Maßnahmen im Nuklearbereich berichten.

Die Lockerung der Sanktionen, zu der sich die 5+1-Gruppe verpflichtet hat, steht im Verhältnis zu den Maßnahmen Irans zur Einschränkung seines Atomprogramms. Die Lockerungen sind jedoch begrenzt, gezielt und umkehrbar, und die wichtigsten Sanktionen im Finanz‐ und Erdölsektor bleiben bestehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013708/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Nuclear talks — Iran

Although Iran is a signatory state to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the world is well aware that Iran is continuing with its nuclear programme and describing it as a civilian programme. The nuclear talks in Geneva were led by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Baroness Ashton, and were considered a success. Iran states that it will not enrich uranium by more than 5% and will re-dilute the more highly compressed U-235, thereby making it unsuitable for use as a weapon. It will also no longer seek to develop the plutonium bomb. Uranium that had already been enriched to 20% is to be diluted or modified so as to be unusable for military purposes. Construction of the plutonium reactor in Arak can continue, but it cannot be put into operation.

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

(20 February 2014)

Under the agreement (Joint Plan of Action‐ JPA) reached by the E3/EU+3 and Iran in Geneva on the 24 of November 2013, Iran's nuclear activities are halted and parts of it will be rolled back. The limitations agreed in the JPA are addressing all of Iran's nuclear activities, in particular its enrichment, production, stockpile and freeze further advances in the development of the Heavy Water Reactor at Arak (no installation of further components, no production and testing of fuel).

The JPA lays particular emphasis on transparency measures and a gradual, step-by-step approach in which the commitments undertaken by Iran are monitored and verified by the IAEA before any sanctions are lifted in return.

Notably, all the nuclear-related measures agreed in the JPA will be monitored and verified by the IAEA in the six months of the first step. Under the JPA, Iran agreed to a broader safeguards verification role for the organisation, which goes beyond its current cooperation with the IAEA. Based on this the IAEA will be able to monitor and verify Iran's commitments. The IAEA will provide regular updates on the implementation of the nuclear-related measures.

The sanctions the E3/EU+3 committed to suspend are proportionate to the nuclear measures taken by Iran. However, they are limited, targeted and reversible and the core sanctions on financial and oil will remain in place.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013709/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Maßnahmen gegen die Inhaftierung von Julija Timoschenko

Julija Timoschenko, die ehemalige Ministerpräsidentin der Ukraine, befindet sich seit August 2011 in ukrainischer Haft, nachdem ihr Amtsmissbrauch vorgeworfen wurde. Timoschenko jedoch bezeichnet das Verfahren gegen sie als Versuch der Regierung, die Opposition zu entkräften. Die EU-Außenminister haben nun das ukrainische Assoziierungsabkommen mit der EU an die Freilassung Timoschenkos gebunden, weil die Inhaftierung Timoschenkos und deren Umstände als Verletzung der Menschenrechte gewertet werden kann und somit auch den Stand der Rechtsstaatlichkeit der Ukraine aufzeigt.

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

(12. Februar 2014)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013709/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Action against the detention of Yulia Tymoshenko

Yulia Tymoshenko, the former Prime Minister of Ukraine, has been in a Ukrainian prison since August 2011, after she was accused of abuse of office. However, Ms Tymoshenko describes the proceedings against her as an attempt by the government to weaken the opposition. The EU Foreign Ministers have now tied the Ukrainian Association Agreement with the EU to the release of Ms Tymoshenko, as her imprisonment and the circumstances surrounding it can be considered a violation of human rights and thus also a demonstration of the state of the rule of law in Ukraine.

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

(12 February 2014)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013710/13

an die Kommission

Evelyn Regner (S&D)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Geschlechtergerechte Beschilderungen an Flughäfen

In der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 562/2006 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 15. März 2006 über einen Gemeinschaftskodex für das Überschreiten der Grenzen durch Personen (Schengener Grenzkodex) wird im Anhang III (Artikel 9) die englische Bezeichnung „Citizen“ verwendet. Ins Deutsche wurde der Begriff mit „Bürger“ übersetzt. Aus diesem Grund findet man im Transferbereich deutscher und österreichischer Flughäfen Beschilderungen mit der Aufschrift „EU-Bürger“.

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(18. Februar 2014)

Die Kommission stimmt zu, dass die geschlechtergerechte Sprache wichtig ist.

Was die in der Anfrage angesprochene Verordnung aus dem Jahr 2006 betrifft, so könnte die Korrektur einer Sprachversion nur von den beiden Legislativorganen durchgeführt werden.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013710/13

to the Commission

Evelyn Regner (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Gender-neutral signs at airports

In Annex III (Article 9) to Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the English term ‘citizen’ is used. This term is translated into German as ‘Bürger’ [citizen (male)]. Therefore, in the transit area of German and Austrian airports, there are signs containing the text ‘EU-Bürger’ [EU Citizens (male)].

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2014)

The Commission agrees that gender-neutral language is important.

As regards the regulation referred to in the question, which was adopted in 2006, a correction to a linguistic version of the text could only be done by co-legislators.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013711/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Azerbaijan

Ahead of the October 2013 presidential elections in Azerbaijan, European Union representatives noted with concern the continued pressure on a number of opposition activists, civil society and the independent media, in the form of, for example, intimidation, arrests on dubious charges, detention and sentencing without proper respect for international standards or for the rights of the accused.

Since the elections, the Azerbaijani authorities have imposed numerous penalties on the independent Azadliq newspaper and restricted its access to its bank account.

Three citizens have been sentenced as prisoners of conscience: blogger Rashad Ramazanov, editor of the Nota newspaper, Sardar Alibeyli and theologian Tale Bagirzade received prison sentences of nine years, four years and two years, respectively.

In addition, the Serious Crimes Investigation Department has launched investigations into the activities of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Centre (EMDSC). This NGO has been charged with tax evasion and abuse of office after publicly disclosing evidence of vote rigging at numerous polling stations.

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

(30 January 2014)

The EEAS is carefully following developments in Azerbaijan, paying particular attention to matters relating to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, including cases such as those referred to by the Honourable Member. The EU reports regularly on human rights and democracy issues in its annual European Neighbourhood Policy Progress Reports. The next Progress Report for Azerbaijan is planned to be published in March 2014.

The EU regularly raises human rights and democracy issues, including individual cases, with the Azerbaijani authorities. Where appropriate, the EU issues public statements in order to express its concern over individual cases. Most recently, on 20 December 2013, the spokespersons of HRVP Ashton and Commissioner Füle issued a joint statement expressing concern over the arrest of Mr Anar Mammadli, Chairman of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Centre (EMDSC).

The EU-Azerbaijan Sub-committee on Justice, Freedom, Security and Human Rights and Democracy will next meet on 4 February 2014 and will provide an opportunity to raise these cases. At the recent meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council on 9 December 2013, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its intention to continue cooperation with the Venice Commission on the preparation of a new law on defamation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013712/13

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Cypriot property

In reply to Parliamentary Question E-006305/2013 regarding Cypriot property deeds, the Commission highlighted the importance of Section 5.4 of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) concluded between the Commission, acting on behalf of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), and the Republic of Cyprus, which aims to eliminate the title deed issuance backlog.

Section 5.4 includes the requirement for the Cypriot authorities to ‘publish quarterly progress reviews of the issuance of building and planning permits, certificates, and title deeds, as well as title deed transfers and related mortgage operations throughout the duration of the programme’.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 2014)

Since July 2013, the Cypriot authorities (Ministry of Interior) are publishing data and reviews on the issuance of building and planning permits, certificates, and title deeds, title deed transfers and related mortgaged data, in accordance with the ESM MoU requirement under Article 5.4. These data and reviews are published on a quarterly basis and they are available to the public at the Ministry of Interior's website (139). In addition, the Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member of the European Parliament to the First (140) and the Second (141) Review of the Economic Adjustment programme for Cyprus. The Commission is well aware of the unresolved issue of the pending title deeds in Cyprus and it attaches priority to resolving it in the interest of the Cypriot economy, the European taxpayer, and the EU citizens affected by the problem. As the issue of the title deeds and the encumbrances attached to them is a complex one, the cooperation among a number of Cyprus' public administration units is also required.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013713/13

a la Comisión

Paolo De Castro (S&D), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Eric Andrieu (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Oreste Rossi (PPE), Michel Dantin (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Franck Proust (PPE) y Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Las importaciones de arroz procedentes de los países menos avanzados

El sector del arroz representa un motor socioeconómico para regiones europeas enteras. A partir de 2009, el rápido aumento de las importaciones exentas de aranceles procedentes de los países menos avanzados (PMA) ha ejercido presión sobre los precios de la UE, poniendo en grave peligro el mantenimiento de los cultivos de arroz de la variedad Indica.

En el período comprendido entre 2009 y 2010, las importaciones de arroz cultivado procedente de los países menos avanzados se triplicaron en comparación con 2008. Entre 2012 y 2013, estas importaciones superaron a las procedentes de Tailandia, país que durante años había sido el principal exportador de arroz cultivado a la UE. Durante los primeros siete meses de 2013, de un total de aproximadamente 169 000 toneladas de importaciones procedentes de los países menos avanzados, 161 000 toneladas tenían su origen en Camboya (el 95 % de las importaciones procedentes de los países menos avanzados), de las cuales 41 000 toneladas estaban ya empaquetadas.

Si se ajustara el precio del arroz de la UE al mismo nivel que el precio de las importaciones procedentes de Camboya, los cultivadores de arroz no conseguirían cubrir ni los costes de producción, hecho que tendría graves repercusiones económicas, sociales y medioambientales.

El artículo 22 del Reglamento (UE) n° 978/2012 establece que, a partir del 1 de enero de 2014, si el incremento de las importaciones exentas de aranceles procedentes de los países menos avanzados «causen o amenacen con causar dificultades considerables», «podrán restablecerse los derechos normales del arancel aduanero común para ese producto» (cláusula de salvaguardia del artículo 20 del Reglamento (CE) n° 732/2008). El artículo 24 del Reglamento (UE) n° 978/2012 establece que, si existen indicios razonables suficientes de que se cumplan las condiciones del artículo 22, anteriormente citado, «la Comisión estudiará la conveniencia de reintroducir los derechos del arancel aduanero común». El Reglamento (UE) n° 1083/2013 contempla el inicio de la investigación de oficio por parte de la Comisión si «dispone de indicios razonables suficientes de que se reúnen las condiciones establecidas en el artículo 22, apartado 1, del Reglamento SPG para imponer medidas de salvaguardia».

¿Está de acuerdo la Comisión con que los actuales precios del arroz paddy en la EU no cubren los costes de producción de los agricultores?

¿Es consciente la Comisión de que el drástico aumento de las importaciones provenientes de Camboya está perturbando el mercado del arroz cultivado en la EU, reduciendo la rentabilidad de los productores y provocando una disminución drástica de la superficie dedicada al cultivo de arroz en la EU de cara a la próxima cosecha (febrero de 2014)?

¿Piensa la Comisión intervenir con carácter de urgencia, recurriendo a todas las medidas previstas por la legislación de la UE (cláusula de salvaguardia, mecanismos de vigilancia, investigaciones, etc.), para garantizar que el régimen especial del sistema de preferencias generalizadas (SPG), aplicado a favor de los países menos avanzados (en particular con respecto a Camboya) no continúe causando graves dificultades a los productores de arroz de la Unión Europea?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloș en nombre de la Comisión

(12 de febrero de 2014)

Como acertadamente señalan Sus Señorías, Camboya y Myanmar se han convertido en los principales proveedores de arroz para la UE desde que, a fecha de 1.9.2009, el régimen «Todo menos armas» (TMA) concediera a los PMA (142) un acceso libre de derechos y contingentes al mercado del arroz de la UE. No obstante, conviene recordar que aproximadamente un 40 % del consumo anual de arroz de la UE queda cubierto por las importaciones y que, además, Camboya y Myanmar disponen, precisamente, de importantes excedentes exportables de estos productos, concretamente de las variedades Índica (de largo «B») y de arroz partido, de los cuales la UE no puede autoabastecerse. Además, el aumento de las exportaciones de arroz de los PMA a la UE simplemente ha compensado la disminución de las cuotas de mercado de otros terceros países, mientras que, por el contrario, el total de las importaciones de la UE ha permanecido estable en términos generales.

Asimismo, los precios de producción en la EU no se sitúan considerablemente por debajo de sus niveles habituales. Cuando la nueva cosecha llegó a los mercados a finales de 2013, los precios del arroz Japónica se mantuvieron estables (en torno a 300 EUR/t, esto es, a un 200 % del umbral de referencia). Los precios del Índica, en correlación con la tendencia general del mercado mundial, descendieron de alrededor de 290 a 250-260 EUR/t. Cabe también señalar que estos precios se sitúan todavía por encima de los de 2009 y 2010.

El Reglamento (UE) n° 978/2012 (143) precisa que la condición que se tiene que dar para aplicar la cláusula de salvaguardia es que los productores de la Unión experimenten graves dificultades debido al régimen preferencial. Al estudiar esta cuestión, la Comisión debe tener en cuenta, entre otras cosas, el flujo de importaciones y la evolución de los precios. De lo anterior se desprende claramente que en este momento no se reúnen estas condiciones. No obstante, la Comisión seguirá vigilando estrechamente la evolución del régimen comercial TMA y sus posibles efectos en los mercados de la UE y se sigue comprometiendo a mantener un equilibrio de mercado satisfactorio en este importante sector.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-013713/13

à la Commission

Paolo De Castro (S&D), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Eric Andrieu (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Oreste Rossi (PPE), Michel Dantin (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Franck Proust (PPE) et Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(3 décembre 2013)

Objet: Les importations de riz provenant des pays les moins avancés

Le secteur du riz est un moteur socio-économique pour des régions entières en Europe. Depuis 2009, l'augmentation rapide des importations en franchise de douane en provenance des pays les moins avancés (PMA) comprime les prix de l'Union, nuisant sérieusement au maintien de la culture du riz Indica.

Au cours de la période 2009-2010, les importations de riz cultivé originaire des PMA ont triplé par rapport à 2008. Pour 2012-2013, ces importations ont pris le pas sur celles de la Thaïlande, qui, pendant des années, est restée le principal exportateur de riz cultivé vers l'Union européenne. Durant les sept premiers mois de 2013, sur un total d'environ 169 000 tonnes originaires des PMA, 161 000 venaient du Cambodge (95 % du total des importations en provenance des PMA), dont 41 000 étaient déjà emballées.

Si les prix du riz de l'Union européenne venaient à être ajustés sur les prix des produits importés depuis le Cambodge, les rizicultures de l'Union ne seraient même pas en mesure de couvrir les coûts de production, ce qui aurait de graves conséquences sur les plans économique, social et environnemental.

L'article 22 du règlement (UE) n° 978/2012 dispose qu'à partir du 1er janvier 2014, «si un produit originaire» des PMA «est importé dans des volumes et/ou à des prix tels que des difficultés graves sont ou risquent d'être causées aux producteurs de l'Union fabriquant des produits similaires ou directement concurrents, les droits du tarif douanier commun peuvent être rétablis pour ce produit» (clause de sauvegarde prévue à l'article 20 du règlement (CE) n° 732/2008). L'article 24 du règlement (UE) n° 978/2012 prévoit que, dans le cas où une telle situation se présente clairement, «la Commission mènera une enquête pour déterminer s'il y a lieu de rétablir les droits du tarif douanier commun». Selon le règlement (UE) no 1083/2013, «la Commission peut ouvrir une enquête pour déterminer s'il y a lieu de rétablir les droits du tarif douanier commun lorsque des éléments de preuve suffisants attestant à première vue que les conditions énoncées à l'article 22, paragraphe 1 du règlement SPG, sont remplies».

La Commission convient-elle que les prix du paddy dans l'Union européenne ne couvrent pas le coût de production?

La Commission est-elle consciente du fait que la forte augmentation des importations en provenance du Cambodge perturbe le marché du riz cultivé en Union européenne, empêchant les producteurs de générer du bénéfice et entraînant une diminution importante des surfaces occupées par la riziculture dans l'Union européenne pour la prochaine saison (février 2014)?

La Commission a-t-elle l'intention d'intervenir d'urgence, en ayant recours à toutes les mesures prévues par la législation de l'Union (clause de sauvegarde, mesures de surveillance, enquêtes, etc.), afin de garantir que le régime particulier prévu pour le système de préférences généralisées appliqué en faveur des PMA (particulièrement en ce qui concerne le Cambodge) ne continue pas à porter gravement atteinte à la situation des producteurs de riz de l'Union?

Réponse donnée par M. Ciolos au nom de la Commission

(12 février 2014)

Comme l'Honorable Parlementaire l'a souligné à juste titre, le Cambodge et le Myanmar sont devenus des fournisseurs de riz importants pour l'UE depuis que le régime «Tout sauf les armes» (TSA) a accordé, le 1/9/2009, aux pays les moins avancés (PMA) (144), un accès en franchise de droits et sans contingent aux marchés de l'UE. Toutefois, il convient de rappeler que 40 % de la consommation annuelle de riz de l'UE est couverte par des importations et que le Cambodge et le Myanmar disposent d'importants excédents exportables, précisément, de ces produits, c'est-à-dire des variétés de riz Indica (long «B») et de brisures de riz, pour lesquels l'UE n'est pas autosuffisante. De plus, la progression des exportations de riz réalisées par les PMA vers l'UE a seulement remplacé la diminution des parts de marché d'autres pays tiers Au contraire, les importations totales de l'UE sont restées stables dans leur ensemble.

En outre, les prix à la production dans l'UE ne sont pas nettement inférieurs à leur niveau habituel. Lorsque la nouvelle récolte est arrivée sur les marchés à la fin de 2013, les prix du Japonica sont restés stables (à environ 300 euros/t c'est-à-dire à 200 % du seuil de référence). Les prix du riz Indica ont suivi la tendance générale du marché mondial en affichant une diminution, passant d'environ 290 à 250-260 euros/t. Il convient également de rappeler que ces prix sont tout de même supérieurs aux prix de 2009 et de 2010.

Le règlement (UE) no 978/2012 (145) stipule qu'une mesure de sauvegarde ne peut être adoptée qu'à la condition que les producteurs de l'Union connaissent de graves difficultés en raison du régime préférentiel. Lors de l'examen de cette demande, la Commission tient compte, entre autres, des flux d'importation et de l'évolution des prix. Il ressort clairement de ce qui précède que ces conditions ne sont actuellement pas remplies. La Commission continuera néanmoins de suivre de près l'évolution des échanges dans le cadre de l'initiative TSA ainsi que ses effets éventuels sur les marchés de l'UE et reste déterminée à assurer un équilibre de marché satisfaisant dans ce secteur important.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-013713/13

alla Commissione

Paolo De Castro (S&D), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Eric Andrieu (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Oreste Rossi (PPE), Michel Dantin (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Franck Proust (PPE) e Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(3 dicembre 2013)

Oggetto: Importazioni di riso dai paesi meno sviluppati

Il settore del riso è un fattore socioeconomico determinante per intere regioni europee. Dal 2009 il rapido aumento delle importazioni esenti da dazi dai paesi meno sviluppati (PMS) comprime i prezzi dell'UE, mettendo quindi in serio pericolo il mantenimento delle colture di riso indica.

Nel 2009-2010 le importazioni di riso coltivato provenienti dai PMS sono triplicate rispetto al 2008. Nel 2012-2013 tali importazioni hanno superato quelle della Thailandia, che per anni era stata il principale esportatore di riso coltivato verso l'Unione europea. Nei primi sette mesi del 2013, su un totale di circa 169 000 tonnellate di importazioni dai paesi meno sviluppati, 161 000 tonnellate provenivano dalla Cambogia (il 95 % del totale importato dai PMS), di cui 41 000 tonnellate erano già state confezionate.

Se il prezzo del riso dell'UE fosse adeguato a quello delle importazioni provenienti dalla Cambogia, i produttori di riso non sarebbero neppure in grado di coprire i costi della produzione, con conseguenti gravi ripercussioni di carattere economico, sociale e ambientale.

L'articolo 22 del regolamento (UE) n. 978/2012 prevede che, a partire dal 1° gennaio 2014, qualora le importazioni di un prodotto esenti da dazi e provenienti dai paesi meno sviluppati aumentino in modo tale da «causare o rischiare di causare gravi difficoltà», «i normali dazi della tariffa doganale comune possono essere ripristinati per detto prodotto» (clausola di salvaguardia, articolo 20 del regolamento (CE) n. 738/2008). L'articolo 24 stabilisce che, se esistono sufficienti elementi di prova al riguardo, «la Commissione avvia un'inchiesta per determinare se è necessario ristabilire i normali dazi della tariffa doganale comune». Il regolamento (UE) n. 1083/2013 consente l'apertura d'ufficio dell'inchiesta da parte della Commissione qualora vi siano «elementi di prova sufficienti a dimostrare che sono soddisfatte le condizioni di istituzione della misura di salvaguardia di cui all'articolo 22, paragrafo 1, del regolamento SPG».

Conviene la Commissione sul fatto che gli attuali prezzi del riso dell'UE non coprono i costi della produzione a carico dei produttori?

È consapevole del fatto che il drammatico aumento delle importazioni dalla Cambogia sta turbando il mercato del riso coltivato nell'UE, oltre a danneggiare la redditività dei produttori e provocare un drastico calo delle aree coltivate a riso dell'Unione nella prossima stagione (febbraio 2014)?

Intende intervenire con urgenza e utilizzare tutti gli strumenti a disposizione nell'ambito della legislazione dell'UE (clausola di salvaguardia, misure di sorveglianza, indagini ecc.), per assicurare che gli accordi speciali per il sistema generalizzato di preferenze applicati a beneficio dei PMS (in particolare per quanto concerne la Cambogia) non continuino a essere fonte di gravi difficoltà per i produttori di riso dell'Unione?

Risposta di Dacian Cioloş a nome della Commissione

(12 febbraio 2014)

Come giustamente sottolineato dagli onorevoli deputati, la Cambogia e il Myanmar sono diventati importanti fornitori di riso all’Unione europea a decorrere dall’1.9.2009 quando, grazie all’iniziativa «Everything but Arms» (Tutto tranne le armi), i paesi meno sviluppati hanno iniziato a usufruire di un accesso al mercato del riso interamente esente da dazi e contingenti. Tuttavia, è opportuno ricordare che circa il 40 % del consumo annuale di riso dell’Unione europea è coperto dalle importazioni e, inoltre, che la Cambogia e il Myanmar dispongono di una quantità significativa di eccedenze esportabili proprio di tali prodotti, vale a dire di riso «Indica» (a grani lunghi B) e di rotture di riso, per i quali l’UE non è autosufficiente. Inoltre, l’aumento delle esportazioni di riso dai paesi meno sviluppati all’Unione europea ha soltanto compensato la diminuzione delle quote di mercato di altri paesi terzi, mentre le importazioni totali dell’UE sono rimaste grosso modo stabili.

Inoltre, il livello dei prezzi alla produzione nell’UE non è significativamente al di sotto del livello abituale. Quando il nuovo raccolto è stato messo sul mercato alla fine del 2013, i prezzi del riso «Japonica» sono rimasti stabili (intorno ai 300 EUR/t, pari al 200 % della soglia di riferimento). I prezzi del riso «Indica», invece, denotano un calo rispetto alla tendenza generale del mercato mondiale e sono passati da 290 a 250-260 EUR/t. Va tuttavia osservato che questi prezzi sono comunque più alti di quelli del 2009 e del 2010.

Il regolamento (CE) n. 978/2012 (146) precisa che l’adozione di misure di salvaguardia è subordinata alla condizione che i produttori dell’Unione incontrino difficoltà gravi causate dal regime preferenziale. Nel considerare l’eventuale esistenza di un deterioramento della situazione economica dei produttori, la Commissione tiene conto, tra l’altro, dei flussi di importazione e dell’andamento dei prezzi. Da quanto precede emerge chiaramente che attualmente queste condizioni non sussistono. In ogni modo, la Commissione monitorerà da vicino l’evoluzione degli scambi commerciali a titolo dell’iniziativa EBA e i suoi possibili effetti sui mercati dell’Unione europea e si impegna a fare in modo che sia mantenuto un equilibrio soddisfacente del mercato in questo settore importante.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-013713/13

à Comissão

Paolo De Castro (S&D), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Eric Andrieu (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Oreste Rossi (PPE), Michel Dantin (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Franck Proust (PPE) e Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(3 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Importações de arroz dos países menos avançados

O setor do arroz constitui um motor socioeconómico para regiões europeias inteiras. Desde 2009 que o aumento rápido das importações isentas de direitos aduaneiros dos países menos avançados (PMA) tem pressionado os preços da UE, comprometendo seriamente a manutenção das culturas de arroz indica.

No período de 2009 a 2010, as importações de arroz cultivado dos PMA triplicaram, em comparação com 2008. Em 2012-2013, essas importações excederam as da Tailândia que, durante anos, tinha sido o principal exportador de arroz cultivado para a UE. Nos primeiros sete meses de 2013, num total de importações dos PMA de aproximadamente 169 mil toneladas, 161 mil toneladas provieram do Camboja (95 % do total de importações dos PMA), 41 mil toneladas das quais já estavam embaladas.

Se o preço do arroz da UE fosse ajustado ao mesmo nível que o preço das importações do Camboja, os orizicultores nem conseguiriam cobrir os custos de produção, o que teria graves repercussões económicas, sociais e ambientais.

Nos termos do artigo 22.° do Regulamento (UE) n.° 978/2012, a partir de 1 de janeiro de 2014, caso aumentos nas importações dos PMA isentas de direitos aduaneiros «causem, ou ameacem causar, dificuldades graves», «os direitos normais da Pauta Aduaneira Comum podem ser restabelecidos relativamente a esse produto» (cláusula de salvaguarda do artigo 20.° do Regulamento (CE) n.° 732/2008). O artigo 24.° prevê que, sempre que seja feita prova suficiente de que estão reunidas estas condições, «a Comissão investiga se os direitos normais da Pauta Aduaneira Comum devem ser reintroduzidos». O Regulamento (UE) n.° 1083/2013 permite que a Comissão possa dar início a um inquérito ex officio, se existirem «elementos de prova prima facie suficientes que atestem estarem reunidas as condições para instituir as medidas de salvaguarda enunciadas no artigo 22.°, n.° 1, do Regulamento SPG».

Não concorda a Comissão que os preços atuais do arroz paddy da UE não cobrem os custos de produção dos orizicultores?

Está a Comissão ciente de que o aumento acentuado das importações do Camboja está a perturbar o mercado do arroz cultivado na UE, reduzindo a rentabilidade dos produtores e conduzindo a uma diminuição drástica das áreas de cultivo de arroz na UE na próxima época (fevereiro de 2014)?

Tenciona a Comissão intervir, com caráter de urgência, utilizando todas as medidas previstas pela legislação da UE (a cláusula de salvaguarda, medidas de vigilância, inquéritos, etc.) de forma a garantir que o regime especial do sistema de preferências generalizadas aplicado em favor dos PMA (especialmente no que toca ao Camboja) não continue a causar graves dificuldades aos orizicultores da União?

Resposta dada por Dacian Ciolos em nome da Comissão

(12 de fevereiro de 2014)

Tal como sublinhado pelos Senhores Deputados, o Camboja e Mianmar tornaram-se os principais fornecedores de arroz da União Europeia desde que, graças à iniciativa Tudo Menos Armas (TMA), os PMD (147) passaram a beneficiar de um acesso aos mercados de arroz da UE isento de direitos aduaneiros e sem contingentes em 1 de setembro de 2009. Convém, no entanto, recordar que cerca de 40 % do consumo anual de arroz na UE é coberto por importações e que o Camboja e Mianmar dispõem de importantes excedentes exportáveis precisamente destes produtos, ou seja, das variedades de arroz índica (grão longo B) e de trincas de arroz, para as quais a UE não é autossuficiente. Além disso, o aumento das exportações de arroz dos PDM para a União Europeia apenas serviu para substituir a diminuição das quotas de mercado de outros países terceiros, contrariamente às importações totais da UE que, de um modo geral, permaneceram estáveis.

Por outro lado, os preços de produção na UE não se situam muito abaixo dos seus níveis habituais. Quando a nova colheita chegou ao mercado em final de 2013, os preços do arroz japónica permaneceram estáveis (cerca de 300 EUR/t, ou seja, 200 % do limiar de referência). Os preços do índica, relativamente à tendência no mercado mundial, diminuíram de cerca de 290 para 250-260 EUR/t. Recorde-se que estes preços ainda se situam acima dos níveis de 2009 e 2010.

O Regulamento (UE) n.° 978/2012 (148) estipula que são adotadas medidas de salvaguarda caso os produtores da União enfrentem dificuldades graves devido a um regime preferencial. Ao examinar se tal situação se verifica, a Comissão deve ter em conta fatores como o fluxo das importações e a evolução dos preços. Dos elementos acima expostos, decorre claramente que não existe atualmente uma situação deste tipo. A Comissão acompanhará de perto a evolução das trocas comerciais no quadro da iniciativa TOMA e as suas eventuais repercussões nos mercados da União Europeia e compromete-se a manter um equilíbrio satisfatório do mercado neste importante setor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013713/13

to the Commission

Paolo De Castro (S&D), Patrizia Toia (S&D), Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D), Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D), Eric Andrieu (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Oreste Rossi (PPE), Michel Dantin (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Franck Proust (PPE) and Dominique Vlasto (PPE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Rice imports from Least Developed Countries

The rice sector is a socioeconomic driver for entire European regions. From 2009 the rapid increase in zero duty imports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) has been compressing EU prices, seriously jeopardising the maintenance of Indica rice crops.

In 2009-2010, imports of cultivated rice from LDCs tripled compared to 2008. In 2012-2013, these imports exceeded those of Thailand, which for years had been the top exporter of cultivated rice to the EU. In the first seven months of 2013, out of a total import from LDCs of approximately 169 000 tonnes, 161 000 tonnes came from Cambodia (95% of the import total from LDCs), 41 000 tonnes of which was already packaged.

If the price of EU rice were to be adjusted to the same level as the price of imports from Cambodia, rice growers would not even be able to cover the costs of production, which would have serious economic, social and environmental repercussions.

Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 provides that from 1 January 2014 if increases in duty-free imports from LDCs ‘cause or threaten to cause serious difficulties’, ‘normal Common Customs Tariff duties on that product may be reintroduced’ (the safeguard clause in Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 732/2008). Article 24 provides that where there is sufficient evidence for this, ‘the Commission shall investigate whether the normal Common Customs Tariff duties should be reintroduced’. Regulation (EU) No 1083/2013 allows for the ex officio initiation of investigations by the Commission if there is ‘sufficient prima facie evidence that the conditions for imposing the safeguard measure set out in Article 22(1) of GSP Regulation are met’.

Does the Commission agree that the current EU paddy prices do not cover the cost of production to growers?

Is the Commission aware that the dramatic increase in imports from Cambodia is creating disturbances in the market for rice cultivated in the EU, undermining the profitability of producers and leading to a drastic decrease in the area under rice cultivation in the EU in the next season (February 2014)?

Does the Commission intend to intervene as a matter of urgency, using all the measures provided for under EU legislation (the safeguard clause, surveillance measures, investigations, etc.), to ensure that the special arrangements for the generalised system of preferences applied in favour of LDCs (especially with regard to Cambodia) do not continue to cause serious difficulties for Union rice producers?

Answer given by Mr Ciolos on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2014)

As the Honourable Members rightly pointed out, Cambodia and Myanmar have become major rice suppliers to the EU since the Everything But Arms (EBA) regime granted duty and quota free access to the EU rice markets to the LDCs (149) on 1/9/2009. However, it is worth recalling that some 40% of the annual rice consumption of the EU is covered from imports and also that Cambodia and Myanmar have significant exportable surpluses of precisely those products, i.e. of Indica (long ‘B’) varieties and broken rice, of which the EU is not self-sufficient. Moreover, increasing rice exports from the LDCs to the EU merely replaced the diminishing shares of other third countries: On the contrary, total imports of the EU have remained broadly stable.

Furthermore, producer prices in the EU are not significantly below their usual levels. When the new crop reached the markets in the end of 2013, Japonica prices remained stable (at around 300 EUR/t, i.e. 200% of the reference threshold). Indica prices, in correlation with the general world market trend, showed a decrease from around 290 to 250-260 EUR/t. It is also worth mentioning that these prices are still above 2009 and 2010 prices.

Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 (150) specifies that the condition for triggering the safeguard is that Union producers experience serious difficulties due to the preferential arrangement. In examining this, the Commission shall take account, inter alia, of the import flow and the evolution of prices. It is clear from the above that these conditions are currently not in place. Nevertheless, the Commission will closely monitor the evolution of the EBA trade and its possible effects on the EU markets, and remains committed to maintaining a satisfactory market balance in this important sector.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013714/13

to the Commission

David Martin (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Inclusion of animal welfare clauses in Vietnam FTA

The Commission will be aware that in June 2012 the EU and Vietnam launched negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement. Vietnam has amended its legislation on the WTO agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, but no regulations or legal norms are being developed on the welfare of farm animals in Vietnam. Both the EU-Chile free trade agreement (FTA) and the EU-Korea FTA successfully included animal welfare provisions and have set a precedent for them to be included in all FTAs.

Does the Commission agree that it is unacceptable that there has been a failure to reach an agreement on the inclusion of animal welfare in the SPS chapter? Could the Commission clarify in which chapter of the EU-Vietnam FTA it aims to include provisions on animal welfare? Finally, how is the Commission developing cooperation on animal welfare with Vietnam? Would the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU-MUTRAP) be another mechanism via which to include a project on animal welfare, with the aim of providing market opportunities for small-scale farmers in Vietnam?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 2014)

In June 2012, the EU and Vietnam launched negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement with a view to ensuring an effective environment for trade and investment relations. These negotiations are ongoing. The discussions on the inclusion of animal welfare provisions in the agreement are also still ongoing. The Commission cannot predict the final outcome of the negotiations but will continue to pursue the inclusion of animal welfare provisions in the agreement.

The recent EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which was signed on 27 June 2012, already foresees as necessary to cooperate on animal welfare, including technical assistance and capacity building for the development of animal welfare standards.

Finally, the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU‐ MUTRAP) supports Vietnam to facilitate sustainable international trade and investment. The possibility of a project on animal welfare enhancing market access opportunities for small-scale farmers could be considered.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013715/13

to the Commission

Phil Bennion (ALDE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Preventing suicide

A new organisation, Suicide Response, has been established in my constituency to address issues around suicide and to work within communities to reach out to people who are experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts.

The organisation is now seeking funding to expand its service within community centres in order to access all vulnerable members of the community.

Reflecting on the priority given to preventing depression and suicide within the European Pact for Mental Health, which was launched in 2008, can the Commission outline what assistance it is continuing to provide to Member States to help prevent suicide and support organisations such as Suicide Response across the EU?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 2014)

The organisation and delivery of health services and medical care itself is a matter falling under the responsibility of Member States themselves. The Commission supports Member States in their actions to improve mental health and prevent depression and suicide through the policy dialogue in the Group of Governmental Experts on Mental Health and Well-being, which meets twice per year, and through the Joint Action on Mental Health and Well-being (151). A work package of the Joint Action has the objective to agree on a common framework of action against depression and to prevent suicides, including the use of eHealth solutions for this purpose. In addition, the Commission financed a study (152) describing mental health systems in EU-Member States with a focus on prevention and promotion of mental health. The Commission also informs Member States about projects under the EU-Health Programme which address suicide prevention, such as the PREDI-NU-project (153).

To the extent mental health may be affected by social difficulties — unemployment, social exclusion, low access to services, including healthcare etc. — the European Social Fund (ESF) supports Member States in tackling these problems. It funds measures for the social and professional integration of vulnerable groups (e.g. immigrants, disabled persons, long-term unemployed). In the 2014-20 programming period, Member States have to allocate at least 20% of their ESF budgets towards social inclusion measures.

In addition the Commission, through the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (154), will continue supporting Member States to promote mental health services and the development of early intervention by providing them with analysis, guidance, information exchange and other support.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-013716/13

do Komisji

Jacek Włosowicz (EFD), Jacek Olgierd Kurski (EFD) oraz Tadeusz Cymański (EFD)

(3 grudnia 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Zakaz palenia węglem w województwie małopolskim

W ubiegłym tygodniu Sejmik Województwa Małopolskiego uchwalił zakaz używania paliw stałych, w tym węgla kamiennego, do ogrzewania domów i mieszkań w Krakowie.

Podnieść należy, że wprowadzanie tego typu zakazów będzie rodziło w dalszej konsekwencji likwidację dziesiątek tysięcy miejsc pracy w Polsce u producentów urządzeń grzewczych. Odnosząc się w tym zakresie do decyzji radnych warto wskazać chociażby na zakład Defro ze Strawczyna w województwie świętokrzyskim. Obecnie firma daje zatrudnienie ponad 500 osobom. Tego typu decyzje, jak radnych z Krakowa, będą skutkowały redukcją zatrudnienia w Defro, a w dalszej kolejności stanowią realne zagrożenie do likwidacji zakładu. I taki los podzieli wiele firm z branży.

Dyrektywa 98/70/WE zezwala państwom członkowskim na wprowadzenie surowszych niż określone dyrektywą wymagań jakościowych w odniesieniu do paliw spalinowych na określonych obszarach terytorium państw członkowskich. Możliwość taka jest jednak traktowana jako odstępstwo uzasadnione ochroną zdrowia ludności w określonej aglomeracji lub środowiska w określonej strefie ekologicznie wrażliwej, jeżeli zanieczyszczenie powietrza lub wód gruntowych stanowi poważny i groźny problem dla zdrowia ludzkiego i środowiska lub jeśli obawy, że może stanowić ono taki problem, są uzasadnione. Zgodnie z art. 6 tej dyrektywy państwo członkowskie, które chce wprowadzić takie odstępstwo, zobowiązane jest z wyprzedzeniem przedłożyć KE wniosek. W uzasadnieniu tego wniosku musi ono wykazać, że odstępstwo nie narusza zasady proporcjonalności i że nie zakłóca ono swobodnego przepływu osób i towarów. Musi także dostarczyć KE dane dotyczące środowiska dla danej aglomeracji lub danego obszaru, jak również przewidywanych skutków proponowanych środków dla środowiska.

W związku z powyższym, w nawiązaniu do decyzji radnych Sejmiku Małopolskiego, którzy podjęli uchwałę o zakazie używania paliw stałych w Krakowie, proszę odpowiedzieć, czy Komisji Europejskiej został w myśl art. 6 dyrektywy 98/70/WE przedłożony specjalny wniosek uzasadniający przedmiotowe odstępstwo?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Connie Hedegaard w imieniu Komisji

(7 lutego 2014 r.)

Komisja pragnie zwrócić uwagę Szanownych Panów Posłów na fakt, że dyrektywą 98/70/WE odnoszącą się do jakości benzyny i olejów napędowych (155) określono specyfikacje zdrowotne i środowiskowe dla benzyny i oleju napędowego wykorzystywanych w silnikach pojazdów drogowych i maszyn jezdnych nieporuszających się po drogach. Chociaż art. 6 dyrektywy faktycznie przewiduje możliwość odstępstwa w kwestii wprowadzania do obrotu paliw spełniających bardziej surowe kryteria środowiskowe niż kryteria zawarte w dyrektywie, nie ma on zastosowania do paliw stałych, w tym węgla, do ogrzewania gospodarstw domowych. W związku z tym Komisja może potwierdzić, że nie otrzymała wniosku o udzielenie odstępstwa od władz polskich w tej sprawie, i że nie spodziewa się otrzymania takiego wniosku.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013716/13

to the Commission

Jacek Włosowicz (EFD), Jacek Olgierd Kurski (EFD) and Tadeusz Cymański (EFD)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Ban on coal burning in the Małopolskie province

The local parliament of the Małopolskie province introduced a ban last week on the use of solid fuels, including coal, for domestic heating purposes in Kraków.

Bans of this kind will lead to tens of thousands of job losses at Polish heating appliance manufacturers. A good example of a plant which would be affected by a decision of the kind taken by the members of the Małopolskie local parliament is Defro, which is based in Strawczyn in the Świętokrzyskie province and currently employs over 500 people. Quite apart from job cuts, there is a real risk that such a decision could close Defro down, a fate that will be shared by many companies in this sector.

Directive 98/70/EC allows the Member States to introduce more stringent quality specifications for fuels in specific areas of the Member State than those provided for in the directive. This is however only possible by way of a derogation, with a view to protecting the health of the population in a specific agglomeration or the environment in a specific ecologically sensitive area, or if atmospheric or groundwater pollution constitutes or may reasonably be expected to constitute a serious and recurrent problem for human health or the environment. Pursuant to Article 6 of this directive, Member States wishing to make use of such a derogation shall submit a request to the Commission in advance. The justification to be included with such a request shall include evidence that the derogation respects the principle of proportionality and that it will not disrupt the free movements of persons and goods. The Member States involved shall provide the Commission with data on the environment in the agglomeration or area in question as well as the predicted environmental impacts of the measures proposed.

In connection with the above, and following the decision by the members of the Małopolskie local parliament to introduce a ban on the use of solid fuels in Kraków, I would like to ask whether a special request was submitted to the Commission including a justification for this derogation, as required by Article 6 of Directive 98/70/EC?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2014)

The Commission would draw the Honourable Members’ attention to the fact that directive 98/70/EC, relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels (156), sets health and environmental specifications for petrol and diesel used in engines in road vehicles and non-road mobile machinery. While Article 6 of the directive does foresee the possibility of derogations for the marketing of fuels with more stringent environmental criteria than those contained in the directive, it does not apply to solid fuels, including coal, for use in domestic heating. The Commission can therefore confirm that it has not received a derogation request from the Polish authorities in this case, nor would it expect to so do.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-013717/13

à Comissão

Edite Estrela (S&D) e António Fernando Correia de Campos (S&D)

(3 de dezembro de 2013)

Assunto: Encerramento dos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo, S.A.

De acordo com a imprensa portuguesa, o Ministro da Defesa Nacional anunciou o despedimento coletivo dos 609 trabalhadores dos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo SA (ENVC,SA), que justificou com a investigação lançada pela Comissão sobre as ajudas públicas atribuídas à empresa entre 2006 e 2011;

Considerando que a Comissão solicitou ao Estado Português a apresentação de esclarecimentos que contribuam para a apreciação final da compatibilidade dos auxílios estatais prestados com as regras comuns da União Europeia que permitem auxílios de emergência ou reestruturação;

Considerando que idênticos procedimentos foram adotados pela Comissão em Espanha, França e Holanda;

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Joaquín Almunia em nome da Comissão

(31 de janeiro de 2014)

Tal como indicado na resposta à pergunta E-5205/13, Portugal apresentou as suas observações sobre a decisão de iniciar o procedimento formal de investigação no caso SA.35546 (2013/C) — Medidas anteriores a favor dos Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo S.A. (ENVC), por carta de 12 de março de 2013. Além disso, a Comissão e as autoridades portuguesas procederam a uma troca de correspondência e organizaram teleconferências em diversas ocasiões, como em qualquer outro procedimento formal de investigação. As observações das autoridades portuguesas não estão à disposição do público.

Tal como indicado na sua resposta à pergunta P-13647/2013, a Comissão ainda não adotou uma decisão final no caso SA. 35546.

A Comissão procedeu a investigações sobre os sistemas de arrendamento fiscal espanhol, francês e neerlandês, e não relativos a auxílios estatais a estaleiros navais. No que respeita à Espanha, a Comissão adotou uma decisão final em 17 de julho de 2013, que será publicada durante as próximas semanas. Relativamente à França e aos Países Baixos, as investigações ainda estão em curso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013717/13

to the Commission

Edite Estrela (S&D) and António Fernando Correia de Campos (S&D)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Closure of the shipyard Estaleiros Navias de Viana do Castelo, S.A.

According to reports in the Portuguese press, the Portuguese Ministry of Defence has announced the collective dismissal of 600 workers at the Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo, S.A. (ENVC S.A.) on the basis of the investigation launched by the Commission into state aid to the firm between 2006 and 2011.

The Commission asked the Portuguese Government to provide clarification to enable it to make its final decision on the compatibility of the state aid that had been provided with common EU rules that allow emergency or restructuring aid.

Identical procedures were instigated by the Commission in Spain, France and Holland.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2014)

As indicated in the reply to Question E-5205/13, Portugal provided its comments to the decision to open the formal investigation procedure in case SA.35546 (2013/C) — Past measures in favour of Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo S.A. (ENVC) by letter of 12 March 2013. In addition, the Commission and the Portuguese authorities have exchanged correspondence and held conference calls on several occasions, as in any other formal investigation procedure. The comments of the Portuguese authorities are not publicly available.

As indicated in its reply to Question P-13647/2013, the Commission has not yet adopted a final decision in case SA.35546.

The Commission has carried out investigations concerning the Spanish, French and Dutch tax lease systems, and not concerning state aid to shipyards. As regards Spain, the Commission adopted a final decision on 17 July 2013, which will be published in the coming weeks. As regards France and the Netherlands, the investigations are still ongoing.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-013719/13

a la Comisión

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(3 de diciembre de 2013)

Asunto: Mercado interior de la electricidad

Considerando y coincidiendo con el contenido de la pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita a la Comisión n° E-011671/2013, de 14 de octubre de 2013, formulada por Raül Romeva i Rueda en relación con el aumento de la pobreza energética en España.

¿Considera la Comisión que el Gobierno español está aplicando adecuadamente las Directivas 2009/72/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 13 de julio de 2009, sobre normas comunes para el mercado interior de la electricidad (y específicamente los apartados 7 y 8 de su artículo 3) y 2009/73/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 13 de julio de 2009, sobre normas comunes para el mercado interior del gas natural (específicamente los apartados 3 y 4 de su artículo 3), tras expirar el 3 de marzo de 2011 el plazo fijado para su cumplimiento?

Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de febrero de 2014)

La Comisión está llevando a cabo controles del cumplimiento de las dos Directivas mencionadas en la pregunta de Su Señoría a fin de comprobar la exhaustividad y la calidad de la transposición en los Estados miembros. Los controles del cumplimiento relativos a España se hallan en curso. Si la Comisión detecta una inconformidad de la legislación de los Estados miembros con el acervo de la UE, se pueden incoar procedimientos de infracción, en los casos en que estén justificados.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-013719/13

to the Commission

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(3 December 2013)

Subject: Internal market in electricity

This concerns and coincides with Question for written answer E-011671/2013 submitted to the Commission on 14 October 2013 by Raül Romeva i Rueda on the rise of energy poverty in Spain.

Does the Commission believe that the Spanish Government is properly implementing Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity (specifically Article 3(7) and (8)) and Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas (specifically Article 3(3) and (4)), since the deadline for complying with these Directives expired on 3 March 2011?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 2014)

The Commission is conducting compliance checks of both directives mentioned in the question of the Honourable Member in order to verify the completeness and quality of transposition in the Member States. The compliance checks for Spain are currently ongoing. If the Commission identifies non-conformity of the Member States' legislation with the EU acquis, infringement proceedings can be launched when justified.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-013721/13

an die Kommission

Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE)

(3. Dezember 2013)

Betrifft: Erkrankungen des zentralen Nervensystems als Folge von Vergiftungen

Verschiedene medizinische Studien deuten insbesondere bei neurologischen Krankheiten auf eine multifaktorielle Krankheitsentstehung mit Beteiligung von Umwelteinflüssen bzw. toxische Chemikalien als Auslöser hin. Ebenso gibt es gewichtige Argumente für die Beteiligung eines Umweltfaktors bei Kindern und Jugendlichen, der zur späteren Erkrankung führt. Ebenfalls kann die langanhaltende Exposition gegenüber giftigen Wirkstoffen im fortschreitenden Alter Ursache für Vergiftungserscheinungen und eine Schädigung der menschlichen Gesundheit sein.