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 55 E/01)

Contents

E-007348/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Compliance with Spain's support mechanisms for renewable energies

Versión española

English version

E-007349/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: EU rules on railways in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-007350/13 by Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón to the Commission

Subject: Activities of the Spanish supermarket chain DIA

Versión española

English version

E-007351/13 by Thomas Ulmer to the Commission

Subject: Creating a central criminal register for Europe

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007352/13 by Horst Schnellhardt to the Commission

Subject: Use of insects as animal protein in feed

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007353/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Take-up of funds for integrated urban regeneration and housing renovation

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007354/13 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: Erasmus programme

English version

E-007355/13 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement

English version

E-007356/13 by Pat the Cope Gallagher to the Commission

Subject: EU-US Free Trade Agreement

English version

E-007357/13 by Jürgen Klute, Raül Romeva i Rueda and Helmut Scholz to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Guatemala: former dictator's genocide conviction overturned

Versión española

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007358/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Bilateral readmission agreements between Member States

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007359/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Seaside tourism companies

Version française

English version

E-007360/13 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: The rights of persons with disabilities in the EU

Leagan Gaeilge

English version

E-007361/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Involvement of farmers

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-007362/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Deteriorating political situation in Mozambique II

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007363/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Serious famine in Guinea-Bissau

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007364/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Refugees and displaced persons around the world

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007365/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Mental health and financial hardship

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007366/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Unusual weather in Europe

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007367/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Biscuits containing illegal sweetener

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007368/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Coronal hole on the surface of the sun — disruption of European communications

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007369/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Study on pollution and autism

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007370/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Destruction of woodland in Guinea-Bissau

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007371/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Child labour

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007372/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: New rules on baby food

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007373/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: New emergency system in European cars

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007374/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Premature births

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007375/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Guinea-Bissau — disabled children

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007376/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Stem cells — new discovery

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007377/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: World population

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007378/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Water fluoridation

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007379/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Influenza — new diagnostic tool

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007380/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: IMF proposal for a new labour reform in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-007381/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Flood relief from the European Solidarity Fund

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007382/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Evacuation of areas in cases of natural disaster

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007383/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Problems faced by European manufacturers of solar cells and solar modules

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007384/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Independent assessment of patent office decision practice

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007385/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Software patents awarded by the European Patent Office

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007386/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: Generic drugs and healthy competition in the European pharmaceutical industry

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007387/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007388/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: OECD and tax havens

Version française

English version

E-007389/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Teacher training in Italy: Tirocini Formativi Attivi (Active Training Apprenticeships) (TFA)

Versione italiana

English version

E-007390/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Introduction of the European electronic road toll service

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-007391/13 by Tanja Fajon to the Commission

Subject: Suspected misuse of EU funding intended to finance the Slovenian European Consumer Centre (EPC) and infringement of Decision No 1926/2006/EC

Slovenska različica

English version

E-007392/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: State of preparedness for forest fires during the summer

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007393/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Shortfall in programme funding for migrants and asylum-seekers in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007394/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: ‘Bad banks’ and toxic debt in the European banking system

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007395/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Quality of drinking water in the capitals of Member States

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007396/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: EU directive on bathing water

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007555/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Increase in terrorist attacks in the Middle East: the Iraq case

Versione italiana

English version

E-007397/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Recent violence in Iraq

English version

E-007398/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Child labour in the EU

English version

E-007399/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: National reserve provision

English version

E-007400/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Recovery of undue payments

English version

E-007401/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Compliance with Council Directive 2008/120/EC

English version

E-007403/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Conacre system

English version

E-007404/13 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: Submersion of wetlands by a reservoir in the Tarn département of France

Version française

English version

P-007405/13 by Tomasz Piotr Poręba to the Commission

Subject: Funding jobs for disabled persons

Wersja polska

English version

E-007406/13 by Bendt Bendtsen to the Commission

Subject: Fundamental challenges for food supplements 2

Dansk udgave

English version

E-007407/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Cases of violence and abuse in Europe in crisis

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007408/13 by Nicole Kiil-Nielsen, Barbara Lochbihler and Franziska Keller to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Deportation of Mrs Shalabayeva from Italy to Kazakhstan

Deutsche Fassung

Version française

English version

E-007409/13 by Nicole Kiil-Nielsen, Barbara Lochbihler and Franziska Keller to the Commission

Subject: Deportation of Mrs Shalabayeva from Italy to Kazakhstan

Deutsche Fassung

Version française

English version

E-007410/13 by Derk Jan Eppink to the Commission

Subject: Internet search engines

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007411/13 by Derk Jan Eppink to the Commission

Subject: Investigation into Chinese telecom sector

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007412/13 by Paul Murphy to the Commission

Subject: Compensation for families of victims of factory fire in Pakistan

English version

E-007413/13 by Arlene McCarthy to the Commission

Subject: Compensation for victims of crime abroad

English version

E-007414/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Chittagong Hill Tracts

English version

E-007415/13 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Genetic defects in donated sperm cells: lack of timely reporting

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007416/13 by Lena Kolarska-Bobińska to the Commission

Subject: E-learning and the Erasmus programme

Wersja polska

English version

E-007417/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Precautionary support programme for Portugual

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007418/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: ‘Reactionary’ France

Version française

English version

E-007419/13 by Roberta Angelilli, Gianni Pittella, Giovanni La Via, Giuseppe Gargani, David-Maria Sassoli, Lorenzo Fontana, Niccolò Rinaldi, Cristiana Muscardini, Susy De Martini, Silvia Costa, Guido Milana, Elisabetta Gardini, Carlo Fidanza, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Marco Scurria, Salvatore Tatarella, Vito Bonsignore, Raffaele Baldassarre, Licia Ronzulli, Mario Borghezio, Aldo Patriciello, Potito Salatto, Antonello Antinoro, Paolo Bartolozzi, Clemente Mastella, Antonio Cancian, Erminia Mazzoni, Sergio Gaetano Cofferati, Oreste Rossi, Fabrizio Bertot, Sergio Berlato, Lara Comi, Roberto Gualtieri, Luigi Berlinguer, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Barbara Matera, Amalia Sartori, Andrea Zanoni, Franco Bonanini, Vittorio Prodi, Claudio Morganti, Salvatore Iacolino, Carlo Casini and Andrea Cozzolino to the Commission

Subject: Possible infringement of public procurement legislation at the expense of AnsaldoBreda

Versione italiana

English version

E-007420/13 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: Free trade agreement with the US: protecting European agriculture must be a priority

Version française

English version

E-007421/13 by Jean-Luc Bennahmias to the Commission

Subject: Protection of bees and the temporary ban on neonicotinoid-based pesticides

Version française

English version

E-007422/13 by Franco Frigo to the Commission

Subject: Landfill for waste treatment

Versione italiana

English version

E-007423/13 by Barbara Matera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU-Ukraine relations

Versione italiana

English version

E-007424/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Possibility of economic and social development funding being used improperly in connection with the hosting of international sporting events in Brazil

Versione italiana

English version

E-007425/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: The eco-mafia phenomenon: alarming data for Europe and developing countries

Versione italiana

English version

E-007426/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Spread of HIV: failure to divulge full extent of the problem in Iranian prisons

Versione italiana

English version

E-007427/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Possible distortions of competition: methods for determining tariffs under Legislative Decree 194/2008

Versione italiana

English version

E-007428/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: More accurate and less invasive screening method to detect Down's syndrome and other genetic foetal abnormalities

Versione italiana

English version

E-007429/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: Lack of transparency in subsidies to NGOs

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007430/13 by Ana Gomes to the Commission

Subject: Debt swap contracts in Portugal

Versão portuguesa

English version

P-007431/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: IMD 2 proposal and subsidiarity and proportionality principles

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007432/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Strengthening of communications networks

Versión española

English version

E-007433/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Good news about the reduction in the price of roaming and the resulting legal uncertainty

Versión española

English version

E-007434/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Giving attention to asexual people

Versión española

English version

E-007435/13 by Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo to the Commission

Subject: Consequences of the fourth railway package

Versión española

English version

E-007436/13 by Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo to the Commission

Subject: EU-Thailand free-trade agreement

Versión española

English version

E-007437/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: More damaging activities at a site of Community importance

Versión española

English version

E-007438/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Pollution in the Mediterranean

Version française

English version

E-007439/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Possible effects of pollution in the atmosphere on health

Version française

English version

E-007440/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Car sharing in Europe

Version française

English version

E-007441/13 by Gaston Franco and Philippe Juvin to the Commission

Subject: Indoor air quality

Version française

English version

E-007442/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Anti-dumping tariffs against Chinese solar panels

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007443/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Single European Sky

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007444/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Food safety (RAFF)

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007445/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Helping alleviate poverty in the EU

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007446/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: eCall system

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007447/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Steel industry in Europe

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007448/13 by Jacek Włosowicz to the Commission

Subject: Classification as secret of Poland's request for a derogation from the common system of value added tax with reference to motor vehicles, their fuels and other running expenses

Wersja polska

English version

P-007449/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Review of privatisation plans for the Greek companies EYDAP and EYATH

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-007450/13 by Derek Roland Clark to the Commission

Subject: Premature disclosure of inside information on the Cyprus ‘bailout’

English version

P-007451/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: European Arrest Warrant — changes to the Croatian law on judicial cooperation in criminal matters with Member States

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-007452/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Compiling data on disability and education

Versión española

English version

E-007453/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Education in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020

Versión española

English version

E-007454/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Teacher training — embracing diversity

Versión española

English version

E-007455/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Fully inclusive education systems

Versión española

English version

E-007456/13 by Reinhard Bütikofer and Franziska Keller to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up on Written Question E-001896/2013

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007457/13 by Marlene Mizzi to the Commission

Subject: Irregular migration

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007458/13 by Anne Delvaux to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Somalia

Version française

English version

E-007459/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Closure of Marine Harvest factories in Poullaouen and Chateaugiron (France)

Version française

English version

E-007460/13 by Liam Aylward to the Commission

Subject: Protecting small and medium enterprises against misleading advertising

Leagan Gaeilge

English version

E-007461/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Mistaken opinions about Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-007462/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Euro area crisis: German Constitutional Court to make a decision on the EU's behalf

Versione italiana

English version

E-007463/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Tainted Chinese honey sold in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-007464/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Penalisation of Italian wine exports due to Russian import duties

Versione italiana

English version

E-007465/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Chinese workshops damaging small footwear companies in the Veneto region

Versione italiana

English version

E-007466/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Spread of slot machine arcades threatening local safety and law and order

Versione italiana

English version

E-007467/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Italian industry's response to the crisis: the example of Helios Technology workers

Versione italiana

English version

E-007468/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Lack of EU legislation on long-term evolution (LTE) networks penalising EU citizens

Versione italiana

English version

E-007469/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: An innovative cap to guarantee the integrity of products and consumer safety

Versione italiana

English version

E-007470/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Linguistic aspects of implementing Directive 2002/22/EC on the single emergency number

Versione italiana

English version

E-007471/13 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: E120 colouring (Cochineal, Carmine, Carminic acid)

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-007472/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Delays in revising the Package Travel Directive

Version française

English version

P-007473/13 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: Commission funding of sports and tourism facilities in Poland

Versione italiana

English version

E-007474/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Electricity in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-007475/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle and Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Conflict of interest — Danish Institute of Human Rights

Deutsche Fassung

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-007478/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Silence on Lampedusa

Versione italiana

English version

E-007479/13 by Antonio Cancian, Raffaele Baldassarre, Sergio Gaetano Cofferati, Francesco De Angelis, Vincenzo Iovine, Clemente Mastella, Erminia Mazzoni, Aldo Patriciello, Giancarlo Scottà and Giommaria Uggias to the Commission

Subject: Compliance with rules on state aid for the financing of infrastructure projects

Versione italiana

English version

E-007480/13 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Blood passport as evidence of doping

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007481/13 by Tadeusz Zwiefka and Jacek Protasiewicz to the Commission

Subject: Consultations on the Commission's draft General Block Exemption Regulation intended to replace Commission Regulation (EC) No 800/2008

Wersja polska

English version

E-007492/13 by Konrad Szymański to the Commission

Subject: Amendments to the Commission's General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and the situation as regards the employment of disabled persons in Poland

Wersja polska

English version

E-007850/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: Planned limits to public aid

Wersja polska

English version

E-007482/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Acesulfame K

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007483/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Renewable energy framework

Versión española

English version

E-007484/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Renewable energy

Versión española

English version

E-007485/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Climate change

Versión española

English version

E-007486/13 by Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra to the Commission

Subject: Wind power

Versión española

English version

E-007487/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: Restrictions on use of social media in Turkey

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007954/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: Turkey targets social media

Versione italiana

English version

E-007689/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Turkey's desire to bring Twitter under control

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007488/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: Violent eviction of the ‘For Human Rights’ movement by the Russian police

Wersja polska

English version

E-007489/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: Proposed amendments to Poland's tax code

Wersja polska

English version

E-007490/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — under-representation of Polish citizens among UN employees

Wersja polska

English version

E-007491/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Wave of protests in Brazil

Wersja polska

English version

E-007493/13 by Zbigniew Ziobro and Jacek Włosowicz to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU citizens participating in Syrian Civil War

Wersja polska

English version

E-007494/13 by Zbigniew Ziobro and Jacek Włosowicz to the Commission

Subject: Support for organisations defending Christians' rights and fighting to preserve the EU's cultural foundations

Wersja polska

English version

P-007495/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: 116 emergency number for people in urgent emotional distress

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007496/13 by Hermann Winkler to the Commission

Subject: Commission measures to tackle the debt crisis in the Member States

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007497/13 by Jorgo Chatzimarkakis to the Commission

Subject: Activities of anti-democratic parties in the EU

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007498/13 by Axel Voss to the Commission

Subject: Transposition of Directive 2009/103/EC relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007499/13 by Sabine Lösing to the Commission

Subject: Aeroceptor and Closeye

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007500/13 by Vicky Ford to the Commission

Subject: Spanish recognition of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

English version

E-007501/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Reducing the marketing of alcohol in sports

Verżjoni Maltija

English version

E-007502/13 by Derek Roland Clark to the Commission

Subject: Competition and Innovation Programme, large-scale pilot project

English version

E-007503/13 by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski to the Commission

Subject: General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) — state aid

Wersja polska

English version

E-007504/13 by Phil Bennion to the Commission

Subject: Bus fares in Malta

English version

E-007505/13 by Mojca Kleva Kekuš to the Commission

Subject: Gender equality and women's rights in Namibia

Slovenska različica

English version

E-007506/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: New Europe House to be opened in Zagreb on 1 July 2013

English version

E-007507/13 by Gaston Franco and Françoise Grossetête to the Commission

Subject: Potential allergens in perfume

Version française

English version

E-007508/13 by Véronique Mathieu Houillon to the Commission

Subject: Monitoring of waste-water treatment in Prague

Version française

English version

E-007509/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Incinerator at Montale (Province of Pistoia): further information on the possible violation of health and environmental protection rules

Versione italiana

English version

E-007510/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Protection of Syria's artistic heritage

Versione italiana

English version

E-007511/13 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: Monitoring of the use of subsidies, particularly in Egypt

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007512/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Council

Subject: Council's intention to open a new chapter in the negotiations with Turkey

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007514/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/2/EU — inclusion of myclobutanil

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007515/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/4/EU — inclusion of cycloxydim

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007516/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/5/EU — inclusion of hymexazol

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007517/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/9/EU — inclusion of dodine

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007518/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/19/EU — inclusion of tau-fluvalinate

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007519/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/20/EU — inclusion of fenoxycarb

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007520/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/21/EU — inclusion of clethodim

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007521/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/25/EU — inclusion of bupirimate

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007522/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/26/EU — inclusion of diethofencarb

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007524/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/29/EU — inclusion of etridiazole

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007525/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/30/EU — inclusion of fenbutatin oxide

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007526/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/33/EU — inclusion of 1-decanol

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007527/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/34/EU — inclusion of flurochloridone

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007528/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/39/EU — inclusion of fenazaquin

Versão portuguesa

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E-007529/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/40/EU — inclusion of sintofen

Versão portuguesa

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E-007530/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/41/EU — inclusion of dithianon

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E-007531/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/42/EU — inclusion of flutriafol

Versão portuguesa

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E-007532/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/43/EU — inclusion of lime sulphur

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007545/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/32/EU — inclusion of isoxaben

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007598/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/44/EU — azadirachtin

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007599/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/45/EU — diclofop

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E-007600/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/46/EU — hexythiazox

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E-007601/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Implementing Directive 2011/47/EU — aluminium sulphate

Versão portuguesa

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E-007605/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Directive 2011/69/EU — imidacloprid

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007523/13 by Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: The need for an EU ‘conflict mineral’ law akin to the US Dodd-Frank Act

English version

E-007533/13 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: Review by the Commission of Spanish mortgage legislation

Versión española

English version

E-007534/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Application in Spain of the Special Tax on Certain Means of Transport (IEDMT)

Versión española

English version

E-007535/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Ebro River basin plan

Versión española

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E-007536/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Environmental flow in the final stretch of the Ebro River

Versión española

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E-007537/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: New Unesco biosphere reserve: final reaches of the River Ebro

Versión española

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E-007538/13 by Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto to the Commission

Subject: How far is the Commission responsible for the failure of the economic strategy?

Versión española

English version

E-007540/13 by Jutta Steinruck to the Commission

Subject: Behaviour of European companies around the world

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007541/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for the implementation of a social reintegration and public awareness-raising project

Versione italiana

English version

E-007542/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Information on the use of EU funds during the period 2007-2013: Tuscany Region and the city of Livorno

Versione italiana

English version

E-007543/13 by Crescenzio Rivellini to the Commission

Subject: Fruit and vegetables for children before they first start school

Versione italiana

English version

E-007544/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Altering the maximum duration of night flights

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007546/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Excess pollutant emissions from light-duty vehicles

Versión española

English version

E-007548/13 by Josefa Andrés Barea, Ana Miranda, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Eva Ortiz Vilella, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Willy Meyer and Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Closure of TK GALMED plant

Versión española

English version

E-007549/13 by Matthias Groote and Barbara Weiler to the Commission

Subject: Harmonisation of hygiene standards for materials in contact with drinking water

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007550/13 by Kriton Arsenis to the Commission

Subject: Closure of the ‘Panagia’ hospital and the sale of five school buildings in Thessaloniki

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-007551/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Large-scale compulsory expropriation affecting ethnic minorities: events in Sri Lanka

Versione italiana

English version

E-007552/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Clashes between Sunnis and Shias in Egypt

Versione italiana

English version

E-007553/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Vietnamese activist on hunger strike against prison conditions

Versione italiana

English version

E-007554/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Trafficking of women to China from neighbouring countries

Versione italiana

English version

E-007556/13 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten and Corien Wortmann-Kool to the Commission

Subject: Dutch vehicle registration plates

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-007557/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Privatisation of water companies in Greece

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

P-007558/13 by Joanna Senyszyn to the Commission

Subject: New draft General block exemption Regulation (GBER)

Wersja polska

English version

E-007559/13 by Jörg Leichtfried to the Commission

Subject: Funding of pig rearing in crates and stalls in non-EU countries

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007560/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Ending of negotiations and impact on IPA funding

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007561/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: China's shadow banks

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007562/13 by Aldo Patriciello, Clemente Mastella, Gino Trematerra, Paolo Bartolozzi, Cristiana Muscardini, Licia Ronzulli, Barbara Matera, Antonello Antinoro, Pino Arlacchi, Salvatore Iacolino, Vito Bonsignore, Elisabetta Gardini, Andrea Zanoni, Amalia Sartori, Susy De Martini, Fabrizio Bertot, Potito Salatto, Roberta Angelilli, Franco Bonanini, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Giovanni La Via, Magdi Cristiano Allam, Gianni Pittella, Andrea Cozzolino, Tiziano Motti, Lara Comi and Alfredo Pallone to the Commission

Subject: Commissarial Decree No 156/2012 and alleged violation of EU health protection rules

Versione italiana

English version

E-007564/13 by Pino Arlacchi to the Commission

Subject: Invitations to tender for gas distribution

Versione italiana

English version

E-007565/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: Over-charging of tourists in Turkey

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007566/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Castor Project: common rules for the internal market in natural gas

Versión española

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E-007642/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Castor project and common rules for the internal natural gas market

Versión española

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E-007567/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Castor project: common rules for the internal market in natural gas

Versión española

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E-007568/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: IRPH interest rate

Versión española

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E-007569/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Directive on tobacco products

Versión española

English version

E-007570/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Spanish efforts to combat tax havens

Versión española

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E-007572/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Tax amnesty in Spain

Versión española

English version

E-007573/13 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: Human papilloma virus vaccinations in Japan

English version

E-007574/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: A bailout based on lies

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007575/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Reported human trafficking in Iran

Versione italiana

English version

E-007576/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Alleged Hezbollah and Iranian networks exposed in Africa

Versione italiana

English version

E-007577/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamists in Tunisia

Versione italiana

English version

E-007578/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Bloggers arrested in Vietnam

Versione italiana

English version

E-007579/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Ultimatum to Libyan militias

Versione italiana

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E-007580/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Hezbollah allegedly manufacturing counterfeit pharmaceutical stimulant products

Versione italiana

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E-007581/13 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Impact of rapid population growth in Africa

Versione italiana

English version

E-007768/13 by Ana Gomes to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Impact of girls' education and demographic growth on the stability and security situation of some countries, in particular Nigeria, Mali, DRC and Somalia

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-007582/13 by Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: Poll on Germany's dominant role in the EU

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E-007583/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: European Job Day

Version française

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E-007585/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible unfair business practices affecting newsagents

Versione italiana

English version

E-007586/13 by Fabrizio Bertot to the Commission

Subject: Court finds Republic of Serbia responsible for downing of helicopter on 7 January 1992

Versione italiana

English version

E-007587/13 by Judith A. Merkies to the Commission

Subject: Еnergy tariff transparency

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-007588/13 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: Vocational training for minors

Wersja polska

English version

E-007590/13 by Jacek Włosowicz, Zbigniew Ziobro and Tadeusz Cymański to the Commission

Subject: Minister of Finance's proposal to the Commission to restrict the full deduction of VAT from company car purchases for another five years

Wersja polska

English version

E-007591/13 by Jacek Włosowicz to the Commission

Subject: Liquidation of Kowent sp. z o.o. in Końskie

Wersja polska

English version

E-007592/13 by Jacek Włosowicz to the Commission

Subject: Difficult situation facing workers at the ‘Marywil’ plant in Suchedniów

Wersja polska

English version

E-007593/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: Inferior quality of products sold in ‘second-class Europe’

Wersja polska

English version

E-007594/13 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: Wave of Syrian refugees emigrating to neighbouring countries

Wersja polska

English version

E-007606/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Concerns about violations of European values in Hungary and Bulgaria

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007607/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Action against growing anti-Semitism in Europe

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007608/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Availability of water resources

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007609/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: End of preferential access to the EU market for African countries

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007610/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Legislation and gender equality

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007611/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Riots following the presidential elections in Venezuela

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007612/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Simplification of visa relations between the EU and Ukraine

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007613/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The rights of LGBT persons in the Balkans and in Turkey

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007614/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The constitutional situation in Hungary

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007615/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The common agricultural policy and the issue of discrimination

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007616/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The common agricultural policy and fair direct payments

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007617/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The common agricultural policy and the crisis

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007618/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Macroeconomic imbalance

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007619/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Gender equality in securing access to goods and services

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007620/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Economic competition and the crisis period

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007621/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Demographic data and personal data protection

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007622/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA)

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007623/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: EU Member States are encouraged to adopt measures against tax evasion

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007624/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Developing countries and EU trade policy

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007625/13 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: The fight against xenophobia and discrimination

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-007626/13 by Iliana Malinova Iotova to the Commission

Subject: Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria

българска версия

English version

E-007627/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Independent fiscal councils

Versión española

English version

E-007628/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Mining in Colombia and sexual exploitation of girls

Versión española

English version

E-007629/13 by Ole Christensen to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the Working Time Directive in the context of public procurement

Dansk udgave

English version

E-007630/13 by Michael Cramer to the Commission

Subject: Correctness of the information provided in the context of the aid authorisation procedure for Berlin-Brandenburg airport

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007631/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Plans to introduce EU-wide motorway tolls

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007632/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Test Town initiative

English version

E-007633/13 by Sven Giegold to the Commission

Subject: Data provided by Eurostat

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007635/13 by Sergio Berlato to the Commission

Subject: Youth migration to countries outside the European Union

Versione italiana

English version

E-007636/13 by Zbigniew Ziobro to the Commission

Subject: Conduct of the German Jugendamt towards Polish children

Wersja polska

English version

E-007637/13 by Jacek Włosowicz to the Commission

Subject: Explanations regarding the ‘Tempora’ programme

Wersja polska

English version

E-007638/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Council

Subject: PRISM

Versión española

English version

E-007639/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: PRISM

Versión española

English version

E-007640/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Aid to the Sahel region

English version

E-007641/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment in the EU

English version

E-007643/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Missing Children in the EU

English version

E-007644/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Digital Agenda Scoreboard

English version

E-007645/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: eCall system in cars

English version

E-007647/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Smallhold farmers in Zambia

English version

E-007648/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Syrian Peace Conference

English version

E-007650/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU Solidarity Fund

English version

E-007651/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU Spending on nutrition programmes

English version

E-007652/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: EU Funding to Mozambique

English version

E-007653/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Employee vocational training in the EU

English version

E-007654/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Extending food product expiry dates

Version française

English version

E-007655/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: ‘Use by’ and ‘best before’ dates

Version française

English version

E-007656/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Damage caused by wild animals and strays

Versione italiana

English version

E-007657/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for setting up a museum of vintage civil, military and commercial vehicles in Rome

Versione italiana

English version

E-007658/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible infringement of environmental protection and public health regulations by the Tivoli municipal authorities

Versione italiana

English version

E-007659/13 by Patrizia Toia to the Commission

Subject: Rights of children of incarcerated parents

Versione italiana

English version

E-007660/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Bilingual programmes

Versiunea în limba română

English version

P-007661/13 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: Funding into Huntington's disease

English version

E-007664/13 by Paul Rübig to the Commission

Subject: Digital Agenda

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007666/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Illegal activities of organised criminals in games arcades

Versione italiana

English version

E-007667/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Toothbrushes from China: no protection for consumers

Versione italiana

English version

E-007668/13 by Claudio Morganti to the Commission

Subject: Use of derivatives by the Member States

Versione italiana

English version

E-007669/13 by Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: Grey seals in the Baltic

Wersja polska

English version

E-007670/13 by Konrad Szymański to the Commission

Subject: Availability of Schengen visas in Polish consulates in Belarus

Wersja polska

English version

P-007671/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Consumer protection through high quality broadband Internet connections

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-007672/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Commission

Subject: Varying staff levels and absences from work in OLAF

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-007673/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Reduction in the special excise duty (SED) on heating fuel or motor fuel for the Greek islands

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007348/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(21 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Cumplimiento de los mecanismos de apoyo del Reino de España a las energías renovables

En referencia a la respuesta a la pregunta número P-001202/2013, el Sr. Oettinger, en nombre de la Comisión, contestó: «Sobre la base de la información de la que disponemos en la actualidad, la Comisión no observa ninguna vulneración de la Directiva sobre la energía renovable (Directiva 2009/28/CE). Con todo, la Comisión está examinando las medidas aprobadas recientemente en España y, en caso necesario, estudiará si deben tomarse medidas desde la UE o a escala de ella.»

¿Ha examinado la Comisión las medidas aprobadas recientemente en España?

En caso afirmativo ¿está satisfecha la Comisión con el resultado?

En caso negativo ¿cuándo tiene previsto la Comisión tener acabado este estudio?

Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(8 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión está actualmente estudiando la compatibilidad de la normativa española de medidas fiscales para la sostenibilidad de la energía aprobada oficialmente por el Congreso español el 20 de diciembre de  2012. Además, la Comisión está evaluando varias otras nuevas medidas adoptadas en 2013 que modifican los planes de apoyo a las energías renovables con vistas a concluir su análisis sobre la conveniencia o no de intervenir, llegado el caso, al nivel de la UE a finales de 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007348/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Compliance with Spain's support mechanisms for renewable energies

In his answer to Written Question P-001202/2013, Mr Oettinger stated, on behalf of the Commission: ‘On the basis of the information available to us at the present time, the Commission does not see an indication of a violation of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC). However, the Commission is currently assessing the recent policy measures adopted in Spain and it will consider further action from or at EU level, if necessary.’

Has the Commission completed its assessment of the recent policy measures adopted in Spain?

If so, is the Commission satisfied with the result?

If not, by when does the Commission expect to have completed this assessment?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The Commission's assessment of the compatibility of the Spanish Law on tax measures for energy sustainability, officially adopted by the Spanish Congress on 20 December 2012 is currently ongoing. In addition, the Commission is assessing several new measures changing renewable energy support schemes adopted in 2013, with the view to conclude its analysis on whether or not to take action at EU level, if appropriate, by the end of 2013.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007349/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(21 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Normativa europea de ferrocarriles en el Reino de España

En referencia a la respuesta a la pregunta número E-002948/2013, el Sr. Kallas, en nombre de la Comisión, contestó: «Tras la sentencia del Tribunal en el Asunto C-483/10, de 28 de febrero de 2013, la Comisión pidió a España, el 25 de marzo, que le comunicase esas medidas a más tardar el 25 de mayo. Si España sigue sin cumplir su obligación, la Comisión puede volver a someter el asunto al Tribunal, conforme al artículo 260, apartado 2, del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea y solo entonces podrá pedir la imposición de sumas a tanto alzado o multas coercitivas.»

¿Ha recibido la Comisión estas medidas por parte del Reino de España?

En caso afirmativo ¿está satisfecha la Comisión con estas medidas?

En caso negativo ¿qué medidas tiene previsto tomar la Comisión para que el Reino de España cumpla con la sentencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la UE?

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión puede confirmar que el Gobierno español está redactando un nuevo proyecto de normativa nacional para cumplir la sentencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la UE en el Asunto C-483/10. Los servicios de la Comisión mantienen contactos con el Gobierno español en relación con la formulación de dicha nueva normativa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007349/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: EU rules on railways in Spain

In answer to Question E-002948/2013, Mr Kallas, on behalf of the Commission, replied: ‘Following the Court’s ruling in Case C-483/10 dated 28 February 2013, the Commission asked Spain on 25 March to inform it of such measures by 25 May. Should Spain still not comply, the Commission may bring Spain back to the Court in accordance with Article 260(2) TFEU and only at this stage, lump sums or penalty payments may be requested.’

Has the Commission received these measures from Spain?

If so, is the Commission satisfied with these measures?

If not, what steps does the Commission plan to take to ensure that Spain complies with the ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

The Commission can confirm that the Spanish Government is preparing new draft rules of national legislation in order to comply with the judgment of the European Court of Justice in Case C-483/10. The Commission services are in contact with the Spanish Government concerning the formulation of such new rules.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007350/13

a la Comisión

Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón (S&D)

(21 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Actividades de la cadena de supermercados DIA (España)

Recientemente se ha constituido en España la «Asociación Afectados Franquicias Supermercados». Esta Asociación trata de defender los intereses de las personas involucradas en diversas franquicias, entre ellas las de la cadena de supermercados DIA (Distribución Internacional de Alimentación S.A.), grupo de distribución de origen español, expandido en otros países como Francia, Portugal etc.

Según miembros de esta Asociación, la cadena DIA habría incurrido en comportamientos presuntamente ilegales y en engaños en defensa de sus intereses y perjudicando gravemente a las personas con franquicia. También esta misma cadena habría incumplido en ritmos de trabajo y formas de pago de sus empleados, no acordes con la normativa laboral vigente. Estas personas con franquicia habrían sido sometidas a presiones y coacciones por defender sus intereses frente a prácticas como la transferencia de costes hacia las franquicias o la reducción de márgenes.

Respuesta del Sr. Almunia en nombre de la Comisión

(26 de septiembre de 2013)

La Comisión no dispone de información que sugiera que las actividades comerciales de la empresa Distribución Internacional de Alimentación S.A. infringen las normas que regulan el mercado único. Como, sin duda, sabe Su Señoría, las normas sobre libre circulación del TFUE se dirigen a los Estados miembros y no a las empresas.

La Comisión no está llevando a cabo una investigación con arreglo a las normas de competencia (artículos 101 y 102 del TFUE) sobre la cadena de supermercados DIA.

Pese a que no existe una legislación específica sobre franquicias, algunos comportamientos, como el de restringir la libertad de los franquiciados para fijar el precio de sus productos, podrían constituir una violación de las normas de competencia. No obstante, es probable que resulte preferible que sean las autoridades españolas las que, a nivel nacional, se ocupen del caso. De hecho, en la EU, las autoridades nacionales de competencia (ANC) han llevado a cabo algunas investigaciones en relación con prácticas contrarias a la competencia ejercidas por las cadenas de supermercados. En concreto, las ANC de Grecia, Suecia, Finlandia y Rumanía han investigado casos de comportamientos anticompetitivos consistentes en la imposición por las grandes cadenas de supermercados del precio de reventa en sus redes de franquicia. En el caso de Grecia, el asunto investigado afecta a la cadena DIA. La ANC francesa ha mostrado asimismo su preocupación por la existencia de posibles obstáculos contractuales para abandonar las redes de franquicia como, por ejemplo, la larga duración de las franquicias, las cláusulas de inhibición de la competencia una vez extinguido el contrato, etcétera (1).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007350/13

to the Commission

Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón (S&D)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Activities of the Spanish supermarket chain DIA

The ‘Asociación Afectados Franquicias Supermercados’ (Association of Affected Supermarket Franchises) was recently established in Spain with a view to defending the interests of individuals holding franchise agreements with a number of companies. One of these companies is DIA (Distribución Internacional de Alimentación S.A.), a Spanish supermarket chain with international presence in a number of countries, including France and Portugal.

Members of the association claim that DIA has engaged in illegal and deceitful activities to serve its own interests, at the direct expense of its franchise holders. The chain is also said to have breached the labour regulations in force regarding employee working times and payment methods. It is also alleged to have subjected its franchise holders to force and coercion for defending their interests against practices such as transferring costs to franchise holders and reducing margins.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(26 September 2013)

The Commission has no information suggesting that the commercial activities pursued by Distribución Internacional de Alimentación S.A. would breach the rules governing the single market. As the Honourable Member will be aware, the free movement rules in the TFEU are addressed to Member States and not to undertakings.

The Commission is not conducting an investigation under the competition rules (Articles 101 and 102 TFEU) involving the supermarket chain DIA.

Despite the fact that there is no specific competition legislation concerning franchises, certain behaviour such as limiting franchises' freedom to price their products could constitute a violation of competition law. However, it is likely that this might best be addressed at national level by the Spanish competition authorities. Indeed, in the EU, a number of investigations have been carried out by National Competition Authorities (NCAs) regarding anticompetitive practices of supermarket operators in their franchising networks. In particular, the Greek, Swedish, Finnish and Romanian NCAs have been investigating antitrust cases dealing with resale price maintenance imposed by large supermarket chains in their franchise networks. The Greek case refers to the supermarket chain DIA. The French competition authority also indicated its concerns about several potential barriers to exit related to franchise contracts, such as the long duration, post-contractual non-competition clauses, etc (2).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007351/13

an die Kommission

Thomas Ulmer (PPE)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Schaffung eines Europäischen Zentralregisters

In der nationalen Rechtsprechung kann es für die zuständigen Gerichte von großer Bedeutung sein, ob der Angeklagte bereits vorgestraft ist, warum er bestraft wurde und welche Strafen verhängt wurden. In Deutschland können diese Informationen in einem Zentralregister angefragt werden (Bundeszentralregister).

Länderübergreifend erscheint diese Zusammenarbeit weitaus schwieriger. So ist in der Praxis leichter, mit manchen EU-Staaten Daten auszutauschen, als mit anderen. Wie bereits geschildert, sind diese Daten jedoch äußerst wichtig.

Kann die Kommission dazu folgende Fragen beantworten:

Wäre ein Art Zentralregister auf europäischer Ebene denkbar?

Wäre eine Einrichtung durchführbar, und wenn ja, in welchem Zeitraum?

Gibt es bereits Bestrebungen innerhalb der Kommission, ein solches Zentralregister oder ein vergleichbares System einzurichten?

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(7. August 2013)

In der EU gibt es drei Instrumente, die den Austausch von Strafregisterinformationen betreffen: den Rahmenbeschluss über den Austausch von Strafregisterinformationen (3), den ECRIS-Beschluss (4) und den Rahmenbeschluss über die Berücksichtigung von Verurteilungen (5).

Da sich die Mitgliedstaaten nicht auf die Errichtung eines zentralen Systems einigen konnten, wurde ein Europäisches Strafregisterinformationssystem geschaffen, das im Falle von Strafverfahren und für andere Zwecke (z. B. Überprüfungen vor einer Einstellung) einen dezentralisierten computergestützten Austausch von Strafregisterdaten zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten ermöglicht. Dieses System besteht seit April 2012. Es ermöglicht die Übertragung von über 65 000 Mitteilungen pro Monat zwischen mittlerweile 23 Mitgliedstaaten und stellt Gerichten einschlägige Informationen über bisherige Verurteilungen zur Verfügung. Die Kommission leistet technische Hilfe.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007351/13

to the Commission

Thomas Ulmer (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Creating a central criminal register for Europe

When administering justice, the national courts may consider it significant whether the accused already has a criminal record — and if so, what offence was committed and what the sentence was. In Germany, this information is contained in a central criminal register (Bundeszentralregister).

Coordinating this across borders seems to be far more difficult. In practice, exchanging data is easier with some countries than with others. Yet, as mentioned, these data are extremely important.

Can the Commission answer the following:

Can it envisage a central criminal register at European level?

Is it possible to set one up, and if so, within what time frame?

Is the Commission already trying to set up a central criminal register or similar system?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

In the EU three existing legal instruments concern the exchange of information of criminal records: the framework Decision on exchange of information on criminal records (6), the ECRIS Decision (7) and the framework Decision on taking account of previous convictions (8).

As Member States could not agree on a central system, the European Criminal Records Information System allows for decentralized, computerised exchanges of information extracted from criminal records for criminal proceedings and other purposes between Member States, for example screening procedures for employment. The system has been operational since April 2012. It enables the transmission of over 65 000 messages per month, currently between 23 Member States, and provides Courts with highly relevant information about previous convictions. The Commission gives technical support to the system.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007352/13

an die Kommission

Horst Schnellhardt (PPE)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Verfütterung von Insekten als tierische Proteine

Seit dem 1. Juni 2013 ist die Verfütterung von verarbeiteten Proteinen von Nichtwiederkäuern an Fische und andere Tiere in Aquakulturen wieder erlaubt. Ebenso wird eine zukünftige Verwendung verarbeiteter tierischer Proteine von Geflügel in Futtermitteln für Schweine und von verarbeiteten tierischen Proteinen von Schweinen in Futtermitteln für Geflügel in Erwägung gezogen, sobald validierte Diagnosemethoden zur Kontrolle des Verbots der Rückführung in die Futtermittelkette derselben Tierart vorhanden sind.

Zur Deckung des Proteindefizits in der Versorgung landwirtschaftlicher Nutztiere können aber auch kontrolliert aufgezogene, getrocknete und vermahlene Insekten einen wertvollen Beitrag leisten.

Kann die Kommission dazu folgende Fragen beantworten:

Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(26. Juli 2013)

Nach Dafürhalten der Kommission können Insektenproteine eine nützliche Proteinquelle in Futtermitteln darstellen.

Die Kommission wird in dieser Angelegenheit weiter sondieren und ist bereit, gegebenenfalls eine Änderung der geltenden Vorschriften vorzuschlagen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007352/13

to the Commission

Horst Schnellhardt (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Use of insects as animal protein in feed

As from 1 June 2013 the feeding of non-ruminant processed proteins to fish and other organisms in aquaculture has been permitted once again. Consideration is also being given to the use in the future of processed animal protein from poultry in pig feed and of processed animal protein from pigs in poultry feed, as soon as validated diagnostic methods are available to monitor the ban on animals re-entering their own foodchain.

However insects reared under controlled conditions before being dried and ground into meal can also make a valuable contribution to rebalancing the protein deficit in the rearing of farm animals.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2013)

The Commission considers that protein of insect origin has the potential of being a useful form of protein for animal feed.

The Commission is keeping this issue under review and will be prepared to propose modifications to the current rules where appropriate.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007353/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(21 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Απορρόφηση κονδυλίων για ολοκληρωμένη αστική ανάπλαση και ανακαίνιση κατοικιών

Από το 2009 το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης (ERDF) μπορεί να χρηματοδοτήσει προγράμματα για την ανακαίνιση κατοικιών και την αναγέννηση αστικών κέντρων σε όλα τα κράτη μέλη, ιδιαίτερα έργα ενεργειακής αποτελεσματικότητας και ολοκληρωμένης αστικής ανάπλασης για να υποστηριχτούν ευάλωτες κοινότητες.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(7 Αυγούστου 2013)

Στο πλαίσιο του Ευρωπαϊκού Ταμείου Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης (ΕΤΠΑ), η επιλεξιμότητα για τις στεγαστικές παρεμβάσεις εισήχθη το 2007 και αρχικά αφορούσε τα κράτη μέλη που προσχώρησαν στην ΕΕ μετά το 2003. Οι κανονισμοί τροποποιήθηκαν δύο φορές σε μεταγενέστερο στάδιο της περιόδου προγραμματισμού, μετά την οποία οι επενδύσεις στις κατοικίες κατέστησαν δυνατές, σε περιορισμένο βαθμό, σε όλα τα κράτη μέλη.

Η διαχείριση της πολιτικής συνοχής είναι επιμερισμένη μεταξύ της ΕE και των κρατών μελών και οι πληροφορίες στο επίπεδο που ζητά ο κ. βουλευτής είναι δύσκολο να εκτιμηθούν. Ωστόσο, στον τομέα της ενεργειακής απόδοσης, περίπου 9,5 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ έχουν διατεθεί για βιώσιμες επενδύσεις στον τομέα της ενέργειας γενικά, αλλά είναι δύσκολο να υπολογιστεί το ποσό που τελικά θα χορηγηθεί συγκεκριμένα για την ενεργειακή απόδοση και τη χρήση ανανεώσιμων πηγών ενέργειας σε κτίρια, ή μόνο σε κατοικίες.

Για την Ελλάδα, η κοινοτική συνεισφορά που διατίθεται για έργα ενεργειακής απόδοσης ανέρχεται σε 71 εκατ. ευρώ. Για ολοκληρωμένα έργα αστικής και αγροτικής ανάπλασης, η συνεισφορά της ΕΕ είναι 479 εκατ. ευρώ και για την κοινωνική υποδομή το ποσό ανέρχεται σε 135 εκατ. ευρώ. Ωστόσο, οι διαθέσιμες πληροφορίες δεν επιτρέπουν τον προσδιορισμό των ποσών που χορηγούνται ειδικά για τις ευάλωτες κοινότητες σε κάθε τομέα παρέμβασης. Η Επιτροπή προτείνει στον κ. βουλευτή να επικοινωνήσει απευθείας με τη διαχειριστική αρχή των προγραμμάτων στο Υπουργείο Ανάπτυξης.

Ειδική Υπηρεσία Συντονισμού

για την εφαρμογή των επιχειρησιακών προγραμμάτων

Νίκης 5-7

101 80 Athens

Ηλεκτρονικό ταχυδρομείο: Hellaskps@mnec.gr

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007353/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Take-up of funds for integrated urban regeneration and housing renovation

Since 2009, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been able to finance programmes for housing renovation and the regeneration of urban centres in all Member States, in particular energy efficiency and integrated urban regeneration projects aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) eligibility for housing interventions was introduced in 2007 and first concerned only those Member States which joined the EU after 2003. The regulations were modified twice later in the programming period, after which housing investments became possible, to a limited extent, in all Member States.

Cohesion policy management is shared between the EU and the Member States and information at the level requested by the Honourable Member is difficult to estimate. However, in the field of energy efficiency, some EUR 9.5 billion has been allocated for sustainable energy investments in general, but it is difficult to estimate an amount that will finally be specifically allocated to energy efficiency and renewable energy use in buildings, or in residential buildings only.

For Greece, the Community contribution allocated to energy efficiency projects amounts to EUR 71 million. For integrated urban and rural regeneration projects, the EU contribution is EUR 479 million and for social infrastucture the amount is EUR 135 million. However, the available information does not permit the identification of amounts specifically allocated in favour of vulnerable communities in each area of intervention. The Commission suggests that the Honourable Member contact directly the managing authority of the programmes, in the Ministry of Development.

Special Coordination Service

for the implementation of operational programmes

Nikis 5-7

101 80 Athens

e-mail: hellaskps@mnec.gr

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007354/13

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Erasmus programme

Can the Commission state how many students from third-level institutions in Ireland participated in the Erasmus programme during the years 2010, 2011 and 2012?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2013)

The participation of students from Irish higher education institutions in Erasmus student mobility has evolved over the last three years as follows.

2009/10: 2128

2010/11: 2511

2011/12: 2754

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007355/13

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement

Can the Commission estimate the economic benefits for the European Union of a successful Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement, and can the Commission provide an update on the status of the negotiations that are currently ongoing between both parties?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

Any comprehensive trade and economic agreement (CETA) between EU and Canada would cover key issues of relevance to creating a modern trade and investment environment, from ambitious new market access opportunities to clear rules for European and Canadian businesses and investors. The EU-Canada Joint Study (2008) (9) estimates annual income gains of approximately EUR 11.6 billion for the EU and EUR 8.2 billion for Canada thanks to an agreement. The study shows that half of the total expected GDP gains for the EU are related to trade in services, a quarter to the removal of tariffs and the remaining quarter from dismantling non-tariff barriers. It is also expected that once implemented, an agreement would increase two-way bilateral trade in goods and services by 22.9% or EUR 25.7 billion. As regards the status of the CETA negotiations, these are now in their final phase. The Commission has had very intense discussions with Canada during May and the first half of June. While important progress has been made, a number of key outstanding issues remain with respect to some aspects of investment protection and public procurement as well as agricultural market access and the protection of geographical indications. The Commission remains committed to finalise the CETA negotiations as swiftly as possible but in respect of the EU's negotiating mandate. Although very close to conclusion, the final agreement on CETA will require further constructive efforts from both sides and the Commission remains in close contact with Canadian counterparts to this end.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007356/13

to the Commission

Pat the Cope Gallagher (ALDE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: EU-US Free Trade Agreement

Can the Commission estimate the broad economic benefits for the European Union of a successful US-EU Free Trade Agreement, and can the Commission provide an update on the status of the negotiations that are currently ongoing between both parties, following the mandate achieved by the Irish Presidency?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

Before taking the decision to request a negotiating mandate from the Council, the Commission carried out an impact assessment to estimate the economic benefits of a potential agreement with the US. This analysis is publicly available (10). Following the Council’s approval of the Commission’s negotiating mandate, on 14 June 2013, a first round of negotiations was held in the week of 8 July 2013 in Washington DC. The Commission has published information about it on its website (11) and will regularly update the members of the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament in line with the framework Agreement between the Commission and the Parliament.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007357/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) y Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL)

(21 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Guatemala: anulada la condena por genocidio al ex dictador

El 20 de mayo de 2013, el Tribunal Constitucional de Guatemala revocaba, alegando errores de procedimiento, la largamente esperada sentencia que declaraba a Efraín Ríos Montt culpable del delito de genocidio y de crímenes contra la humanidad. Ello significa que en el juicio, suspendido hasta abril de 2014, no se tendrán en cuenta los relatos ni las razones de quienes testificaron con posterioridad al 19 de abril: ninguno de los valerosos testimonios que describían el horror de las sistemáticas violaciones, torturas, asesinatos, muertes por inanición y desplazamientos forzosos, como tampoco la sentencia definitiva que había dictado el tribunal anterior.

La Alta Comisionada para los Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas ha expresado su preocupación por los derechos jurídicos de los guatemaltecos, y ha subrayado la obligación que tienen las autoridades de perseguir a los responsables de genocidios, crímenes de guerra y crímenes contra la humanidad.

Habida cuenta del interés que la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante ha expresado en otras ocasiones por este asunto (Declaración del 18 de abril de 2013) y el compromiso con el respeto de los derechos humanos que establece el artículo 1 del Acuerdo de Asociación entre Centroamérica y la Unión Europea, ¿no considera la VP/AR que la UE debería pedir información a las autoridades guatemaltecas sobre la excesiva demora de este proceso judicial?

Además, las pruebas facilitadas por los Archivos de la Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos que incriminan a Otto Pérez Molina, presidente de Guatemala, en las campañas militares de «tierra quemada» dirigidas por Efraín Ríos Montt en los años ochenta (12) arrojan dudas sobre la independencia de este juicio frente a la clase política. ¿Podría profundizar la VP/AR en esta cuestión y pedir explicaciones a Guatemala por la poca prioridad que parece otorgar a este importantísimo juicio en el que se están juzgando crímenes contra la humanidad y conculcaciones de los derechos humanos?

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

(19 de agosto de 2013)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta destacó en su declaración del 18 de abril que unos juicios independientes, imparciales y justos constituyen la piedra angular de cualquier sistema judicial (13). Además, consideramos que es fundamental que el sistema judicial nacional haya asumido el caso en lugar de un tribunal extranjero. Esto sigue siendo aplicable en el estado actual del proceso.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007357/13

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) und Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Guatemala: Aufhebung des Urteils wegen Völkermords gegen den ehemaligen Diktator

Am 20. Mai 2013 wurde das seit langem erwartete Urteil gegen Efraín Ríos Montt wegen Völkermords und Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit durch das guatemaltekische Verfassungsgericht aufgehoben, da es während des Prozesses mutmaßlich zu Verfahrensfehlern gekommen ist. In der Folge werden in dem Prozess, der bis April 2014 ausgesetzt wurde, die nach dem 19. April gemachten Zeugenaussagen und die Beweisführung nach diesem Datum nicht berücksichtigt, d. h. weder die Aussagen mutiger Zeugen, die den Horror systematischer Vergewaltigungen sowie von Folter, Mord, Hungertod und Zwangsumsiedlung beschrieben haben, noch das vom zuvor befassten Gericht gesprochene Urteil.

Die Hohe Kommissarin der Vereinten Nationen für Menschenrechte hat ihren Bedenken hinsichtlich der gesetzlich verankerten Rechte der Guatemalteken Ausdruck verliehen und betont, dass „der Staat verpflichtet ist, die Verantwortlichen des Völkermords, der Kriegsverbrechen und der Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit strafrechtlich zu verfolgen“.

Ist die VP/HR angesichts ihres in der Vergangenheit bekundeten Interesses an diesem Fall (Erklärung vom 18. April 2013) und der Verpflichtung zur Einhaltung der Menschenrechte, die in Artikel 1 des Assoziierungsabkommens zwischen Zentralamerika und der Europäischen Union niedergelegt ist, nicht der Auffassung, dass die EU die guatemaltekischen Behörden in Bezug auf die unangemessenen Verzögerungen in diesem Verfahren um Auskunft ersuchen sollte?

Darüber hinaus lassen die Nachweise, die die National Security Agency der Vereinigten Staaten dahin gehend vorgelegt hat, dass der derzeitige Präsident von Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina, an den von Efraín Ríos Montt in den 1980-er Jahren (14) gemäß der Taktik der verbrannten Erde geführten Militärkampagnen beteiligt war, daran zweifeln, dass dieser Prozess politisch neutral geführt wird. Kann sich die VP/HR näher mit dieser Thematik befassen und angesichts der Tatsache, dass es in diesem Prozess um Menschenrechte und Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit geht, Guatemala um Auskunft über die Gründe dafür ersuchen, dass diesem wichtigen Prozess offensichtlich keine Priorität eingeräumt wird?

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

(19. August 2013)

Die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin hat in ihrer Erklärung vom 18. April hervorgehoben, dass unabhängige, unparteiische und faire Gerichtsverfahren zu den Eckpfeilern jedweden Justizsystems gehören  (15). Außerdem ist es ihrer Auffassung nach von grundlegender Bedeutung, dass dieser Fall innerhalb des nationalen Justizsystems und nicht vor einem ausländischen Gerichtshof verhandelt wird. Dies gilt auch für die gegenwärtige Phase des Verfahrens.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007357/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) and Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Guatemala: former dictator's genocide conviction overturned

On 20 May 2013, the Constitutional Court of Guatemala overturned the long-awaited verdict that convicted Efraín Ríos Montt of genocide and crimes against humanity, claiming that there were errors in the judicial procedure. As a result, the trial, which has been postponed until April 2014, will not retain any of the witness accounts and arguments made after 19 April, that is to say, none of the courageous testimonies describing the horror of systematic rape, torture, murder, starvation and forced displacement, nor the final sentence that the previous court had ordered.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed his concern for the legal rights of Guatemalans and has underlined the ‘state’s obligation to prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity’.

Considering the interest the VP/HR has previously expressed in this case (statement of 18 April 2013) and the commitment to respect for human rights underlined in Article 1 of the Association Agreement signed between Central America and the European Union, does the VP/HR not think that the EU should question the Guatemalan authorities on the unreasonable delay in this judicial procedure?

Moreover, the evidence provided by the United States’ National Security Archives implicating Otto Pérez Molina, Guatemala’s president, in the military scorched-earth campaigns directed by Efraín Ríos Montt in the 1980s (16) casts doubt on the independence of this trial from politics. Can the VP/HR look further into this and question Guatemala on the lack of priority apparently given to this major trial, given that human rights and crimes against humanity are concerned?

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

(19 August 2013)

The HR/VP emphasised in her statement of 18 April that independent, impartial and fair trials constitute the corner stone of any justice system (17). Moreover, I consider it fundamental that the national judiciary system has taken on the case instead of a foreign tribunal. This holds true at the current state of the process.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007358/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(21 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Διμερείς συμφωνίες επανεισδοχής μεταξύ των κρατών μελών της ΕΕ

Οι συμφωνίες επανεισδοχής αποτελούν σημείο αναφοράς της κοινής ευρωπαϊκής πολιτικής για τη μετανάστευση. Ωστόσο, ενώ διεξάγονται πολλές έρευνες και σημειώνεται πρόοδος στο πλαίσιο συμφωνιών επανεισδοχής μεταξύ των κρατών μελών της ΕΕ και των τρίτων χωρών, υπάρχει πληθώρα διμερών συμφωνιών αποκλειστικά μεταξύ των χωρών της ΕΕ, όπως οι συμφωνίες μεταξύ της Ιταλίας και της Αυστρίας (1.4.1998), της Ιταλίας και της Ελλάδας (18.4.2001) ή η συμφωνία μεταξύ της Ιταλίας και της Μάλτας (29.11.2002).

Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τα ανωτέρω, ερωτάται η Eπιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κ. Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(1 Αυγούστου 2013)

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 6 παράγραφος 1 της οδηγίας 2008/115/ΕΚ για την επιστροφή, οι υπήκοοι τρίτων χωρών που διαμένουν παράνομα θα πρέπει — καταρχήν — να επιστρέφουν απευθείας σε τρίτη χώρα και όχι σε άλλο κράτος μέλος. Ωστόσο, υπάρχουν δύο εξαιρέσεις στον κανόνα αυτό:

Από τα ανωτέρω προκύπτει ότι η εφαρμογή διμερών συμφωνιών επανεισδοχής που τέθηκαν σε ισχύ πριν από την καταληκτική ημερομηνία της 13.1.2011 συμβιβάζεται με την οδηγία για την επιστροφή, ενώ η εφαρμογή συμφωνιών που συνάφθηκαν στη συνέχεια είναι ασυμβίβαστη.

Η πλήρης και επικαιροποιημένη επισκόπηση όλων των συμφωνιών επανεισδοχής μεταξύ των κρατών μελών διατίθεται στην Πλατφόρμα Επιστροφής Μεταναστών και Ανάπτυξης του Ευρωπαϊκού Πανεπιστημιακού Ινστιτούτου:

http://rsc.eui.eu/RDP/research/analyses/ra/

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007358/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Bilateral readmission agreements between Member States

Readmission agreements have been a focal point of a common European policy on migration. Nevertheless, while a lot of research and development has been conducted on readmission agreements between Member States and third countries, there is a plethora of bilateral agreements solely between EU countries, such as the agreements between Italy and Austria (1 April 1998), Italy and Greece (18 April 2001) or the agreement between Italy and Malta (29 November 2002).

In view of the above, will the Commission answer the following questions:

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

According to Article 6(1) of the Return Directive 2008/115/EC, irregularly staying third-country nationals should — as a matter of principle — be returned directly to a third country and not to another Member State. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule:

It results that the application of bilateral readmission agreements which entered into force before the cut-off date of 13.1.2011 are compatible with the Return Directive, whilst the application of subsequently concluded agreements would be incompatible

An exhaustive and updated overview of all readmission agreements between Member States is publicly available at the Return Migration and Development Platform of the European University Institute:

http://rsc.eui.eu/RDP/research/analyses/ra/

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007359/13

à la Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(21 juin 2013)

Objet: Entreprises du tourisme balnéaire

Les entreprises du tourisme balnéaire ont connu un essor important ces dernières années en Europe avec le changement des habitudes du tourisme (période de vacances plus étalées) mais également de la population locale (effets de mode, climat plus doux). Ces entreprises jouent un rôle important dans la gestion des côtes européennes et particulièrement en Méditerranée. Par leur localisation, elles sont soumises à des contraintes naturelles importantes (marées, salinisation, désensablement, etc.) et également urbanistiques (pour la préservation du littoral).

Les entreprises du tourisme balnéaire jouent un rôle social important puisqu'elles emploient un nombre considérable de personnes dans les microrégions et qu'elles tentent également depuis quelques années de lutter contre la saisonnalité de leur activité. Les retombées indirectes sur les économies locales ne sont pas négligeables et se doivent d'être évaluées. De plus, la présence des établissements balnéaires permet également, en collaboration avec les mairies, une gestion des mers et des océans et aussi d'assurer la sécurité de ces lieux (par la surveillance et par la limitation du nombre de personnes sur la plage).

L'Europe doit venir aider ses entreprises dans plusieurs domaines.

La Commission envisage-t-elle:

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(9 août 2013)

La Commission a déjà reconnu l'importance du tourisme côtier et maritime; selon elle, cette forme de tourisme recèle l'un des plus importants potentiels d'emploi et de croissance (voir le programme en faveur de la croissance bleue (18)).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007359/13

to the Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Seaside tourism companies

Seaside tourism companies in Europe have seen significant growth over the past few years due to changes in demand by tourists (longer holiday period) and also the local population (current fashions and a warmer climate). These companies play a key role in managing European coasts, particularly in the Mediterranean. Their location means that they are subject to significant natural constraints (tides, salinisation, sand erosion etc.), as well as planning constraints (preservation of the shoreline).

Seaside tourism companies play a key social role since they employ a large number of people in micro-regions and have also attempted over the past few years to move away from seasonal employment. The indirect implications for local economies are significant and should be evaluated. Furthermore, seaside resorts are in a position to work together with municipal councils to ensure that the resorts are safe by putting in place surveillance measures and limiting the number of people on the beach.

Europe should provide assistance for these companies in various areas.

Is the Commission planning:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2013)

The Commission has already acknowledged the importance of coastal and maritime tourism and identified it as one of the key areas for future jobs and development for the Blue Growth agenda (25).

(Leagan Gaeilge)

Ceist i gcomhair freagra scríofa E-007360/13

chuig an gCoimisiún

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(21 Meitheamh 2013)

Ábhar: Cearta daoine faoi mhíchumas in AE

Tá duine amháin as gach seachtar atá in aois fostaíochta faoi mhíchumas, agus níl ach 40 % díobh siúd fostaithe. Níl sé de chumas ag 43.7 % díobh siúd nach bhfuil fostaithe obair a dhéanamh gan cúnamh éigin a bheith ar fáil dóibh, ach dá mbeadh cúnamh cuí ar fáil bheidís níos mó ná sásta obair a ghlacadh.

Céard atá á dhéanamh ag an gCoimisiún faoi Straitéis Fostaíochta na hEorpa chun dul i ngleic le saincheist na dífhostaíochta i measc daoine faoi mhíchumas?

Cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ag an gCoimisiún maidir le creat i dtaca le cruthú fostaíochta a chur i bhfeidhm san earnáil Sláinte agus Chúraim Shóisialta?

Ó thaobh an liúntais cúnaimh de, an bhfuil sé i gceist ag an gCoimisiún straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm chun infheistíocht a dhéanamh i seirbhísí míchumais ar mhaithe le fostaíocht a spreagadh, mar atá leagtha amach i bPacáiste Fostaíochta 2012?

An bhfuil straitéis ag an gCoimisiún i dtaca le sainmhíniú comónta amháin ar ‘mhíchumas’ a shocrú idir na Ballstáit, mar atá sa Straitéis Eorpach um Míchumas, chun cloí lena bhfuil i gCoinbhinsiún NA ar Chearta Daoine faoi Mhíchumas, a síníodh sa bhliain 2007?

Freagra ón gCoimisinéir Andor thar ceann an Choimisiúin

(12 Lúnasa 2013)

Sna Treoirlínte Fostaíochta tugtar aghaidh ar dhaoine atá faoi mhíchumas a imeascadh sa mhargadh fostaíochta. Sa Seimeastar Eorpach, déanann an Coimisiún faireachán ar fheidhmíocht na mBallstát i dtaca le cuspóirí na Straitéise Eoraip 2020 a bhaint amach. Chun an ráta fostaíochta a ardú go dtí 75 % tá sé tábhachtach an rannpháirtíocht iomlán sa mhargadh fostaíochta a mhéadú, lena n‐áirítear rannpháirtíocht na ndaoine sin is faide ón margadh fostaíochta.

Sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta ón gCoimisiún maidir le Lucht Saothair Sláinte an AE beartaítear bearta praiticiúla chun cabhrú leis na Ballstáit dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin atá roimh an earnáil chúraim sláinte agus borradh a chur faoin bhfostaíocht. Tá tús curtha le Gníomhaíocht Chomhpháirteach chun riachtanais i ndáil le lucht saothair sláinte a thuar agus chun pleanáil ina leith. Ina theannta sin, déanann an Coimisiún staidéir ar straitéisí earcaíochta agus coinneála agus ar fhorbairt ghairmiúil leanúnach.

Sa Phacáiste Fostaíochta sainaithnítear réimsí ina bhféadfaí athchóirithe a dhéanamh ar an margadh fostaíochta ionas go mbeidh margadh fostaíochta an AE níos uilechuimsithí agus áitítear ar na Ballstáit beartais náisiúnta fostaíochta a threisiú trí dhálaí cruthaithe fostaíochta ina gcuimseofar gach duine a chruthú. Sa phacáiste infheistíochta sóisialta ón gCoimisiún cuirtear comhairle beartais ar fáil i dtaobh tacaíocht a chur in oiriúint do ghrúpaí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta acu, e.g. daoine faoi mhíchumas, ionas go mbeidh rath ar straitéisí cuimsitheacha gníomhacha.

Sa Straitéis Eorpach maidir le Míchumas tá bearta chun fostú daoine atá faoi mhíchumas a éascú. Cothaíonn an Coimisiún Cistí Struchtúrtha an AE chun tacú le bearta mar sin. Is faoi inniúlacht na mBallstát atá sé na sainithe agus na critéir maidir le míchumas a chinneadh. Cé nach dtugtar sainiú faoi leith ar mhíchumas sa Choinbhinsiún ar Chearta Daoine faoi Mhíchumas (UNCRPD), déantar soiléiriú in Airteagal 1 ar choincheap an mhíchumais nach mór do na Ballstáit ar fad a bhfuil an UNCRPD daingnithe acu, chomh maith leis an AE, cloí leis.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007360/13

to the Commission

Liam Aylward (ALDE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: The rights of persons with disabilities in the EU

One in seven of working-age people suffer from a disability, and only 40% of those are employed. Of those non-working persons, 43.7% need some form of assistance to work and if appropriate assistance were provided they would be more than happy to take up a job.

What action is being taken by the Commission under the European Employment Strategy to address the issue of unemployment among persons with disabilities?

What progress has been made by the Commission in implementing a framework for job creation in the Health and Social Care sector?

As regards the assistance allowance, does the Commission intend to implement an employment promotion strategy to allow for investment in services for disabled persons, as set out in the 2012 Employment Package?

Does the Commission have a strategy for establishing a single common definition for ‘disability’ in the Member States, as in the European Disability Strategy, in order to comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities signed in 2007?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2013)

The Employment Guidelines address the integration of people with disabilities in the labour market. In the European Semester, the Commission monitors the Member States' performance in achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy. In order to raise the employment rate to 75% it is important to increase the overall labour market participation, including of those furthest from the labour market.

The Commission Action Plan for the EU Health Workforce proposes practical measures to help Member States tackle the challenges facing the healthcare sector and boost employment. A Joint Action on health workforce forecasting and planning has kicked off. In addition, the Commission carries out studies of recruitment and retention strategies and of continouous professional development.

The Employment Package identifies areas for labour market reforms in order for the EU labour market to become more inclusive and urges Member States to strengthen national employment policies by creating the conditions for job creation for all. The Commission's social investment package provides policy advice in terms of tailoring support with regard to groups with special needs, e.g. disabled persons, to help active inclusion strategies succeed.

The European Disability Strategy includes measures to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities. The Commission encourages the use of EU Structural Funds to support such measures. The definitions and criteria for determining disability are a matter of Member State competence. While the UNCRPD does not provide a definition of disability as such, Article 1 of the UNCRPD clarifies the concept of disability which is to be respected by all Member States which have ratified the UNCRPD as well as by the EU.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-007361/13

adresată Comisiei

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(21 iunie 2013)

Subiect: Implicarea fermierilor

Există aproape un miliard de oameni care suferă de foame în lume și un alt un miliard de oameni subnutriți, majoritatea femei, copii și mici agricultori. Așa cum a fost relatat de curând pe larg de către Organizația Națiunilor Unite pentru Alimentație și Agricultură (FAO), producția agricolă mondială trebuie să crească cu 70% până în 2050 pentru a satisface cererea a peste 9 miliarde de oameni.

Agricultura, datorită naturii sale specifice, este unul dintre sectoarele cele mai afectate de schimbările climatice și, în consecință, securitatea alimentară este și ea afectată.

Politica agricolă reprezintă un mecanism-cheie în asigurarea siguranței alimentare, dezvoltarea durabilă a zonelor rurale și, totodată, în combaterea sărăciei. Un rol esențial în securitatea alimentară poate și trebuie să fie jucat de agricultura practicată la scară mică și medie, o resursă care nu este prețuită suficient și care ar trebui să fie un furnizor alimentar important de pe piață.

Prin urmare, agricultura practicată la scară mare trebuie să coexiste cu agricultura mică și mijlocie, având în vedere că acestea din urmă implică un număr mare de fermieri, în special în țările care nu au suficientă mâncare.

Obiectivul comun este acela de a îmbunătăți accesul la cunoștințe și piețe, pentru a realiza o dezvoltare durabilă a acestor zone, care ar putea reduce foametea în întreaga lume.

Noua PAC are ca scop punerea în aplicare a practicilor agricole durabile, precum și a unor politici de dezvoltare rurală adaptate la diversitatea provocărilor locale.

Ținând cont de această situație, are în vedere Comisia crearea unor instrumente reactive de gestionare a pieței, adaptate la o varietate de sectoare și teritorii, cu o implicare mai bună și mai responsabilă a fermierilor și a organizațiilor lor, astfel încât pe viitor să se evite situațiile menționate?

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(5 august 2013)

Mecanismele de gestionare a pieței în cadrul PAC au evoluat în mod considerabil de la începuturile acesteia și sunt în prezent considerate un mijloc de a le oferi fermierilor o „plasă de siguranță” în perioadele de distorsiuni grave ale pieței. Necesitatea ca agricultura UE să fie mai orientată către piață a determinat mutarea accentului PAC de la sprijinirea prețurilor prin intermediul intervenției pe piață către sprijinirea producătorilor prin intermediul plăților directe, precum și acordarea unei importanțe mai mari sustenabilității mediului și a teritoriilor prin intermediul măsurilor de dezvoltare rurală.

Modificările prezente ale PAC, convenite la nivel politic pentru perioada 2014-2020, vor permite îmbunătățirea în continuare a competitivității agriculturii UE, în special prin încetarea măsurilor care limitează producția și prin eliminarea anumitor scheme de ajutor care influențează în mod artificial deciziile producătorilor. Va crește, de asemenea, finanțarea pentru cercetare și inovare, pentru a sprijini creșterea productivității agriculturii UE în mod durabil. Sunt introduse, de asemenea, măsuri privind facilitarea cooperării producătorilor și de-a lungul lanțului de aprovizionare. În ansamblu, noua PAC ar trebui să fie mai axată către sustenabilitatea economică și ecologică a agriculturii UE, printr-o mai bună direcționare a plăților directe (de exemplu, plata de bază și plata pentru ecologizare). Aceste modificări ar trebui să asigure contribuția agriculturii UE la securitatea alimentară în mod durabil.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007361/13

to the Commission

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Involvement of farmers

Around one billion people in the world are suffering from hunger and another billion are undernourished. Most of those affected are women, children and small farmers. According to a recent detailed study by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a 70% increase in global agricultural production must be achieved by 2050 in order to feed a population of over 9 billion.

Given its specific nature, agriculture is one of the sectors most affected by climate change. This has major implications for the security of food supply.

Agricultural policy is a key factor in safeguarding food supplies, ensuring sustainable growth in rural areas and combating poverty. Small‐ and medium-scale agriculture, the importance of which is currently underestimated, has an essential role to play in this regard and should accordingly be helped to develop into major market supplier.

Effectively this means that large-scale agriculture must exist alongside small and medium-scale agriculture, which accounts for a large number of farmers, particularly in countries afflicted by food shortages, the common objective being to improve access to know-how and secure additional market openings with a view to achieving sustainable growth in these areas and thus reducing hunger in the world.

Given that the aim of the new CAP is the implementation of sustainable farming practices and rural development policies adapted to the challenges arising at local level, does the Commission intend to introduce a market management mechanism adapted to a variety of sectors and geographical areas so as to ensure the more effective and responsible involvement of farmers and their organisations and thus prevent the situation described above occurring in future?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

Market management mechanisms under the CAP have evolved considerably since its beginnings and are at present considered as a means to provide farmers a safety net in times of severe market distortions. The shift in focus of the CAP from price support through market intervention to producer support through direct payments, while placing greater emphasis on environmental and territorial sustainability through rural development measures, was driven by the need to make EU agriculture more market oriented.

The present changes to the CAP agreed at political level for the 2014-2020 period will enable further improvements in the competitiveness of EU agriculture, notably by ending remaining production limitations, abolishing certain aid schemes that artificially influence producers' decisions., It will also increase financing for research and innovation to support productivity growth of EU agriculture in a sustainable manner. Measures to facilitate cooperation amongst producers and along the supply chain are also introduced. Overall, the new CAP should be more focused towards longer term economic and environmental sustainability of EU agriculture through better targeting direct payments (e.g. basic and greening payments). These changes should ensure the contribution of EU agriculture to food security in a sustainable way.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007362/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Degradação do ambiente político em Moçambique II

— O Deputado signatário apresentou à Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante uma pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-004151/2013.

— Na resposta dada pela Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante Catherine Ashton em nome da Comissão, foi dito que se «espera que as eleições locais previstas para novembro deste ano e as eleições legislativas e presidenciais em outubro de 2014 se realizem de forma pacífica» e que será enviada «uma missão de acompanhamento para analisar a aplicação das recomendações da Missão de Observação Eleitoral da UE de 2009 e os preparativos para as eleições em Moçambique».

— Na sua resposta, a Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante referiu ainda que «espera que os debates sirvam para encontrar uma forma de ultrapassar o boicote anunciado pela Renamo», e que «as ameaças à realização das eleições não são aceitáveis».

— As notícias mais recentes dão conta de uma tensão constante entre o Governo da Frelimo (Frente de Libertação de Moçambique) e a Renamo, que se tem agravado à medida que se aproximam as eleições.

— A Renamo pretende a renegociação dos acordos de paz de 1992 e contesta as leis eleitorais aprovadas pela maioria da Frelimo, nomeadamente a composição da Comissão Nacional de Eleições, e ameaça boicotar a consulta.

Pergunto à Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante:

Como avalia a evolução do quadro de tensão política em Moçambique?

É da opinião que a realização das eleições legislativas e presidenciais no próximo mês de outubro, e locais no próximo mês de novembro poderá estar comprometida?

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

(19 de agosto de 2013)

Nos últimos três meses assistiu-se a uma escalada da tensão política em Moçambique. Esta tensão ocorre no contexto das eleições locais de 2013 e das eleições gerais de 2014 em Moçambique e pode ser ligada ao declínio político do principal partido da oposição, a Renamo, e ao posicionamento para a sucessão do Presidente Guebuza dentro do partido no poder, a Frelimo. A tensão também é alimentada por um sentimento de exclusão por parte daqueles que não beneficiam com a transição para uma economia baseada nos recursos naturais e consequentes taxas de crescimento rápidas.

Estão a ser envidados esforços nacionais e internacionais, por meio de múltiplos canais de comunicação, no intuito de aliviar a tensão, em particular para evitar a violência, e de encontrar uma solução para o atual impasse político. A UE apoia os esforços para ajudar o Governo e a Renamo a ultrapassarem os diferendos através do diálogo.

A Missão de Observação Eleitoral da UE visitou o país de 22 de maio a 16 de junho de 2013 e reuniu-se com vários intervenientes no processo eleitoral: partidos políticos, serviços de organização das eleições, deputados e membros do Governo, meios de comunicação social, organizações da sociedade civil e instituições e agentes governamentais e não governamentais. A missão da UE apresentou uma avaliação do processo eleitoral e propostas pragmáticas para a preparação das eleições que se aproximam.

A UE continuará a envidar todos os esforços para apoiar o exercício do direito de voto num ambiente calmo e pacífico.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007362/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Deteriorating political situation in Mozambique II

I have previously submitted a question for written answer to the Vice-President/High Representative (E-004151/2013) on this issue.

In the answer given by the Vice-President/High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the Commission, she said that she ‘hopes that local elections due in November this year and parliamentary and presidential elections due in October 2014 will take place peacefully’ and that she would be ‘sending a follow-up mission to review the implementation of the recommendations of the 2009 EU Election Observation Mission and the preparations for elections in Mozambique.’

In her answer, the Vice-President/High Representative also stated that she ‘hopes that discussions can find a way to overcome Renamo’s announced boycott’ and that ‘threats to the holding of the elections are not acceptable.’

According to the latest reports, there is constant tension between the Frelimo (Mozambique Liberation Front) Government and Renamo (Mozambican National Resistance), which is mounting as the elections approach.

Renamo is seeking to renegotiate the 1992 peace agreements and disputes the electoral laws adopted by the Frelimo majority, and in particular the composition of the National Electoral Committee, and is threatening to boycott the elections.

What does the Vice-President/High Representative’s think of the mounting political tension in Mozambique?

Does she think that the parliamentary and presidential elections to be held in October 2014, and the local elections due in November this year, could be compromised?

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

(19 August 2013)

The last three months have witnessed mounting political tension in Mozambique. This tension takes place in the context of the 2013 local and 2014 general elections in Mozambique, and could be linked to the political decline of the main opposition party Renamo and the positioning for the succession of President Guebuza within the ruling Frelimo party. Tension is fed as well by a sense of exclusion from those not benefiting from the transition to a natural resource based economy and the ensuing rapid growth rates.

National and international efforts are being made and multiple channels of communication used, to defuse tension, in particular to avoid violence, and to resolve the current political stalemate. The EU is supporting efforts to help the Government and the Renamo should settle their differences through dialogue.

The EU elections follow-up mission (EFM) visited the country from 22 May to 16 June 2013 and met with various stakeholders in the electoral process: political parties, election management bodies, members of parliament and government, the media, civil society organisations and governmental and non-governmental institutions and actors. The EU EFM provided an assessment of the electoral process and pragmatic proposals on preparations for the up-coming elections.

The EU will continue to make every effort to support the holding of right of elections in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007363/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Guiné-Bissau — situação grave de fome

O representante especial do secretário-geral da ONU, Ramos Horta, declarou recentemente que a situação política na Guiné-Bissau está estável, mas alertou que se a ajuda alimentar não voltar a chegar, vai haver situações de fome nas próximas semanas, quando as chuvas tornam muitas regiões intransitáveis.

Pergunto à Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante:

Tem acompanhado esta situação?

Como pode a UE contribuir para prevenir esta situação?

Resposta dada por Kristalina Georgieva em nome da Comissão

(12 de agosto de 2013)

A Comissão está ciente da deterioração da segurança alimentar na Guiné-Bissau e acompanha de perto a situação, enquanto aguarda pelos resultados de uma avaliação global da segurança alimentar e da vulnerabilidade (CFSVA). Esta avaliação vai ser efetuada pelo Programa Alimentar Mundial das Nações Unidas e pela FAO ao nível nacional e o seu objeto é fazer o retrato de conjunto da insegurança alimentar, identificar as populações vulneráveis e as regiões em que se encontram e definir o tipo adequado de assistência a prestar. A Comissão está pronta a fornecer assistência à luz dos resultados da CFSVA.

A Comissão está também a preparar dois novos programas cujo objetivo é atacar as causas profundas da desnutrição e da vulnerabilidade às crises alimentares na Guiné-Bissau, aumentando a produção alimentar, apoiando cadeias de valor agrícolas selecionadas e acrescentando valor à pequena produção agrícola. Está igualmente previsto o apoio à criação de um sistema aperfeiçoado de alerta rápido nas áreas da segurança alimentar e da nutrição, no intuito de se obterem dados mais rigorosos sobre a evolução da situação em termos de segurança alimentar, que contará com a participação de agências das Nações Unidas e de organismos nacionais de estatística especializados e estará acessível a todos os interessados.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007363/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Serious famine in Guinea-Bissau

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, José Ramos-Horta, recently stated that the political situation in Guinea-Bissau was stable, but warned that if food aid did not arrive people would starve in the coming weeks, when rain would make many regions impassable.

Has the Vice-President/High Representative been monitoring this situation?

How can the EU help prevent this situation?

Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of the deteriorating food security status in Guinea Bissau and is closely monitoring the situation. The Commission is currently awaiting the outcome of a Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment (CFSVA). The CFSVA is planned to be undertaken by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at national level in order to have a broader picture of food insecurity, to identify the number and the locations of vulnerable populations and define the appropriate type of assistance which should be provided. The Commission is ready to assist on the basis of the findings of the CFSVA.

At the same time, the Commission is currently preparing two new programmes aiming at addressing the root causes of malnutrition and vulnerability to food crisis in Guinea Bissau by increasing food production, supporting selected agricultural value chains and adding value to smallholder agricultural production. It is also foreseen to support the set-up of an improved early warning system for food security and nutrition, involving UN agencies and national specialized statistic bodies, in order to have more accurate information about the evolution of the food security situation, which will be accessible to all the stakeholders.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007364/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Refugiados e deslocados no Mundo

Considerando que:

Pergunto à Vice-Presidente/Alta-Representante:

Qual a política que tem vindo a ser seguida pela UE relativamente a esta matéria?

Resposta dada por Kristalina Georgieva em nome da Comissão

(22 de agosto de 2013)

As crianças estão no cerne do trabalho humanitário da UE. 12 % do orçamento humanitário da UE destinam-se a organizações humanitárias que desenvolvem atividades de proteção de crianças, apoio psicossocial, sensibilização para o risco da existência de minas, ações contra o recrutamento de crianças-soldados, bem como programas alimentares destinados a crianças em campos de refugiados. Em 2012, só a projetos do Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância (Unicef) e da Save the Children a UE deu mais de 128 milhões de euros.

A ação da Comissão baseia-se no documento de trabalho de 2008 sobre as crianças em situações de emergência (32) e nas Diretrizes sobre as Crianças e os Conflitos Armados. A Comissão está também a desenvolver novos instrumentos para promover e acompanhar projetos humanitários que têm em conta a idade dos destinatários, dando especial atenção às necessidades específicas das raparigas e dos rapazes.

A UE destinou o Prémio Nobel da Paz que recebeu em 2012 à ajuda de crianças que crescem em conflitos armados ou são por eles deslocadas. Através da iniciativa Crianças da Paz, a UE apoia neste momento crianças sírias refugiadas no Iraque, crianças deslocadas na Etiópia e na República Democrática do Congo, bem como crianças deslocadas por conflitos no Paquistão e na Colômbia.

Em 2012, cerca de 30 % de todos os requerentes de asilo e pessoas que receberam proteção internacional na UE eram crianças. O Sistema Europeu Comum de Asilo estabelece condições de acolhimento que têm em conta a situação das crianças, incluindo disposições especiais aplicáveis a menores não acompanhados. Além disso, o Gabinete Europeu de Apoio em matéria de Asilo pode promover boas práticas harmonizadas no domínio do apoio às crianças e o Fundo Europeu para os Refugiados prevê assistência especial para a reinstalação de crianças em risco e menores não acompanhados.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007364/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Refugees and displaced persons around the world

The report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ‘UNHCR, Global Trends 2012’ was recently published.

According to the report, by the end of 2012 there was a total of 45.2 million refugees within or outside their own countries — which included 15.4 million refugees, 937 000 asylum-seekers and 28.8 million internally displaced persons, up from the 42.5 million recorded the previous year.

Children account for around 46% of all refugees.

What policy has the EU been pursuing on this issue?

Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2013)

Children are at the heart of the EU's humanitarian work. 12% of the EU humanitarian budget goes to child-focused relief organisations for child protection activities, psycho-social support, mine risk education, actions against the recruitment of child soldiers as well as children-supported nutrition programmes in refugee camps. In 2012 the EU gave over EUR 128 million to projects implemented by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and Save the Children alone.

The Commission action is based on the 2008 Staff Working Document on Children in Emergency and Crisis Situations (33) and the Guidelines on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts. The Commission is also developing new tools to foster and track age-sensitive humanitarian projects, bringing attention to the specific needs of girls and boys.

The EU has dedicated its 2012 Nobel Peace Prize award to help children who are growing up in, or are displaced by, conflicts. Through the EU Children of Peace initiative, the EU currently support Syrian refugee children in Iraq, displaced children in Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as children displaced by conflict in Pakistan and Colombia.

In 2012 about 30% of all asylum-seekers and persons granted international protection in the EU were children. The Common European Asylum System provides for child-sensitive reception conditions including special provisions for unaccompanied minors. In addition to this, the European Asylum Support Office can promote best and harmonised practices on child related issues and the European Refugee Fund foresees special assistance for the resettlement of children at risk and unaccompanied minors.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007365/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Saúde mental e carência económica

Considerando que:

Pergunto à Comissão:

Que avaliação faz da situação descrita?

Quais os dados de que dispõe, a nível europeu, sobre o aumento dos casos de depressão e problemas do foro mental?

Resposta dada por Tonio Borg em nome da Comissão

(13 de agosto de 2013)

A Comissão tem conhecimento das provas científicas que sugerem que existem relações fortes entre problemas de saúde mental, crise económica e desemprego. A Comissão está igualmente ciente do impacto adverso que as doenças mentais podem ter na adesão ao tratamento.

Melhorar a adesão ao tratamento e aos planos médicos é o objetivo de um dos seis grupos de ação temáticos estabelecidos no âmbito da parceria de inovação europeia para um envelhecimento ativo e saudável, uma parceria assente na colaboração entre as partes interessadas, no âmbito da qual foram apresentados mais de 500 compromissos voluntários no domínio da realização de ações tendentes a fazer aumentar de dois anos, até 2020, a duração média de vida saudável dos cidadãos da UE.

No que se refere à evolução do número de casos de depressão e dos problemas de saúde mental, a Comissão não tem dados sistemáticos disponíveis a nível da UE. Apenas estão disponíveis dados não atualizados que continuam a ser particularmente limitados no domínio da saúde mental. Uma primeira vaga de dados sobre saúde mental do Inquérito Europeu por Entrevista relativo à Saúde, abrangendo dezassete países, foi recolhida entre 2006 e 2009. Uma segunda vaga está prevista para 2014, embora com questões um pouco diferentes.

Os dados sobre o número de suicídios, frequentemente associados a problemas de saúde mental, estão disponíveis relativamente a 27 Estados-Membros, até 2010. Estes revelam aumentos, de 9,9 para 10,4 casos, por 100 000 cidadãos na UE-27 entre 2007 e 2009. No ano seguinte a 2010, verificou-se uma ligeira diminuição para 10,2.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007365/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Mental health and financial hardship

According to several international studies, the incidence of mental illness increases in times of crisis and unemployment.

In Portugal, according to a report by the Portuguese Health Systems Observatory, and based on data from a study carried out in the Alto Minho Local Health Authority area, between 2011 and 2012, cases of depression in that area went up by 30% (from 8 735 cases to 11 432), there were 35% more suicide attempts in men and 47% more in women, and nationally, prescriptions for antidepressants and mood stabilisers went up by 7.6% in 2012.

According to the national mental health coordinator, people with chronic mental health problems that tend to be incapacitating are most likely to miss check-ups more than usual and, in some cases, these patients have stopped taking their medication or have significantly cut down how much they take.

What is the Commission’s assessment of this situation?

What figures does it have on the rise in the number of cases of depression and mental health problems in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of the scientific evidence suggesting that strong links exist between mental health problems, economic crisis and unemployment. The Commission is also aware of the adverse impact which mental disorders may have on adherence to treatment.

Improving adherence to treatment and medical plans is the objective of one of the 6 thematic Action Groups established under the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing, a collaborative stakeholder-driven partnership under which more than 500 voluntary commitments for action to increase the average healthy lifespan of EU citizens by two years by 2020 have been submitted.

As regards developments in the number of cases of depression and mental health problems, the Commission has no systematic data available at EU-level. Data are only available with a delay and are still particularly limited for the field of mental health. A first wave of data on mental health from the European Health Interview Survey, covering seventeen countries, was collected between 2006 and 2009. A second wave is planned for 2014, however with slightly different questions.

Data on suicides, which are often linked to mental health problems, are available until 2010 for 27 Member States. These show increases from 9.9 to 10.4 cases per 100,000 citizens in the EU-27 between 2007 and 2009. In the following year to 2010, there was a slight decrease of the rate to 10.2.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007366/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Anomalias meteorológicas na Europa

Um grupo de cientistas britânicos reuniu recentemente na sede da agência meteorológica do Reino Unido — o Met Office — para discutir as possíveis razões das condições anormais do tempo na Europa nos últimos anos.

Recentemente, milhares de pessoas na Áustria, República Checa, Alemanha e Suíça receberam ordem para abandonar as suas casas, por causa das inundações e de outros riscos associados às cheias históricas que assolaram vastas áreas do centro da Europa, em resultado do efeito acumulado de dias consecutivos de chuvas torrenciais.

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

De que forma tem a Comissão acompanhado a evolução das oscilações climáticas no continente europeu?

Tem conhecimento das conclusões alcançadas na referida reunião?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(26 de julho de 2013)

Eventos hidrológicos extremos em toda a Europa implicam riscos elevados para a sociedade uma vez que são frequentemente causa de graves danos ambientais e económicos e da perda de vidas humanas.

As previsões e alertas rápidos contam-se entre as prioridades do Sétimo Programa-Quadro de Atividades de Investigação, Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013), nomeadamente do seu Tema «Ambiente». Esta questão foi abordada especificamente num recente convite à apresentação de propostas relativo a previsões de sazonais a decenais, com vista a melhorar as capacidades de previsão dos sistemas de previsão operacionais a escalas temporais de meses a anos. Os projetos selecionados (Naclim, SPECS e Euporias) têm uma componente de monitorização específica e estão a analisar a variabilidade climática e as tendências à escala regional. O Serviço de Meteorologia do Reino Unido é uma das instituições líderes nestes consórcios, estando pois assegurado o intercâmbio regular de informações sobre alterações climáticas e seus impactos entre a Comissão e a comunidade científica europeia em geral.

Embora os fenómenos meteorológicos que provocam inundações extremas em grandes regiões da Europa Central sejam bem conhecidos, ainda não estão esclarecidas as causas da invulgar situação meteorológica de bloqueio que a Europa enfrentou na primavera. É por essa razão que a compreensão, o desenvolvimento e a previsão de sistemas meteorológicos de bloqueio constituem uma das prioridades dos projetos de investigação em curso que incidem em previsões sazonais.

Na monitorização das tendências climáticas, o relatório sobre alterações climáticas, impactos e vulnerabilidade na Europa em 2012 («Climate change, impacts and vulnerability 2012 ») da Agência Europeia do Ambiente apresenta uma panorâmica das variações climáticas na Europa e dos fatores que as influenciam e respetivos impactos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007366/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Unusual weather in Europe

A group of British scientists recently met at the headquarters of the UK weather agency, the Met Office, to discuss the possible reasons for the unusual weather conditions in Europe in recent years.

Thousands of people in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland were recently ordered to abandon their homes because of flooding and other risks resulting from historic floods that devastated vast swathes of central Europe, caused by the cumulative effect of days of uninterrupted torrential rain.

How has the Commission been monitoring trends in climatic variations in Europe?

Is it aware of the conclusions reached at the abovementioned meeting?

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

(26 July 2013)

Extreme hydrological events across Europe imply high risks for society as they often cause severe economic and environmental damage and loss of human lives.

Forecasts and early warnings are among the priorities of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013), in particular its Theme Environment. This issue has been addressed specifically in a recent call for proposals on seasonal to decadal forecasting, designed to improve prediction skills of operational forecasting systems at time scales from months to years ahead. The selected projects (NACLIM, SPECS, and EUPORIAS) have a dedicated monitoring component and are analysing climate variability and trends at a regional scale. The UK Met Office is one of the leading institutions within these consortia and the regular exchange of information on climate change and its impacts between the Commission and the European scientific community at large is ensured.

Whereas the meteorological phenomena causing extreme flooding across large parts of central Europe are well known, the basic understanding of the causes of the unusual meteorological blocking situation that Europe was facing in spring is still lacking. This is why the understanding, development and prediction of meteorological blocking systems is one of the priorities of ongoing research projects focusing on seasonal predictions.

On monitoring climate trends, the ‘Climate change, impacts and vulnerability 2012’ report of the European Environmental Agency presents a state-of-play on climatic variations in Europe and on the factors influencing them and their impacts.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007367/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Bolachas com adoçante ilegal

Em Portugal, de acordo com o Regulamento (CE) n.° 1333/2008 relativo aos aditivos alimentares e, nomeadamente, aos edulcorantes para utilização nos géneros alimentícios, bem como o Regulamento (UE) n.° 1129/2011, e no contexto da lista comunitária de aditivos e edulcorantes, o acesulfame K pode ser utilizado em determinados produtos, mas não em bolachas.

Vários produtos com acesulfame de potássio, um adoçante 200 vezes superior à sacarose cujos efeitos para a saúde têm sido alvo de estudos contraditórios, com alguns a falarem de substância potencialmente cancerígena, estão à venda nas prateleiras de produtos dietéticos e são distribuídos por, pelo menos, uma conhecida marca espanhola e outra portuguesa.

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Tem conhecimento desta situação?

Como a avalia?

Resposta dada por Tonio Borg em nome da Comissão

(31 de julho de 2013)

O acessulfame K (E 950) é autorizado como aditivo alimentar, na classe funcional dos edulcorantes, em conformidade com o anexo II do Regulamento (CE) n.° 1333/2008 (34) relativo aos aditivos alimentares. O artigo 7.° do regulamento estabelece as condições específicas de utilização dos edulcorantes, incluindo a substituição de açúcares na produção de géneros alimentícios com reduzido valor energético, de géneros alimentícios não‐cariogénicos, ou de géneros alimentícios sem adição de açúcares ou ainda para produzir géneros alimentícios destinados a uma alimentação especial. Só os aditivos alimentares incluídos na lista da União constante do anexo II podem ser colocados no mercado enquanto tais e utilizados nos géneros alimentícios nas condições de utilização nele especificadas.

O acessulfame K (E 950) pode ser adicionado a várias categorias de géneros alimentícios, por exemplo:

07.2 Padaria fina (unicamente cornetos e bolachas sem açúcar adicionado, para gelados; unicamente hóstias e obreias — e unicamente produtos de padaria fina para alimentação especial) e 13.3 Alimentos dietéticos para dietas de controlo do peso destinados a substituir a ingestão diária total de alimentos ou uma refeição (a totalidade do regime alimentar diário ou parte dele).

A segurança do acessulfame K está bem documentada pelos estudos examinados pelo Comité Científico da Alimentação Humana (CCAH), pelo Comité Misto FAO‐OMS de Peritos em Aditivos Alimentares (JECFA) e pelas autoridades nacionais e foi novamente avaliada pelo CCAH em 2000.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007367/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Biscuits containing illegal sweetener

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives and, in particular, sweeteners for use in foodstuffs, as well as Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011, and in the context of the Community list of additives and sweeteners, acesulfame K can be used in certain products in Portugal, but not in biscuits.

Several products containing acesulfame potassium, a sweetener 200 times sweeter than sucrose and whose effects on health have been the subject of contradictory studies, with some considering it potentially carcinogenic, are on sale alongside dietetic products and are distributed by at least one well-known Spanish brand and another Portuguese one.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

What is its assessment of it?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

Acesulfame K (E 950) is an authorised food additive, within the functional class of sweeteners, in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (35) on food additives. Article 7 of that regulation establishes the specific conditions of use for sweeteners, including replacing sugars for the production of energy-reduced food, non-cariogenic food or food with no added sugars or for producing food intended for particular nutritional uses. Only food additives included in the Union list in Annex II may be placed on the market as such and used in foods under the conditions of use specified therein.

Acesulfame K (E 950) may be added to several food categories, for instance:

07.2 Fine bakery wares (only cornets and wafers, for ice-cream, with no added sugar; only essoblaten — wafer paper and only fine bakery products for special nutritional uses) and 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet).

The safety of acesulfame K is well documented by the studies reviewed by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF), the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and national authorities. It was re-evaluated by the SCF in 2000.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007368/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Buraco coronal na superfície do sol — perturbações nas comunicações europeias

Foi captado pelo Solar Observatory Dynamics (SDO), da Agência Espacial dos EUA (NASA), um gigantesco buraco coronal na superfície do sol com localização alinhada para a terra.

As previsões indicam que haverá alterações nos campos magnéticos em algumas regiões terrestres, em particular na Europa Ocidental, e que os fluxos de partículas solares poderão alterar a atividade geomagnética a um nível capaz de perturbar o funcionamento dos sistemas de telecomunicações, como os GPS (dispositivos de navegação) e redes móveis (sobretudo os aparelhos de última geração). De acordo com os técnicos da NASA, as perturbações nas comunicações poderão ocorrer dentro de dois meses, em particular na Europa Ocidental.

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

A Comissão dispõe de informações sobre esta situação?

Pondera tomar alguma medida de caráter preventivo ou informativo relativamente às possíveis perturbações nas telecomunicações europeias?

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(14 de agosto de 2013)

A Comissão está ciente das potenciais ameaças para as infraestruturas espaciais e terrestres decorrentes de eventos meteorológicos espaciais, incluindo grandes tempestades solares.

A investigação em matéria de meteorologia espacial, financiada pela UE através do 7.° PQ, desenvolve conhecimentos científicos, bem como novas técnicas e modelos de previsão de eventos meteorológicos espaciais, tais como tempestades solares. Avaliar o impacto sobre os satélites em órbita terrestre, a receção GNSS, a rede elétrica e outros sistemas constitui um aspeto importante. A Comissão, em coordenação com as autoridades nacionais, os operadores de infraestruturas e a NOAA (36), nos EUA, está a estudar os possíveis efeitos de fenómenos meteorológicos espaciais extremos em várias infraestruturas industriais, com vista a ajudar os operadores a melhorar a capacidade de resiliência das infraestruturas em causa e evitar, assim, potenciais perturbações de funções societais importantes caso se verifique a ocorrência de um tal fenómeno. Por exemplo, a Comissão organizou um diálogo de alto nível com as principais partes interessadas, em outubro de 2011, no intuito de sensibilizar para a meteorologia espacial. Os riscos emergentes, tais como os devidos à meteorologia espacial, serão abordados num documento sobre a panorâmica do risco que a Comissão foi convidada a elaborar, com base nas avaliações de risco nacionais que os Estados-Membros estão a preparar. No caso específico do GNSS Europeu, a Comissão está a explorar o sistema «EGNOS», que melhora o desempenho do sistema americano GPS em toda a Europa. Foram aplicadas várias medidas, incluindo procedimentos de contingência e informação dos utilizadores em caso de risco de interrupções de serviço. Isto garante que o serviço EGNOS continua a ser seguro para os utilizadores em todas as condições. As atividades complementares, que visam a constituição de serviços europeus de meteorologia espacial, estão a ser conduzidas através de programas da AEE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007368/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Coronal hole on the surface of the sun — disruption of European communications

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) of the US space agency (NASA) has imaged a gigantic coronal hole on the surface of the sun in alignment with Earth.

It is predicted that there will be changes in the magnetic fields in some parts of the world, particularly in western Europe, and that flows of solar particles could alter geomagnetic activity to a degree that could disrupt the functioning of telecommunication systems, such as GPS (navigation devices) and mobile networks (particularly the latest generation of devices). According to NASA technicians, disruptions in communications could happen within two months, particularly in western Europe.

Does the Commission have any information on this situation?

Is it planning to take any preventive or informative measures relating to possible disruptions in European telecommunications?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of the potential threats to space-based and ground-based infrastructure posed by space weather events including major solar storms.

Space weather research, funded by the EU through FP7, develops scientific knowledge as well as new techniques and models for forecasting space weather events such as solar storms. Assessing the impact on Earth orbiting satellites, GNSS reception, the electric grid and other systems is an important aspect. The Commission, in coordination with national authorities, infrastructure operators, and NOAA (37) in the US, is studying the possible effects of extreme space weather events on various industrial infrastructures, with a view to helping operators to improve the resilience of the infrastructures concerned thus preventing potential disruptions of important societal functions should such an event occur. As one example, the Commission organised a high-level ‘Space-Weather Awareness Dialogue’ with major stakeholders in October 2011. Emerging risks such as those due to space weather will be addressed in the risk overview that the Commission has been asked to compile based on national risk assessments that Member States are preparing. In the specific case of European GNSS, the Commission operates the ‘EGNOS’ system, which improves the American GPS performances over Europe. A series of measures have been implemented, including the setting up of contingency procedures and notification to users to address the risk of service outages. This ensures that the EGNOS service remains safe for users in all conditions. Complementary activities aiming at building up European space weather services are being conducted through ESA programmes.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007369/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Estudo — poluição e autismo

Considerando que:

Pergunto à Comissão:

Tem conhecimento deste estudo? Como avalia as conclusões apresentadas?

A Comissão dispõe de dados atualizados sobre a relação entre o autismo e a poluição atmosférica no território europeu?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(29 de julho de 2013)

A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo americano publicado em «Environmental Health Perspetives ». Embora esse estudo seja significativo e pareça apresentar elementos factuais sobre a necessidade de ação preventiva, o consenso entre a comunidade científica é que as doenças de perturbação global do desenvolvimento são multifatoriais e que nem todas as causas são conhecidas. Haveria assim a necessidade de repetir o estudo, também na Europa onde as condições ambientais e socioeconómicas são diferentes.

O Sétimo Programa-Quadro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013) financiou dois projetos sobre a relação entre os poluentes atmosféricos e as perturbações do desenvolvimento neurológico. O projeto Denamic está a recolher informações especificamente sobre as relações entre um grande número de poluentes ambientais (incluindo pesticidas transportados pelo ar) e as doenças de perturbação global do desenvolvimento (38). O projeto ESCAPE concluído recentemente investigou seis coortes de nascimento e verificou que a exposição à poluição atmosférica relacionada com o tráfego durante a gravidez estava associada a perturbações no desenvolvimento motor em crianças. A associação tendia a ser mais forte em crianças de mães com baixos níveis educacionais (39).

A Comissão não compila estatísticas sobre a prevalência de doentes com perturbações globais do desenvolvimento decorrentes da exposição à poluição atmosférica.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007369/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Study on pollution and autism

Diesel particulates, lead, mercury, methylene chloride and other pollutants are known to affect brain function and child development.

A study by researchers from Harvard University’s School of Public Health was recently published, which examined ‘links between autism and air pollution across the US.’

According to the study, women exposed to high levels of air pollution while pregnant were up to twice as likely to have a child with autism as women living in areas with low pollution.

Is the Commission aware of this study? What does it think of its conclusions?

Does the Commission have any up-to-date figures on the link between autism and air pollution in the EU?

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

(29 July 2013)

The Commission is aware of the American study published in ‘Environmental Health Perspectives’. While this study is significant and would appear to provide evidence on the need for preventive action, the scientific consensus is that autism-spectrum disorders are multifactorial and that not all causes are known. Thus there would be a need to repeat the study, also in Europe where environmental and socioeconomic conditions are different.

The Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013) has funded two projects on the link between air pollutants and neurodevelopmental disorders. The DENAMIC project is gathering information specifically on the links between a large number of environmental pollutants (including air-borne pesticides) and autism-spectrum disorders (40). The recently finished ESCAPE project investigated six birth cohorts and found that traffic-related air pollution exposure during pregnancy was associated with motor development impairment in children. The association tended to be stronger among children of mothers with low levels of educational attainment (41).

The Commission does not compile statistics on the prevalence of autism-spectrum disease subjects causally linked to air pollution.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007370/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Destruição da floresta na Guiné-Bissau

Considerando que:

Pergunto à Comissão:

Como avalia a situação descrita?

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(23 de agosto de 2013)

A UE tem vindo a prestar apoio à proteção ambiental na Guiné-Bissau desde 2005, com a participação das comunidades locais. As reações às denúncias de atividades de abate de árvores e a adoção pela Assembleia Nacional de uma resolução que insta o Governo a adotar uma moratória para a exportação de madeiras parecem ter conduzido a uma redução da escala das operações de abates de árvores.

A Delegação da UE em Bissau apoiou uma conferência nacional sobre o abate ilegal de árvores, em 11 de julho de 2013, em parceria com o Instituto da Biodiversidade e Áreas Protegidas e a União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza. Foi a primeira reunião nacional sobre o tema do abate ilegal de árvores, em que participaram representantes do Governo, parceiros internacionais e organizações da sociedade civil. Foram apresentadas algumas propostas para pôr termo ao abate ilegal de árvores e reforçar a proteção das florestas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007370/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Destruction of woodland in Guinea-Bissau

According to press reports, widespread logging began early this year throughout Guinea-Bissau.

There are reports of rampant deforestation in the region of Farim and Bafatá, in the east, in the Cacheu region, in the north, as well as in the south, in the forests of Colbuia.

In statements to the press, a young environmentalist from Guinea-Bissau said that 32 16-tonne containers of padauk wood had already been taken away.

What is the Commission’s assessment of this situation?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2013)

The EU has provided support for environmental protection in Guinea Bissau since 2005, with the involvment of the local communities. Reaction to the reports of logging activities and the adoption by the National Assembly of a resolution urging the government to adopt a moratorium on wood exports appear to have had an impact in reducing the scale of the logging operations.

The EU Delegation in Bissau provided support for a national conference on illegal logging on 11th of July 2013, in partnership with the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Areas and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This was the first national meeting held on the subject of illegal logging, attended by government authorities, international partners and civil society organisations. A number of proposals were made to stop illegal logging and to strengthen protection of forests.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007371/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Trabalho infantil

A Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) denunciou hoje a existência de 10,5 milhões de crianças utilizadas em trabalho doméstico, em condições de insegurança. Cerca de três quartos destas crianças são raparigas e 6,5 milhões destes trabalhadores domésticos têm entre cinco e 14 anos. De acordo com o diretor do programa da OIT para eliminar o trabalho infantil, «a situação de muitas crianças trabalhadoras domésticas constitui não apenas uma violação séria dos direitos das crianças, mas também um obstáculo a muitos dos objetivos de desenvolvimento nacionais e internacionais».

Quais as medidas previstas na agenda da Comissão relativamente a esta matéria?

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(5 de agosto de 2013)

A Comissão está preocupada com as estimativas da OIT referidas pelo Senhor Deputado.

A UE está empenhada no objetivo estabelecido para 2016 que é a eliminação das piores formas de trabalho infantil. A Comissão continua empenhada numa incansável campanha contra todas as formas de trabalho infantil, como indicado nos relatórios anuais da UE sobre os direitos humanos e a democracia (42), e na análise da cooperação com a OIT (43).

A Comissão considera que são necessárias novas medidas para reduzir o trabalho doméstico das crianças e, por conseguinte, a aplicação da Convenção da OIT n.° 189 sobre os trabalhadores domésticos e da Recomendação n.° 201 que a acompanha é muito importante. A Comissão tomou medidas para promover a convenção e a recomendação, mediante a apresentação de uma proposta de decisão do Conselho que autoriza os Estados-Membros a ratificar a Convenção da OIT n.° 189 e exortando os Estados-Membros à sua ratificação, no âmbito da estratégia da União Europeia para a erradicação do tráfico de seres humanos. A Convenção, que entrou em vigor em 5 de setembro de 2013, alargará as principais condições de proteção do trabalho a milhões de trabalhadores domésticos, na sua maioria mulheres e crianças.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007371/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Child labour

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) today reported that there are 10.5 million children working as domestic servants, in unsafe conditions. Around three quarters of these children are girls and 6.5 million of these domestic servants are between five and 14 years old. According to the director of the ILO’s programme to eradicate child labour, ‘the situation of many child domestic workers not only constitutes a serious violation of child rights, but remains an obstacle to the achievement of many national and international development objectives.’

What steps is the Commission planning to take on this issue?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

The Commission is concerned by ILO estimates referred to by the Honourable Member.

The EU is committed to the 2016 target of the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Commission continues to campaign tirelessly against all forms of child labour as shown in the EU annual Reports on Human Rights and Democracy (44) and in the review of the cooperation with the ILO (45).

The Commission considers that further action is needed to reduce child domestic work and therefore the implementation of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention No 189 and accompanying Recommendation No 201 is very important. The Commission has taken steps to promote them by presenting a proposal for a Council Decision authorising Member States to ratify the ILO Convention No 189 and by urging Member States to ratify it in the context of the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings. The convention, entering into force on 5 September 2013, will extend key labour protection to millions of domestic workers, mostly women and children.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007372/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Novas regras sobre alimentos para bebés

Foi recentemente aprovado um pacote legislativo europeu sobre a rotulagem e a composição dos alimentos para lactentes e crianças pequenas. De acordo com o novo regulamento, a rotulagem, apresentação e publicidade das fórmulas para lactentes (crianças até aos 12 meses) e a rotulagem das fórmulas de transição «não devem incluir imagens de lactentes nem outras imagens ou textos suscetíveis de criar uma impressão falsamente positiva da utilização destas fórmulas», para que «não desincentivem o aleitamento materno».

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Quais as razões que estiveram na origem deste novo pacote legislativo?

Que resultados espera atingir com o mesmo?

Resposta dada por Tonio Borg em nome da Comissão

(25 de julho de 2013)

O Regulamento (UE) n.° 609/2013 (46) foi adotado pelo Parlamento Europeu e pelo Conselho, a fim de rever o quadro aplicável aos «géneros alimentícios destinados a uma alimentação especial». Com base nos princípios de melhor regulamentação e simplificação, segue, em termos gerais, a abordagem descrita pela Comissão na sua proposta inicial. Aboliu o antigo conceito de «géneros alimentícios destinados a uma alimentação especial», que se revelou inadequado para atender aos desenvolvimentos do mercado alimentar e da legislação pertinente correspondente, tendo gerado problemas em termos de interpretação, execução e concorrência leal. Revogou regras desnecessárias e contraditórias, substituindo‐as por um quadro, ao abrigo do qual as regras se mantêm apenas quando são necessárias para proteger grupos demográficos específicos, como os lactentes e as crianças jovens. Os géneros alimentícios destinados a outros grupos demográficos serão cobertos por outras medidas mais atuais e adequadas, como a legislação relativa às alegações dos alimentos. O regulamento estabelece princípios e requisitos gerais, e, nos próximos anos, irão ser adotadas regras específicas para os diferentes alimentos, através de atos delegados.

A disposição referida pelo Senhor Deputado torna extensivas à rotulagem das fórmulas de transição (47) as atuais restrições aplicáveis a fórmulas para lactentes (48). Esta disposição não estava incluída na proposta inicial da Comissão, mas era um aspeto importante para o Parlamento Europeu, tendo sido acrescentada pelos colegisladores durante as negociações. A sua fundamentação consta do considerando 26 do regulamento (49).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007372/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: New rules on baby food

An EU legislative package on the labelling and content of food intended for infants and young children was recently adopted. According to the new regulation, the labelling, presentation and advertising of infant formula (for children up to 12 months of age) and the labelling of follow-on formula ‘shall not include pictures of infants or other pictures or text which might idealise the use of such formula’ in order ‘not to discourage breastfeeding.’

What were the reasons for this new legislative package?

What results does the Commission hope to achieve with it?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (50) was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council to revise the framework applicable to ‘foods for particular nutritional uses’. Based on the principles of Better Regulation and simplification, it broadly follows the approach described by the Commission in its original proposal. It abolishes the old concept of ‘food for particular nutritional uses’ which has proven to be unfit to manage developments in the food market and in the corresponding relevant legislation and has led to problems of interpretation, enforcement and fair competition. It repeals unnecessary and contradictory rules and replaces them with a Framework under which rules remain only where necessary to protect specific groups of the population such as infants and young children. Food for other population groups will be covered by other more recent and appropriate measures, such as the legislation on claims. The regulation sets general principles and requirements, while specific rules for the different foods will be adopted in the coming years by delegated acts.

The provision referred to by the Honourable Member extends to the labelling of follow-on formulae (51) existing restrictions applicable to infant formulae (52). This provision was not in the Commission's original proposal but was an important point for the European Parliament and was added by the co-legislators during the negotiations. Its rationale is provided in Recital 26 of the regulation (53).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007373/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Novo sistema de emergência nos carros europeus

A Comissão Europeia adotou recentemente propostas legislativas com vista a assegurar que, até outubro de 2015, todos os novos modelos de automóveis de passageiros e veículos comerciais estejam equipados com o sistema «eCall 122», de chamada automática para os serviços de emergência em caso de choque violento.

Até 2015 deverão também estar criadas as infraestruturas necessárias para a receção e o tratamento adequados das chamadas nos centros de resposta a chamadas de emergência, «assegurando a compatibilidade, a interoperabilidade e a continuidade do serviço eCall à escala da UE».

O serviço «eCall» liga automaticamente para o 112 — o número de emergência único europeu — em caso de acidente grave e envia pormenores sobre o acidente, nomeadamente a hora da ocorrência e a posição exata do veículo acidentado.

«eCall» poderá acelerar o tempo de resposta dos serviços de emergência em 40 % nas zonas urbanas e em 50 % nas zonas rurais?

Resposta dada por Neelie Kroes em nome da Comissão

(26 de julho de 2013)

Com o sistema «eCall», o tempo de resposta dos serviços de emergência pode ser reduzido até 50 % nas zonas rurais e 40 % nas zonas urbanas (54), o que por sua vez permitirá reduzir o número de vítimas mortais de 1 % a 10 % e de feridos graves (55) de 2 % a 15 %, dependendo do país. Depois de totalmente implantado, o sistema «eCall» poderá salvar até 2 500 vidas por ano e diminuir a gravidade dos ferimentos para as vítimas não mortais.

O serviço eCall básico pan-europeu, baseado no 112, é um serviço público que deve ser disponibilizado gratuitamente. Tendo em conta as economias de escala, estima-se que o custo da instalação do sistema eCall nos veículos novos seja muito inferior a 100 EUR por veículo (56).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007373/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: New emergency system in European cars

The Commission recently adopted legislative proposals to ensure that, by October 2015, all new models of passenger cars and commercial vehicles are fitted with the ‘112 eCall’ system, which will automatically call the emergency services in the event of a serious crash.

By 2015 the necessary infrastructure should also be in place for duly receiving and handling these calls in emergency call response centres, ‘ensuring the compatibility, interoperability and continuity of the EU-wide eCall service.’

The ‘eCall’ system automatically dials 112 — Europe’s single emergency number — in the event of a serious accident and sends details of the accident, including the time of the incident and the exact position of the crashed vehicle.

‘eCall’ could speed up the emergency services’ response time by 40% in urban areas and by 50% in rural areas?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2013)

With eCall, the response time of emergency services may be reduced up to 50% in rural areas and 40% in urban areas (57), leading to a reduction of fatalities estimated to be between 1% and 10%, and reduction of severity of injuries (58) between 2% and 15%, depending on the country considered. When fully deployed, eCall could save up to 2500 lives a year and alleviate the severity of road injuries.

The basic pan-European eCall service, based on 112, is a public service that must be offered for free. Taking into account economies of scale, installation of the eCall in-vehicle system is estimated to cost much less than EUR 100 per new car (59).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007374/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Partos prematuros

Segundo um recente estudo do instituto sueco Karolinska, em Estocolmo, publicado na revista Journal of the American Medical Association, o nascimento prematuro aumenta a mortalidade infantil, a morbilidade neonatal, a incapacidade a longo prazo e, quanto mais precoces os partos, maiores são os riscos para a criança.

De acordo com uma investigação que analisou 1,6 milhões de partos na Suécia entre 1992 e 2010, o excesso de peso ou obesidade da grávida aumentam as possibilidades de nascimentos prematuros e, quanto mais o peso, maior pode ser a prematuridade. A investigação mostrou que, à medida que aumenta o índice de massa corporal (IMC), também aumenta a probabilidade de um parto prematuro, em comparação com os nascimentos em mulheres de peso normal, e entre as mulheres com um IMC de 35 a 40 ou mais de 40 as probabilidades de partos extremamente prematuros aumentam para o dobro. De acordo com um dos investigadores envolvidos, «a obesidade materna substituiu o tabagismo como uma das principais causas de uma gravidez com resultados deficientes».

Resposta dada por Tonio Borg em nome da Comissão

(25 de julho de 2013)

A Comissão está ciente e tomou nota do recente estudo referido.

A Comissão financiou o relatório sobre a saúde perinatal na Europa, recentemente publicado, que avalia a saúde e os cuidados prestados às mulheres grávidas e aos bebés na Europa em 2010 (60). De acordo com o relatório, a taxa de nascimentos prematuros permaneceu estável entre 2004 e 2010 em muitos países, tendo a taxa de natalidade dos prematuros nados-vivos variado em 2010 entre cerca de 5 % e 10 % na Europa.

As taxas de nascimentos prematuros mais baixas observaram-se na Islândia, Lituânia, Finlândia, Estónia, Irlanda, Letónia, Suécia, Noruega e Dinamarca, e as mais elevadas no Chipre (10,4 %) e na Hungria (8,9 %). O relatório refere também que o peso maternal antes e durante a gravidez pode afetar o desenvolvimento da gravidez, o seu desfecho e a saúde do bebé. Tanto as mulheres com peso a menos, como aquelas com excesso de peso são vítimas de taxas mais elevadas de resultados negativos. Na Europa, 2,5 % a 8,7 % das mães puérperas apresentavam peso a menos, com a percentagem mais baixa na Suécia (2,5 %). Na maioria dos países, mais de 10 % (variando entre 7,1 % e 20,7 %) das mulheres grávidas são obesas. Além disso, o relatório assinala que mais de uma em cada 10 mulheres fuma durante a gravidez em muitos países, não obstante uma diminuição entre 2004 e 2010. O tabagismo durante a gravidez variou de menos de 5 % a 19 % na Europa.

A necessidade de colocar a tónica nas mulheres grávidas é uma prioridade das questões relacionadas com a saúde no âmbito da estratégia para a Europa em matéria de nutrição, excesso de peso e obesidade. Além disso, a Comissão lançou projetos-piloto destinados a promover regimes alimentares saudáveis junto das mulheres grávidas e a aumentar o seu consumo de frutas e produtos hortícolas frescos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007374/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Premature births

According to a recent study by the Karolinska institute, based in Stockholm, Sweden, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, premature birth increases infant mortality, neonatal morbidity, long-term disability and the more premature the birth, the greater the risks to the child.

According to a study that analysed 1.6 million births in Sweden between 1992 and 2010, being overweight or obese during pregnancy increased the chances of a premature birth and the more overweight the mother, the more premature the birth could be. The study showed that the chances of premature birth increase in line with increased body mass index (BMI), compared with births in women of normal weight, and the chances of extremely premature births double in women with a BMI of between 35 and 40 or greater than 40. According to the researchers involved, maternal obesity has replaced smoking as one of the main causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

The Commission is aware and has taken note of the recent study mentioned.

The Commission has funded the recently published European Perinatal Health Report which assesses the health and care of pregnant women and babies in Europe in 2010 (61). According to the report, the rate of preterm births remained stable from 2004 to 2010 in many countries; the preterm birth rate for live births varied in 2010 from about 5 to 10% in Europe.

Lower preterm birth rates were observed in Iceland, Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and the highest rates in Cyprus (10.4%) and Hungary (8.9%). The report also states that maternal weight before and during pregnancy can affect the course of pregnancy, its outcome, and the offspring’s health; both underweight and overweight women experience higher rates of adverse outcomes. In Europe, 2.5 to 8.7% of delivering mothers were underweight with the lowest percentage in Sweden (2.5%). In most countries, over 10% (ranging from 7.1% to 20.7%) of childbearing women were obese. In addition, the report noted that more than 1 woman in 10 smoked during pregnancy in many countries despite a decline between 2004 and 2010. Smoking during pregnancy varied from under 5% to 19% in Europe.

The need to focus on pregnant women is a priority in the strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues. In addition, the Commission has launched pilot projects aimed at promoting healthy diets and increasing consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables amongst pregnant women.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007375/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Guiné Bissau — deficiências em crianças

— De acordo com as estimativas da Unicef, cerca de 93 milhões de crianças (uma em cada 20 com menos de 14 anos) vivem com algum tipo de deficiência;

— A Guiné-Bissau é um dos 27 países do mundo que ainda não assinou a Convenção sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência;

— Apesar de não existirem dados estatísticos, os números apontam para cerca de 13 mil crianças com alguma deficiência, num universo de 1,5 milhões de pessoas; 

— De acordo com um representante da Unicef no país, a maior parte das deficiências detetadas em crianças na Guiné-Bissau podiam ser evitadas através de vacinas e boas práticas de higiene, mas é frequente as famílias esconderem as crianças com deficiências, pelo que se torna prioritário «transpor a barreira da discriminação».

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Tem conhecimento da situação descrita?

Como a avalia?

Resposta dada por Andris Piebalgs em nome da Comissão

(9 de agosto de 2013)

A União Europeia não reconhece as autoridades que ocupam o poder desde o golpe de Estado de abril de 2012. Por esta razão, não é possível encetar hoje um diálogo para as encorajar a aderir à CDPD (62).

Em conformidade com a Estratégia Europeia 2010-2020 a favor das pessoas com deficiência (63), a Comissão promove os direitos dessas pessoas no quadro da ajuda ao desenvolvimento e acompanha de muito perto a situação das crianças com deficiência neste país com base nas diretrizes para a inclusão das pessoas com deficiência na cooperação para o desenvolvimento (64). A Delegação da UE em Bissau dispõe assim de uma pessoa de referência para os direitos das pessoas com deficiência.

A Comissão subvenciona desde o final de 2012 a Organização Não Governamental (ONG) local «New Bantaba Orphans and Disabled», recenseada como a única organização estatutariamente consagrada às crianças órfãs e com deficiência na região de Bafata, no leste do país. A Delegação da UE em Bissau trabalha em estreita colaboração com esta ONG e facilitou o seu relacionamento e criação de parcerias com outras ONG ativas neste setor. O trabalho desta ONG, que enquadra a escolarização das 173 crianças com deficiência, consiste igualmente em sensibilizar as autoridades e as entidades financiadoras internacionais presentes na Guiné-Bissau para esta questão.

Paralelamente, a Comissão financia desde julho de 2013 o Programa Integrado de Saúde Materna e Infantil no montante de 5,5 milhões de EUR. Este programa tem como principal objetivo reduzir a mortalidade materna e infantil através da promoção das boas práticas a nível comunitário e da melhoria da cobertura sanitária, incluindo a vacinação das crianças.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007375/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Guinea-Bissau — disabled children

According to Unicef estimates, around 93 million children (1 in 20 under the age of 14) live with some kind of disability.

Guinea-Bissau is one of 27 countries that have still not signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Although there are no statistics, figures suggest that there are around 13 000 disabled children in Guinea-Bissau, out of a total population of 1.5 million.

According to a Unicef representative in the country, most of the disabilities found in children in Guinea-Bissau could be prevented by vaccination and by following good hygiene practice, but families often hide disabled children, which means the priority is to overcome the barrier of discrimination.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

What is its assessment of it?

(Version française)

L'Union européenne ne reconnaît pas les autorités en place depuis le coup d'État d'avril 2012. Il n'est donc pas possible aujourd'hui d'entamer un dialogue pour les encourager à adhérer à la CDPH (65).

Conformément à la Stratégie européenne 2010-2020 en faveur des personnes handicapées (66), la Commission promeut les droits des personnes handicapées dans le cadre de l'aide au développement et suit de très près la situation des enfants handicapés dans ce pays sur la base des lignes directrices sur l'inclusion des personnes handicapées dans la coopération au développement (67). La Délégation de l'UE à Bissau dispose ainsi d'une personne de référence pour les droits des personnes handicapées.

La Commission subventionne depuis fin 2012 l'Organisation non gouvernementale (ONG) locale «New Bantaba Orphans and Disabled», recensée comme la seule organisation statutairement consacrée aux enfants orphelins et handicapés dans la région de Bafata, à l'est du pays. La Délégation de l'UE à Bissau travaille en étroite collaboration avec cette ONG et a facilité sa mise en relation et création de partenariats avec d'autres ONG actives dans ce secteur. Le travail de cette ONG, qui encadre la scolarisation des 173 enfants handicapés, consiste également à sensibiliser les autorités et les bailleurs internationaux présents en Guinée-Bissau sur cette question.

Parallèlement, la Commission finance dès juillet 2013 le Programme Intégré de santé Maternelle et Infantile à hauteur de 5,5 millions d'euros. Ce programme pose comme objectif principal la réduction de la mortalité infantile et maternelle à travers la promotion des bonnes pratiques au niveau communautaire et l'amélioration de la couverture sanitaire, y compris la vaccination des enfants.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007376/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Células estaminais — Nova descoberta

Um estudo divulgado na publicação Cell Stem Cell identificou as proteínas responsáveis pela obtenção de sangue estaminal, a partir de células de tecido indiferenciado. Esta descoberta pode permitir obter produtos sanguíneos específicos para cada paciente, evitando rejeição em caso de transfusão.

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(26 de julho de 2013)

, em ratinhos. A descoberta comunicada é inovadora, mas está ainda a dar os seus primeiros passos, pelo que será necessário proceder à sua confirmação e desenvolvimento antes de poderem ser consideradas potenciais aplicações clínicas. A Comissão está a apoiar vários projetos de investigação (subvenções do Conselho Europeu de Investigação, Ações Marie Skłodowska-Curie, projetos em colaboração) que têm como objetivo a reprogramação de célula adultas para fins de regeneração de tecidos, células e órgãos em vários tipos de doenças (cardiovasculares, diabetes, deficiências ósseas ou transplantação de órgãos, por exemplo).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007376/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Stem cells — new discovery

A study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell has identified the proteins responsible for producing blood stem cells, from undifferentiated tissue cells. This discovery may make it possible to produce blood products that are tailored to each patient, preventing rejection after transfusion.

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

(26 July 2013)

, in mice. The discovery reported is innovative but still in its infancy and confirmation and development will be required before any potential clinical applications could be considered. The Commission is supporting several research projects (ERC grants, Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, collaborative projects) aiming at mature cell reprogramming for regeneration of tissue, cells and organs in various types of disorders (cardiovascular, diabetes, bone defects or organ transplantation, for instance).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007377/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: População mundial

Atualmente, a população do mundo é de 7 200 milhões de indivíduos. Segundo um relatório publicado pela Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), a população mundial deverá crescer até aos 8 100 milhões em 2025, daí para os 9 600 milhões em 2050 e atingir quase 11 mil milhões de pessoas em 2100.

Daqui até 2100, a parcela de pessoas com mais de 60 anos deverá triplicar, dos atuais 841 milhões para 2 000 milhões em 2050 e quase 3 000 milhões em 2100. O grupo de indivíduos com 80 anos e mais será sete vezes maior no fim do século — 830 milhões contra 120 milhões atualmente — e dois terços estarão em países em desenvolvimento.

A Europa verá a sua população diminuir em cerca de 14 %, e a quase totalidade dos países europeus não chegará sequer a renovar a sua população, passando da média de 1,5 filhos por cada mulher para 1,9 em 2100.

Como avalia a Comissão as alterações demográficas previstas nas conclusões deste estudo?

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(25 de julho de 2013)

A Comissão elabora as suas próprias previsões demográficas para os Estados-Membros da UE até 2060 e essas previsões correspondem amplamente às da ONU, tendo em conta a incerteza que acompanha projeções a 50 anos de distância. As alterações demográficas são um dos principais elementos de mudança na sociedade, devendo ser tidas em conta no impacto a longo prazo das nossas políticas.

Por conseguinte, já na sua Comunicação de 2006 «O futuro demográfico da Europa — transformar um desafio em oportunidade (70)», a Comissão destacou cinco domínios de intervenção para travar o declínio demográfico e desenvolver os recursos humanos.

O Livro Branco de 2012 sobre as pensões apresenta outras iniciativas para ajudar a criar as condições adequadas para que as pessoas com capacidade possam continuar a trabalhar, conduzindo a um melhor equilíbrio entre o tempo passado a trabalhar e o tempo na reforma. O Ano Europeu do Envelhecimento Ativo de 2012 e a solidariedade entre gerações deu o impulso político necessário às iniciativas políticas neste domínio. O Pacote de Investimento Social (PIS) (71) identificou as alterações demográficas como um importante motor da mudança no sentido de tornar as despesas sociais mais eficazes, de modo a que o sistema social e económico da Europa possa continuar a contar com recursos humanos adequados. No âmbito dos Semestres Europeus, a Comissão tem vindo a propor recomendações específicas por país, incluindo algumas em matéria de sustentabilidade e adequação dos regimes de pensões, bem como a melhoria do acesso à educação e à formação e a promoção da conciliação entre trabalho e vida privada.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007377/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: World population

The world’s population currently stands at 7.2 billion people. According to a report published by the United Nations (UN), the global population will grow to 8.1 billion by 2025, then to 9.6 billion by 2050, reaching almost 11 billion people in 2100.

By 2100, the number of people over 60 will triple, from 841 million at present to 2 billion in 2050, and almost 3 billion in 2100. There will be seven times more people over 80 and older by the end of the century — 830 million compared with 120 million at present — and two thirds will live in developing countries.

The population of Europe will shrink by around 14% and almost all European countries will not even manage to replace their population, with 1.9 children born per woman on average in 2100 compared with 1.5 now.

What is the Commission’s assessment of the demographic changes predicted in the conclusions of this study?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

The Commission produces its own demographic projections for the EU Member States to 2060 and these largely match the UN’s, in consideration of the uncertainty that accompanies 50-year-ahead projections. Demographic change is a major driver of change in society and must be taken into consideration in the long-term impact of our policies.

Therefore, already in its 2006 Communication ‘The demographic future of Europe — from challenge to opportunity (72)’, the Commission highlighted five policy areas to stem demographic decline and develop human resources.

The 2012 White paper on pensions furthermore put forward initiatives to help create the right conditions so that those who are able can continue working — leading to a better balance between time in work and time in retirement. The 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and solidarity between generations gave political momentum to policy initiatives in this area. The Social Investment Package (SIP) (73) identified demographic change as a major engine of change towards making social spending more effective so that Europe’s economy and social system can continue counting on adequate human resources. Within the European Semesters the Commission has been proposing country-specific recommendations, including some concerning pension sustainability and adequacy, as well as improving access to education and training and fostering the reconciliation between work and private life.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007378/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Fluoretação da água

A fluoretação da água consiste num ajuste da concentração de fluoreto natural, de acordo com os níveis recomendados para a saúde dentária ideal.

Nos EUA, a organização Fluoride Action Network (FAN) entregou recentemente um documento ao Congresso assinado por mais de 600 profissionais de saúde, incluindo laureados com o prémios Nobel, funcionários de agências de proteção ambiental e membros do Conselho Nacional de Investigação no painel da toxicologia do fluoreto, no qual se solicita a eliminação do flúor na água. No documento entregue, é pedido que se reconheça que a «fluoretação da água está obsoleta e constitui um risco sério para a saúde pública que ultrapassa qualquer benefício mínimo», e ainda que seja apoiada uma auditoria à fluoretação requerendo provas científicas de que a fluoretação é necessária ou pelo menos útil.

Na UE, alguns países, incluindo Portugal, consomem água fluoretada há mais de 50 anos, enquanto outros, como a Bélgica ou a França, renunciaram a esta metodologia.

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Quais os Estados-Membros da UE que consomem água fluoretada?

A Comissão tem dados atuais sobre as vantagens e os riscos da fluoretação da água?

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(8 de agosto de 2013)

Segundo as informações a que a Comissão tem acesso, a prática da fluoretação da água ainda se verifica no Reino Unido, Irlanda e partes da Espanha (País Basco).

Para mais pormenores, o Senhor Deputado é convidado a consultar a última comunicação da Comissão (Petition 0210/2007 by Robert Pocock (Irish), on behalf of Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment, on concerns regarding the addition of the hydrofluosilicic acid (H2SiF6) into drinking water in Ireland) à Comissão das Petições do PE sobre esta matéria em:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/peti/documents-search.html?linkedDocument=true&ufolderComCode=PETI&ufolderLegId=7&ufolderId=06263&urefProcYear=&urefProcNum=&urefProcCode

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007378/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Water fluoridation

Water fluoridation involves adjusting the concentration of natural fluoride in water to the recommended levels for optimal dental health.

In the United States, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) recently sent Congress a document calling for fluoride to be removed from water. The document was signed by over 600 health professionals, including Nobel prize-winners, officials from environmental protection agencies and members of the National Research Council’s fluoride toxicology panel. The document urges Congress to recognise that water ‘fluoridation is outdated [and] has serious risks that far outweigh any minor benefits’, and to sponsor a hearing on fluoridation that requires scientific proof that fluoridation is necessary or at least useful.

Some EU countries, including Portugal, have been fluoridating their water for over 50 years while others, such as Belgium and France, have abandoned this practice.

Which EU Member States fluoridate their water?

Does the Commission have any up-to-date figures on the benefits and risks of water fluoridation?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

According to the information available to the Commission, the practice of water fluoridation is still applied in the UK, Ireland and parts of Spain (Basque Country).

For more details, the Honourable Member is invited to consult the Commission's latest communication (Petition 0210/2007 by Robert Pocock (Irish), on behalf of Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment, on concerns regarding the addition of the hydrofluosilicic acid (H2SiF6) into drinking water in Ireland) to the EP Committee on Petitions on this subject at:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/peti/documents-search.html?linkedDocument=true&ufolderComCode=PETI&ufolderLegId=7&ufolderId=06263&urefProcYear=&urefProcNum=&urefProcCode= .

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007379/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Gripe — Nova forma de diagnóstico

Um grupo de investigadores de universidades japonesas criou um «chip» capaz de detetar o vírus da gripe com uma precisão até 10 mil vezes superior aos métodos convencionais, em apenas 10 minutos. O aparelho é capaz de identificar até 15 variantes da gripe, bastando uma amostra de 0,025 mililitros de líquido nasal, o equivalente a uma gota, e a rapidez do diagnóstico poderá contribuir muito para reduzir as hipóteses de propagação da doença.

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(26 de julho de 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007379/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Influenza — new diagnostic tool

A group of Japanese university researchers have created a ‘chip’ that can detect the influenza virus with an accuracy up to 10 000 times greater than conventional methods, in just 10 minutes. The device can identify up to 15 strains of influenza and all it requires is 0.025 millilitres of nasal liquid, the equivalent to a droplet. The speed of diagnosis could greatly help to reduce the potential for the disease to spread.

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

(26 July 2013)

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007380/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(21 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Propuesta de una nueva reforma laboral en España por parte del FMI

El pasado 19 de junio, el Fondo Monetario Internacional exigió al Gobierno de España que emprendiera una reforma más profunda del mercado laboral para poder hacer frente a la extrema situación de desempleo que está viviendo el país.

El jefe de la misión en España del FMI, James Daniel, ha hecho gala del apodo dado a sus participantes, los «hombres de negro», por su intención de enterrar definitivamente la economía española y las posibilidades de generar crecimiento económico. Daniel exige que se realice una reforma laboral más en profundidad para generar empleo, ya que considera un éxito la última reforma laboral desarrollada por el gobierno bajo sus órdenes. Pero lo cierto es que esta reforma laboral que él alaba ha provocado 1 000 000 de parados más, conduciendo al país a la extrema situación en la que se encuentra con 6 millones de parados en la actualidad.

Las recomendaciones de la misión del FMI dejan atrás sus objetivos de generar crecimiento en el país y suponen un ataque directo a los trabajadores españoles con el objetivo de mejorar las rentas del capital. El jefe de la misión ha llegado a afirmar que los salarios en España son los mismos que en 2007, cuando las propias estadísticas del INE confirman que las rentas salariales han caído por debajo de las rentas empresariales en el reparto del PIB.

En un momento en el que se disparan los índices de pobreza y en el que se está hundiendo la calidad de vida de los trabajadores españoles, que son los que sufren los recortes del estado del bienestar, se plantea un nuevo golpe contra éstos. Los trabajadores, por su mayor propensión marginal al consumo, son los únicos que actualmente pueden consumir y estimular la demanda interna del país para permitir la generación de actividad económica para las PYME. Tratar de producir más desempleo y reducir sus rentas aún más supondrá la dilapidación de toda esperanza de generar trabajo en el país.

¿Comparte la Comisión las conclusiones del informe presentado por la misión del FMI? Tras la última reforma laboral que ha generado casi 1 000 000 de desempleados más en el país, ¿no considera la Comisión que aplicar la nueva reforma que propone el FMI en España producirá más desempleados? ¿Piensa la Comisión, a la luz de las diferentes estadísticas disponibles, que el FMI tiene razón al afirmar que el salario de los españoles se ha mantenido igual que en 2007? ¿Qué efectos considera que tendría aplicar estas recomendaciones sobre la demanda interna del país?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(23 de julio de 2013)

La Comisión está supervisando de cerca la evolución y las reformas del mercado laboral español. Su evaluación global se encuentra resumida en las recomendaciones específicas por países de 2013 y en el documento de trabajo de los servicios de la Comisión que las acompaña, publicados el 29 de mayo de 2013. Para hacer frente al nivel inaceptablemente elevado de desempleo, España debe terminar antes del fin de julio de 2013 la evaluación de la reforma del mercado de trabajo de 2012, ocupándose de todo el conjunto de sus objetivos y medidas, y presentar las modificaciones que fueran necesarias para septiembre de 2013. Además, la cooperación entre los servicios públicos de empleo nacionales y autonómicos, así como entre los servicios de empleo públicos y las agencias de colocación privadas, debe hacerse plenamente operativa. Debe llevarse a cabo una reforma integral de las políticas activas del mercado de trabajo y deben tomarse medidas adicionales para modernizar y reforzar el servicio público de empleo. Además, se debe prestar atención específica a los jóvenes que no tienen empleo y tampoco están siguiendo una educación o formación, a los trabajadores menos cualificados, a los de más edad y a los desempleados de larga duración.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007380/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: IMF proposal for a new labour reform in Spain

On 19 June 2013, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on the Spanish Government to undertake a deeper reform of the labour market in order to tackle the very severe unemployment problem the country is facing.

Those involved have been dubbed the ‘men in black’, and the IMF mission chief for Spain, James Daniel, has lived up to this moniker with his plans to bury the Spanish economy and any chances of creating economic growth once and for all. Daniel is calling for another deep labour reform to be carried out in order to create jobs, as he believes the last labour reform undertaken by the government under his orders was a success. However, the truth is that this labour reform that he is lauding has resulted in 1 million more unemployed people, leading the country to the very serious situation in which it finds itself, with 6 million people currently unemployed.

The IMF mission’s recommendations have little regard for its objectives of generating growth in the country and represent a direct attack on Spanish workers with the aim of improving capital gains. The mission chief has stated that salaries in Spain are the same as in 2007, when statistics from the Spanish National Statistical Institute (INE) itself show that wage income has fallen below business income in the distribution of GDP.

At a time when poverty rates are skyrocketing and the quality of life is in freefall for Spanish workers, who are the ones suffering as a result of welfare cuts, this comes as another blow for them. Workers, because of their greater marginal propensity to consume, are now the only ones who can consume and stimulate domestic demand in the country in order to generate economic activity for small and medium-sized enterprises. Trying to create more unemployment and reducing their income even further will destroy any hope of creating work in the country.

Does the Commission agree with the conclusions of the report presented by the IMF mission? After the last labour reform, which led to almost another 1 million unemployed people in the country, does the Commission not think that applying the new reform proposed by the IMF in Spain will lead to more unemployment? Does the Commission believe, in the light of the different statistics available, that the IMF is right in stating that Spanish wages are the same as in 2007? What effects does it believe applying these recommendations would have on the country’s domestic demand?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2013)

The Commission is monitoring closely Spanish labour market developments and reforms. Its overall assessment has been summarised in the 2013 country-specific recommendations and the accompanying Staff Working Document published on 29 May 2013. To address the unacceptably high level of unemployment, Spain should finalise the evaluation of the 2012 labour market reform covering the full range of its objectives and measures by July 2013, and present amendments, if necessary, by September 2013. Moreover, the cooperation between national and regional public employment services and between public employment services and private placement agencies should be made fully operational. A comprehensive reform of active labour market policies (ALMPs) needs to be implemented and additional action taken to modernise and reinforce the Public Employment Service itself. Specific attention should be also paid to young people not in employment, education or training, the low-skilled, older workers and the long-term unemployed.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007381/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Hilfszahlungen aus dem Europäischen Solidaritätsfonds bei Überschwemmungen

In der Pressemitteilung MEMO/13/492 vom 3. Juni 2013 (76) schreibt die Kommission, dass im Zusammenhang mit den im Mai und Juni 2013 aufgetretenen Überschwemmungen von Flutkatastrophen betroffene EU-Mitgliedstaaten Anspruch auf finanzielle Hilfe aus dem Europäischen Solidaritätsfonds (EUSF) haben. In der Pressemitteilung heißt es konkret, dass die normale Hürde zur Aktivierung des EUSF für Österreich bei einem direkten Schaden von über 1,79 Milliarden EUR, für Tschechien bei über 872 Millionen EUR und für Deutschland bei über 3,67 Milliarden EUR liegt.

„normale“ Hürde? Gibt es auch Ausnahmen von dieser Regel? Wenn, ja welche?

Antwort von Herrn Hahn im Namen der Kommission

(22. August 2013)

Der Schwellenwert für Katastrophen größeren Ausmaßes (damit ist „normale Hürde“ gemeint) ist der in der Verordnung über den EU-Solidaritätsfonds (EUSF) festgelegte Schadenswert, ab dem der Fonds in Anspruch genommen werden kann, d. h. 0,6 % des BNE oder 3 Mrd. EUR zu Preisen von 2002, je nachdem, welcher Wert niedriger ist. Die Schwellenwerte für Katastrophen größeren Ausmaßes basieren auf den aktuellen BNE-Zahlen von Eurostat. Ausnahmsweise kann auch bei regionalen Katastrophen, die die vorstehend genannten „normalen“ Schwellenwerte nicht erreichen, Finanzhilfe geleistet werden.

Bei den Anträgen auf EUSF-Unterstützung wird sorgfältig geprüft, welche direkten Schäden die Katastrophe verursacht hat und inwieweit die nationalen Behörden zuständig sind. Grundlage für die Festlegung des Unterstützungsbetrags ist der direkte Gesamtschaden. Die Berechnungsmethode der Kommission basiert auf einem progressiven System mit zwei Komponenten: Der Zuschusssatz für ein von einer Katastrophe betroffenes Land beläuft sich für den unter dem Schwellenwert liegenden Teil des direkten Gesamtschadens auf 2,5 %, für den darüberliegenden Teil des Schadens auf 6 %. Die beiden Beträge werden addiert.

Für außergewöhnliche regionale Katastrophen wird dieselbe Methode angewendet. Von derartigen Katastrophen betroffene Länder (mit einem Gesamtschaden unterhalb des Schwellenwerts) erhalten eine Finanzhilfe in Höhe von 2,5 % des direkten Gesamtschadens.

Nachdem die Kommission die Anträge geprüft und den Finanzhilfebetrag berechnet hat, leitet sie den entsprechenden Finanzhilfevorschlag zur Genehmigung an das Europäische Parlament und den Rat weiter (im Wege eines Berichtigungshaushalts). Dieses Verfahren kann einige Monate in Anspruch nehmen. Wenn die Haushaltsmittel bereitgestellt wurden und die Durchführungsvereinbarung zwischen der Kommission und dem Empfängerland geschlossen wurde, wird die Finanzhilfe in Form eines einmaligen Betrags ausgezahlt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007381/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Flood relief from the European Solidarity Fund

In its press release MEMO/13/492 of 3 June 2013 (77) the Commission states that Member States affected by the disastrous flooding in May and June 2013 are eligible for assistance from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF). Specifically, the press release states that the normal threshold for activating the EUSF is direct damage of more than EUR 1.79 billion for Austria, EUR 872 million for the Czech Republic and EUR 3.67 billion for Germany.

‘normal’ mean here? Are there exceptions to this rule? If so, what are they?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2013)

The threshold for major disasters (the reference to ‘normal’ applies to this) is the level of damage defined by the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) Regulation to trigger the intervention of the Fund, i.e. 0.6% of GNI or EUR 3 billion in 2002 prices, whichever is lower. Major disaster thresholds are based on recent Eurostat figures for GNI. Under exceptional circumstances, regional disasters can also be supported, which do not meet the before mentioned ‘normal’ thresholds.

Applications for EUSF support are based on a solid assessment of the direct damage caused by the disaster and the responsibility of the national authorities. Total direct damage is the basis of determination of the aid amount. The calculation method applied by the Commission is based on a progressive system in two brackets whereby a country affected by a disaster receives a rate of aid of 2.5% for the part of total direct damage below the ‘major disaster’ threshold and a higher share of aid of 6% for the part of the damage exceeding the threshold. The two amounts are cumulative.

For extraordinary regional disasters, the same method is applied. Countries affected by those disasters, meaning they remain below the threshold, receive 2.5% of total direct damage in aid.

Once the Commission has assessed the application(s) and calculated the aid amount, it seeks the approval of the proposed aid by the European Parliament and the Council (via an amending budgetary procedure). This procedure can take a few months. Once the budget appropriations are made available, and following the conclusion of the implementation agreement between the Commission and the beneficiary country, the aid is paid out in a single instalment.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007382/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Evakuierungsmaßnahmen bei Naturkatastrophen

Anfang Juni 2013 führten starke Regenfälle in einigen Staaten Mitteleuropas zu schweren Überschwemmungen. Besonders Deutschland, Polen, Tschechien, Österreich und die Schweiz waren von den Unwettern betroffen. In mehreren Ländern mussten Ortschaften wegen großflächiger Überflutungen evakuiert werden.

Antwort von Frau Georgieva im Namen der Kommission

(20. August 2013)

Das Katastrophenschutzverfahren der EU unterstützt die Mitgliedstaaten durch die Erleichterung der Zusammenarbeit im Fall größerer Katastrophen, für die die nationalen Kapazitäten nicht ausreichen (Ratsentscheidungen 2001/792/EG, Euratom (78) und 2007/779/EG, Euratom (Neufassung) (79) sowie neuer Vorschlag für einen Beschluss des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über ein Katastrophenschutzverfahren der Union — KOM(2011)934 endg., über den derzeit verhandelt wird). Das Verfahren erleichtert außerdem den Austausch von Erfahrungen und bewährten Verfahren bei der Katastrophenbewältigung. Im Rahmen der künftigen Rechtsvorschriften sollen auch Risikoszenarien und mögliche Reaktionen geprüft werden, um Koordinierungspläne für gegenseitige Hilfe auf EU-Ebene zu erstellen.

Derzeit existieren auf EU-Ebene keine Vorschriften über Evakuierungen zum Schutz der Bürger im Fall von Naturkatastrophen; dies liegt in der Zuständigkeit der Mitgliedstaaten.

Über das Finanzierungsinstrument für den Katastrophenschutz unterstützt die Kommission finanziell einen von der litauischen EU-Ratspräsidentschaft veranstalteten Workshop zu Massenevakuierungen im Fall von Katastrophen („Workshop: on Mass evacuation in case of disasters“).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007382/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Evacuation of areas in cases of natural disaster

In early June 2013 heavy rainfall in several central European countries caused severe flooding. Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland were particularly badly affected by the storms. Some countries were forced to evacuate areas because of large-scale flooding.

Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism supports Member States by facilitating cooperation in the event of major disasters overwhelming national capacities (Council Decisions 2001/792/EC, Euratom (80); 2007/779/EC, Euratom (recast) (81), and the new proposal for a decision of Parliament and of the Council on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism COM(2011) 934 final currently under negotiation). The Mechanism furthermore facilitates the exchange of experience and good practice in disaster management. Under the future legislation it will assess significant risk scenarios and possible response situations with the objective of preparing coordination plans for mutual assistance at EU level.

There is currently no legislation at EU level on evacuation in case of natural disasters to protect citizens, which is a Member State's responsibility.

Through the Civil Protection Financial Instrument, the Commission is financially supporting the organisation of a ‘Workshop: on Mass evacuation in case of disasters’ by the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007383/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Probleme der europäischen Hersteller von Solarzellen und Solarmodulen

Seit Anfang 2012 ist die Anzahl der Hersteller von Solarzellen und Solarmodulen in Deutschland um mehr als 35 % geschrumpft. Im Februar 2013 gab es in Deutschland nur noch 21 deutsche Solarunternehmen. Experten führen die Probleme der deutschen Solarindustrie vor allem auf die Einfuhr günstigerer Solarzellen und ‐module aus China sowie die Streichung staatlicher Zuschüsse für den Bau von Photovoltaikanlagen zurück. Anfang Juni 2013 verhängte die EU-Kommission Strafzölle auf den Import von chinesischen Solarzellen und Solarmodulen.

Antwort von Herrn Tajani im Namen der Kommission

(27. August 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007383/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Problems faced by European manufacturers of solar cells and solar modules

In the past 18 months the number of German manufacturers of solar cells and solar modules has shrunk by over 35%. By February this year, only 21 German companies remained in this sector. Experts believe the German solar industry has been hard hit by imports of cheaper solar cells and modules from China and by the removal of subsidies for photovoltaics. At the beginning of June 2013 the Commission introduced punitive tariffs on imports of Chinese solar cells and modules.

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(27 August 2013)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007384/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Unabhängige Evaluierung der Entscheidungspraxis der Patentämter

Der Deutsche Bundestag verabschiedete am 7.6.2013 mit großer Mehrheit einen interfraktionellen Antrag mit dem Titel „Wettbewerb und Innovationsdynamik im Softwarebereich sichern — Patentierung von Computerprogrammen effektiv begrenzen“. Der Antrag fordert eine Reihe von Änderungen des Patentsystems beziehungsweise der Patentvergabepraxis für Softwarepatente und fordert spezifisch „eine unabhängige wissenschaftliche Evaluierung der Entscheidungspraxis der Patentämter, insbesondere des [Europäischen Patentamts].“

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(9. August 2013)

Die Kommission unterstützt das Ziel der Innovationsdynamik im Softwarebereich voll und ganz und verfolgt die Diskussionen auf diesem Gebiet aufmerksam.

Anders als in den USA sind Computerprogramme als solche auf der Grundlage des Europäischen Patentübereinkommens (EPÜ) in Europa nicht patentierbar. Europäische Patente können nur für eine Erfindung erteilt werden, vorausgesetzt sie ist neu, beruht auf einer erfinderischen Tätigkeit und ist gewerblich anwendbar ist. Computerprogramme als solche weisen generell nicht das erforderliche technische Merkmal auf und können daher nicht patentiert werden. Dies ist in Artikel 52 Absatz 2 EPÜ geregelt, in dem es heißt, dass Computerprogramme keine patentierbare Erfindung sind.

Computerprogramme sind von der Patentierbarkeit ausgeschlossen, sofern sie das allgemeine Patentierbarkeitskriterium nicht erfüllen. Erfindungen hingegen, die diese Anforderungen erfüllen, sind nicht allein aufgrund der Tatsache, dass sie über einen Computer umgesetzt werden, von der Patentierbarkeit ausgeschlossen. Davon ausgehend lassen sich „computerimplementierte Erfindungen“, d. h. Erfindungen, für die die Benutzung eines Computers erforderlich ist, in vielen Bereichen finden, z. B. in Smartphones und Sicherheitsvorrichtungen für Autos.

Vor diesem Hintergrund liegen der Kommission derzeit keine Belege für fragwürdige Vorgehensweisen europäischer Patentämter vor und sie sieht keine zwingenden Gründe für eine Evaluierung des europäischen Patentrechts im Bezug auf Software. Sie wird diese wichtige Thematik jedoch aufmerksam verfolgen und ist dankbar für jede Analyse, die die Interessenträger der Kommission möglicherweise zur Verfügung stellen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007384/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Independent assessment of patent office decision practice

On 7 June 2013 the German Bundestag approved by a large majority a cross-party bill on ‘Securing competition and dynamic innovation in the software sector — effective limits on software patents’. The bill calls for changes to the patent system and the practice of awarding patents for software, specifically calling for ‘an independent scientific assessment of patent office decision practice, particularly at the [European Patent Office]’.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2013)

The Commission fully supports the objective of dynamic innovation in the software sector and carefully follows discussions in this area.

Unlike in the US, on the basis of the European Patent Convention (EPC), computer programs as such cannot be patented in Europe. European patents can only be granted for an invention, provided that it is new, involves an inventive step and is susceptible of industrial application. Computer programs as such generally do not have the required technical character and thus cannot be patented. This is confirmed by Art. 52(2) EPC, which provides that programs for computers do not constitute a patentable invention.

Computer programs are excluded from patentability as far as they do not fulfil the general patentability criteria. By contrast, inventions, which do fulfil these requirements, are not excluded from patentability merely because they are implemented by a computer. On this basis, so called ‘computer-implemented inventions’, i.e. inventions which involve the use of a computer, can occur in many areas, e.g. in smart phones, safety devices in cars, etc.

Against this background, at this stage, the Commission does not dispose of any evidence which would point to questionable practices of European patent authorities, and does not see any compelling need for reviewing European patent law in relation to software. However, it will follow this important topic attentively and is grateful for any analysis which stakeholders would be ready to share with the Commission.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007385/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Vergabe von softwarebezogenen Patenten durch das Europäische Patentamt

Der Deutsche Bundestag verabschiedete am 7.6.2013 mit großer Mehrheit einen interfraktionellen Antrag mit dem Titel „Wettbewerb und Innovationsdynamik im Softwarebereich sichern — Patentierung von Computerprogrammen effektiv begrenzen“. Die Antragsautoren schreiben, dass „die Anzahl der allein vom [Europäischen Patentamt] erteilten softwarebezogenen Patente […] nach Schätzungen im hohen fünfstelligen Bereich“ liegt.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(27. August 2013)

Im Unterschied zu den USA können auf der Grundlage des Europäischen Patentübereinkommens (EPÜ) Computerprogramme in Europa nicht patentiert werden. Europäische Patente können nur für Erfindungen gewährt werden, vorausgesetzt, dass diese neu sind, auf einer erfinderischen Tätigkeit beruhen und industriell anwendbar sind. Computerprogramme verfügen im Allgemeinen nicht über den erforderlichen technischen Charakter und sind somit nicht patentierbar. Dies wird in Artikel 52 Absatz 2 EPÜ bestätigt, wonach Programme für Computer keine patentierbare Erfindung darstellen.

Computerprogramme sind jedoch nur von der Patentierbarkeit ausgeschlossen, soweit sie nicht die allgemeinen Patentierbarkeitskriterien erfüllen. Dagegen sind Erfindungen, die diese Anforderungen erfüllen, nicht automatisch von der Patentierbarkeit ausgeschlossen, nur weil sie von einem Computer implementiert werden. Auf dieser Grundlage können sogenannte „computerimplementierte Erfindungen“, d. h. Erfindungen, die die Verwendung eines Computers umfassen, viele Bereiche betreffen, z. B. Smartphones, Sicherheitsvorrichtungen in Autos usw.

Der Kommission liegen keine statistischen Angaben über die Erteilung europäischer Patente für derartige computerimplementierte Erfindungen vor. Informationen über erteilte Patente je Technologiebereich sind abrufbar unter:

http://www.epo.org/about-us/annual-reports-statistics/statistics/granted-patents.html

Berücksichtigt man, dass computerimplementierte Erfindungen in mehreren dieser Bereiche auftreten können und nicht alle Patenterteilungen in bestimmten Bereichen unbedingt mit computerimplementierten Erfindungen zusammenhängen, lassen diese Statistiken keine Schlussfolgerung über die Zahl der erteilten Patente für computerimplementierte Erfindungen zu.

Ebenso hat die Kommission weder Kenntnis von spezifischen Statistiken über Entscheidungen der Beschwerdekammern des Europäischen Patentamts über computerimplementierte Erfindungen noch von vergleichbaren Statistiken über nationale Gerichtsurteile.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007385/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Software patents awarded by the European Patent Office

On 7 June 2013 the German Bundestag approved by a large majority a cross-party bill on ‘Securing competition and dynamic innovation in the software sector — effective limits on software patents’. The authors of the bill state that it is estimated that the [European Patent Office] alone has awarded tens of thousands of software patents.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(27 August 2013)

Unlike in the US, on the basis of the European Patent Convention (EPC) computer programmes as such cannot be patented in Europe. European patents can only be granted for an invention, provided that it is new, involves an inventive step and is susceptible of industrial application. Computer programmes as such generally do not have the required technical character and can thus not be patented. This is confirmed by Art. 52(2) EPC which provides that programmes for computers do not constitute a patentable invention.

Yet computer programmes are only excluded from patentability as far as they do not fulfil the general patentability criteria. By contrast, inventions which do fulfil these requirements are not excluded from patentability merely because they are implemented by a computer. On this basis, so called ‘computer-implemented inventions’, i.e. inventions which involve the use of a computer, can occur in many areas, e.g. in smart phones, safety devices in cars etc.

The Commission does not have any statistics on the grant of European patents for such computer-implemented inventions. Information on patents granted per field of technology can be found at:

http://www.epo.org/about-us/annual-reports-statistics/statistics/granted-patents.html

Yet given that computer-implemented inventions may occur in several of these fields and not all patents granted in specific fields are necessarily computer-implemented inventions, these statistics do not allow any conclusion on the number of patents granted for computer-implemented inventions.

Similarly, the Commission is also not aware of specific statistics on decisions of the EPO’s Boards of Appeal concerning computer-implemented inventions, nor of similar statistics on national court decisions.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007386/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(21 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Γενόσημα φάρμακα και υγιής ανταγωνισμός στην ευρωπαϊκή φαρμακοβιομηχανία

Πρόσφατη απόφαση του Ανώτατου Δικαστηρίου των ΗΠΑ προχωράει στην απαγόρευση της λεγομένης «pay-to-delay» πρακτικής των μεγάλων φαρμακοβιομηχανιών. Σύμφωνα με την πρακτική αυτή, οι μεγάλες φαρμακοβιομηχανίες πληρώνουν — εξαγοράζουν ουσιαστικά — τις μικρότερες με σκοπό να εξασφαλίσουν την καθυστέρηση της παραγωγής γενόσημων, και κατ' επέκταση φθηνότερων, φαρμάκων. Το αποτέλεσμα είναι όλες οι φαρμακοβιομηχανίες να έχουν όφελος (οι μεγάλες γιατί εξακολουθούν να πουλούν τα ακριβά φάρμακά τους και οι μικρές γιατί λαμβάνουν χρήματα από τις μεγαλύτερες για να καθυστερήσουν την παραγωγή γενοσήμων) ενώ οι καταναλωτές (κράτη, ασφαλιστικά ταμεία, ασθενείς) να ζημιώνονται. Την τελευταία δεκαετία, η χρήση γενόσημων φαρμάκων έχει συμβάλει στην εξοικονόμηση ενός τρισεκατομμυρίου δολαρίων μόνο στις ΗΠΑ, ενώ υπολογίζεται ότι ο αριθμός αυτός θα ήταν μεγαλύτερος αν η πρακτική «pay-to-delay» είχε απαγορευθεί.

Με βάση τα παραπάνω, ερωτάται η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(7 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή έχει επίγνωση των συμφωνιών «pay-for-delay», και έθεσε ως προτεραιότητα της επιβολής του νόμου την αμφισβήτηση των εν λόγω ειδών συμφωνιών όταν αυτές συνιστούν παράβαση του άρθρου 101 ή 102 της ΣΛΕΕ.

Στην πράξη, στις 19 Ιουνίου 2013, η Επιτροπή επέβαλε πρόστιμο ύψους 93,8 εκατ. ευρώ στη δανική φαρμακευτική εταιρεία Lundbeck και πρόστιμα συνολικού ύψους 52,2 εκατ. ευρώ στους παραγωγούς γενόσημων φαρμάκων Alpharma (τώρα τμήμα της Zoetis), Merck KGaA/Generics UK (η Generics UK είναι τώρα τμήμα της Μylan), Arrow (τώρα τμήμα της Αctavis) και Ranbaxy. Τα μέρη διαπιστώθηκε ότι παρέβησαν το άρθρο 101 της ΣΛΕΕ καθυστερώντας την είσοδο στην αγορά γενόσημης κιταλοπράμης μέσω συμφωνιών «pay-for-delay».

Τρεις επιπλέον οι έρευνες (88) είναι υπό εξέλιξη: Υπόθεση 39.612 Servier, υπόθεση 39.685 Fentanyl και υπόθεση 39.686 Cephalon.

Τα ευρωπαϊκά δικαστήρια δεν έχουν ακόμη επιληφθεί των συμφωνιών «pay-for-delay» στον φαρμακευτικό τομέα.

Όπως δείχνει η δράση της Επιτροπής όσον αφορά την επιβολή του νόμου, αυτά τα είδη συμφωνιών, όπως στις ΗΠΑ, ενδέχεται να παραβιάζουν την αντιμονοπωλιακή νομοθεσία. Ήδη στην τελική έκθεση της έρευνας για τον φαρμακευτικό κλάδο του 2009, η Επιτροπή τόνισε ότι οι συμφωνίες διακανονισμού όσον αφορά τα διπλώματα ευρεσιτεχνίας μπορεί, μερικές φορές, να περιλαμβάνουν περιορισμό του ανταγωνισμού που παραβιάζει τους κανόνες ανταγωνισμού της ΕΕ, εφόσον η γενόσημη εταιρεία δέχθηκε να παραμείνει εκτός αγοράς, με αντάλλαγμα κάποιο όφελος εκ μέρους της εταιρείας παραγωγής αρχέτυπων φαρμάκων (συμφωνίες αναφερόμενες ως «pay-for-delay» συμφωνίες).

Μετά την τομεακή έρευνα, η Επιτροπή έχει πραγματοποιήσει τρεις ελέγχους στο πλαίσιο της παρακολούθησης των διπλωμάτων ευρεσιτεχνίας (89).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007386/13

to the Commission

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Generic drugs and healthy competition in the European pharmaceutical industry

A recent decision by the US Supreme Court moves to ban the practice of so-called ‘pay-to-delay’ by large pharmaceutical companies. This practice means that large pharmaceutical companies pay — in effect, buy out — smaller ones in order to ensure that the production of generic, and hence cheaper, drugs is delayed. As a result, all pharmaceutical companies benefit (the larger ones because they continue to sell their expensive drugs and the smaller ones because they are paid by the larger ones to delay the production of generic drugs); it is consumers (States, insurance funds, patients) who lose out in this arrangement. Over the last decade, the use of generic drugs has helped to save one trillion US dollars in the US alone, though it is estimated that this figure would be higher if the practice of ‘pay-to-delay’ had been banned.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

The European Commission is aware of ‘pay-for-delay’ agreements, and has made it an enforcement priority to challenge these types of agreements when they are found to infringe Article 101 or 102 TFEU.

In fact, on 19 June 2013 the Commission imposed a fine of EUR 93.8 million on the Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and fines totalling EUR 52.2 million on generic producers Alpharma (now part of Zoetis), Merck KGaA/Generics UK (Generics UK is now part of Mylan), Arrow (now part of Actavis), and Ranbaxy. The parties were found to have infringed Article 101 TFEU by delaying the entry into the market of generic citalopram entry through ‘pay-for-delay’ agreements.

Three additional investigations (90) are under way: Case 39.612 Servier, Case 39.685 Fentanyl, and Case 39.686 Cephalon.

The European courts have not yet dealt with ‘pay-for-delay’ agreements in the pharmaceutical sector.

As the Commission's enforcement action shows, these types of agreements, like in the U.S., may infringe antitrust law. Already in the 2009 Final Report of the Pharmaceutical Sector Inquiry, the Commission highlighted that patent settlement agreements may sometimes embody a restriction of competition which infringes EU competition rules, if the generic company accepted to stay out of the market in exchange for benefits transferred from the originator (referred to as ‘pay-for-delay’ agreements).

Since the sector inquiry the Commission has carried out three patent settlement monitoring exercises (91).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007387/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(21 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Ευρωπαϊκή Υπηρεσία Επιλογής Προσωπικού (EPSO)

Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι:

Με βάση όλα τα παραπάνω:

Απάντηση του κ. Šefčovič εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(1 Αυγούστου 2013)

Όλες οι ερωτήσεις που περιέχει επί του παρόντος η βάση δεδομένων της EPSO παρέχονται από εξωτερικούς παρόχους υπηρεσιών που ειδικεύονται στον σχεδιασμό και την ανάπτυξη δοκιμασιών. Οι πάροχοι αυτοί προσδιορίστηκαν στο πλαίσιο σύναψης συμβάσεων με ανοικτές διαδικασίες, βάσει των οποίων η EPSO έχει συνάψει συμβάσεις-πλαίσια σχετικά με την κατάρτιση θεμάτων για δοκιμασίες. Ανάλογα με το είδος των δοκιμασιών, η γλώσσα-πηγή είναι είτε αποκλειστικά η αγγλική, είτε η αγγλική, η γαλλική και η γερμανική. Όλες οι ερωτήσεις μεταφράστηκαν εσωτερικά από τη Γενική Διεύθυνση Μετάφρασης της Επιτροπής, με αποτέλεσμα να εξασφαλίζονται υψηλά επίπεδα ποιότητας και ασφάλειας του περιεχομένου της δοκιμασίας. Οι ερωτήσεις παραδίδονται μέσω της ασφαλούς πλατφόρμας δοκιμασιών του αναδόχου για τα CBT στο δίκτυο των κέντρων δοκιμασιών.

Για τη μετάφραση των ερωτήσεων σε όλες τις επίσημες γλώσσες της ΕΕ εφαρμόστηκαν αυστηρά ποιοτικά κριτήρια αναφοράς. Ειδικότερα, η διαδικασία μετάφρασης πρέπει να μην μεταβάλλει το μήκος των επιμέρους ερωτήσεων, την έννοια και το σκεπτικό της ερώτησης, την ορθή απάντηση και το επίπεδο δυσκολίας. Η Γενική Διεύθυνση Μετάφρασης και η EPSO διοργάνωσαν συναντήσεις για τη διόρθωση των κειμένων. Τέλος, οι ερωτήσεις δοκιμάστηκαν πριν παραδοθούν και η «απόδοσή» τους (δηλαδή κάθε δυνητικά σημαντική απόκλιση όσον αφορά την απάντηση των υποψηφίων) παρακολουθείται διαρκώς σε όλες τις γλώσσες. Ερωτήσεις για τις οποίες ήταν αδύνατο να τηρηθούν τα προαναφερθέντα κριτήρια αναφοράς είτε δεν μεταφράστηκαν σε όλες τις γλώσσες, είτε το επίπεδο δυσκολίας τους αξιολογήθηκε εκ νέου σε ορισμένες γλώσσες, ώστε να ληφθεί υπόψη ο αντίκτυπος της μεταφραστικής διαδικασίας.

Η EPSO κάνει χρήση εσωτερικής ψυχομετρικής εμπειρογνωμοσύνης για την παρακολούθηση των επιδόσεων στις επιμέρους ερωτήσεις, μέσω ανάλυσης βασιζόμενης στη θεωρία για την απάντηση στο θέμα (Item Response Theory). Αυτό επιτρέπει τη βέλτιστη διαμόρφωση των δοκιμασιών καθώς και την αμεροληψία και τη συνοχή σε όλες τις γλώσσες.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007387/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

Given that:

Will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

All questions currently in EPSO's database were provided by external providers who specialise in test design and development. These providers were identified by open procurement processes, allowing EPSO to conclude framework contracts for the creation of test items. Depending on the type of tests, the source language is either English exclusively, or English, French and German. All questions were translated internally by the Translation Directorate General of the Commission, thereby guaranteeing high levels of quality and security of test content. The questions are delivered via the secured test platform of the CBT contractor to their network of test centres.

Strict quality benchmarks were followed for the translation of questions into all official EU languages. In particular, the translation process must not alter the length of individual questions, the meaning and reasoning of the question, the correct reply and the difficulty level. Proofreading sessions were organised by the Translation Directorate General and by EPSO. Finally, questions were trialed before delivery and their ‘performance’ (i.e. any potentially significant variation in candidates' response to them) is constantly monitored across all languages. Questions for which it was impossible to respect the abovementioned benchmarks were either not translated into all languages, or their difficulty level was reassessed in some languages to take into account of the impact of the translation process.

EPSO uses internal psychometric expertise to monitor the performance of individual questions, via an analysis based on Item Response Theory. This allows optimal calibration of the tests as well as fairness and consistency across all languages.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007388/13

à la Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(21 juin 2013)

Objet: OCDE et paradis fiscaux

Un nouveau rapport de l'OCDE intitulé «Un tournant pour la transparence fiscale» et préparé à la demande du G8 pour le sommet de Lough Erne, présente des mesures concrètes afin d'instaurer un système multilatéral, sécurisé et efficace en termes de coûts d'échange automatique de renseignements fiscaux.

Dans un rapport publié en 2000, l'OCDE a recensé un certain nombre de juridictions comme étant des paradis fiscaux. Entre l'année 2000 et avril 2002, 31 juridictions se sont engagées pour mettre en œuvre les principes de l'OCDE en matière de transparence et d'échange effectif de renseignements en matière fiscale.

Des 50 «juridictions offshore» établies par l'Accountability Office du gouvernement américain, 21 sont des pays liés à l'Union européenne. Les 21 paradis fiscaux situés dans l'Union européenne ou relevant de la juridiction de ses États membres facilitent la perte de plus de 80 milliards d'euros de recettes fiscales à travers le monde, sans compter la fraude fiscale des entreprises et des multinationales.

Réponse donnée par M. Šemeta au nom de la Commission

(1er août 2013)

La Commission mène de longue date une politique visant à encourager la bonne gouvernance dans le domaine fiscal à l'égard des pays tiers, qui repose sur la transparence, l'échange d'informations et la concurrence fiscale loyale. Ces normes servent de base aux critères permettant de déterminer les «paradis fiscaux» définis dans la recommandation de la Commission C(2012)8805 final du 6 décembre 2012 relative à des mesures visant à encourager les pays tiers à appliquer des normes minimales de bonne gouvernance dans le domaine fiscal.

La liste des 50 juridictions mentionnées par l'honorable parlementaire provient d'un rapport de 2008 élaboré par le Government Accountability Office (USA), établi sur la base de données de l'OCDE de 2007, d'un article de 1994 provenant du «Quarterly Journal of Economics» et d'une ordonnance d'un tribunal américain. Cette liste ne tient pas compte des progrès considérables réalisés depuis 2009 en matière de transparence et d'échange d'informations dans le cadre du forum global, et elle revêt plutôt une valeur historique en ce qui concerne les éléments énumérés au point 4 de la question de l'honorable parlementaire. La politique de la Commission concernant l'introduction d'une liste noire des paradis fiscaux a été examinée dans la réponse à la question écrite E-005767/2013, posée par M. Marc Tarabella, à laquelle l'honorable parlementaire est invité à se référer.

Par ailleurs, la Commission s'emploie activement à encourager l'échange automatique d'informations en tant que norme mondiale, comme le souligne sa récente proposition législative visant à étendre le champ d'application de l'échange automatique d'information au titre de la directive 2011/16/UE du Conseil relative à la coopération administrative dans le domaine fiscal.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007388/13

to the Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: OECD and tax havens

A new OECD report, ‘A Step Change in Tax Transparency’, prepared at the request of the G8 for the Lough Erne Summit, outlines the concrete steps needed to put in place a multilateral, secure and cost-effective model for the automatic exchange of fiscal information.

In a report issued in 2000 the OECD identified a number of jurisdictions as tax havens. Between 2000 and April 2002, 31 jurisdictions undertook to implement the OECD’s standards relating to transparency and the effective exchange of fiscal information.

Twenty-one of the fifty ‘off-shore jurisdictions’ identified by the Accountability Office of the US Government are countries linked to the European Union. These 21 tax havens located within the European Union or subject to the jurisdiction of its Member States facilitate the loss of over EUR 80 billion worldwide, not including the tax dodged by companies and multinationals.

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

The Commission has a long established policy on promoting good governance in tax matters vis-à-vis third countries, which is based on transparency, exchange of information and fair tax competition. These standards form the basis for the criteria for identifying so-called tax havens as laid down in Commission Recommendation C(2012) 8805 (final) of 6 December 2012 regarding measures intended to encourage third countries to apply minimum standards of good governance in tax matters.

The list of 50 jurisdictions referred to by the Honourable Member originates from a 2008 Report by the US Government Accountability Office, based in turn on 2007 OECD data, a 1994 article from ‘The Quarterly Journal of Economics ’ and a US Court Order. The list disregards important developments on transparency and exchange of information through the Global Forum since 2009 and therefore is rather of historical value in relation to the elements listed in point 4 of the Honourable Member's question. The Commission's policy regarding the introduction of a black list of tax havens has been addressed in the answer given to Written Question E-005767/2013 by Mr Marc Tarabella, to which the Honourable Member is kindly referred.

In addition, the Commission is actively engaged in promoting automatic exchange of information as the global standard, underlined by its recent legislative proposal to extend the scope of automatic exchange of information under Council Directive 2011/16/EU on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007389/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(21 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Abilitazione all'insegnamento in Italia: meccanismo dei tirocini formativi attivi (TFA)

Il futuro successo economico dell'UE dipende certamente dall’istruzione che, richiamata dal trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea negli articoli 165 e 166, consente, tra le altre cose, ai giovani europei di competere in modo efficace in un'economia globalizzata basata sulla conoscenza. Fino al 2008, in Italia, l’abilitazione all'insegnamento era conseguita tramite la frequenza delle SSIS (Scuole di specializzazione per l’insegnamento), mentre, successivamente, con il decreto ministeriale 249/2010 è stato introdotto il meccanismo del tirocinio formativo attivo (TFA).

Entrambe le procedure hanno dimostrato parecchi limiti applicativi che, insieme a pericolose lacune di diritto, hanno generato una situazione d’inefficienza che lede i diritti d’insegnanti e alunni.

La mancata indizione di nuovi concorsi e il mancato avvio, contestualmente alla chiusura delle SSIS, di nuovi percorsi abilitanti hanno spinto le singole istituzioni scolastiche a impiegare docenti non abilitati per garantire l’insegnamento delle classi di concorso esaurite. Per questa speciale categoria di insegnanti che, pur non abilitati, hanno però lavorato per anni nelle scuole, è stato istituto un TFA cosiddetto «speciale», previa modifica del Decreto Ministeriale (n. 249/2010).

Oggi l’accesso ai TFA è a pagamento: le quote di iscrizione alla frequenza hanno infatti un costo medio compreso tra i 2.000 e i 3.000 euro annui che lo trasformano in una tassa sulla formazione obbligatoria imposta dallo Stato. L’accesso al TFA speciale è previsto solo per docenti non abilitati escludendo gli insegnanti di ruolo con servizio specifico. Pur di lavorare, non di rado sono costretti ad accettare qualunque supplenza, in base alle esigenze delle scuole, per cui capita spesso che il servizio venga svolto in più classi di concorso, il che non può essere interpretato come un demerito, in quanto la mansione svolta è sempre quella di docente e l’esperienza maturata è pari se non addirittura maggiore.

Può la Commissione dire se è a conoscenza di questa situazione?

Con riferimento all’Allegato I delle conclusioni del Consiglio del 12 maggio 2009 su un quadro strategico per la cooperazione europea nel settore dell'istruzione e della formazione (ET 2020), come valuta la posizione dell’Italia rispetto ai «Criteri di riferimento europei» nell’ambito del monitoraggio periodico dei progressi compiuti nel periodo 2010-2020?

Ritiene che attualmente il sistema italiano di formazione degli insegnanti sia in linea con la disposizione 3.6 «Priorità per gli Stati Membri» — Revisione e rafforzamento del profilo professionale di tutte le professioni dell'insegnamento contenuta nella comunicazione della Commissione al Parlamento europeo, al Consiglio, al Comitato economico e sociale europeo e al Comitato delle regioni (COM(2012)0669 def del 20 novembre 2012)?

Risposta di Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione

(20 agosto 2013)

A norma dell'articolo 165 del trattato sul funzionamento dell'UE agli Stati membri compete la responsabilità esclusiva per quanto riguarda il contenuto dell'insegnamento e l'organizzazione del sistema di istruzione. Le questioni sollevate dall'onorevole deputata esulano quindi dalle competenze dell'UE in questi settori.

Nel contesto del metodo di coordinamento aperto gli Stati membri hanno scelto di collaborare nel quadro dell'UE per conseguire obiettivi comuni, come definito nella strategia UE 2020 e nella strategia per l'istruzione e la formazione (ET 2020). Migliorare la qualità dell'insegnamento e la formazione dei docenti è un obiettivo fondamentale del programma di riforme stabilito dal Consiglio «Istruzione». Nel 2010 è stato istituito un gruppo di lavoro tematico sullo sviluppo professionale dei docenti, che rappresenta quasi tutti gli Stati membri ed ha già messo a punto una serie di raccomandazioni.

Nel novembre del 2012 la Commissione ha pubblicato l'European and Training Monitor, che offre una visione d'insieme dei principali indicatori sui sistemi di istruzione e formazione in Europa, consentendo così ai responsabili politici di raffrontare i progressi compiuti nonché di individuare le sfide incombenti. Il documento di lavoro dei servizi della Commissione sul «sostegno alle professioni dell'insegnamento per migliori risultati dell'apprendimento» ha individuato le principali sfide che gli Stati membri affrontano per offrire sostegno alla professione di docente.

Nel quadro del processo del semestre europeo 2013 l'Italia ha ricevuto una raccomandazione specifica per paese (country-specific recommendation — CSR) in tema di istruzione, nella quale si sollecita la riforma dello sviluppo professionale e della carriera dei docenti. La Commissione verificherà se si terrà conto della CSR nella definizione delle priorità di investimento in fase di negoziazione con l'Italia del nuovo ciclo di fondi strutturali per il periodo 2014-2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007389/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Teacher training in Italy: Tirocini Formativi Attivi (Active Training Apprenticeships) (TFA)

The future economic success of the EU certainly depends on education, which, as highlighted by Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, enables, among other things, young Europeans to compete effectively in a globalised, knowledge-based economy. In Italy, until 2008, it was necessary to attend SSIS (Scuole di specializzazione per l’insegnamento) (Teacher Specialisation Schools) to train to be a teacher, while, since then, Ministerial Decree No 249/2010 has introduced the Tirocini Formativi Attivi (Active Training Apprenticeships) (TFA) system.

Both these procedures have shown many limits in their application which, combined with dangerous legal shortcomings, have led to a situation of inefficiency which damages the rights of both teachers and pupils.

A lack of new competitions and, in parallel with the closure of the SSIS, a failure to launch new training courses has forced individual schools to employ unqualified teachers to teach subjects for which no qualified teachers are available. Specifically for this special category of teachers who, although not qualified, have worked for some years in schools, a so-called ‘special’ TFA has been launched, by amending the Ministerial Decree (No 249/2010).

Today, teachers must pay to gain access to the TFA: the average cost of the enrolment fees is between EUR 2 000 and EUR 3 000 per year, which has transformed these courses into a tax on mandatory training imposed by the State. Access to the special TFA is only available to unqualified teachers, thus excluding tenured teachers with specific teaching hours. Just to be able to work, they are regularly forced to take any supply teaching, based on the schools’ requirements, and it thus often happens that they teach in various subject areas, which should not be seen as a weakness, since they are still perform the role of teacher and they gain equal if not greater experience.

Could the Commission state whether it is aware of this situation?

With reference to Annex I of the Council conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’), how does it assess the position of Italy compared with the ‘European benchmarks’ in the context of the periodic monitoring of progress achieved during 2010-2020?

Does it believe that the Italian teacher training system is currently in line with Provision 3.6 ‘Priorities for Member States’ — Revise and strengthen the professional profile of all teaching professions, contained in the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions (COM(2012) 669 final of 20 November 2012)?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

According to Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, Member States have the sole responsibility for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems. The issues raised by the Honourable Member fall therefore outside the scope of the EU competence in these matters.

Within the context of the Open Method of Coordination, Member States have chosen to cooperate within the EU framework in order to achieve common goals, as defined in the EU 2020 and the Education and Training (ET) 2020 strategy. Improving the teaching profession and teachers’ education is a key objective of the reform agenda set by the Education Council. A Thematic Working Group on Teacher Professional Development, representing nearly all Member States, was set up in 2010 and has already developed a number of recommendations.

In November 2012, the Commission published the European and Training Monitor, providing a comprehensive overview of the main indicators on education and training systems in Europe, enabling policy-makers to compare progress as well as to identify the immediate challenges ahead. The Commission Staff Working document ‘Supporting the Teaching Professions for Better Learning Outcomes’ identified the main challenges Member States are facing to support the teaching profession.

In the context of the 2013 European Semester process, Italy has received a country-specific recommendation (CSR) on education issues, in which it is recommended to reform teachers' professional and career development. The Commission will verify if the CSR is taken into account in the definition of investment priorities when negotiating the new cycle of 2014-2020 Structural Funds with Italy.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-007390/13

adresată Comisiei

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(21 iunie 2013)

Subiect: Introducerea serviciului european de taxare rutieră electronică

De la primele demersuri, începute în 2004, și până astăzi, obiectivul general al unui serviciu de taxare rutieră electronică la nivel european este departe de a fi atins.

În prezent, 60% din drumurile cu taxă din UE sunt echipate cu sisteme de taxare electronică individuale, acest procent urmând să crească.

Intensificarea transportului rutier de marfă precum și preferința cetățenilor Uniunii pentru autovehicule în cazul deplasărilor domestice și transfrontaliere sunt dovezi ale necesității stabilirii unui sistem de taxare electronică interoperabil paneuropean.

Din păcate, în unele state membre costul taxei de drum pe perioade scurte, de exemplu pe o săptămână, este de patru ori mai mare decât costul proporțional al acestei taxe pe lună sau pe an.

Pe baza acestei situații, care sunt măsurile ce pot fi luate de către Comisie pentru a încerca să elimine astfel de discrepanțe care reprezintă un obstacol în calea deplasărilor transfrontaliere, având un impact negativ asupra acestora în interiorul Uniunii?

De asemenea, în Comunicarea sa din 30 august 2012, Comisia și-a rezervat dreptul de a prezenta o nouă inițiativă Parlamentului European și Consiliului dacă până la mijlocul anului 2013 nu vor fi fost realizate progrese substanțiale.

Dat fiind faptul că acest termen a fost atins, care sunt orientările viitoarei propuneri a Comisiei și, mai ales, cum consideră că poate fi asigurată atractivitatea sistemului, în special din punct de vedere financiar, pentru părțile implicate (atât autorități cât și furnizori), în contextul în care actualul eșec al SETRE se datorează lipsei de interes a acestora?

Răspuns dat de dl Kallas în numele Comisiei

(31 iulie 2013)

Comisia încearcă să se asigure că sistemele de taxare rutieră bazate pe durata utilizării (de tip eurovinietă) nu penalizează utilizatorii nerezidenți ocazionali prin faptul că nu furnizează opțiuni pentru utilizarea pe termen scurt a infrastructurii rutiere. Legislația UE prevede că taxele de utilizare trebuie să fie proporționale cu durata utilizării infrastructurii, ținând totuși cont de unele costuri administrative suplimentare acceptabile. Pentru perioade scurte, ca o cerință minimă, utilizatorii trebuie să aibă posibilitatea de a achiziționa o vinietă săptămânală, la un preț care să nu depășească corespondentul ratei anuale cu mai mult de 5 %, pro rata temporis.

Comisia dorește să propună în cursul acestui an o inițiativă pentru a promova taxele rutiere bazate pe distanța parcursă și colectate prin sisteme de taxare electronică. Propunerea va urmări să faciliteze dezvoltarea unor sisteme de taxare rutieră mai echitabile și mai eficiente, pentru a garanta o coerență mai mare între sistemele de tarifare naționale. Aceasta va include, eventual, și dispoziții referitoare la autoturisme, acoperind aspecte legate de congestionarea traficului, cerințele de nediscriminare și drepturile utilizatorilor. Comisia va ține seama de gradul de acceptabilitate pentru utilizatori și de necesitatea de a întreține corespunzător infrastructura existentă.

În paralel, Comisia este dispusă să cofinanțeze un proiect de implementare inițială a SETRE în șapte state membre care înregistrează un trafic internațional important și dețin sisteme extinse de taxare rutieră, ceea ce va favoriza acoperirea europeană completă. Pe termen lung, numărul de vehicule pentru care se vor percepe taxe rutiere va crește, întrucât principiul „utilizatorul plătește” ar trebui aplicat la toate categoriile de vehicule. SETRE va fi mai atractiv pentru autoritățile publice, deoarece simplifică foarte mult introducerea sistemelor de taxare rutieră, dar și pentru furnizorii de servicii, întrucât baza de clienți va crește în mod semnificativ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007390/13

to the Commission

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Introduction of the European electronic road toll service

The overall objective of a Europe‐wide electronic toll service (EETS) — a project which started in 2004 — is still a long way from being achieved.

60% of toll roads in the EU are currently fitted with individual electronic toll systems, and that percentage continues to rise.

The intensification of goods haulage traffic and the fact that EU citizens prefer to use cars when travelling at home and abroad point to the need to establish an interoperable pan‐European electronic toll system.

Unfortunately, in some Member States, the cost of a short‐term tax disc, for example for one week, is four times more, proportionately, than the cost of a monthly or yearly disc.

What steps can the Commission take to eliminate this discrepancy, which is obstructing and adversely affecting cross‐border travel in the EU?

Similarly, in its communication of 30 August 2012, the Commission reserved the right to present a new initiative to the European Parliament and the Council if no substantial progress had been made on this matter by mid‐2013.

Since that deadline has now been reached, can the Commission state what approach it will take in its proposal, and also how it feels the system could be made more appealing to those involved (both the authorities and service providers), especially from a financial standpoint, bearing in mind that the current failure of the EETS can be ascribed to their lack of interest?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

The Commission seeks to ensure that time-based systems, like the Euro-vignette, do not penalise non-resident occasional users by failing to provide options for short-term usage of transit on the road infrastructure. The EU legislation provides that user charges shall be proportionate to the duration of the use made of the infrastructure, taking into account acceptable additional administrative costs. For short duration needs, as a minimum, a weekly vignette must be offered at a rate not exceeding the annual rate by more than 5%, prorata temporis.

The Commission is considering proposing an initiative later this year to promote distance-based road user charges collected through electronic tolling systems. The proposal would aim to facilitate the deployment of more fair and efficient road pricing schemes, to ensure greater consistency within the EU between national tariff schemes and to — possibly — include provisions for passenger cars addressing congestion, non-discrimination requirements and user rights. The Commission will take into account the users' acceptability and the necessity to properly maintain the existing infrastructure.

In parallel, the Commission is willing to co-finance a project of intial deployment of EETS in seven Member States with important international traffic and extensive tolling systems, which will foster the full European coverage. In the longer term, the number of vehicles liable to tolls will increase as the ‘user pays’ principle should be applied to all categories of vehicles. EETS will be more appealing to public authorities as it greatly simplifies the introduction of tolling and to service providers as the customer base will be significantly increased.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-007391/13

za Komisijo

Tanja Fajon (S&D)

(21. junij 2013)

Zadeva: Sum zlorabe finančnih sredstev EU pri financiranju Evropskega potrošniškega centra (EPC) in kršitev Sklepa št. 1926/2006/ES

Zavod PIP nas je nedavno obvestil o primeru morebitne zlorabe finančnih interesov EU pri dodelitvi finančnih sredstev Evropskemu potrošniškemu centru (EPC). Na podlagi poročila Ministrstva za gospodarski razvoj in tehnologijo o izredni reviziji izvedbe javnih razpisov, objavljenih na podlagi Zakona o varstvu potrošnikov ter poročila Komisije za preprečevanje korupcije je moč sklepati, da je pri dodelitvi finančnih sredstev EU prišlo do zlorabe. Urad za varstvo potrošnikov je namreč v letih 2007, 2008 in 2009 z izjavo o sofinanciranju projekta EPC vnaprej, brez pravne podlage, omogočila Zvezi potrošnikov Slovenije (ZPS) podpis pogodbe z Evropsko komisijo za naslednje leto, za katero ZPS sploh še ni bila izbrana za izvajalca projekta, in tako kar trikrat zapovrstjo povzročila konfliktno pravno situacijo, ko ima izvajalec projekta s strani Evropske komisije že podpisano pogodbo o sofinanciranju, ministrstvo pa ga formalno še ni izbralo.

Program varstva potrošnikov 2007–2013, ki sta ga Svet in Evropski parlament sprejela 18. decembra 2006 št. 1926/2006/ES o uvedbi programa ukrepov Skupnosti na področju potrošniške politike (2007–2013), predstavlja finančni okvir potrošniške politike. Sklep št. 1926/2006/ES, Priloga I, akcija 10 (Ukrepi na področju obveščanja, svetovanja in pravnega varstva) člen 10.2. določajo, da finančni prispevki za skupne ukrepe z javnimi ali neprofitnimi telesi, ki tvorijo mrežo Skupnosti, zagotavljajo informacije in pomoč potrošnikom, da bi jim pomagali pri uveljavljanju njihovih pravic pri dostopu do primernega reševanja sporov (mreža evropskih potrošniških centrov). Finančni prispevki za ukrepe iz člena 4(1)(a) se lahko dodelijo javnemu telesu ali neprofitnemu telesu, ki ga na podlagi preglednega postopka imenuje država članica ali zadevni pristojni organ in ga potrdi Komisija (člen 1, Priloga II, Sklep št. 1926/2006/ES). Iz prijave Zavoda PIP o goljufiji in korupciji v škodo proračuna EU v zvezi Evropskim potrošniškim centrom Slovenija (št. OLAF – OF/2013/0013) in priloženih dokumentov je razvidno, da gostiteljska organizacija Evropskega potrošniškega centra iz Slovenije ni bila izbrana na pregleden način, kot zahteva Sklep št. 1926/2006/ES.

Ali je bila Komisija o teh domnevnih nepravilnostih obveščena ter ali jih ustrezno preverja?

Katere ukrepe bo sprejela Izvajalska agencija za zdravje in potrošnike, da prihodnje prepreči podobne nezakonitosti? Katere postopke bo sprožila zoper odgovorne zaradi nezakonitega delovanja?

Odgovor g. Mimice v imenu Komisije

(8. avgust 2013)

Zavod PIP je avgusta 2012 Komisijo in Izvajalsko agencijo za zdravje in potrošnike obvestil o domnevnih nepravilnostih. Komisija in Agencija to zadevo skrbno spremljata, da bi pri dodeljevanju sredstev EU zagotovili popolno skladnost s finančno uredbo.

Agencija, ki je odgovorna za upravljanje nepovratnih sredstev Mreže evropskih potrošniških centrov (ECC-Net), je po notranji analizi od slovenskih organov zahtevala pojasnila o izbiri gostiteljske strukture Evropskega potrošniškega centra Slovenije. Ker je bil odgovor nezadovoljiv, je Agencija zadevo predala Evropskemu uradu za boj proti goljufijam, ki pa je zadevo zavrnil, saj jo je preiskovala že slovenska Komisija za preprečevanje korupcije. Agencija se je odločila, da do sprejetja končne odločitve glede domnevnih nepravilnosti ni primerno ustaviti dejavnosti, ki naj bi se izvajale z nepovratnimi sredstvi.

Junija 2013 je Agencija prejela rezultate preiskav Ministrstva za gospodarski razvoj in tehnologijo ter priporočila Komisije za preprečevanje korupcije Republike Slovenije, ki se trenutno prevajajo in preučujejo. Na podlagi teh rezultatov se bosta Agencija in po potrebi Komisija odločili o ustreznih ukrepih.

V tem okviru velja poudariti, da je Agencija glede nepovratnih sredstev evropskih potrošniških centrov vzpostavila postopek za zagotavljanje popolne skladnosti s finančno uredbo EU. Odločitve o dodelitvi sredstev sprejema na podlagi dokazil vložnikov ter izvaja ocene in naknadne revizije. Glavna odgovornost vlad držav članic na področju evropskih potrošniških centrov je, da s preglednim postopkom izberejo gostiteljsko strukturo in zagotovijo ustrezen nadzor nad goljufijami.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007391/13

to the Commission

Tanja Fajon (S&D)

(21 June 2013)

Subject: Suspected misuse of EU funding intended to finance the Slovenian European Consumer Centre (EPC) and infringement of Decision No 1926/2006/EC

The Slovenian PIP Institute (PIP = Law, Information, Help) has recently reported that the EU’s financial interests may have been damaged when funding was being allocated for Slovenia’s European Consumer Centre (ECC). The report by the Ministry for Economic Development and Technology on the special implementation review of public tenders issued under the Consumer Protection Act and the report of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption both give cause to suppose that abuse occurred at the time when the EU funds were assigned. In 2007, 2008, and 2009 the Consumer Protection Office anticipated the proper procedure where the ECC co-financing statement was concerned and in that way enabled the Slovene Consumers’ Association (ZPS), without any legal basis, to sign a contract with the European Commission for the following year, even though the ZPS had not yet been selected to carry out the project. For three years running, therefore, the ZPS brought about a legally incongruous situation in which it had a co-financing contract already signed by the Commission, as if it were the contractor, but had not been formally selected by the ministry.

The 2007-2013 consumer protection programme, as laid down in Decision No 1926/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy (2007-2013), constitutes the financial framework for consumer policy. Included in Annex I to that decision is Action 10 (‘Actions on information, advice and redress’), point 10.2 of which covers ‘Financial contributions for joint actions with public or non-profit bodies constituting Community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution (the European Consumer Centres Network)’. Annex II, point 1, stipulates that ‘The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(a) may be awarded to a public body or a non-profit making body designated through a transparent procedure by the Member State or the competent authority concerned and agreed by the Commission’. It is clear from the PIP Institute’s report on fraud and corruption at the expense of the EU budget in connection with the Slovenian European Consumer Centre (OLAF — OF/2013/0013) and the documents attached to it that the ECC host organisation in Slovenia was not selected in the transparent manner required by Decision No 1926/2006/EC.

Has the Commission been informed about these suspected irregularities and has it carried out the checks necessary to establish the facts?

What steps will be taken by the Executive Agency for Health and Consumers to prevent similar breaches of the law in the future? What kind of proceedings will be instituted against those who have acted unlawfully?

Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The Commission and the Executive Agency for Health and Consumers were informed by the Slovenian PIP Institute of the suspected irregularities in August 2012. The Commission and the Agency follow the case closely so as to ensure that EU funds are granted in full compliance with the financial rules.

After internal analysis, the Agency, which is responsible for the management of the ECC-Net grants, requested clarifications from the Slovenian authorities on the designation of the host structure of the ECC Slovenia. As the reply was unsatisfactory, the Agency referred the case to OLAF which however dismissed the case since the Slovenian anti-corruption Commission was already investigating it. Pending a final decision on the suspected irregularities, the Agency decided that it was not appropriate to stop the activities foreseen in the grant.

In June 2013, the Agency received the results of the investigations by the Ministry for Technology and Economic Development and the recommendations from the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Slovenia which currently are being translated and analysed. On the basis of these results, the Agency and, if appropriate, the Commission will decide on the appropriate action.

In this context, it is worth highlighting that the Agency has put in place a procedure for the ECC grants in order to ensure full conformity with the EU Financial Regulation. It takes award decisions based on the evidence provided by applicants, and carries out evaluations and ex post audits. In the case of ECCs, it is the primary responsibility of Member States' Governments to designate the host structure through a transparent procedure and to ensure adequate control of frauds.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007392/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Δασικές πυρκαγιές και ετοιμότητα ενόψει του θέρους

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση διαθέτει, και ενεργοποιεί όποτε αυτό κρίνεται απαραίτητο, το Ταμείο Αλληλεγγύης, προκειμένου να ανταποκριθεί σε περιπτώσεις φυσικών καταστροφών σε κράτη μέλη.

Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, το 2009 το Ταμείο Αλληλεγγύης ενεργοποιήθηκε, κατόπιν αιτήματος της χώρας, και για την αντιμετώπιση πυρκαγιών στην Ελλάδα.

Καθώς οι φυσικές καταστροφές παρατηρούνται στον νότο της ΕΕ με μεγαλύτερη συχνότητα τη διάρκεια του καλοκαιριού — εξαιτίας των υψηλών θερμοκρασιών — είναι σε θέση η Επιτροπή να με ενημερώσει για το ύψος των διαθέσιμων πόρων του ταμείου Αλληλεγγύης για το τρέχον έτος (2013);

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(8 Αυγούστου 2013)

Το σύνολο της ετήσιας χρηματοδότησης του Ταμείου Αλληλεγγύης της ΕΕ, από τη σύστασή του, το 2002, και μετά, ανέρχεται σε 1 δισεκατομμύριο ευρώ. Το 2013 σχεδόν το σύνολο αυτού του ποσού είναι, προς το παρόν, ακόμη διαθέσιμο. Εντός αυτού του ορίου, τα ποσά ενίσχυσης από το Ταμείο Αλληλεγγύης υπολογίζονται με βάση την προκληθείσα ζημία και όχι με βάση τη διαθεσιμότητα δημοσιονομικών πόρων.

Μετά την έγκριση του πολυετούς δημοσιονομικού πλαισίου για το 2014-2020, το σύνολο της ετήσιας χρηματοδότησης του Ταμείου Αλληλεγγύης μειώθηκε σε 500 εκατομμύρια ευρώ. Επίσης, μη δαπανηθέντα ποσά από το έτος n μπορούν να μεταφερθούν στο έτος n+1.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007392/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: State of preparedness for forest fires during the summer

The European Union Solidarity Fund is deployed where considered necessary in response to natural disasters in the Member States.

In 2009, following a request from Greece, resources from the fund were released for the containment of fire damage in that country.

Given that in southern Europe natural disasters occur more frequently during the summer season because of high temperatures, can the Commission say what Solidarity Fund resources are available for deployment this year (2013)?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The total annual allocation of the EU Solidarity Fund since its creation in 2002 has been EUR 1 billion. In 2013, almost the entirety of this amount is currently still available. Within this ceiling, aid amounts from the Fund are calculated on the basis of damage caused, not on the basis of the availability of budgetary resources.

Following the adoption of the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, the total annual allocation of the Fund has been reduced to EUR 500 million. In addition, unspent amounts from year n may be carried over to year n+1.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007393/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Κενό στη χρηματοδότηση προγραμμάτων του εθνικού σχεδίου για το άσυλο και την μετανάστευση στην Ελλάδα

Σύμφωνα με την τοποθέτηση του έλληνα Υπουργού Δημόσιας Τάξης και Προστασίας του Πολίτη, κ. Νίκου Δένδια, στην Επιτροπή Πολιτικών Ελευθεριών, Δικαιοσύνης και Εσωτερικών Υποθέσεων του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου, οι ετήσιες ανάγκες για την υλοποίηση του εθνικού σχεδίου για το άσυλο και τη μετανάστευση στην χώρα προσεγγίζουν τα 500 εκατομμύρια ευρώ. Σημειώνεται ότι 247 εκατομμύρια ευρώ προέρχονται από τον εθνικό προϋπολογισμό και 170 περίπου εκατομμύρια ευρώ από το πρόγραμμα SOLID.

Καθώς προκύπτει σημαντικό χρηματοδοτικό κενό (της τάξης των 80 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ) και ενώ η Ελλάδα εν μέσω της πρωτοφανούς οικονομικής κρίσης, αλλά και λόγω γεωγραφικής θέσης, καλείται διαρκώς να ανταποκρίνεται σε αυξημένες οικονομικές απαιτήσεις στον τομέα της μετανάστευσης, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κ. Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(9 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Για την περίοδο 2008-2013, χορηγήθηκαν στην Ελλάδα κονδύλια συνολικού ύψους 360,7 ευρώ από τα τέσσερα Ταμεία του Γενικού Προγράμματος «Αλληλεγγύη και διαχείριση των μεταναστευτικών ροών», δηλ. από το Ταμείο Εξωτερικών Συνόρων (ΤΕΣ), το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Επιστροφής (ΤΕ), το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο για τους Πρόσφυγες (ΕΤΠ) και το Ταμείο ένταξης υπηκόων τρίτων χωρών (ΤΕ). Η Ελλάδα είναι η μεγαλύτερη δικαιούχος του ΤΕ και η τρίτη κατά σειρά δικαιούχος του ΤΕΣ.

Μεταξύ 2008 και 2011, χορηγήθηκαν συνολικά στην Ελλάδα 11,4 εκατ. ευρώ στο πλαίσιο των ειδικών δράσεων του ΤΕΣ για την αντιμετώπιση των αδυναμιών στα εξωτερικά της σύνορα.

Εξάλλου, από το 2008, η Ελλάδα έλαβε επιπλέον 28,4 εκατ. ευρώ ως έκτακτη στήριξη στο πλαίσιο των κονδυλίων του SOLID, κυρίως για την ενίσχυση της ικανότητας υποδοχής, τη διαχείριση της διαδικασίας ελέγχου και την αντιμετώπιση των αναγκών των ασυνόδευτων ανηλίκων. Για λόγους αλληλεγγύης, και λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την ιδιαίτερη πίεση που αντιμετώπισε η χώρα, η Επιτροπή είναι έτοιμη να ενεργοποιήσει και πάλι φέτος τους υφιστάμενους μηχανισμούς έκτακτης ανάγκης, μετά από αίτημα της Ελλάδας. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, ένα ακόμη ποσό, ύψους 2 εκατ. ευρώ, στο πλαίσιο του ΤΕΣ, καθώς και ένα άλλο, ύψους 4 εκατ. ευρώ, από το ΕΤΠ πρόκειται να καταστούν διαθέσιμα.

Όπως επεσήμανε το Αξιότιμο Μέλος, τα διαρθρωτικά ταμεία — λόγω των συγκεκριμένων στόχων — δεν μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν για να αντιμετωπιστούν όλες οι πτυχές της μετανάστευσης. Οι χορηγήσεις των ΕΤΠΑ και ΕΚΤ μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν στο πλαίσιο των πολιτικών κοινωνικής ένταξης και, πιο συγκεκριμένα, των πολιτικών που στοχεύουν στην κοινωνικοοικονομική ένταξη ευπαθών ομάδων του πληθυσμού, όπως οι μετανάστες.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007393/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Shortfall in programme funding for migrants and asylum-seekers in Greece

According to a statement to the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs delivered by Nikos Dendias, Greek Minister for Public Order and Citizen Protection, the Greek support programme for migrants and asylum-seekers requires almost EUR 500 million annually. Of this, EUR 247 million is drawn from the national budget and around EUR 170 million from the SOLID programme, leaving a substantial shortfall (of around EUR 80 million).

At the same time, Greece, which is currently in the throes of an unprecedented economic crisis, is, because of its geographical location, constantly called upon to shoulder an increasing share of the financial burden created by the influx of migrants.

In view of this:

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(9 October 2013)

For the period 2008-2013, Greece has benefited from a total allocation of EUR 360.7 million under the four Funds of the General Programme ‘Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows’ (SOLID Funds), namely the External Borders Fund (EBF), the European Return Fund(RF), the European Refugee Fund (ERF) and the European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals (IF). Greece is the biggest RF beneficiary and the 3rd biggest EBF beneficiary.

Between 2008 and 2011, a total of EUR 11.4 million was granted to Greece under the EBF Specific Actions to address weaknesses at its external borders.

In addition to this, since 2008 Greece has received a further EUR 28.4 million as emergency support under the SOLID Funds, mainly for strengthening its reception capacity, managing the screening process and addressing the needs of unaccompanied minors. On grounds of solidarity, with respect to the situation of particular pressure the country has faced, the Commission stands ready to activate again this year the existing emergency mechanisms, at the request of Greece. In this context, another EUR 2 million under EBF as well as another EUR 4 million under ERF are in the process of being made available.

As pointed out by the Honourable Member, Structural Funds — given their specific objectives — cannot be used to tackle all aspects of migration. ERDF and ESF allocations can be used in the context of social inclusion policies and more specifically policies which aim at the socioeconomic inclusion of vulnerable population groups such as immigrants.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007394/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: «Κακές τράπεζες» και τοξικά χρεόγραφα στο ευρωπαϊκό τραπεζικό σύστημα

Μία από τις σημαντικές προκλήσεις που καλείται να αντιμετωπίσει μεταξύ άλλων η επονομαζόμενη «τραπεζική ένωση» στην ΕΕ είναι ο κίνδυνος έκθεσης της ευρωπαϊκής οικονομίας σε σημαντικούς κινδύνους εξαιτίας των τοξικών χρεογράφων που διακρατούν ορισμένες τράπεζες στην Ευρώπη.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(9 Αυγούστου 2013)

Δεν υπάρχει καθορισμένο επίπεδο «τοξικών χρεογράφων», ως ποσοστό του συνολικού χαρτοφυλακίου μιας τράπεζας, πάνω από το οποίο να θεωρείται ότι η τράπεζα εκτίθεται σε υψηλό κίνδυνο. Η ανάλυση αυτή θα πρέπει μάλλον να διενεργείται κατά περίπτωση, λαμβανομένου υπόψη του οικονομικού περιβάλλοντος στο οποίο δραστηριοποιούνται οι τράπεζες και των διαφορετικών επιπέδων κεφαλαίου, κάλυψης ζημιών από δανειοδοτήσεις και αποδοτικότητας. Όλοι αυτοί οι παράγοντες οδηγούν σε αποκλίνουσα δυνητική απώλεια ικανότητας απορρόφησης.

«τοξικών στοιχείων ενεργητικού». Ως εκ τούτου, η Επιτροπή δεν διαθέτει αριθμητικά στοιχεία για τη συνολική ποσότητα επικίνδυνων ή «τοξικών χρεογράφων» που διακρατούν σήμερα οι ευρωπαϊκές τράπεζες.

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Αρχή Τραπεζών (ΕΑΤ) πραγματοποίησε το 2009, το 2010 και το 2011 προσομοιώσεις ακραίων καταστάσεων ανά την ΕΕ προκειμένου να αξιολογήσει την αντοχή των χρηματοπιστωτικών ιδρυμάτων της ΕΕ σε αντίξοες εξελίξεις της αγοράς, και να συνεισφέρει στη συνολική εκτίμηση του συστημικού κινδύνου στο χρηματοπιστωτικό σύστημα της ΕΕ. Επιπλέον, στο πλαίσιο του ενιαίου εποπτικού μηχανισμού (ΕΕΜ), αναμένεται ότι η ΕΚΤ, πριν αναλάβει καθήκοντα ως μοναδική αρχή εποπτείας, θα προβεί σε εμπεριστατωμένη και αξιόπιστη επισκόπηση της ποιότητας των στοιχείων ενεργητικού των τραπεζών εκείνων που θα βρεθούν στο στόχαστρο του ΕΕΜ. Το εγχείρημα αυτό θα είναι καθοριστικό για την παροχή μιας πολύ σαφούς εικόνας των κινδύνων και των τρωτών σημείων του ευρωπαϊκού τραπεζικού κλάδου.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007394/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: ‘Bad banks’ and toxic debt in the European banking system

One of the major challenges facing the so-called EU ‘banking union’ is the risk of exposure of the EU economy to significant risks from the toxic debts held by some banks in Europe.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2013)

There is no defined level of ‘toxic debt’, as a percentage of the entire portfolio of a bank, above which a bank is considered to be exposed to a high risk. Rather this analysis should be carried out on a case by case basis, taking into account the economic environment where banks operate and their different levels of capital, loan loss coverage and profitability. All these factors lead to dissimilar potential loss absorption capability.

‘toxic assets’. Therefore, the Commission does not hold figures of the total amount of hazardous or ‘toxic debt’ currently held by the European banks.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has performed in 2009, 2010 and 2011 EU-wide stress tests in order to assess the resilience of EU financial institutions to adverse market developments, as well as to contribute to the overall assessment of systemic risk in the EU financial system. Moreover, in the context of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), it is expected that the ECB, before taking over the task as the single supervisor, will conduct a thorough and credible asset quality review of those banks which will be in the scope of the SSM. This exercise will be key in providing a very clear picture of the risks and vulnerabilities in the European banking industry.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007395/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Ποιότητα πόσιμου νερού στις πρωτεύουσες των κρατών μελών

Είναι σε θέση, με βάση τα στοιχεία που συλλέγει, η Επιτροπή να με ενημερώσει για τη γενική εικόνα όσον αφορά την ποιότητα του πόσιμου νερού στις πρωτεύουσες της Ευρώπης;

Σε σχέση με το παρελθόν παρατηρείται βελτίωση;

Ποια η περίπτωση της Αθήνας;

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(23 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή επεξεργάζεται τα δεδομένα που έχουν ληφθεί στο πλαίσιο της τελευταίας διαδικασίας υποβολής εκθέσεων της οδηγίας για το πόσιμο νερό (δεδομένα από την περίοδο 2008-2010) και προτίθεται να δημοσιεύσει τα συμπεράσματά της σε έκθεση, αργότερα εντός του 2013 ή στις αρχές του 2014. Εκθέσεις όσον αφορά προηγούμενους τριετείς χρονικούς κύκλους υπάρχουν στη διεύθυνση https://circabc.europa.eu/faces/jsp/extension/wai/navigation/container.jsp

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007395/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Quality of drinking water in the capitals of Member States

On the basis of the data it is gathering, can the Commission give a general picture of the quality of drinking water in the capitals of the EU?

Has there been any improvement compared with the past?

How does Athens fare in this regard?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2013)

The Commission is currently processing the data received under the latest Drinking Water Directive reporting exercise (Data from 2008-2010) and intends to publish its findings in report, later in 2013 or early 2014. Reports concerning previous three-year cycles can be found at:

https://circabc.europa.eu/faces/jsp/extension/wai/navigation/container.jsp

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007396/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Οδηγία της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης (ΕΕ) για τα ύδατα κολύμβησης

Για την ποιότητα των υδάτων κολύμβησης στα κράτη μέλη έχει θεσπιστεί εκτενής νομοθεσία, σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο, η οποία προβλέπει, μεταξύ άλλων, δεσμευτικά ποιοτικά πρότυπα και τακτική παρακολούθηση των υδάτων.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(8 Αυγούστου 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007396/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: EU directive on bathing water

Extensive legislation has been adopted at European level on the quality of bathing waters which makes provision, inter alia, for binding quality standards and regular monitoring of waters.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007555/13

alla Commissione

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(26 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Aumento degli attacchi terroristici in Medio Oriente. Il caso dell'Iraq.

Nella giornata dello scorso 25 giugno si è registrata una nuova serie di attentati in svariate città irachene: soprattutto a Mosul, Tikrit e nella capitale Baghdad.

Considerando che, nel solo mese di aprile, circa duemila persone sono state uccise in circostanze simili — attacchi kamikaze, autobombe, esplosioni e sparatorie — e che questi avvenimenti illustrano lo stato di ingovernabilità in cui versa attualmente il paese;

rilevando inoltre che oggetto di devastazione sono soprattutto gli esercizi commerciali gestiti da cristiani e i loro luoghi di culto, registrando tra gli ultimi episodi di violenza fondamentalista anche la distruzione della chiesa di Santa Maria, all’est di Baghdad;

richiamando infine l'art. 22della Dichiarazione Universale dei Diritti dell'uomo: «Ogni individuo, in quanto membro della società, ha diritto alla sicurezza sociale, nonché alla realizzazione (…) dei diritti economici, sociali e culturali indispensabili alla sua dignità e al libero sviluppo della sua personalità»;

potrebbe la Commissione chiarire quali azioni intenda intraprendere al fine di promuovere la ricostruzione anche civile, oltre che materiale, dell'Iraq nonché la tutela della libertà religiosa?

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

(20 agosto 2013)

L'AR/VP segue attentamente la situazione in Iraq e ha condannato il persistere di elevati livelli di violenza nel paese, compresi gli attentati degli ultimi mesi, esprimendo preoccupazione per l'accentuarsi delle tensioni politiche, che mina la stabilità interna.

L'AR/VP ha sollevato il tema dell'Iraq in occasione dei Consigli Affari esteri di febbraio e di marzo, durante i quali i ministri degli Esteri dell'Unione europea hanno riconosciuto l'importanza di promuovere la stabilità politica in Iraq e di aumentare l'impegno dell'UE nei confronti di questo paese. Il Consiglio Affari esteri dell'aprile 2013 ha adottato conclusioni specifiche sull'Iraq.

In occasione della sua visita in Iraq del 17 giugno 2013, l'AR/VP ha esortato tutte le parti a collaborare per affrontare le questioni politiche e di governance in sede di dialogo e ha caldeggiato il consolidamento dei progressi democratici per mezzo di istituzioni forti ed efficienti.

L'UE esprime regolarmente, sia pubblicamente sia direttamente alle autorità irachene attraverso i canali diplomatici, le proprie preoccupazioni per la situazione dei diritti umani, in particolare per quanto concerne i diritti delle minoranze religiose in Iraq. I diritti umani sono un elemento centrale del partenariato e dell'accordo di cooperazione UE-Iraq. Si sta iniziando ad applicare l'accordo, che permetterà all'UE di intensificare il dialogo con le autorità irachene e di adoperarsi con il massimo impegno per esprimere la propria preoccupazione e ricordare a tali autorità i loro obblighi internazionali e gli ulteriori impegni assunti nel corso dell'esame periodico universale (96).

L'UE ha sempre sostenuto la ricostruzione dell'Iraq e la sua transizione verso la democrazia. L'UE fornisce assistenza tecnica per quanto riguarda lo Stato di diritto e i diritti umani (97), che sono elementi fondamentali per ovviare alle difficoltà delle minoranze religiose, e continua a sostenere il potenziamento istituzionale.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007397/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Recent violence in Iraq

In recent months, Iraq has witnessed a renewed level of violence. This week alone, 70 people were killed as a result of bombings and other attacks in the north of the country, while May saw the most significant increase in deadly attacks since June of 2008.

In this context, can the Commission please respond to the following queries:

Question for written answer E-007555/13

to the Commission

Lorenzo Fontana (EFD)

(26 June 2013)

Subject: Increase in terrorist attacks in the Middle East: the Iraq case

On 25 June 2013 a number of Iraqi cities, in particular Mosul, Tikrit and the capital Baghdad, were hit by a fresh wave of attacks.

In April alone, around 2 000 people were killed in similar circumstances — in suicide attacks, car bombings, explosions and gun battles. These events show that the country is becoming ungovernable.

Furthermore, Christian shops and places of worship are the ones that bear the brunt of the devastating attacks; the latest episodes of fundamentalist violence included the destruction of St Mary’s Church in east Baghdad.

Lastly, Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that: ‘Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realisation […] of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.’

Could the Commission clarify what action it intends to take in order to encourage the rebuilding of Iraqi civil society and physical infrastructure, as well as the protection of religious freedom?

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

(20 August 2013)

The HR/VP follows the situation in Iraq closely. She has condemned the continuing high levels of violence in Iraq, including the attacks in recent months. She has expressed concern about the increased political tensions undermining Iraq’s stability.

The HR/VP initiated a discussion on Iraq at the February and March Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meetings where EU Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of promoting political stability in Iraq and enhancing EU engagement with the country. The FAC adopted conclusions specifically on the situation in Iraq in April 2013.

The HR/VP visited Iraq on 17 June 2013 and urged all parties to work together to address political and governance issues through dialogue. She also encouraged the consolidation of democratic gains through strong and efficient institutions.

The EU regularly addresses, both publicly and through diplomatic channels with the Iraqi authorities, its concern with the human rights situation, in particular with regard to the rights of religious minorities in Iraq. Human rights are a prominent element of the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. With the implementation of this Agreement, now starting, the EU will be able to enhance its dialogue with the Iraqi authorities and will spare no efforts to raise its concerns, and to remind them of their international obligations and further commitments made during the Universal Periodic Review (98).

The EU has consistently supported Iraq’s reconstruction and transition towards democracy. The EU provides technical assistance in the area of rule of law and human rights (99), which are key elements for addressing the challenges of religious minorities and continues to assist with institutional building.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007398/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Child labour in the EU

Some 10.5 million children are believed to be working as domestic labourers worldwide, according to a new report by the International Labour Organisation. 6.5 million of these children are aged between 5 and 14 years old and over 71% are girls.

In this context, can the Commission please respond to the following queries:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 August 2013)

The Commission refers to the replies to questions E-007371/2013 and E-005644/2013 with respect to child labour in the European Union and worldwide.

The Commission is committed to eradicating child labour at a global level and, in particular, the worst forms of child labour.

As previously stated, there are no data available on child labour in the EU so far. However the Commission stresses once again that both the EU acquis and the Member States' legislation prohibits the employment of children. Council Directive 94/33/EC on the Protection of Young People at Work explicitly prohibits work by children, safeguarding at the same time their schooling obligations, and protects young people against economic exploitation and against any work likely to harm their safety, health and physical, mental, moral or social development or to jeopardise their education. All Member States have transposed the directive into their national legislation and the Commission has already published a report on its application (100).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007399/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: National reserve provision

Which Member States currently use their national reserve provision for new entrants into agriculture and what makes a farmer eligible for the national reserve?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2013)

In the context of the single payment scheme, Member States may use their national reserve (101) for allocating, in accordance with objective criteria and in such a way as to ensure equal treatment between farmers and to avoid market and competition distortions, payment entitlements to farmers commencing their agricultural activity. These are defined as a natural or legal person that did not have any agricultural activity in his own name and at his own risk in the five years preceding the start of the new agricultural activity (102).

According to Member States' notifications to the Commission the Member States using the national reserve for farmers commencing their agricultural activity are the following: Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Austria, France, Finland, and Luxembourg.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007400/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Recovery of undue payments

With reference to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1122/2009, in particular Article 80, ‘Recovery of undue payments’, would the Commission kindly list the amount recovered under Article 80 for each Member State and provide a breakdown of the reasons why?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2013)

The Commission is sending the requested information directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of the Parliament.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007401/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Compliance with Council Directive 2008/120/EC

Can the Commission please provide an up-to-date account of compliance rates for each Member State in relation to Council Directive 2008/120/EC on sow stalls?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2013)

Currently 13 Member States have reached full compliance with the requirement for group housing of sows as laid down in Council Directive 2008/120/EC (103). A further Member State has declared compliance but still has to substantiate the claim. All but the abovementioned 13 Member States have recently been asked to provide summaries of action taken or envisaged to achieve compliance. On the basis of their replies the Commission will decide on how to proceed.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007403/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Conacre system

Can the Commission please outline the meaning and purpose of the conacre system in Northern Ireland and outline what steps have been taken within the reform of the CAP post‐2013 to accommodate this traditional farming method?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2013)

Conacre is a traditional system of letting land for relatively short periods from a landowner to a so-called conacre tenant. The current CAP arrangements allow the landowner to claim single farm payment but also the conacre tenant to claim possible support stemming from the Rural Development Programme such as the Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowances.

As far as the CAP reform is concerned, the political agreement provides support under the Basic Payment Scheme for eligible hectares at a farmer's disposal — whether being owned or leased in — on a date fixed by Member States. As to eligible farmers, the reform seeks to target support better by introducing the ‘active farmer’ requirement.

The Commission has been aware of potential risks of negative distortions in the land market. Hence it has proposed to limit the access to the allocation of payment entitlements to the beneficiaries of direct support in respect of the past claim year. The political agreement entails 2013 as a reference year for this purpose, but allows covering additional situations as well. For example, Member States may consider eligible also farmers who never held payment entitlements and who submit verifiable evidence that they, by the final date for lodging applications for the claim year 2013, produced, reared or grew agricultural products. Moreover, the number of payment entitlements to be allocated in 2015 may be equal to the number of all eligible hectares which the farmer declared for claim year 2013.

Whether or not eligibility conditions will be met by claimants letting in the land through a leasing agreement such as the conacre will need to be assessed by the Northern Ireland authorities in charge of management of the basic payment scheme and the Rural Development Programme.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007404/13

à la Commission

Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Ennoyage d'une zone humide par une retenue d'eau dans le Tarn

Les démarches administratives devant précéder les éventuels arrêtés préfectoraux établissant la déclaration d'utilité publique et d'intérêt général concernant le projet de retenue Sivens se sont poursuivies. L'enquête publique s'est conclue par un avis favorable, sous réserve de l'avis favorable du CNPN (Conseil national de la protection de la nature). Le CSRPN (Conseil scientifique régional du patrimoine naturel) et le CNPN ont voté, à une large majorité, des avis défavorables. Malgré tout, le 17 mai 2013, les conseillers généraux du Tarn ont voté la déclaration de projet. Aujourd'hui, le dossier est entre les mains des services de l'État (ministère) pour arbitrage. C'est dans cette optique qu'il est important d'avoir le point de vue de la Commission européenne.

Le commissaire Potočnik a indiqué dans sa réponse à ma question E-008847/11: «Pour ce qui concerne l'application de la directive 2000/60/CE, son article 4 prévoit que toute nouvelle modification des caractéristiques physiques d'une masse d'eau susceptible de causer une détérioration, telle que la construction d'un barrage, n'est possible que si les conditions prévues à l'article 4, paragraphe 7 sont remplies».

Or, sur cette question, les avis de l'Onema (Office national de l'eau et des milieux aquatiques, avis qui ne figurait pas dans le dossier d'enquête publique!), du CSRPN et du CNPN, sont négatifs: «En conclusion les impacts sont sous-estimés, voir non évalués et donc des mesures […] de réduction, de compensation insuffisantes, irréalisables, inadéquates, très hypothétiques nous amènent à nous poser la question du but réel de la création de ce barrage […]. L'enjeu majeur de ce dossier est le renforcement de l'irrigation des terres agricoles […]» (extrait de l'avis du CNPN). Aucune mesure d'évitement n'a non plus été étudiée malgré ce qu'exige le SDAGE Adour Garonne (2010-2015).

Le coût de ce projet est aujourd'hui estimé à environ 7,8 millions d'euros. Il serait entièrement cofinancé par des fonds publics par l'Agence Adour Garonne (50 %) et l'Union européenne (30 %). Les 20 % restant seraient à la charge des Conseils généraux du Tarn et de Tarn‐et‐Garonne.

La Commission européenne approuve-t-elle le financement d'un projet qui conduirait à noyer une zone humide naturelle devant être protégée et qui serait contraire aux textes européens?

Réponse donnée par M Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(21 août 2013)

Le projet de barrage de soutien d'étiage de Sivens a fait l'objet d'une étude d'impact environnemental et d'une enquête publique. La décision d'autorisation n'a, à la connaissance de la Commission, pas été prise à ce jour.

La Commission ne dispose pas à ce jour d'éléments permettant d'identifier une violation du droit de l'Union, et ne voit pas de raison d'intervenir.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007404/13

to the Commission

Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Submersion of wetlands by a reservoir in the Tarn département of France

The requisite procedures prior to the issuing of official declarations of public benefit and general interest for the Sivens reservoir project in the Tarn département have been completed. A public inquiry found in favour of the project subject to its approval by the French National Nature Conservation Council (CNPN). Both the Regional Advisory Council for Natural Heritage (CSRPN) and the CNPN voted to reject the project, in each case by a large majority. Nonetheless, on 17 May 2013, the members of the Tarn departmental council voted to give it the go ahead. That decision has now been appealed to government (ministerial) level where the matter is currently under consideration. It is important, at this stage, to know the Commission’s view.

Replying to my previous question on the matter, No E-008847/11, Commissioner Potočnik drew attention to the provision in Directive 2000/60/EC that any new modification to the physical characteristics of a surface water likely to result in a deterioration of its status, such as the construction of dam, is permissible only subject to compliance with the conditions set out in Article 4(7) of the directive.

However, the French National Office for Water and Aquatic Environments (ONEMA) — whose opinion was not considered at the public inquiry — found, like the CSRPN and the CNPN, that those conditions had not been met, that the impact of the project ‘had been underestimated or not fully assessed’ and thus that ‘scant, unrealistic, inadequate and highly theoretical mitigation and compensation measures’ raised questions as to the true purpose of the proposed dam. It would seem that ‘the major consideration here is the improvement of farmland irrigation’ (extract from CNPN opinion). It should also be noted that, despite the stipulations of the 2010-2015 Adour Garonne Water Resources Development and Management Plan (SDAGE), no avoidance measures were considered.

The cost of the project is currently estimated at approximately EUR 7.8 million. It would be entirely co-financed from public funds, with the Adour Garonne agency putting up 50% of the total and the EU 30%; the Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne departmental councils would have to find the remaining 20%.

Does the Commission approve of funding a project which would lead to the submersion of natural wetlands that should be protected, and which would be in breach of EC law?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

An environmental impact study and a public inquiry have been carried out concerning the Sivens reservoir project. As far as the Commission is aware, no decision to approve it has yet been taken.

The Commission does not at present have information at its disposal that would enable a breach of EC law to be identified and sees no reason to intervene.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-007405/13

do Komisji

Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

(24 czerwca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Dofinansowanie miejsc pracy dla osób niepełnosprawnych

1 stycznia 2014 r. wejdzie w życie rozporządzenie Komisji Europejskiej ws. wyłączeń blokowych (WE) 800/2008, które zastąpi wygasające z dniem 31 grudnia 2013 r. obecnie obowiązujące rozporządzenie Komisji Europejskiej (WE) 800/2008 z dnia 6 sierpnia 2008 r. uznające niektóre rodzaje pomocy za zgodne ze wspólnym rynkiem w zastosowaniu art. 87 i art. 88 TWE. Proponowane przez KE zmiany będą skutkować drastyczną redukcją dofinansowania miejsc pracy osób niepełnosprawnych i w efekcie mogą doprowadzić do likwidacji systemu wspierania zatrudnienia za pomocą dopłat do pensji osób niepełnosprawnych. Dziś w Polsce zatrudnionych jest jedynie 17,8 proc. osób niepełnosprawnych, czyli ok. 240 tys. osób. W wyniku decyzji Komisji Europejskiej od 70 do nawet 100 proc. z nich może utracić swoje miejsce pracy.

Jednocześnie pragnę przypomnieć, że art. 10 i art. 19 Traktatu o funkcjonowaniu Unii Europejskiej oraz art. 21 i art. 26 Karty praw podstawowych Unii Europejskiej jednoznacznie nakładają na Unię Europejską obowiązek podejmowania działań mających na celu ochronę praw osób niepełnosprawnych.

Dlatego zwracam się do Komisji z następującymi pytaniami:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Joaquína Almunię w imieniu Komisji

(1 sierpnia 2013 r.)

Komisja jest zaangażowana w obronę praw pracowników niepełnosprawnych.

Komisja zdaje sobie sprawę, że wprowadzenie do ogólnego rozporządzenia w sprawie wyłączeń blokowych proponowanego progu powodującego obowiązek zgłoszenia bardzo dużych programów może spowodować konieczność notyfikacji niektórych polskich programów w zakresie pomocy na zatrudnienie osób niepełnosprawnych. Jednakże próg ten oznacza jedynie, że Komisja będzie analizować te programy ex ante, nie zaś ex post, nie oznacza natomiast, że w sposób domniemany będzie je uważać za niezgodne ze wspólnym rynkiem. W każdym jednak razie próg, o którym mowa, i – bardziej ogólnie – cały projekt ogólnego rozporządzenia w sprawie wyłączeń blokowych stanowi projekt dokumentu, w związku z którym Komisja gromadzi obecnie opinie w ramach konsultacji publicznych oraz w trakcie dyskusji z państwami członkowskimi.

Komisja otrzymała informacje zwrotne na temat projektu ogólnego rozporządzenia w sprawie wyłączeń blokowych od wielu obywateli oraz organizacji reprezentujących osoby niepełnosprawne, jak również od władz polskich. Komisja przeanalizuje zgłoszone uwagi i rozważy, jak najlepiej zająć się przedstawionymi obawami dla dobra osób niepełnosprawnych.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-007405/13

to the Commission

Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Funding jobs for disabled persons

On 1 January 2014, Commission Regulation (EC) No 800/2008 (General block exemption Regulation) — replacing the current Commission Regulation (EC) No 800/2008 of 6 August 2008 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the common market in application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty, which expires on 31 December 2013 — will enter into force. The amendments proposed by the Commission will result in a drastic reduction in funding for jobs for disabled persons and could put an end to the system of supporting employment by supplementing the pay of disabled persons. Today in Poland only 17.8% of disabled persons — or some 240 000 people — are in employment. As a result of the Commission’s decision, between 70% and 100% of them could lose their jobs.

At the same time, I should like to point out that Articles 10 and 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Articles 21 and 26 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union impose a clear duty on the EU to take action to protect the rights of disabled persons. 

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

The Commission is committed to defending the rights of disabled workers.

It is aware that the introduction into the new General block exemption Regulation (GBER) of a proposed threshold for notification of very large schemes might trigger the necessity to notify certain Polish schemes for employment aid for disabled persons. However, this threshold will only mean that the Commission will analyse these schemes ex ante rather than ex post, not that by default it will not consider them compatible. In any case this threshold, and more generally the whole draft GBER, is a draft document on which the Commission is currently collecting the views within a public consultation and in discussions with the Member States.

The Commission has received feedback on the draft GBER from numerous citizens, disabled people's organisations as well as from the Polish authorities. It will analyse this feedback now and will consider how to best address the concerns expressed to the benefit of disabled persons.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-007406/13

til Kommissionen

Bendt Bendtsen (PPE)

(24. juni 2013)

Om: Principielle udfordringer for kosttilskud 2

Jeg takker kommissionsmedlemmet for svar på spørgsmål E-003934/2013 om de principielle udfordringer for kosttilskud. Kommissionsmedlemmet angiver, at der kræves yderligere oplysninger om bestemte produkter for at kunne foretage en nøjagtig vurdering.

Konkret drejer det sig om urterne Withania Somnifera (Ashwaganda) og Tribulus Terrestris. De står begge opført i novel food-kataloget som anerkendte og accepterede i EU. De har været forhandlet og anvendt i tilstrækkeligt omfang før maj 1997, hvorfor Danmark ikke bør kunne forbyde dem under henvisning til forsigtighedsprincippet.

En lille iværksætter har importeret EU-godkendte urter til Danmark, men de er blevet forbudt af fødevarestyrelsen under henvisning til forsigtighedsprincippet.

Det er dræbende for EU's indre marked og har voldsomme konsekvenser for virksomheder og forbrugere, hvis nationale myndigheder pludselig laver særregler i strid med varernes frie bevægelighed.

Har Danmark overholdt EU-lovgivningen i den konkrete sag?

Er det muligt for de danske myndigheder at nedlægge forbud mod salg af ovennævnte urter?

Jeg indgår gerne i en personlig dialog med kommissionsmedlemmet, hvis der er behov for yderligere oplysninger for at vurdere den konkrete sag.

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Tonio Borg

(14. august 2013)

Kommissionen vil gerne minde om, at »kataloget over nye fødevarer« (104) udelukkende er et IT-informationsredskab med ikke-bindende oplysninger om, hvorvidt et stof er omfattet af anvendelsesområdet for »forordningen for nye fødevarer« (105).

De stoffer, som det ærede medlem henviser til, findes i kataloget, hvilket ikke nødvendigvis betyder, at medlemsstaterne ikke kan regulere dem. Spørgsmålet om, hvorvidt medlemsstaten kan regulere et stof eller ej, afhænger af graden af harmonisering på EU-plan. Hvis stoffer ikke er omfattet af harmoniserede regler og medlemsstaterne vedtager regler, der regulerer dem, skal disse regler være i overensstemmelse med bestemmelserne i traktaterne, navnlig artikel 34 i traktaten om Den Europæiske Unions funktionsmåde (TEUF), der forbyder kvantitative indførselsrestriktioner såvel som alle foranstaltninger med tilsvarende virkning. Som det imidlertid anføres i artikel 36 i TEUF, er artikel 34 i TEUF ikke til hinder for sådanne forbud eller restriktioner vedrørende indførsel, udførsel eller varer i transit, som er begrundet i hensynet til bl.a. beskyttelse af menneskers liv og sundhed. Det afgøres fra sag til sag, i hvilket omfang handelshindringer på ikke-harmoniserede områder kan være berettigede under hensyntagen til relevant retspraksis fra Domstolen i denne henseende.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007406/13

to the Commission

Bendt Bendtsen (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Fundamental challenges for food supplements 2

I thank the Member of the Commission for his answer to Written Question E-003934/2013 on the fundamental challenges for food supplements. He states that further information on the exact product is needed in order to carry out a precise assessment.

The matter specifically concerns the herbs Withania Somnifera (Ashwaganda) and Tribulus Terrestris. These are both listed in the Novel Food Catalogue as being recognised and accepted in the EU. They have been marketed and used to a sufficient extent before May 1997, which is why Denmark should not be able to ban them under the precautionary principle.

A small entrepreneur has imported EU-approved herbs into Denmark, but these have been banned by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration on the basis of the precautionary principle.

It is fatal for the EU internal market and has serious consequences for businesses and consumers if national authorities suddenly produce special provisions that are contrary to the free movement of goods.

Has Denmark complied with EU legislation in this specific case?

Is it possible for the Danish authorities to impose a ban on the sale of the above herbs?

I am happy engage in a personal dialogue with the Commissioner if additional information is required to assess this case.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(14 August 2013)

The Commission would like to remind that the ‘Novel Food Catalogue’ (106) is merely an IT information tool that gives non-binding information as to whether a substance falls within the scope of application of the ‘Novel Food Regulation’ (107).

The fact that the substances referred to by the Honourable Member are contained in the catalogue therefore does not necessarily mean that Member States cannot regulate these. The question of whether the Member State can regulate a substance or not depends on the level of harmonisation at EU level. In the case where substances do not fall under harmonised rules and Member States adopt rules regulating them, these rules need to comply with the provisions of the EU Treaties, especially Article 34 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) prohibiting quantitative restrictions on imports and all measures having equivalent effect. However, as stated in Article 36 of the TFEU, Article 34 of the TFEU shall not preclude prohibitions or restrictions on imports, exports or goods in transit justified on grounds of, among other things, the protection of health and life of humans. The extent to which obstacles to trade, in non-harmonised areas, could be justified has to be carried out on a case by case basis taking into account the relevant case law of the Court Justice in this respect.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-007407/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(24 Ιουνίου 2013)

Θέμα: Κρούσματα βίας και κακοποίησης στην Ευρώπη της κρίσης

Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα πρόσφατης έρευνας που διενεργήθηκε από την Εταιρεία Μελέτης Ανθρώπινης Σεξουαλικότητας και το Ανδρολογικό Ινστιτούτο, στην Ελλάδα σημειώνεται αύξηση κατά 47% σε κρούσματα βίας (σωματικής, σεξουαλικής, λεκτικής). Το τελευταίο έτος στη χώρα μου περίπου τρεις στις δέκα ελληνίδες δηλώνουν ότι έχουν πέσει θύματα ξυλοδαρμού από το σύντροφό τους τουλάχιστον μία φορά στη ζωή τους, πρωτόγνωρα ευρήματα για τα ελληνικά δεδομένα, που οδηγούν τους επιστήμονες στον εντοπισμό μιας ευθείας σχέσης ανάμεσα στις κοινωνικοοικονομικές συνθήκες και στην ένταση περιστατικών ενδοοικογενειακής βίας, σεξουαλικής και σωματικής κακοποίησης.

Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση της κ. Reding εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Αυγούστου 2013)

Η σταθερή προσήλωση της Επιτροπής στον τερματισμό της βίας κατά των γυναικών αναδεικνύεται ιδιαίτερα στον Χάρτη των Γυναικών, την στρατηγική για την ισότητα μεταξύ γυναικών και ανδρών (2010-2015) (108), τη «δέσμη μέτρων για τα θύματα», το έργο της σχετικά με την ευρωπαϊκή εντολή προστασίας και την σθεναρή στάση της ως προς την εξάλειψη του ακρωτηριασμού των γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων. Βασικές προτεραιότητες της Επιτροπής στο πεδίο αυτό είναι η κατά περίπτωση θέσπιση νομοθετικών μέτρων, η καταπολέμηση των διακρίσεων και η ενδυνάμωση των γυναικών, η βελτίωση των γνώσεων και η συλλογή δεδομένων, η ανταλλαγή ορθής πρακτικής, καθώς και η ευαισθητοποίηση και χρηματοδότηση.

Αποβλέποντας σε ενδελεχέστερη γνώση όσον αφορά την επικράτηση του φαινομένου της βίας κατά των γυναικών, η Επιτροπή διερευνά νέες δυνατότητες για την αξιοποίηση των τρεχουσών ερευνών της Eurostat και συμμετέχει ενεργά στις εργασίες του Οργανισμού Θεμελιωδών Δικαιωμάτων (FRA) και του Ευρωπαϊκού Ινστιτούτου για την Ισότητα των Φύλων (EIGE).

Το EIGE στηρίζει τα θεσμικά όργανα της ΕΕ και τα κράτη μέλη στις προσπάθειές τους για καταπολέμηση της βίας κατά των γυναικών συγκεντρώνοντας και παρέχοντάς τους αξιόπιστα και συγκρίσιμα δεδομένα, καθώς και πόρους σχετικά με τη βία κατά των γυναικών (109).

Το πρώτο τρίμηνο του 2014, όταν καταστούν διαθέσιμα τα στοιχεία της έρευνας του FRA στα 28 κράτη μέλη (110) όσον αφορά τις εμπειρίες των γυναικών με τη βία, η Επιτροπή, μαζί με το EIGE και το FRA, θα εξετάσει τρόπους για την καλύτερη αξιοποίηση των αποτελεσμάτων της έρευνας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007407/13

to the Commission

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Cases of violence and abuse in Europe in crisis

According to the results of a recent survey carried out by the Greek Human Sexuality Survey Company and the Greek Andrologia Institute, there has been a 47% increase in the number of cases of physical, sexual and verbal violence in Greece. Over the past year in Greece, approximately three in ten Greek women have reported that they have been beaten by their partner at least once in their life. These are unprecedented findings for Greece and academics have established a direct link between socioeconomic conditions and levels of domestic violence and sexual and physical abuse.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

The Commission's full commitment to ending violence against women is seen particularly in the Women's Charter, the strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015)  (111), the ‘victims' package’, its work on the European Protection Order and its firm stance on eliminating female genital mutilation. Adoption of legislative measures when appropriate, fighting against discrimination and empowering women, improving knowledge and data collection, exchanging good practices, as well as raising awareness and funding are Commission's main priorities in this field.

In order to increase knowledge about the prevalence of the phenomenon of violence against women, the Commission is currently exploring new possibilities to exploit current Eurostat surveys and is actively participating in the work of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

EIGE supports the EU institutions and the Member States in their efforts to combat violence against women, by collecting and providing them with comparable and reliable data and resources on violence against women (112).

When the figures of the FRA's survey on women's experiences of violence in the 28 Member States (113) will be available in the first quarter of 2014, the Commission, together with the EIGE and the FRA, will consider how to best use the results of the survey.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007408/13

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE), Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) und Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(24. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Abschiebung von Alma Schalabajewa aus Italien nach Kasachstan

Schwerbewaffnete italienische Spezialagenten in Zivil führten am 29. Mai 2013 ohne Vorlage eines Durchsuchungs‐ oder Haftbefehls eine Razzia in einer Wohnung außerhalb Roms durch. Sie fahndeten nach Muchtar Abljasow, einem bekannten kasachischen Dissidenten, den sie dort aber nicht antrafen. Stattdessen verhafteten sie seine Ehefrau, Alma Schalabajewa. Frau Schalabajewa wurde dann am 31. Mai unversehens unter dem Vorwand abgeschoben, sie habe ihren Personalausweis gefälscht. Belege über die Echtheit ihres Ausweises und die Tatsache, dass sie über gültige Aufenthaltsgenehmigungen der EU-Länder Lettland und Vereinigtes Königreich verfügte, wurden nicht beachtet. Auf ihr wiederholt vorgebrachtes Asylgesuch ging man ebenfalls nicht ein. Bereits vor Abschluss der Anhörung bezüglich ihres Gewahrsams am 31. Mai war ein Privatflugzeug nach Italien beordert worden, um sie kurzerhand nach Kasachstan zurückzubringen. Mindestens zwei kasachische Diplomaten warteten am Flughafen von Rom, um sie in Empfang zu nehmen. Gleichzeitig erschienen italienische Spezialagenten erneut in der Wohnung und brachten die Familie von Alma Schalabajewa durch einen Vorwand dazu, darin einzuwilligen, dass man deren sechsjährige Tochter mitnahm. Die Abschiebung der Mutter konnte ohne die Tochter nicht vonstattengehen, so dass schließlich beide zwangsweise in den Privatjet verfrachtet und direkt nach Kasachstan zurückgeflogen wurden. Nach ihrem Eintreffen dort händigte man Frau Schalabajewa die Kopien dreier Verfügungen aus: eine vom 30. Mai zur Einleitung strafrechtliche Ermittlungen, eine mit dem gleichen Datum, in der sie als Tatverdächtige bezeichnet wird, und eine vom 31. Mai mit dem Verbot für sie, die Stadt Almaty zu verlassen. Am 7. Juni wurde ohne vorherige Ermittlungen formell Anklage gegen Alma Schalabajewa erhoben.

Der Fall wirft gravierende Fragen hinsichtlich der offensichtlichen heimlichen Zusammenarbeit zwischen italienischen Spezialagenten und den staatlichen Stellen Kasachstans auf, einem Land mit einer verheerenden Menschenrechtsbilanz.

Ist die Hohe Vertreterin der Ansicht, dass dieser Einsatz italienischer Spezialagenten im Einklang mit EU-Rechtsnormen und dem Völkerrecht war, insbesondere, was die Rückführungsrichtlinie, die Rechte in einem Rückführungsverfahren, EU-Aufenthaltsrechte, die Rechte von Asylsuchenden und Flüchtlingen sowie das Recht auf Familienleben und die Rechte des Kindes anbelangt? Welche Maßnahmen gedenken der Europäische Auswärtige Dienst und seine Delegation in Astana zu ergreifen, um zu gewährleisten, dass die Grundrechte von Frau Schalabajewa bei den gegen sie eingeleiteten strafrechtlichen Ermittlungen geachtet werden?

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-007409/13

an die Kommission

Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE), Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) und Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(24. Juni 2013)

Betrifft: Abschiebung von Alma Schalabajewa aus Italien nach Kasachstan

Schwerbewaffnete italienische Spezialagenten in Zivil führten am 29. Mai 2013 ohne Vorlage eines Durchsuchungs‐ oder Haftbefehls eine Razzia in einer Wohnung außerhalb Roms durch. Sie fahndeten nach Muchtar Abljasow, einem bekannten kasachischen Dissidenten, den sie dort aber nicht antrafen. Stattdessen verhafteten sie seine Ehefrau, Alma Schalabajewa. Frau Schalabajewa wurde dann am 31. Mai unversehens unter dem Vorwand abgeschoben, sie habe ihren Personalausweis gefälscht. Belege über die Echtheit ihres Ausweises und die Tatsache, dass sie über gültige Aufenthaltsgenehmigungen der EU-Länder Lettland und Vereinigtes Königreich verfügte, wurden nicht beachtet. Auf ihr wiederholt vorgebrachtes Asylgesuch ging man ebenfalls nicht ein. Bereits vor Abschluss der Anhörung bezüglich ihres Gewahrsams am 31. Mai war ein Privatflugzeug nach Italien beordert worden, um sie kurzerhand nach Kasachstan zurückzubringen. Mindestens zwei kasachische Diplomaten warteten am Flughafen von Rom, um sie in Empfang zu nehmen. Gleichzeitig erschienen italienische Spezialagenten erneut in der Wohnung und brachten die Familie von Alma Schalabajewa durch einen Vorwand dazu, darin einzuwilligen, dass man deren sechsjährige Tochter mitnahm. Die Abschiebung der Mutter konnte ohne die Tochter nicht vonstattengehen, so dass schließlich beide zwangsweise in den Privatjet verfrachtet und direkt nach Kasachstan zurückgeflogen wurden. Nach ihrem Eintreffen dort händigte man Frau Schalabajewa die Kopien dreier Verfügungen aus: eine vom 30. Mai zur Einleitung strafrechtliche Ermittlungen, eine mit dem gleichen Datum, in der sie als Tatverdächtige bezeichnet wird, und eine vom 31. Mai mit dem Verbot für sie, die Stadt Almaty zu verlassen. Am 7. Juni wurde ohne vorherige Ermittlungen formell Anklage gegen Alma Schalabajewa erhoben.

Der Fall wirft gravierende Fragen hinsichtlich der offensichtlichen heimlichen Zusammenarbeit zwischen italienischen Spezialagenten und den staatlichen Stellen Kasachstans auf, einem Land mit einer verheerenden Menschenrechtsbilanz.

Ist die Kommission der Ansicht, dass dieser Einsatz italienischer Spezialagenten im Einklang mit EU-Rechtsnormen und dem Völkerrecht war, insbesondere, was die Rückführungsrichtlinie, die Rechte in einem Rückführungsverfahren, EU-Aufenthaltsrechte, die Rechte von Asylsuchenden und Flüchtlingen sowie das Recht auf Familienleben und die Rechte des Kindes anbelangt?

Welche Maßnahmen gedenkt die Kommission gegenüber den staatlichen Stellen Italiens zu ergreifen?

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

(9. August 2013)

Der Kommission ist bekannt, dass die italienischen Behörden am 10. Juli 2013 eine interne Untersuchung der Rechtmäßigkeit dieser Abschiebung eingeleitet haben. Die Kommission wird die weiteren Entwicklungen und die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchung aufmerksam beobachten.

Die EU hat die Entwicklungen in der Sache Alma Schalabajewa, der Ehegattin von Muchtar Abljasow, seit den Ereignissen, die zu ihrer Rückkehr nach Kasachstan geführt haben, ebenso wie die anschließend gegen sie eingeleiteten Ermittlungen konsequent verfolgt. Vertreter der EU-Delegation haben sich nach Almaty begeben, um den von Menschenrechtsaktivisten geäußerten Bedenken hinsichtlich der Gewährleistung der gesetzlichen Rechte von Alma Schalabajewa nachzugehen. Die Lage wurde mit einschlägigen Nichtregierungsorganisationen (NRO) erörtert, insbesondere mit dem kasachischen internationalen Büro für Menschenrechte und Rechtsstaatlichkeit (Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law) sowie mit dem Social Fund Libery und dem Social Fund Ar.Ruk.Hak. Die EU-Delegation hat in dieser Sache auch Kontakt zu einschlägigen internationalen Organisationen aufgenommen, u. a. zu dem Landes‐ und dem Regionalbüro des Flüchtlingskommissariats der Vereinten Nationen (UNHCR). Darüber hinaus steht die EU-Delegation in laufendem Kontakt mit Mitgliedstaaten, um Informationen über die Sache Schalabajewa auszutauschen und die Bemühungen zur Wahrung ihrer Rechte zu koordinieren. Die EU-Delegation hat auch die Vorbereitungen für das Treffen vom 2. Juli 2013 von Alma Schalabajewa mit ihren Angehörigen und NRO-Vertretern und Abgeordneten des EP verfolgt und die Ergebnisse dieses Treffens zur Kenntnis genommen.

Die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin wird diese Sache weiterhin sorgfältig beobachten und die kasachischen Behörden nachdrücklich auf die Notwendigkeit des ordnungsgemäßen Schutzes der Rechte von Frau Schalabajewa hinweisen.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007408/13

à la Commission (Vice-Présidente/Haute Représentante)

Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE), Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) et Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Expulsion de Mme Shalabayeva d'Italie au Kazakhstan

Le 29 mai 2013, sans présenter de mandat de perquisition ni de mandat d'arrêt, des agents des services spéciaux de la police italienne, en civil et fortement armés, ont fait irruption dans une résidence de la banlieue de Rome, à la recherche de Mukhtar Ablyazov, dissident kazakh de premier plan. N'y ayant pas trouvé M. Ablyazov, ils ont arrêté sa femme, Alma Shalabayeva. Or, le 31 mai, Mme Shalabayeva a été brusquement expulsée, sous prétexte qu'elle aurait été en possession d'une fausse carte d'identité. Aucun compte n'a été tenu des preuves de l'authenticité de sa carte d'identité et du fait qu'elle disposait de permis de séjour valables émis par la Lettonie et le Royaume-Uni, États membres de l'Union. Ses demandes d'asile ont été purement et simplement écartées. Avant même la fin de son interrogatoire du 31 mai, un jet privé a été affrété pour la ramener sans tarder au Kazakhstan. Au moins deux diplomates kazakhs l'attendaient à l'aéroport de Rome. Pendant ce temps, les agents des services spéciaux italiens, qui étaient retournés au logement de Mme Shalabayeva, ont obtenu, par la ruse, des membres de sa famille qu'ils leur livrent sa fille de six ans. L'expulsion de la mère ne pouvant s'effectuer sans la fille, toutes deux ont été contraintes de monter dans le jet privé qui les a conduit directement au Kazakhstan. À son arrivée au Kazakhstan, Mme Shalabayeva s'est vu signifier trois décisions: l'une ouvrant une enquête criminelle à son encontre, en date du 30 mai, une autre, du même jour, la déclarant suspecte, et la dernière, en date du 31 mai, lui interdisant de quitter la ville d'Almaty. Enfin, le 7 juin, avant toute audition, Mme Shalabayeva a été officiellement mise en examen.

Cette affaire suscite de graves interrogations, suggérant une collusion manifeste entre les agents des services spéciaux italiens et les autorités du Kazakhstan, pays dont le bilan en matière de Droits de l'homme est très mauvais.

La haute représentante estime-t-elle que l'opération qui a été menée par les agents des services spéciaux italiens est conforme au droit européen et international, notamment à la directive «retour», aux droits prévus dans le cadre des procédures d'expulsion, aux droits de séjour en vigueur dans l'Union, aux droits des demandeurs d'asile et des réfugiés, aux droits en matière de vie familiale et aux droits de l'enfant? Quelles mesures comptent prendre le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE) et sa délégation à Astana pour garantir à Mme Shalabayeva le respect de ses droits fondamentaux dans l'enquête criminelle poursuivie contre elle?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007409/13

à la Commission

Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE), Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) et Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Expulsion de Mme Shalabayeva d'Italie au Kazakhstan

Le 29 mai 2013, sans présenter de mandat de perquisition ni de mandat d'arrêt, des agents des services spéciaux de la police italienne, en civil et fortement armés, ont fait irruption dans une résidence de la banlieue de Rome, à la recherche de Mukhtar Ablyazov, dissident kazakh de premier plan. N'y ayant pas trouvé M. Ablyazov, ils ont arrêté sa femme, Alma Shalabayeva. Or, le 31 mai, Mme Shalabayeva a été brusquement expulsée, sous prétexte qu'elle aurait été en possession d'une fausse carte d'identité. Aucun compte n'a été tenu des preuves de l'authenticité de sa carte d'identité et du fait qu'elle disposait de permis de séjour valables émis par la Lettonie et le Royaume-Uni, États membres de l'Union. Ses demandes d'asile ont été purement et simplement écartées. Avant même la fin de son interrogatoire du 31 mai, un jet privé a été affrété pour la ramener sans tarder au Kazakhstan. Au moins deux diplomates kazakhs l'attendaient à l'aéroport de Rome. Pendant ce temps, les agents des services spéciaux italiens, qui étaient retournés au logement de Mme Shalabayeva, ont obtenu, par la ruse, des membres de sa famille qu'ils leur livrent sa fille de six ans. L'expulsion de la mère ne pouvant s'effectuer sans la fille, toutes deux ont été contraintes de monter dans le jet privé qui les a conduit directement au Kazakhstan. À son arrivée au Kazakhstan, Mme Shalabayeva s'est vu signifier trois décisions: l'une ouvrant une enquête criminelle à son encontre, en date du 30 mai, une autre, du même jour, la déclarant suspecte, et la dernière, en date du 31 mai, lui interdisant de quitter la ville d'Almaty. Enfin, le 7 juin, avant toute audition, Mme Shalabayeva a été officiellement mise en examen.

Cette affaire suscite de graves interrogations, suggérant une collusion manifeste entre les agents des services spéciaux italiens et les autorités du Kazakhstan, pays dont le bilan en matière de Droits de l'homme est très mauvais.

La Commission estime-t-elle que l'opération qui a été menée par les agents des services spéciaux italiens est conforme au droit européen et international, notamment à la directive «retour», aux droits prévus dans le cadre des procédures d'expulsion, aux droits de séjour en vigueur dans l'Union, aux droits des demandeurs d'asile et des réfugiés, aux droits en matière de vie familiale et aux droits de l'enfant?

Quelles mesures compte-t-elle prendre à l'égard des autorités italiennes?

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

(9 août 2013)

La Commission a été informée de l'ouverture, le 10 juillet 2013, d'une enquête interne par le gouvernement italien destinée à vérifier la légalité de cette procédure d'expulsion. La Commission surveillera de près la progression et les conclusions de cette enquête.

L'Union européenne a suivi avec attention l'évolution de l'affaire impliquant Mme Alma Shalabayeva, l'épouse de M. Mukhtar Ablyazov, des événements qui ont conduit à son retour au Kazakhstan à l'enquête criminelle ensuite ouverte à son encontre. Suite aux préoccupations exprimées par les défenseurs des Droits de l'homme quant à la nécessité de garantir à Mme Shalabayeva le respect de ses droits légaux, la délégation de l'UE s'est rendue dans la ville d'Almaty. La situation a fait l'objet d'échanges avec les organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) concernées, notamment le Bureau international des Droits de l'homme et de l'État de droit au Kazakhstan, ainsi que le Fonds social Liberty et le Fonds social Ar.Ruk.Hak. La délégation de l'UE a également pris contact avec les organisations internationales compétentes en la matière, y compris les bureaux nationaux et régionaux du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies pour les réfugiés (HCR). Elle est, de plus, en relation permanente avec les États membres pour que les informations relatives à l'affaire Shalabayeva soient échangées et que les efforts soient coordonnés pour garantir le respect de ses droits. La délégation de l'UE a également suivi la préparation et les conclusions de la réunion organisée le 2 juillet 2013 entre Mme Alma Shalabayeva et ses proches, en présence de membres d'ONG et de parlementaires européens venus la rencontrer.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante continuera de surveiller cette affaire de près et insistera auprès des autorités kazakhes pour que les droits légaux de Mme Shalabayeva soient dûment respectés.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007408/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE), Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) and Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Deportation of Mrs Shalabayeva from Italy to Kazakhstan

Acting without presenting a search or arrest warrant, on 29 May 2013, heavily armed and non‐uniformed Italian special agents raided a residence outside Rome searching for Mukhtar Ablyazov, a well-known Kazakh dissident. They did not find Ablyazov, but instead they arrested his wife, Alma Shalabayeva. Mrs Shalabayeva was suddenly deported on 31 May, on the pretext that she held allegedly forged ID. Proof of the authenticity of her ID, and the fact that she held valid residency permits issued by EU states Latvia and the United Kingdom, were ignored. Her pleas for asylum were brushed aside. Even before her detention hearing was completed on 31 May, a private jet had been ordered to whisk her to Kazakhstan. At least two Kazakh diplomats were at Rome’s airport waiting for her to be brought there. Simultaneously, Italian special agents returned to the home and tricked the family into allowing Shalabayeva’s six-year-old daughter to be taken away. The deportation of the mother could not proceed without the child, so both were forced onto the private jet and flown straight to Kazakhstan. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, Shalabayeva was handed copies of three orders: an order initiating a criminal investigation against her, dated 30 May, an order dated the same day naming her as a suspect, and an order dated 31 May prohibiting her from leaving the city of Almaty. On 7 June, prior to any interrogations, she was formally indicted.

This case raises grave questions about the apparent collusion between Italian special agents and the authorities of Kazakhstan, a country with a dismal human rights record.

Does the High Representative think that this operation by Italian special agents is in line with European and international law, in particular with respect to the returns directive, rights in deportation proceedings, EU residency rights, rights of asylum-seekers and refugees, rights to family life and rights of the child? What steps do the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its delegation in Astana intend to take to guarantee Mrs Shalabayeva that her fundamental rights are respected as a criminal investigation against her continues?

Question for written answer E-007409/13

to the Commission

Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE), Barbara Lochbihler (Verts/ALE) and Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Deportation of Mrs Shalabayeva from Italy to Kazakhstan

Acting without presenting a search or arrest warrant, on 29 May 2013, heavily armed and non‐uniformed Italian special agents raided a residence outside Rome searching for Mukhtar Ablyazov, a well-known Kazakh dissident. They did not find Ablyazov, but instead they arrested his wife, Alma Shalabayeva. Mrs Shalabayeva was suddenly deported on 31 May, on the pretext that she held allegedly forged ID. Proof of the authenticity of her ID, and the fact that she held valid residency permits issued by EU states Latvia and the United Kingdom, were ignored. Her pleas for asylum were brushed aside. Even before her detention hearing was completed on 31 May, a private jet had been ordered to whisk her to Kazakhstan. At least two Kazakh diplomats were at Rome’s airport waiting for her to be brought there. Simultaneously, Italian special agents returned to the home and tricked the family into allowing Shalabayeva’s six-year-old daughter to be taken away. The deportation of the mother could not proceed without the child, so both were forced onto the private jet and flown straight to Kazakhstan. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, Shalabayeva was handed copies of three orders: an order initiating a criminal investigation against her, dated 30 May, an order dated the same day naming her as a suspect, and an order dated 31 May prohibiting her from leaving the city of Almaty. On 7 June, prior to any interrogations, she was formally indicted.

This case raises grave questions about the apparent collusion between Italian special agents and the authorities of Kazakhstan, a country with a dismal human rights record.

Does the Commission think that this operation by Italian special agents is in line with European and international law, in particular with respect to the returns directive, rights in deportation proceedings, EU residency rights, rights of asylum-seekers and refugees, rights to family life and rights of the child?

What steps does the Commission intend to take vis-à-vis the Italian authorities?

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

(9 August 2013)

The Commission is aware that the Italian administration launched, on 10 July 2013, an internal investigation into the legality of this removal operation. The Commission will closely monitor further developments and the results of this investigation.

The EU has followed closely the developments of the case of Mrs Alma Shalabayeva, the spouse of Mr Mukhtar Ablyazov, from the outset of the events that brought her back to Kazakhstan and the investigation against her that ensued. The EU Delegation has visited Almaty to follow up on concerns expressed by human rights defenders about the necessity to guarantee Mrs Shalabayeva's legal rights. The situation has been discussed with relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in particular the Kazakh International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, as well as the Social Fund Libery, and the Social Fund Ar.Ruk.Hak. The EU Delegation also contacted relevant international organisations on the matter, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) country and regional offices. Furthermore, the EU Delegation has ongoing contacts with Member States to share information on the Shalabayeva case and coordinate efforts to guarantee the safeguard of her rights. The EU Delegation also followed the preparations for and the results from the meeting on 2 July 2013 between Mrs Alma Shalabayeva and her relatives and members of NGOs and visiting European parliamentarians.

The HR/VP will continue to monitor the case closely and impress upon Kazakh authorities the need to ensure that the legal rights of Mrs Shalabayeva be duly observed.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-007410/13

aan de Commissie

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(24 juni 2013)

Betreft: Internetzoekmachines

Bedrijven die internetzoekmachines exploiteren kunnen zoekresultaten manipuleren, ten nadele van zowel consumenten als concurrenten. Zij kunnen dit doen door bijvoorbeeld relevante resultaten weg te laten, de volgorde van de resultaten te wijzigen of hun eigen inhoud voorrang te geven.

Is de Commissie het ermee eens dat bedrijven die zoekmachines exploiteren zich aan het objectiviteitsbeginsel moeten houden, hetgeen inhoudt dat zij op alle diensten ‐met inbegrip van hun eigen diensten‐ precies dezelfde normen moeten toepassen, door gebruik te maken van precies dezelfde algoritmen voor crawlen, indexeren, rangschikken, weergeven en straffen, teneinde de correcte werking van relevante markten (zoals de markt voor verticale zoekmachines) te waarborgen?

Antwoord van de heer Almunia namens de Commissie

(21 augustus 2013)

De Commissie voert momenteel een onderzoek naar de zakelijke praktijken die Google in Europa met betrekking tot zoekopdrachten toepast. In het kader van dat onderzoek heeft zij mededingingsbezwaren geformuleerd ten aanzien van de praktijken waarvan sprake in de schriftelijke vraag.

Die bezwaren betreffen onder meer de wijze waarop Google bij de resultaten van internetzoekopdrachten zijn eigen gespecialiseerde zoekdiensten prominent in beeld brengt.

De Commissie maakt zich zorgen dat met deze praktijk op het gebied van gespecialiseerde zoekopdrachten ten onrechte internetverkeer wordt afgeleid van concurrenten van Google naar de eigen gespecialiseerde zoekdiensten van Google. Dit zou dus voor consumenten de mogelijkheden kunnen beperken om bij een potentieel relevanter aanbod aan gespecialiseerde zoekdiensten  terecht te komen.

Momenteel beziet de Commissie de mogelijkheid om een oplossing voor deze bezwaren te vinden via juridisch bindende toezeggingen van Google. In dat verband heeft de Commissie Google gevraagd om met verbeteringen te komen voor de voorstellen die de onderneming eerder dit jaar heeft gedaan.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007410/13

to the Commission

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Internet search engines

Companies exploiting Internet search engines are able to manipulate search results, to the detriment of both consumers and competitors. For example, they can do this by omitting relevant results, changing the order of appearance or prioritising their own content.

Does the Commission agree that in order to ensure the proper functioning of relevant markets (such as the market for vertical search engines), companies exploiting search engines should adhere to the ‘even-handed principle’, meaning that they must hold all services, including their own, to exactly the same standards, using exactly the same crawling, indexing, ranking, display and penalty algorithms?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

The Commission, in its current investigation of Google's search-related business practices in Europe, has expressed its competition concerns with regard to the practices referred to in the written question.

Those concerns relate inter alia to the way Google prominently displays its own specialised search services in its web search results.

The Commission is concerned that this practice unduly diverts traffic away from Google's competitors in specialised search towards Google's own specialised search services. It may therefore reduce the ability of consumers to find a potentially more relevant choice of specialised search services.

The Commission is examining the possibility for these concerns to be resolved via legally binding commitments from Google. In this regard, the Commission has asked Google to make improvements to proposals it made earlier this year.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-007411/13

aan de Commissie

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(24 juni 2013)

Betreft: Onderzoek naar de Chinese telecommunicatiesector

Op 15 mei 2013 heeft de Commissie het principebesluit genomen om ambtshalve een antidumping‐ en antisubsidie-onderzoek in te stellen naar de invoer van mobiele telecommunicatienetwerken en de essentiële onderdelen daarvan uit China. Dit onderzoek blijkt met name gericht te zijn op Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. en ZTE Corporation. Het betreft een ambtshalve ingestelde procedure, daar de Commissie geen klachten over deze bedrijven heeft ontvangen. Tot op heden is echter niet duidelijk wat de Commissie ertoe heeft bewogen om juist deze sector en deze bedrijven te onderzoeken. Dus:

Antwoord van de heer de Gucht namens de Commissie

(30 juli 2013)

De antidumping‐ en antisubsidiebasisverordeningen van de EU voorzien nadrukkelijk in de mogelijkheid om ambtshalve antidumping‐ of antisubsidieonderzoeken in te stellen. Soortgelijke bepalingen maken ook deel uit van de WTO-Overeenkomsten waarop de EU-wetgeving is gebaseerd. De desbetreffende wettelijke bepalingen vereisen dat de Commissie over voldoende bewijsmateriaal inzake schade veroorzakende dumping/subsidiëring, schade en een oorzakelijke verband hiertussen beschikt. De Commissie heeft in de telecommunicatienetwerksector uit openbaar toegangkelijke gegevens voldoende voorlopig bewijsmateriaal verzameld dat de invoer van telecommunicatieapparatuur en van de essentiële onderdelen daarvan uit China gedumpt en gesubsidieerd wordt en de bedrijfstak van de Unie die dezelfde producten vervaardigt in de EU schade berokkent. Op basis daarvan heeft de Commissie op 13 mei het principebesluit genomen om ambtshalve onderzoeken in te stellen. Een dienovereenkomstig besluit in concreto is nog niet vastgesteld om tijd voor het bereiken van een mogelijke minnelijke schikking te geven.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007411/13

to the Commission

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Investigation into Chinese telecom sector

On 15 May 2013, the Commission took the decision in principle to open an ex officio anti-dumping and an anti-subsidy investigation concerning imports of mobile telecommunications networks and their essential elements from China. The main targets of this investigation appear to be Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd and ZTE Corporation. This being an ex officio procedure, the Commission has received no complaint regarding these companies. To this day it is, however, unclear what led the Commission to investigate precisely this industry and these companies. Therefore:

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 2013)

The EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy Basic Regulations explicitly provide for the possibility to initiate ex officio anti-dumping or anti-subsidy investigations. Similar provisions are also part of the WTO Agreements on which the EU legislation is based. The relevant legal provisions require that sufficient evidence of injurious dumping/subsidisation, injury and a causal link is in the possession of the Commission. In the telecom networks sector, the Commission has collected from publicly available data sufficient prima facie evidence that the imports of telecom equipment and of its key components from China are dumped and subsidised and are causing injury to the domestic industry of the same products in the EU. On that basis, the Commission, on 13 May, took a decision in principle to open ex officio investigations. Such decision has not yet been activated to allow time for a possible amicable solution to be found.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007412/13

to the Commission

Paul Murphy (GUE/NGL)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Compensation for families of victims of factory fire in Pakistan

In Parliament’s resolution of 17 January 2013 on ‘recent casualties in textile factory fires, notably in Bangladesh’, a reference is made to the 289 victims of a fire in a textile factory in Karachi, Pakistan in September 2012.

It appears that little has been done so far to help the surviving families of the victims of this devastating fire. NGOs have reported that many families are not in a position to comply with stringent rules and provide the necessary papers and/or DNA proof of their relative’s tragic fate. This means victims will be left with no financial compensation. Furthermore, NGOs report that compensation that should have been paid months ago has not yet been received.

The Pakistan Government has yet to establish a governing body for the distribution of the relief fund supplied by German retailer KIK in November 2012, has yet to distribute compensation or aid to survivors and families affected, has yet to complete an independent investigation into the fire and has made no effort to improve safety conditions for factory workers since the devastating fire.

In addition, the German retailer involved has yet to agree sufficient redress and long-term compensation to victims and surviving families. The Italian auditing body, RINA, has yet to explain how it awarded the factory an internationally recognised social accountability certificate (SA8000) less than one month before the deadly fire.

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

(22 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of the textile factory fire in Karachi in September 2012.

The Commission works closely with the ILO and its partner countries to promote the respect of core labour standards and appropriate working conditions. It also encourages companies to adopt corporate social responsibility practices and adhere to internationally recognised principles and guidelines in this area, including with regard to occupational health and safety issues. Whilst the Commission welcomes initiatives whereby stakeholders, including retailers, provide compensation to victims, it has no funds which can be used for this purpose.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007413/13

to the Commission

Arlene McCarthy (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Compensation for victims of crime abroad

Under Article 12 of Council Directive 2004/80/EC relating to compensation to victims of crime, Member States must ensure that their national legislation provides for the existence of a compensation scheme ensuring that victims of crime committed in their respective territories receive fair and appropriate compensation.

According to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) in the UK, out of the 204 claims that have been submitted to their EU Compensation Assistance Team for compensation from Spain, no claims have received any financial compensation.

Will the Commission agree to take action against Member States that are not fulfilling their obligations under Article 12(2) of this directive?

How does the Commission plan to help EU citizens access their rights under Article 12(2) of this directive?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

The rules on access to compensation in cross-border situations operate on the basis of Member States' own compensation schemes. A victim may be helped by the mechanisms set up under the directive 2004/80 to facilitate the administration of cross-border compensation claims. However, this directive only applies to victims of violent intentional crime so recourse to this legislation is therefore dependent not only on finding that an intentional violent criminal act has taken place but also on a variety of criteria on coverage and eligibility for compensation including the procedural requirements, which the directive leaves to the national law of the Member States.

Spain has satisfactorily implemented the 2004 Directive and has put in place a system for providing financial assistance for victims suffering injuries resulting from attacks on the person. However, there are a number of limitations and conditions for a victim to be eligible under the Spanish system, which fall outside the rather limited scope of the directive.

The Commission has recognised victims' needs and reinforced their rights to effective protection, support and access to justice by presenting the new Directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, which was recently adopted. It is also now more specifically examining the problems and possible solutions in relation to how cross-border compensation to victims operates in practice.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007414/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Chittagong Hill Tracts

Conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of Bangladesh has left tens of thousands of Pahari people landless and now trapped in a cycle of violence with Bengali settlers.

The CHT region in south-eastern Bangladesh has seen internal armed conflict following Pahari demands for greater autonomy and the protection of their traditional lands. The 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord included a series of reforms, including commitments to restore traditional lands to the Pahari and to reduce troop numbers in the area. However, these commitments are yet to be fully implemented. The Land Commission established under the peace accord to arbitrate on land has yet to make a single ruling on a land dispute.

What steps is the High Representative taking to encourage the Bangladeshi Government to observe its obligations under the 1997 peace accord?

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

(9 August 2013)

The EU has raised this matter, at the highest level, on several occasions, and continues to follow developments in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region closely. The Bangladeshi Government reiterated its intention to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord when it took office in January 2009. Despite subsequent steps taken by the Government to demonstrate its political will, such as the establishment of the National Committee for Implementation of the Peace Accord, some key areas have not yet been fully addressed.

Recently, the Government has proposed changes to the Land legislation designed to improve the procedure for the resolution of disputes. The EU Delegation in Dhaka, along with other interested development partners, has been active in lobbying Government and all stakeholders to ensure that the new legislation will enable a breakthrough in the implementation of this most crucial aspect of the Peace Accord.

The EU has allocated substantial amounts in development funding for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. During 2005-2013, a total of EUR 74 million have been allocated to various projects in the region ranging from local governance, health, water & sanitation, food security to education & vocational training.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-007415/13

aan de Commissie

Ivo Belet (PPE)

(24 juni 2013)

Betreft: Niet tijdig melden van gendefecten bij gedoneerde zaadcellen

Het bewaren en distribueren van menselijke weefsels en cellen, waaronder spermacellen, wordt in de EU gereguleerd door m.n. de richtlijnen van 2004/23/EG en 2006/86/EG. Krachtens deze richtlijn moeten instellingen of bedrijven die actief zijn op het vlak van het verzamelen van weefsels en cellen „onverwijld ieder ernstig ongewenst voorval bij de verkrijging dat van invloed kan zijn op de kwaliteit en/of veiligheid van menselijke weefsels en cellen melden”.

Op 27 juni 2009 meldt Academisch Ziekenhuis St-Lucas Gent aan de Deense spermabank Nordic Cryobank dat een kind van spermadonor 7042 van Cryobank het genetisch defect NF-1 (neurofibromatose) heeft. In de maanden daarna worden nog tal van vrouwen behandeld met donorzaad van dezelfde donor, ondanks meldingen over NF-1 ook door ziekenhuizen uit de VS. Pas op 21 december 2009 stuurt Nordic Cryobank een waarschuwing naar alle klant-ziekenhuizen die cellen van donor 7042 hebben gebruikt. Op 2 oktober 2012 stuurt de Deense overheid een EU „rapid alert” waarschuwing over donor 7042.

Antwoord van de heer Borg namens de Commissie

(7 augustus 2013)

De Commissie kan bevestigen dat zij van deze zaak op de hoogte is gebracht door een Rapid Alert-waarschuwing van de Deense bevoegde autoriteit voor weefsels en cellen (114). Het Rapid Alert System for Tissues and Cells (RATC) beschikt over een eigen platform en is sinds 1 februari 2013 volledig operationeel (115). Het RATC-platform heeft gedetailleerde operationele standaardprocedures (standard operating procedures) en is een doeltreffend systeem voor snelle communicatie tussen de lidstaten. De organisatie die de waarschuwing verstuurt moet ook een eindverslag uitbrengen zodra alle onderzoeken zijn afgerond. De Commissie heeft over deze zaak nog geen eindverslag ontvangen en kan zich dus niet uitspreken over eventuele tekortkomingen bij de naleving van de EU-wetgeving.

De toepassing van weefsels en cellen op de mens, met inbegrip van eventuele beperkingen van het gebruik, wordt door de lidstaten geregeld. De Commissie is ervan op de hoogte dat de Deense wetgeving reeds is gewijzigd en dat het aantal inseminaties van dezelfde spermadonor nu tot 12 is beperkt, met de aanbeveling van niet meer dan zes zwangerschappen in de eerste 12 maanden na afgifte van spermacellen van een donor (116). Uit hoofde van artikel 10, lid 3, van richtlijn 2004/23/EG (117) worden de lidstaten en de Commissie aangespoord een netwerk op te richten dat de registers van de nationale weefselinstellingen met elkaar verbindt. Hieraan wordt momenteel gewerkt in het kader van het Eurocet-project, zoals in de door het geachte Parlementslid aangehaalde resolutie van het Europees Parlement wordt vermeld.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007415/13

to the Commission

Ivo Belet (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Genetic defects in donated sperm cells: lack of timely reporting

The storage and distribution of human tissues and cells, including sperm cells, is regulated in the EU mainly by Directives 2004/23/EC and 2006/86/EC. Under the latter directive, establishments or firms involved in the collection of tissues and cells are required to report ‘without delay… any serious adverse events that occur during procurement which may influence the quality and/or safety of human tissues and cells’.

On 27 June 2009 the Academisch Ziekenhuis St-Lucas teaching hospital in Ghent notified the Danish sperm bank Nordic Cryobank that a child fathered by Cryobank sperm donor 7042 had the genetic defect NF-1 (neurofibromatosis). However, in the subsequent months a number of women still received donor sperm from the same donor, in spite of reports of NF-1 from sources including hospitals in the USA. Only on 21 December 2009 did Nordic Cryobank issue a warning to all client hospitals which had used cells from donor 7042. On 2 October 2012 the Danish Government issued a Rapid Alert warning on donor 7042.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

The Commission can confirm that it became aware of the case following a Rapid Alert issued by the Danish Competent Authority for tissues and cells (118). The System of Rapid Alert for Tissues and Cells (RATC) migrated to its own dedicated platform and became fully operational on 1 February 2013 (119). The RATC platform has detailed standard operating procedures (SOP) and is an effective system for the rapid communications between Member States. The initiator of the alert is expected to also issue a final report once all investigations have been concluded. In this case the Commission has yet to receive the final report and thus cannot comment on any perceived failures to fulfil obligations under the EU legislation.

The actual human application of tissues and cells, including any restriction put on their use, is regulated at Member State level and the Commission is aware that changes have already been made to the relevant Danish legislation which now places a limit of 12 inseminations from any one donor of sperm with a recommendation of no more than six pregnancies in the first 12 months following delivery of a semen straw from a donor (120). Article 10(3) of Directive 2004/23/EC (121) calls on the Member States and the Commission to establish a network linking national tissue establishment registers. As mentioned in the European Parliament Resolution cited by the Honourable Member, this work is ongoing in the framework of the Eurocet project.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-007416/13

do Komisji

Lena Kolarska-Bobińska (PPE)

(24 czerwca 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: E-learning i program Erasmus

W polskim szkolnictwie wyższym e-learning stawia pierwsze kroki. Rozwój tej formy edukacji jest o tyle istotny, że polscy studenci są na piątym miejscu w rankingu mobilności w ramach programu LLP Erasmus.

Duża cześć polskich studentów, by zwiększyć swoje szanse na rynku pracy, zdecydowała się na studiowanie dwóch kierunków. Osoby takie są ambitne, zdolne i pragną wykorzystać okres studiowania jak najefektywniej. Niestety możliwość wyjazdu na program Erasmus jest dla nich znacznie utrudniona. Nie można wyjechać na program Erasmus z dwóch instytutów jednocześnie. O ile zdawanie egzaminów na uczelni zagranicznej jest częścią programu, o tyle studenci dwóch kierunków muszą w tym samym czasie fizycznie zdawać egzaminy na uczelni macierzystej, co jest niewykonalne. Takie osoby są więc zmuszone wziąć urlop dziekański lub zrezygnować z wyjazdu. Niestety, studenci chcąc jak najszybciej wejść na rynek pracy, zazwyczaj wybierają to drugie rozwiązanie.

Czy Komisja mogłaby poinformować Parlament Europejski:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Androullę Vassiliou w imieniu Komisji

(2 sierpnia 2013 r.)

Przyszły program na rzecz edukacji, szkolenia i młodzieży na okres 2014-2020, Erasmus+, poszerzy zakres wsparcia UE dla nowych form nauczania i uczenia się w celu zaspokojenia coraz bardziej różnorodnych potrzeb studentów. Dzięki strategicznym partnerstwom instytucji szkolnictwa wyższego z różnych państw z organizacjami z innych sektorów kształcenia i szkolenia oraz być może z przedsiębiorstwami program Erasmus+ będzie wspierać integrację większej różnorodności form studiów (uczenie się na odległość, w niepełnym wymiarze godzin, modularne). Będzie także wspierać nowe podejścia pedagogiczne poprzez lepsze wykorzystanie technologii informacyjno-komunikacyjnych (takich jak nowe formy platform współpracy i kursów internetowych, na przykład masowe otwarte kursy internetowe, międzynarodowa internetowa nauka oparta na współpracy itp.). Z myślą o studentach, którzy z reguły nie są mobilni na dłuższy okres czasu, wspomniane strategiczne partnerstwa będą wspierać krótkoterminową fizyczną mobilność trwającą do 2 miesięcy połączoną z mobilnością wirtualną, między innymi w celu zachęcenia studentów do pracy nad rzeczywistymi projektami realizowanymi przez przedsiębiorstwa.

W ramach programu Erasmus+ studenci studiujący dwa kierunki w macierzystej uczelni co do zasady będą mogli studiować te same kierunki w jednej (lub dwóch) z uczelni partnerskich. Zgodę na taki tryb muszą jednak wyrazić uczelnia wysyłająca i przyjmująca w ramach porozumienia o programie zajęć podpisywanego ze studentem. Ułatwione zostanie to dzięki zobowiązaniu się uczelni – poprzez podpisanie Karty Szkolnictwa Wyższego Erasmus – do aktualizowania swoich katalogów studiów z wystarczającym wyprzedzeniem, tak by studenci mogli wybierać zajęcia na długo przed rozpoczęciem mobilności.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007416/13

to the Commission

Lena Kolarska-Bobińska (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: E-learning and the Erasmus programme

E‐learning is in its early stages in the Polish higher education system. The development of this form of education is an important issue, as Polish students occupy fifth place in the Erasmus Lifelong Learning Programme mobility ranking.

A large number of Polish students are opting to study two separate courses in order to improve their chances on the labour market. Such people are ambitious, talented and wish to use their time at university as effectively as possible. However, they experience significant difficulties when trying to participate in the Erasmus programme, as there is no provision in this programme for students with two home universities. Given that sitting exams at a foreign university is an element of the programme, and that students taking two courses must also sit exams at their home university at the same time, it is not feasible for such students to participate in the programme. They are thus either forced to take sabbatical leave or to give up on taking part in the Erasmus programme. Regrettably, students, who are keen to get onto the labour market as quickly as possible, usually opt for the latter.

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2013)

The future programme for education, training and youth for the period 2014-2020, Erasmus+, will extend the scope of EU support towards new forms of teaching and learning, to cater for the increasingly diverse needs of the student population. Through strategic partnerships of higher education institutions from different countries, with organisations from other sectors of education and training or possibly with business, Erasmus+ will support the integration of a greater variety of study modes (distance, part-time, modular learning). It will also support new pedagogical approaches through a better exploitation of ICT (new forms of collaborative platforms and on line courses such as Massive Open Online Courses, Collaborative Online International Learning …). For students who are typically not mobile for a long period of time, short term physical mobility of less than 2 months blended with virtual mobility will also be supported in the context of those strategic partnerships, for example to encourage students working on real life projects submitted by enterprises.

Students taking two courses at their home university will in principle be able to take the same courses at one (or two) partner universities abroad under Erasmus+. However, it will be up to the sending and receiving institutions to accept this practice via the learning agreement(s) signed between them and the student. This will be facilitated as higher education institutions will commit, by signing the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, to update their course catalogue early enough so that students can make their choice of courses well in advance of the start of their mobility.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007417/13

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(24 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Programa de apoio cautelar a Portugal

Vários países europeus estão sob assistência financeira, sendo a Comissão um dos principais intervenientes nestes programas de apoio.

Desde abril de 2011 que várias instituições internacionais (CE, BCE, FMI) têm estado a apoiar Portugal na resolução da crise financeira que o país enfrenta, nomeadamente ao nível do desenvolvimento de novas medidas de cortes orçamentais e aumento da eficiência dos serviços públicos.

O Programa de Assistência Financeira desenvolvido em parceria com as instituições internacionais termina em junho de 2014, perspetivando-se algumas dificuldades para Portugal inverter a trajetória de declínio económico e aumento das taxas de desemprego.

Portugal atravessa uma grave crise, demonstrando-se que faltam estímulos ao crescimento económico e à criação de emprego que alavanquem o desenvolvimento económico e social.

A seguir ao Programa de Assistência Financeiro, poderá ser necessário adotar um outro tipo de programa que vise apoiar o crescimento económico e a geração de emprego, injetando algum dinheiro na economia através de uma série de novos investimentos que modernizem o país.

O Comissário Olli Rehn referiu no Parlamento Europeu que a UE «está a trabalhar em conjunto com os respetivos governos no sentido de preparar uma saída bem-sucedida dos programas da UE-FMI de reforma económica e ajustamento orçamental para a Irlanda e Portugal».

Enquanto, por um lado, o BCE poderá apoiar o país no regresso aos mercados, o BEI poderá auxiliar as empresas portuguesas a ter acesso a financiamento a taxas mais competitivas e assim impulsionar uma série de investimentos no país.

«Programa Cautelar» que está a ser desenhado pela Comissão — BCE, BEI, CE?

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(12 de setembro de 2013)

A questão da melhor forma de assegurar uma saída harmoniosa de Portugal do atual programa foi longamente debatida entre as autoridades portuguesas e os seus parceiros internacionais. A recente crise política provocou um retrocesso, uma vez que os mercados reagiram de forma negativa aos sinais de falta de coesão no seio do Governo. Todavia, com a aprovação, por parte do Presidente da República português, do Governo remodelado, e com a apresentação do programa bienal, verifica-se uma acalmia gradual dos mercados, pelo que Portugal, em cooperação com os seus parceiros internacionais, pode prosseguir a estratégia acordada para tornar possível o retorno da economia a um crescimento sólido e sustentável.

Várias são as opções possíveis no que toca à fase pós-programa. Embora seja prematuro avançar com um cenário e um esquema específicos, neste momento parece provável que Portugal possa solicitar algum tipo de apoio para facilitar o seu regresso aos mercados. A versão mais leve consistiria numa LCCP (122) concedida pelo MEE. Se Portugal for elegível para um programa TMD (123) do BCE e quiser aproveitar essa oportunidade, terá de optar por uma LCCR (124) pelo MEE. Ambos os tipos de programas implicam uma certa forma de condicionalidade que, no entanto, não seria muito diferente de uma mera supervisão pós-programa, que de qualquer forma será aplicável a Portugal em conformidade com o pacote duplo.

Em ambas as variantes, a Comissão, em cooperação com o BCE, e, possivelmente, com o FMI, seria implicada no controlo da condicionalidade. O BEI não seria diretamente implicado no âmbito destes programas, mas a sua participação em paralelo, para assegurar o suficiente financiamento da economia, que constitui uma componente importante para uma estratégia de crescimento bem-sucedida, tem de ser ponderada.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007417/13

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Precautionary support programme for Portugual

A number of countries are being financially assisted, with the Commission playing a leading role in these support programmes.

Since April 2011, several international institutions (the Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)) have been supporting Portugal in its efforts to overcome the crisis, particularly by developing new measures to reduce the budget and increase the efficiency of public services.

The financial assistance programme devised in conjunction with the European institutions ends in June 2014. It is likely that Portugal will continue to find it difficult to reverse the process of economic decline and increasing unemployment.

Portugal is undergoing a serious crisis, in which there is a clear lack of incentives for economic growth and job creation to promote economic and social development.

Following on from the financial assistance programme, it may be necessary to adopt another form of programme to support economic growth and job creation, by injecting funds into the economy through a series of new investments to modernise the country.

Commissioner Olli Rehn recently told the European Parliament that the EU is working in conjunction with the governments concerned to ensure a successful conclusion to the EU-IMF economic reform and budget adjustment programmes for Ireland and Portugal.

While, on the one hand, the ECB could support the country’s return to the markets, the European Investment Bank (EIB) could help Portuguese enterprises gain access to funding at more competitive rates, which would provide the impulse for a series of investments in the country.

‘precautionary programme’ being drawn up by the Commission — the ECB, the EIB and the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2013)

The question of how Portugal can ensure a smooth exit from the current programme was discussed between the Portuguese authorities and its international partners for some time. The recent political crisis has meant a setback in this regard, as markets reacted negatively to the signs of lack of cohesion in the government. However, with the confirmation of the reshuffled government by the Portuguese President and the presentation of the two-year programme, there is evidence that calm is gradually returning on the markets so that Portugal, in cooperation with its internatinoal partners, can continue working on the agreed strategy that will allow the economy to return to solid and sustainable growth.

There are a number of options that can be envisaged for post-programme arrangements. Although it is premature to speculate with a specific scenario and scheme, at the present stage it seems likely that Portugal may require some kind of backstop to faciliate its return to markets. The lightest version would be a PCCL (125) by the ESM. If Portugal qualifies for an OMT (126) programme by the ECB and wants to avail itself of this opportunity it would have to choose an ECCL (127) by the ESM. Both types of programme, come with some form of conditionality which would, however, not be very different from post-programme surveillance that will apply in any case to Portugal in accordance with the Two-Pack.

In both programme variants, the Commission in cooperation with the ECB and, possibly, the IMF, would be involved in the surveillance of the conditionality. The EIB would not be directly implicated under either of these programmes but its parallel involvement in ensuring sufficient financing of the economy, which will be a major component of a succesful growth strategy, has to be ascertained.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007418/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: France réactionnaire

Selon le Président de la Commission, les positions françaises sur «l'exception culturelle» dans les négociations sur le traité transatlantique de libre-échange sont «réactionnaires».

Cela fait des années que, partout en Europe, les politiques nationales utilisent l'Europe comme bouc émissaire. «C'est la faute à Bruxelles!» Promenez-vous ici ou là dans toutes les capitales européennes, c'est devenu le slogan des hommes de gauche et de droite chez les 27. Des populistes comme des plus démocrates. L'austérité? C'est Bruxelles. L'ouverture des frontières? C'est Bruxelles. La vache folle? Bruxelles encore. La finance folle, les normes en tout genre, la remise en cause du modèle social: Bruxelles! Encore et toujours Bruxelles. La vérité vraie, c'est que, jusque-là, il était très rare que le Président de la Commission s'en prenne à un État membre. Les doctes propos des commissaires sur l'austérité ou sur les réformes prenaient des allures de recommandations, la Commission pointait du doigt les mauvais élèves. Mais le ton n'était pas celui de l'invective. Même Jacques Delors, à l'époque où il avait la pleine confiance de l'Allemagne et de la France et où la Commission avait encore un peu de pouvoir, ne se serait jamais permis de prendre de front un État en traitant les uns ou les autres de «réactionnaires». L'Europe a souvent connu des crises. Mais les affrontements étaient le fait des États. Et la Commission jouait le rôle de médiateur et arrondissait les angles. La sortie du président Barroso est donc extrêmement dangereuse pour l'Europe elle-même.

«l'intérêt général européen»?

Réponse donnée par M. Barroso au nom de la Commission

(8 août 2013)

La citation mentionnée par l'Honorable Parlementaire est erronée. La Commission et le président lui-même ont éclairci ce point à l'occasion d'une conférence de presse le 24 juin.

Le président de la Commission ainsi que l'ensemble de ses membres sont très soucieux de promouvoir l'intérêt général de l'Union, ainsi qu'en dispose l'article 17 du traité sur l'Union européenne.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007418/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: ‘Reactionary’ France

According to the President of the Commission, France’s stance on the ‘cultural exception’ in transatlantic free‐trade agreement negotiations is ‘reactionary’.

National politicians throughout Europe have been using Europe as a whipping boy for years. ‘It’s Brussels’ fault!’ Take a walk around any European capital and you will see that this has become the slogan of both left-wingers and right-wingers throughout the 27 EU Member States — the slogan of demagogues and democrats alike. Austerity? Brussels’ fault. Opening up of borders? Brussels’ fault. Mad cows? Brussels again. Mad financial markets, red tape and the undermining of the social model? Brussels! Time and again, it’s Brussels that gets the blame! The fact of the matter is that, up to now, it has been very rare for the President of the Commission to attack a Member State. The Commissioners’ learned pronouncements on austerity and on reforms have always been couched as recommendations, and the tone was always one of encouragement, not confrontation. Even Jacques Delors, back when he enjoyed the full confidence of Germany and France — and when the Commission still had some power — would never have dared to attack a Member State by throwing around the term ‘reactionary’. Europe has gone through a number of crises, but clashes of this kind have always been between Member States. The Commission has always played the role of mediator and attempted to smooth things out. Mr Barroso’s outburst is thus extremely dangerous for Europe.

1.Given the above, does the Commission still see France as ‘reactionary’?

2.Is the President of the Commission not required to swear an oath to serve Europe’s generalinterest at the beginning of his term of office?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

The quote referred to by the Honourable Member is erroneous. The Commission, including the President himself on the occasion of a press point on 24 June, has put the record straight on this topic.

The President of the Commission and all its Members are fully committed to promote the general interest of the Union as ruled by Article 17 of the Treaty on the European Union.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007419/13

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Giuseppe Gargani (PPE), David-Maria Sassoli (S&D), Lorenzo Fontana (EFD), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Cristiana Muscardini (ECR), Susy De Martini (ECR), Silvia Costa (S&D), Guido Milana (S&D), Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Marco Scurria (PPE), Salvatore Tatarella (PPE), Vito Bonsignore (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Mario Borghezio (NI), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Potito Salatto (PPE), Antonello Antinoro (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Sergio Gaetano Cofferati (S&D), Oreste Rossi (EFD), Fabrizio Bertot (PPE), Sergio Berlato (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Roberto Gualtieri (S&D), Luigi Berlinguer (S&D), Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE), Barbara Matera (PPE), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Franco Bonanini (NI), Vittorio Prodi (S&D), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Carlo Casini (PPE) e Andrea Cozzolino (S&D)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Possibile violazione normativa appalti pubblici a danno dell'AnsaldoBreda

Il 3 giugno 2013 la società ferroviaria nazionale belga NMBS in modo unilaterale ha ufficialmente rescisso il contratto con la società italiana AnsaldoBreda per la produzione di 3 treni ad alta velocità «Fyra V250». A sua volta la società ferroviaria nazionale olandese NS ha annunciato il recesso dal contratto riguardante la produzione di 16 treni di cui 9 già consegnati. L'importo totale di tali contratti si aggira sui 400 milioni di euro. Tali prodotti hanno passato tutti i test di sicurezza, ottenendo le relative certificazioni per la messa in esercizio e le relative autorizzazioni rilasciate in conformità alle regole ed alle certificazioni previste dalle normative nazionali ed europee.

In un momento di crisi economica europea ed internazionale si teme che simili atti, oltre a ledere l'interesse dei cittadini europei a fruire di un servizio transfrontaliero tecnologicamente avanzato di trasporto, possano avere ripercussioni negative sui livelli occupazionali e sull'indotto industriale di una azienda oggi leader europeo nel settore dei trasporti con più di 2400 dipendenti.

Premesso che l'Unione europea pone particolare attenzione allo sviluppo delle reti europee di trasporto, può la Commissione europea precisare quanto segue:

Risposta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(9 agosto 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007419/13

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Gianni Pittella (S&D), Giovanni La Via (PPE), Giuseppe Gargani (PPE), David-Maria Sassoli (S&D), Lorenzo Fontana (EFD), Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE), Cristiana Muscardini (ECR), Susy De Martini (ECR), Silvia Costa (S&D), Guido Milana (S&D), Elisabetta Gardini (PPE), Carlo Fidanza (PPE), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Marco Scurria (PPE), Salvatore Tatarella (PPE), Vito Bonsignore (PPE), Raffaele Baldassarre (PPE), Licia Ronzulli (PPE), Mario Borghezio (NI), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Potito Salatto (PPE), Antonello Antinoro (PPE), Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Antonio Cancian (PPE), Erminia Mazzoni (PPE), Sergio Gaetano Cofferati (S&D), Oreste Rossi (NI), Fabrizio Bertot (PPE), Sergio Berlato (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE), Roberto Gualtieri (S&D), Luigi Berlinguer (S&D), Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE), Barbara Matera (PPE), Amalia Sartori (PPE), Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Franco Bonanini (NI), Vittorio Prodi (S&D), Claudio Morganti (EFD), Salvatore Iacolino (PPE), Carlo Casini (PPE) and Andrea Cozzolino (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Possible infringement of public procurement legislation at the expense of AnsaldoBreda

On 3 June 2013, NMBS, the Belgian national rail company, unilaterally officially rescinded its contract with Italian company AnsaldoBreda for the manufacture of three high-speed ‘Fyra V250’ trains. In addition, NS, the Dutch national rail company, announced it was withdrawing from the contract for the manufacture of 16 trains, nine of which have already been delivered. The total value of these contracts is approximately EUR 400 million. These products have passed all the safety tests, obtaining the relevant certifications for being placed in service and the relevant permits issued in compliance with the rules and certifications laid down by national and European legislation.

At a time of economic crisis in Europe and internationally, we fear that, in addition to damaging the opportunities for European citizens to benefit from a technologically advanced cross-border transport service, such actions may have adverse effects on employment levels and on the supply chain of a company that is currently a European leader in the transport sector, with over 2 400 employees.

As the European Union is particularly interested in the development of European transport networks, can the European Commission say:

(Version française)

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007420/13

à la Commission

Rachida Dati (PPE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Accord de libre-échange avec les États-Unis: protéger l'agriculture européenne doit être une priorité

Le compromis trouvé le 14 juin va permettre d'ouvrir les négociations pour un accord de commerce et d'investissement avec les États-Unis. Cet accord peut être une chance pour l'Europe, qui pourrait gagner près d'un demi-point de croissance supplémentaire par an. La différence, les Européens la verraient dans leur quotidien, car cet accord pourrait leur apporter en moyenne 545 euros de revenus supplémentaires par foyer.

La protection de l'exception culturelle, grâce à l'exclusion des services audiovisuels du mandat de négociation, est une décision qui correspond aux attentes des Européens. La position du Parlement européen, soutenue par la France, a prévalu. Or, ce compromis reste fragile, car il comprend la possibilité d'inclure le secteur audiovisuel à un stade ultérieur des négociations. Mais la protection de l'audiovisuel, aussi déterminante soit-elle, ne doit pas occulter d'autres questions tout aussi essentielles: j'avais demandé très clairement, au cours de l'élaboration de la résolution du Parlement européen sur la question, qu'une attention particulière soit donnée aux échanges agricoles.

Les Européens, les agriculteurs européens, et l'ensemble de la filière agro-alimentaire refusent que l'on brade nos exigences en matière de qualité et de santé. Le respect des préférences collectives a été intégré au mandat. Nous devons en effet garantir un haut niveau de protection de l'environnement, des travailleurs et des consommateurs, et préserver les exigences existantes au sein des États membres. Mais ce respect demandera une vigilance continue, tout au long des négociations.

Ce que nous voulons pour notre agriculture, c'est une véritable réciprocité: nos produits s'exportent, mais nous voulons mettre fin aux barrières qui existent encore et nous empêchent de partager notre savoir-faire. Nous avons confiance en la capacité de notre agriculture de s'affirmer sur le marché mondial, mais nous ne devons pas, pour y parvenir, porter atteinte à sa qualité.

La Commission doit donner à l'agriculture européenne les moyens de saisir l'ensemble des possibilités offertes par ce futur accord.

Réponse donnée par M. Cioloş au nom de la Commission

(20 août 2013)

Les accords commerciaux tels que le partenariat transatlantique de commerce et d'investissement doivent certainement respecter, dans le domaine de l'agriculture, un juste équilibre entre nos intérêts offensifs et défensifs. Comme l'indique l'Honorable Parlementaire, le partenariat transatlantique de commerce et d'investissement pose des défis majeurs, mais il offre aussi de nouvelles possibilités découlant des concessions de nos partenaires en ce qui concerne les obstacles tarifaires et non tarifaires et une meilleure protection des indications géographiques de l'UE.

Parallèlement, on ne peut s'attendre à ce que les secteurs particulièrement sensibles puissent supporter un niveau excessif d'importations supplémentaires qui viendrait s'ajouter à la pression exercée sur la production et les prix intérieurs moyens. Dans ces secteurs, notamment dans le secteur animal, il est clair que la marge dont nous disposons pour l'octroi d'éventuelles concessions en matière d'accès au marché est étroite. Le caractère sensible d'une série de secteurs agricoles dans le cadre des négociations avec les États-Unis a été reconnu et, selon le rapport final du groupe de travail de haut niveau sur l'emploi et la croissance, il est peu probable que les produits les plus sensibles fassent l'objet d'une élimination totale des tarifs: un traitement spécial sera envisagé pour ces produits afin de minimiser les éventuels effets négatifs sur le marché de l'UE.

Enfin, ces négociations n'ont pas pour but de nuire à la santé des consommateurs de l'UE ou à l'environnement. L'UE possède l'un des cadres législatifs les plus avancés en ce qui concerne la protection de la vie humaine et de la santé publique, de la santé et du bien-être des animaux, de l'environnement et des intérêts des consommateurs. Il importe de veiller, dans l'intérêt des citoyens de l'UE, au maintien des normes strictes déjà en place.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007420/13

to the Commission

Rachida Dati (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Free trade agreement with the US: protecting European agriculture must be a priority

The compromise reached on 14 June 2013 clears the way for negotiations to begin on a free trade and investment agreement with the United States. The agreement represents a real opportunity for Europe, which could benefit from an additional half-a-percentage-point increase in GDP per year. In practical terms, for the average European household this would equate to an extra EUR 545 in annual income.

The decision to protect the cultural exception by excluding audiovisual services from the negotiating mandate is one that reflects the wishes of many Europeans. Parliament’s position, backed by France, prevailed. Nevertheless, this compromise is far from satisfactory, as it leaves open the possibility of including the audiovisual sector at a later stage of the negotiations. But the need to protect the audiovisual sector, vital as it is, must not divert attention away from issues of equal importance. When Parliament was drafting its resolution on the issue, I specifically called for very close attention to be paid to agricultural trade.

The general public, farmers and the entire agri-food industry in Europe will not allow our health and quality standards to be watered down in exchange for concessions elsewhere. The mandate insists on respect for collective preferences, and we must therefore ensure a high level of environmental, worker and consumer protection, and maintain the requirements currently in force in Member States. But to do so will require vigilance throughout the negotiations.

What we want for our agriculture is true reciprocity. Although we export our products, we want to do away with the remaining barriers preventing us from sharing our know-how. We have full confidence in our agricultural sector’s ability to compete in the global market, but this must not come at the expense of quality.

The Commission must put European agriculture in a position to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this future agreement.

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

Trade agreements, including TTIP, have certainly to strike the right balance between our offensive interests in agriculture and our defensive ones. As you note, the TTIP raises significant challenges, but it also provides new opportunities stemming from our partners' concessions, on tariff and non-tariff barriers and on the enhanced protection of EU geographical indications.

At the same time, particularly sensitive sectors cannot be expected to sustain an excessive level of additional imports that would put further pressure on average domestic prices and production. In these cases, notably in the animal sector, our limits in terms of possible additional market access concessions are clearly tight. The sensitivity of a series of agricultural sectors in the negotiations with the U.S. has been acknowledged, and, in line with the Final Report of the High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, the most sensitive products are unlikely to undergo full elimination of tariffs: special treatment will be considered for such products to minimise any negative impacts on the EU market.

Finally, these negotiations have not the aim to compromise the health of EU consumers or the environment. EU has one of the most advanced legislative frameworks serving to protect human life and public health, animal health and welfare, environment and consumer interests. It is in the EU citizen's interests to ensure that the existing high standards will be maintained.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007421/13

à la Commission

Jean-Luc Bennahmias (ALDE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: La protection des abeilles et le moratoire d'interdiction des pesticides néonicotinoïdes

La Commission européenne, consciente du taux de mortalité anormalement élevé des abeilles, a proposé la mise en place d'un moratoire afin d'interdire l'utilisation des trois pesticides supposés les plus néfastes. Cette mesure a été acceptée par une majorité d'États membres. C'est un point positif, car ce n'était pas gagné d'avance et cela représente un pas en avant.

Cependant, ce moratoire, bien qu'encourageant, reste insuffisant sur plusieurs points. Les trois pesticides concernés polluent en effet les sols pendant des années et une dose même infime du produit est source de mortalité pour les abeilles. De plus, l'interdiction ne concerne que certains types de plantes réputées pour attirer les abeilles. Enfin, l'interdiction ne porte que sur une période de l'année.

Au vu de ces limites, et compte tenu du fait qu'une interdiction totale serait plus appropriée (ainsi, en Italie, la mortalité a diminué — passant de 30 % à 15 % — suite à l'interdiction totale des pesticides):

Réponse donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(25 juillet 2013)

La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à prendre connaissance de sa réponse à la question écrite no E-007011/2013 (132).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007421/13

to the Commission

Jean-Luc Bennahmias (ALDE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Protection of bees and the temporary ban on neonicotinoid-based pesticides

Recognising the abnormally high death rate among bees, the Commission proposed a moratorium on the use of what are considered the three most harmful pesticides, and a majority of the Member States approved the measure. That much is positive: it was not a foregone conclusion that the moratorium would be imposed and it is a step forward.

While encouraging, however, the temporary ban is inadequate in several respects. The three substances in question continue to pollute land on which they are used for years, and even the tiniest doses are deadly to bees. Secondly, the ban applies only to certain types of crop that are known to attract bees; and thirdly, it will be in force for only part of the year.

Given these limitations and recognising that a total ban would be more appropriate (in Italy, for example, after the pesticides in question were banned completely, bee mortality fell from 30% to 15%):

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(25 July 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐007011/2013 (133).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007422/13

alla Commissione

Franco Frigo (S&D)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Discarica per il trattamento di rifiuti

La ditta «Adige Ambiente» S.r.l. ha presentato alla Regione Veneto una domanda per la realizzazione di un nuovo sito di stoccaggio di rifiuti speciali non pericolosi da realizzarsi a Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona. La discarica andrebbe a situarsi in una zona a ridosso dell'ex discarica per RSU in postmortem di Ca' Baldassare. Il progetto prevede l'ulteriore scavo di georisorse per l'ampliamento della cava dismessa di Cà Balestra, il cui fondo è inquinato da idrocarburi pesanti e non è ancora ripristinata ad uso agricolo.

Nella discarica saranno effettuate operazioni di smaltimento di rifiuti misti (circa 300 CER) con elevato contenuto sia di rifiuti organici e biodegradabili che di rifiuti inorganici con recupero di biogas. L'area si trova in una zona caratterizzata da una forte stabilità con gradiente termico maggiore di quello adiabatico secco ostacolando, cosi, le correnti d'aria verso l'alto che favoriscono la diluizione delle concentrazioni degli inquinanti gassosi e odorigeni causati dalla combustione di biogas e dalla gestione dei rifiuti putrescibili.

Nel sottosuolo, formato prevalentemente da ghiaie alluvionali ad elevata permeabilità, è presente una consistente falda freatica senza soluzione di continuità con le acque del Lago di Garda situato a Nord. Tale falda alimenta per uso potabile i pozzi delle provincie di Verona e Mantova. A questo si aggiungono le forti preoccupazioni da parte di cittadini che temono sia per le conseguenze sulla produzione agroalimentare locale caratterizzata da certificazioni di qualità sia per la loro salute, dato il rischio che nel nuovo sito vengano conferiti rifiuti pericolosi. Inoltre, considerata la vicinanza con l'aeroporto «Catullo» di Verona, c'è il rischio di richiamare fauna selvatica pericolosa per gli aerei di passaggio.

Alla luce di quanto sopra, si chiede se la Commissione ritiene che siano state rispettate tutte le disposizioni della normativa UE ovvero la direttiva 2011/92/CE concernente la valutazione dell'impatto ambientale di determinati progetti pubblici e privati, la direttiva 2008/98/CE relativa ai rifiuti e la direttiva 1999/31/CE modificata dal regolamento 1882/2003 del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(8 agosto 2013)

Spetta alle autorità competenti degli Stati membri decidere in merito all’autorizzazione delle discariche, assicurando il rispetto delle pertinenti disposizioni della legislazione dell’UE, in particolare la direttiva 2008/98/CE relativa ai rifiuti (134) (la direttiva quadro sui rifiuti), la direttiva 1999/31/CE relativa alle discariche di rifiuti (135) (la «direttiva Discariche») e la direttiva 2011/92/UE concernente la valutazione dell’impatto ambientale di determinati progetti pubblici e privati (136) (la «direttiva VIA»).

Al momento la Commissione non dispone di alcuna informazione specifica da cui risulti che le autorità italiane competenti abbiano rilasciato un’autorizzazione non conforme alla pertinente legislazione dell’Unione europea.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007422/13

to the Commission

Franco Frigo (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Landfill for waste treatment

The firm ‘Adige Ambiente’ s.r.l has applied to the Veneto region to construct a new site to store special non-hazardous waste, to be built in Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona. The landfill would be located in an area close to the former Ca’ Baldassare landfill for municipal solid waste. The project provides for the further excavation of geo-resources in order to expand the disused Cà Balestra quarry, the bottom of which is polluted with heavy hydrocarbons and has not yet been restored for agricultural use.

Mixed waste would be disposed of in the landfill (approximately 300 certified emission reductions) with a high content of both organic and biodegradable waste and inorganic waste, allowing the recovery of biogas. The area is very stable and has a temperature gradient greater than the adiabatic dry gradient, thus hampering air flow in an upward direction and promoting the dilution of concentrations of gaseous and strong smelling pollutants caused by the combustion of biogas and the handling of putrescible waste.

In the underground soil, consisting primarily of highly permeable alluvial gravel, there is a substantial underground water table, with no break between it and the waters of Lake Garda, located to the north. This aquifer supplies the drinking-water wells of the provinces of Verona and Mantua. In addition, residents have serious concerns, fearing both the consequences on local food production, which is currently certified as being of high quality, and for their health, given the risk that hazardous waste might be dumped at the new site. Furthermore, in view of the proximity of Verona’s ‘Catullo’ airport, there is the risk of attracting wildlife that might be dangerous for passing aircraft.

In view of the above, does the Commission consider that all EC law provisions have been complied with? These include Directive 2011/92/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, Directive 2008/98/EC on waste and Directive 1999/31/EC as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(8 August 2013)

Decisions about the authorisation of landfills are taken by the competent authorities in Member States. They must comply with relevant requirements in EC law, particularly the directive 2008/98/EC on waste (137) (the ‘Waste Framework Directive’), Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste (138) (the ‘Landfill Directive’) and Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (139) (the ‘EIA Directive’).

At this stage, the Commission does not have any specific information indicating that the competent Italian authorities have issued a permit which is non-compliant with relevant EU legislation.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007423/13

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Relazioni tra l'Unione europea e l'Ucraina

A novembre 2013 l'UE e l'Ucraina dovrebbero firmare un accordo di associazione per incrementare la circolazione di beni e persone tra i due paesi e favorire una più stretta integrazione.

L'Ucraina si è avviata sulla strada che altri paesi dell'ex blocco sovietico hanno percorso dieci anni fa, e, passo dopo passo, sta realizzando le condizioni stabilite dall'UE per la firma dell'accordo di associazione.

Il paese recentemente ha tuttavia accettato lo status di osservatore nell'Unione euroasiatica, ovvero l'unione doganale tra Russia, Bielorussia e Kazakistan, guidata da Mosca. La partecipazione all'unione doganale, che potrebbe procurare a Kiev il sospirato sconto sul gas con i russi, non è tuttavia compatibile con l'accordo di libero scambio che i leader dell'UE intendono firmare con l'Ucraina a novembre.

Industria e interessi economici ucraini sono, infatti, ancora strettamente legati alla Russia, suo primo partner commerciale (con un volume di scambi superiore a quello tra l'Ucraina e il resto d'Europa).

L'Ucraina auspica un futuro europeo e i suoi legami di sangue, di storia, di fede, ma anche i trattati moderni, sono le fondamenta su cui è possibile costruire un ponte duraturo tra l'Europa e la Russia.

Ciò premesso, può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

Risposta di Štefan Füle a nome della Commissione

(3 settembre 2013)

Nella dichiarazione congiunta del vertice UE-Ucraina del 25 febbraio 2013 entrambe le parti hanno ribadito il loro impegno per l'associazione politica e l'integrazione economica dell'Ucraina con l'Unione europea e a favore dell'eventuale firma dell'accordo di associazione, comprendente una zona di libero scambio globale e approfondito, in tempo utile per il vertice del partenariato orientale che si terrà nel novembre 2013.

Sebbene abbia riconosciuto l'importanza per l'Ucraina di mantenere buone relazioni con tutti i paesi vicini, l'UE ha dichiarato che l'integrazione del paese nell'unione doganale sarebbe tecnicamente incompatibile con la zona di libero scambio globale e approfondito e che la collaborazione con l'unione doganale non deve precludere la possibilità di firmare l'accordo di associazione, né contrastare con gli impegni che l'Ucraina ha assunto nei confronti dell'Unione a norma di detto accordo.

L'UE si aspetta pertanto di essere consultata dall'Ucraina in merito all'intenzione di collaborare con l'unione doganale, al fine di evitare allontanamenti dalle disposizioni dell'accordo di associazione.

Per quanto riguarda le relazioni dell'Unione europea con l'Unione euroasiatica, l'UE accoglie con favore i meccanismi di integrazione economica regionale purché rispettino pienamente le norme dell'Organizzazione mondiale del commercio (OMC), non creino ostacoli agli scambi e siano aperti all'adesione degli Stati che decidono autonomamente di parteciparvi. Ogni Stato è libero di aderire a qualsiasi progetto di integrazione sulla base dei propri interessi nazionali, con decisione sovrana. Inoltre, l'integrazione regionale non dovrebbe incidere negativamente sulle relazioni dell'UE con i paesi vicini orientali.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007423/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — EU-Ukraine relations

The EU and Ukraine are due to sign an association agreement in November 2013 to increase the movement of goods and persons between the two countries and encourage closer integration.

Ukraine has set off down the road travelled 10 years ago by other former Soviet block countries and, step by step, is fulfilling the conditions laid down by the EU for signature of the association agreement.

Ukraine has, however, recently been granted observer status at the Euroasian Union, a Moscow-led customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Participation in the customs union could give Kiev the lower gas prices it wants from the Russians. However it is not compatible with the free trade agreement EU leaders are planning to sign with Ukraine in November.

Ukraine’s industry and economic interests are still closely linked to Russia, which is its largest trade partner (the volume of trade is higher than that between Ukraine and the rest of Europe).

Ukraine hopes that its future will lie in Europe. There are blood ties, historical ties and faith ties between the two, as well as modern treaties, and these are the foundations on which a lasting bridge may be built between Europe and Russia.

Could the Vice-President/High Commissioner answer the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2013)

In the joint statement of the 25 February 2013 EU-Ukraine Summit, both sides reconfirmed their commitment to the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the EU and to the possible signing of the Association Agreement, with its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA), by the time of the Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2013.

While the EU has acknowledged the importance for Ukraine to keep good relations with all its neighbours, it has made clear that Ukraine's integration with the Customs Union would be technically incompatible with the AA/DCFTA and that any cooperation with the Customs Union should leave intact the possibility of signing the AA/DCFTA and not contradict Ukraine’s commitments with the EU under this Agreement.

The EU therefore expects to be consulted by Ukraine on any plans to cooperate with the Customs Union in order to prevent any potential dis-alignment with the AA/DCFTA provisions.

As regards the EU's relations with the Eurasian Union, the EU welcomes regional economic integration schemes as long as they fully comply with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, do not create trade barriers, and are open for countries to join as a result of an autonomous choice. Eeach country should make free, sovereign decisions on whether to join any integration project, on the basis of its own national interest. Furthermore, regional integration should not have detrimental effects on the EU’s relations with its Eastern neighbourhood.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007424/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Organizzazione di eventi sportivi internazionali in Brasile: possibile uso illecito dei canali di finanziamento forniti per lo sviluppo economico e sociale del paese

Di recente la stampa internazionale ha denunciato che circa 170.000 abitanti di 12 città in Brasile rischiano di dover lasciare le loro case a causa dei preparativi per i Campionati di calcio del 2014 e le Olimpiadi del 2016. I progetti di nuove infrastrutture, in preparazione di questi due eventi in Brasile, hanno portato allo sgombero forzato di diverse famiglie e comunità, già dal 2012.

Le autorità competenti si sono impegnate con l'istituzione di un comitato per monitorare le violazioni dei diritti umani in relazione alle installazioni effettuate per il Mondiale. Le famiglie sono state spostate in sobborghi lontani e in alloggi inadeguati, spesso con accesso limitato ai servizi di base (quali sanità, scuole, pavimentazione e fognature) e in aree con gravi problemi di sicurezza. Come contropartita per lo spostamento è stata loro offerta una somma di denaro irrisoria rispetto al reale valore dell'abitazione di proprietà.

Migliaia di famiglie sfollate dalle proprie case si trovano in alloggi precari, mentre il diritto all'abitazione costituisce un principio fondamentale, sancito dai trattati internazionali ed europei.

Le autorità competenti, per la realizzazione del progetto da 63,2 milioni di dollari, al centro dei prossimi eventi sportivi, potrebbero usare anche soldi pubblici, sottraendoli ad altri settori di cruciale importanza per la popolazione, quali la sanità pubblica e l'istruzione.

L'UE mantiene un partenariato strategico (avviato dal vertice di Lisbona del 4 luglio 2007) come contesto in cui intensificare le relazioni con il Brasile. I diritti dell'uomo, la democrazia e il buon governo sono valori comuni di cui i due partner promuovono il rispetto attraverso le norme e gli strumenti internazionali. I programmi tematici sulle riforme o sullo sviluppo sociale costituiscono strumenti appropriati per promuovere lo sviluppo sociale del Brasile, riducendone la dipendenza dagli aiuti europei. Il persistere delle disparità sociali e regionali rappresenta ancora un problema.

Ciò premesso, può la Commissione riferire sulla menzionata situazione in Brasile?

Non ritiene che tale situazione possa portare a un uso illecito dei canali di finanziamento forniti per lo sviluppo economico e sociale del paese, in particolare per il potenziamento di servizi quali sanità, istruzione e tutela ambientale?

Ritiene la Commissione che le autorità nazionali abbiano attuato, con i residenti costretti a lasciare le proprie case, una vera trattativa al fine di garantire tutte le alternative allo sfratto e che abbiano offerto un risarcimento completo o alternative di alloggio adeguato?

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

(3 settembre 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007424/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Possibility of economic and social development funding being used improperly in connection with the hosting of international sporting events in Brazil

According to reports that have appeared recently in the press, some 170 000 people in 12 cities in Brazil may be forced to leave their homes as a result of the preparations for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. Families and communities have been being forcibly relocated since 2012, to clear space for new infrastructure for the two events.

The Brazilian authorities have set up a human rights monitoring committee to detect any violations that may occur in connection with World Cup infrastructure projects. Despite this, the relocated families have been moved into substandard housing in far-off suburbs, in many cases with limited access to basic services (e.g. healthcare, schools, proper roads and sewage systems) and in areas with major public safety problems. The compensation they have been offered is derisory, falling far short of real property market values.

Thousands of families have been moved out of their own homes into makeshift housing, despite the fact that housing is a fundamental right enshrined in international and EU treaties.

In order to finance a USD 63.2 million project which is a centrepiece of the forthcoming events, the authorities could make use of public funds diverted from other policy areas of crucial importance to Brazilian society, such as public health and education.

At the Lisbon Summit of 4 July 2007, the EU decided to establish a strategic partnership with Brazil in order to forge closer relations with the country. The two partners share a common interest in fostering human rights, democracy and good governance through international standards and instruments. Thematic programmes focusing on social reforms or development are seen as appropriate means of promoting social development in Brazil and reducing the country’s dependence on aid from the EU. Social and regional disparities are another problem that needs to be addressed.

What information can the Commission provide on the above situation?

Would it not agree that it could result in funds provided for the purpose of promoting economic and social development in Brazil, and in particular to improve the situation in a number of key areas such as health, education and environmental protection, being used improperly?

Does it believe that the Brazilian authorities have been conducting proper prior consultations with the people who are being forced to leave their homes, in order to ensure that all other options are explored and that full compensation or decent replacement housing is offered?

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

(3 September 2013)

The agenda for the human rights dialogue is organised with the active involvement of Civil Society Organisations. The next Human Rights dialogue will take place in Brazil, in October 2013.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007425/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Il fenomeno ecomafia: dati allarmanti per l'Europa e per i PVS

Il traffico e lo smaltimento illecito dei rifiuti coinvolgono l'intera Europa, ma anche paesi in via di sviluppo, ad esempio in Africa e Asia. In particolare, un recente rapporto pubblicato in Italia evidenzia un aumento dei numeri del fenomeno dell'ecomafia: un fatturato annuo di oltre 16 miliardi di euro, più di 34 mila reati accertati con 28 mila persone denunciate, 302 i clan coinvolti. Le attività eco-criminali assumono una dimensione globale: l'avvelenamento dell'aria, la contaminazione delle falde acquifere, l'inquinamento dei fiumi e delle coltivazioni agricole e la contaminazione con metalli pesanti, diossine e altre sostanze cancerogene dei prodotti alimentari. Inoltre, è stato rilevato che i reati sono commessi in ogni fase del ciclo: produzione, trasporto e smaltimento e quindi di difficile individuazione.

La criminalità ambientale sta sfruttando tutte le nuove opportunità offerte dall'economia: l'Ufficio centrale antifrode dell'Agenzia delle dogane segnala che i quantitativi di materiali sequestrati nel corso del 2012 sono raddoppiati rispetto al 2011, passando da 7.000 a circa 14.000 tonnellate, grazie soprattutto ai cosiddetti cascami, cioè materiali che dovrebbero essere destinati ad alimentare l'economia del riciclo, e invece finiscono in Corea del Sud (è il caso dei cascami di gomma), Cina e Hong Kong (cascami e avanzi di materie plastiche, destinati al riciclo o alla combustione), Indonesia e di nuovo Cina per carta e cartone, Turchia e India, per metalli come ferro e acciaio.

Il traffico illegale di rifiuti e le attività di smaltimento sono diventati uno dei settori a più rapida crescita del crimine organizzato, nonché uno tra i business illegali più redditizio (coi proventi della vendita all'estero e il mancato costo dei trattamenti necessari per renderli effettivamente riciclabili). Questi flussi comportano un doppio danno per l'economia, perché si pagano contributi ecologici per attività di trattamento e di riciclo che non vengono effettuate e vengono penalizzate le imprese che operano nella legalità, costrette a chiudere per la mancanza di materiali. L'Europa è diventata il crocevia di traffici internazionali destinati a raggiungere le coste dell'Africa e dell'Asia e nel contempo il traffico di rifiuti è anche una minaccia per la salute dei cittadini, specialmente nei paesi più poveri dov'è impossibile realizzare bonifiche.

Può pertanto la Commissione precisare quanto segue:

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(29 agosto 2013)

La Commissione continua ad adoperarsi per contrastare in modo efficace la criminalità organizzata, ivi compresi i reati ambientali. La natura sempre più multicriminale della criminalità organizzata richiede un approccio orizzontale, utile anche a combattere i reati contro l'ambiente. Rientrano in questo tipo di approccio le indagini finanziarie, la confisca dei beni e l'adattamento di Europol all'evoluzione della criminalità organizzata e delle forme gravi di criminalità, in particolare mediante la negoziazione della proposta di regolamento Europol.

La Commissione sta includendo nella legislazione sui rifiuti disposizioni specifiche per promuovere l'applicazione della legge e combattere i reati ambientali. La recente proposta di modifica del regolamento relativo alle spedizioni di rifiuti (140)  (141) impone a ogni Stato membro di predisporre dei piani volti ad individuare e ridurre le attività illecite, quali le spedizioni di rifiuti UE verso paesi non appartenenti all'OCSE. Tali piani dovrebbero fissare degli obiettivi di ispezione, assegnare gli incarichi di attuazione, individuare i bisogni formativi e valutare i rischi legati a specifici flussi di rifiuti sulla base di informazioni fornite, ad esempio, dai servizi di intelligence della polizia. La recente rifusione della direttiva RAEE (142) ha inoltre introdotto requisiti minimi per le spedizioni di apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche usate sospettate di costituire rifiuti.

Le attività di Europol nel campo dell'ecomafia sono numerose e diversificate; in particolare, Europol ha emesso nel giugno 2011 un avviso di minaccia OC-SCAN sullo smaltimento illecito di rifiuti. Un'altra valutazione della minaccia rappresentata dai reati contro l'ambiente sarà pubblicata ad agosto del corrente anno.

La criminalità ambientale è stata identificata e riconosciuta una minaccia emergente nel 2013 in seguito alla valutazione Europol della minaccia rappresentata dalla criminalità organizzata e dalle forme gravi di criminalità. Dal 2011, la piattaforma Europol per esperti (EPE) EnviCrimeNet riunisce annualmente esperti delle agenzie preposte all'applicazione della legge e di altre amministrazioni specializzate che si occupano di reati ambientali. La terza riunione di EnviCrimeNet è prevista a novembre 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007425/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: The eco-mafia phenomenon: alarming data for Europe and developing countries

Waste trafficking and the unlawful disposal of waste are taking place across Europe, and also involve developing countries, for example in Africa and Asia. Specifically, a recent report published in Italy highlights an increase in the figures for the eco-mafia phenomenon: an annual turnover of over EUR 16 billion, over 34 000 crimes detected with 28 000 persons charged, and 302 clans involved. Environmental crimes are occurring worldwide: poisoning of the air, contamination of aquifers, pollution of rivers and agricultural crops and contamination of food with heavy metals, dioxins and other carcinogenic substances. In addition, crimes are being committed at all stages in the cycle, from production to transport and disposal, making it difficult to identify them.

Environmental crime is making the most of all the new opportunities offered by the economy: the Italian customs authority’s central anti-fraud office states that twice the quantity of material was seized in 2012 as in 2011, with an increase from 7 000 to approximately 14 000 tonnes, mainly as a result of ‘waste’. These are materials that ought to be channelled to the recycling economy, but instead end up in South Korea (for waste rubber), China and Hong Kong (waste and scrap from plastic materials, intended for recycling or incineration), Indonesia and, once again, China for paper and cardboard, and Turkey and India for metals such as iron and steel.

The illegal trafficking of waste and disposal activities have become one of the fastest growing sectors in organised crime, and one of the most profitable illegal businesses (with the proceeds of sales abroad and the savings in the cost of treatment required to make them properly recyclable). These flows damage the economy in two ways, because environmental payments are made for processing and recycling activities that are not carried out, and enterprises operating legally are penalised, and forced to close for lack of materials. Europe has become the crossroads for international traffic to the coasts of Africa and Asia and at the same time waste trafficking also poses a threat to people’s health, particularly in the poorer countries where it is impossible to carry out reclamation work.

— What actions does the Commission intend to take in 2014 to combat the environmental mafia market in Europe and to non-EU countries, and

— does it intend to introduce rules to make such action effective through a proper system of sanctions and checks?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(29 August 2013)

The Commission continues efforts to fight organised crime, including environmental crime. The growing polycriminal nature of organised crime calls for a horizontal approach that also serves the fight against environmental crime. Financial investigations, confiscation of assets or the adaptation of Europol to the evolution of serious and organised crime notably through the negotiation of the Europol Regulation proposal are part of such an approach.

The Commission is including specific provisions in waste legislation to promote enforcement and combat environmental crime. Its recent proposal amending the Waste Shipment Regulation (143)  (144) would require each Member State to establish a plan to detect and reduce illegal activity such as shipping EU waste to non-OECD countries. These plans would set inspection goals, assign enforcement tasks, identify training needs and assess risks for specific waste streams based on information such as police intelligence. The recent recast of the WEEE Directive (145) also laid down minimum requirements for shipments of used electric and electronic equipment suspected to be waste.

Europol activities in the field of eco-mafia are multiple and diverse; in particular Europol issued an OC-Scan on illegal waste disposal in June 2011. Another threat assessment on environmental crime will be issued in August 2013.

Environmental crime was identified and qualified as an emerging threat in 2013 following the Serious and Organised Threat Assessment. Since 2011 a Europol Platform for Experts (EPE) EnviCrimeNet has brought together specialists from Law Enforcement Agencies and other specialised administrations dealing with environmental crime for annual meetings. Its third meeting is scheduled for November 2013.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007426/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: La diffusione del virus HIV: la situazione taciuta delle carceri in Iran

Dai primi anni del 2000 l'Iran ha intrapreso una strutturata lotta all'HIV, il fenomeno della tossicodipendenza dilagante nel paese ha assunto, infatti, negli ultimi anni dati allarmanti sui tassi di contagio dell'HIV all'interno delle carceri iraniane. Il problema della trasmissione del virus è particolarmente acuto nelle carceri iraniane a causa del fatto che una buona parte dei detenuti del paese sono colpevoli di reati riconducibili alla droga e nel 2001 è stato accertato che in una prigione la percentuale di sieropositivi tra tutti i detenuti era del 63 %.

Come dimostrano i dati di varie organizzazioni internazionali, in Iran vivono numerose persone che fanno uso di droghe pesanti arrivate dal vicino Afghanistan e spesso ricorrono al sesso a pagamento, anche omosessuale, per procurarsi gli stupefacenti. A quanto risulta non esistono statistiche ufficiali particolarmente attendibili riferite all'HIV, ma si ritiene che ben più di 100.000 iraniani convivano con il virus. Secondo diverse fonti di stampa, negli ultimi tempi in Iran le politiche di lotta all'HIV sono state allentate per diversi motivi, tra i quali l'atteggiamento di diffidenza delle autorità nazionali nel rendere note le condizioni dei malati e più in generale del servizio sanitario nazionale, temi che potrebbero accendere i riflettori su comportamenti sociali non in linea con la politica della Repubblica islamica.

Può la Commissione, alla luce dei dati sopra esposti, comunicare se sia in possesso di dati che confermino la situazione di contagio nelle carceri iraniane?

Può esporre la sua posizione in merito alla politica adottata dall'Iran per contrastare la diffusione del virus dell'HIV?

Ha essa già elaborato piani o programmi per la lotta alla diffusione dell'HIV in Iran e, in caso di risposta negativa, quali misure intende adottare?

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

(20 agosto 2013)

La Commissione non dispone di informazioni che confermino o smentiscano l'aumento dei tassi di prevalenza e incidenza dell'HIV tra la popolazione carceraria dell'Iran e l'eventuale rallentamento della politica governativa di lotta all'HIV/AIDS.

La limitata assistenza della Commissione all'Iran, che viene erogata attraverso le organizzazioni internazionali e le organizzazioni non governative (ONG), è destinata alle persone più vulnerabili. Parte di questa assistenza è fornita tramite progetti che prevedono la realizzazione di attività connesse all'HIV/AIDS. In linea con il suddetto mandato, la Commissione non prevede attualmente di attuare in Iran programmi bilaterali in materia di HIV/AIDS.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007426/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Spread of HIV: failure to divulge full extent of the problem in Iranian prisons

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Iran has been seeking to adopt a systematic response to the rampant spread of the HIV virus, a problem largely attributable in recent years to widespread drug addiction and one that has assumed particularly alarming proportions in Iranian prisons, many of whose inmates are serving sentences for drugs-related offences. Statistics for 2001 showed that, in one case, 63% of prison inmates had tested HIV positive.

According to international observers, many people in Iran are addicted to hard drugs entering the country from neighbouring Afghanistan, frequently engaging in sexual and homosexual practices to fund their habit. While no reliable official statistics appear to have been drawn up, it is believed that well over 100 000 Iranians are infected with the virus. At the same time, the press has recently been reporting that containment measures by the authorities appear to be slackening. This may be attributed to a number of factors, including a reluctance to disclose full details regarding the plight of those infected and the general state of the Iranian health service and fears that the facts emerging might draw unwelcome attention to social behaviour not in conformity with the principles of the Islamic Republic.

In view of this:

Does the Commission have information confirming reported HIV levels in Iranian prisons?

What view does it take of the containment strategies adopted by the Iranian authorities?

Has it already drawn up plans or programmes in support of these and, if not, what measures does it intend to adopt?

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

(20 August 2013)

The Commission has no information that could either validate or invalidate an increase in HIV prevalence and incidence rates among prison inmates in Iran, nor about any set back in the authorities’ HIV/AIDS containment policy.

The Commission’s current and limited assistance to Iran is provided through international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and is targeting the most vulnerable people. Some of this assistance is provided through projects that include HIV/AIDS-related activities. In line with its abovementioned mandate, the Commission is currently not envisaging any bilateral programme on HIV/AIDS in Iran.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007427/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Possibili distorsioni della concorrenza: modalità di determinazione delle tariffe del Decreto Legislativo 194/2008

In Italia il Decreto Legislativo 194/2008 ha recepito il regolamento 882/2004 CE; le norme in questione disciplinano, tra l'altro, le modalità di finanziamento dei controlli sanitari ufficiali sugli alimenti. In particolare, nella Sezione B, Allegato IV, del regolamento, vengono fissati gli importi minimi di tasse od oneri che devono essere corrisposti, al fine di sovvenzionare gli apparati di controllo istituiti dalle autorità competenti, per alcune tipologie di prodotto: carni bovine, ovine, caprine, suine, equine, pollame, selvaggina, prodotti ittici e latte. In tali casi l'importo da corrispondere è determinato dal prodotto tra la tassa unitaria e la quantità lavorata, definita in alternativa dal peso o dal numero di capi. Nel Decreto Legislativo, specificatamente nella Sezione 6 dell'Allegato A, vengono, però, stabilite le tariffe anche per altri prodotti alimentari, dal vino e altre bevande alcoliche, al cioccolato o al miele, prodotti che non sono ricompresi nella Sezione B, Allegato IV del Regolamento. Il legislatore italiano ha, infatti, fissato tre diversi importi forfettari (400, 800 e 1500 EUR/anno), ognuno dei quali assegnato a una fascia produttiva annua definita in base alle quantità prodotte di ogni tipologia di alimento.

Considerato che applicando il principio della suddivisione per fasce produttive annue viene meno il principio di proporzionalità, generando disparità in termini di adempimenti contributivi. Quanto precedentemente esposto può essere evidenziato con un semplice confronto tra due ipotetiche aziende vinicole, una, di modeste dimensioni, produttrice di 1.000 ettolitri di vino che, assumendo un prezzo medio di 200 EUR/ettolitro e con l'importo della prima fascia da dover corrispondere (400 EUR), sconterebbe un impatto dello 0,2 % della tariffa sul proprio fatturato e un'altra che, a parità di condizioni e a fronte di una produzione di 100.000 ettolitri, sarebbe chiamata a pagare l'importo di terza fascia, 1500 EUR, somma equivalente allo 0,0075 % del fatturato, ovvero oltre venti volte meno della prima; — l'articolo 11, comma 1, del Decreto Legislativo prevede anche una maggiorazione dell'importo dovuto di almeno il 20 % e «fino alla verifica dell'avvenuta effettiva copertura del costo del servizio prestato».

Si viene a chiedere alla Commissione: — se ritenga che la legislazione italiana in oggetto non sia in contrasto con le disposizioni comunitarie, in particolare con le norme che disciplinano la concorrenza. In caso affermativo, quali provvedimenti intende adottare?

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(29 agosto 2013)

Il regolamento (CE) n. 882/2004 (146) autorizza — in alcuni casi obbliga — le autorità competenti degli Stati membri a recuperare i costi dei controlli ufficiali attraverso la riscossione di tasse basate sui costi versate dagli operatori controllati. Tali tasse, obbligatorie o no, possono essere fissate forfettariamente in modo tale da riflettere una quota dei costi annuali generali sostenuti dall'autorità incaricata della riscossione, o da compensare il costo effettivo da essa sostenuto. In nessun caso la tassa può superare il costo effettivo dei controlli. Dal momento che alcuni costi di controllo rimangono costanti, quali che siano le dimensioni dell'impresa, è possibile che le tasse basate sui costi abbiano un impatto sui costi di produzione come chiarito dall'on. deputato.

Per quanto riguarda i vini e le bevande alcoliche, si applicano norme specifiche in conformità dei regolamenti (CE) n. 1234/2007, (CE) n. 607/2009 e (CE) n. 110/2008 i quali stabiliscono che i costi sostenuti per le verifiche o la certificazione devono essere sostenuti dagli operatori ad esse soggetti. Tuttavia, per quanto riguarda le bevande alcoliche, gli Stati membri possono decidere altrimenti.

Sulla base delle informazioni fornite non è possibile stabilire se i livelli d'imposizione applicati dall'Italia contengano un elemento di aiuto di Stato e configurino una violazione delle norme sulla concorrenza.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007427/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Possible distortions of competition: methods for determining tariffs under Legislative Decree 194/2008

In Italy, Legislative Decree No 194/2008 transposed Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. One of the areas governed by these provisions is the methods to fund official health checks on food. Specifically, Section B of Annex IV to the regulation sets the minimum rates for fees or charges to be paid, with a view to subsidising the control mechanisms established by the competent authorities, for certain types of product: beef and veal, sheepmeat, goatmeat, pigmeat, horsemeat, poultry, wild game meat, fishery products and milk. In these cases, the amount to be paid is determined by multiplying the unit rate by the quantity processed, defined either by weight or number of animals. In the legislative decree, and specifically in Section 6 of Annex A, however, rates are also set for other food products, ranging from wine and other alcoholic beverages to chocolate and honey, although these products are not included in Section B of Annex IV to the regulation. Italian legislators have set three different lump sum amounts (EUR 400, 800 and 1 500 per year), each of which is allocated to an annual production band defined according to the quantities of each type of food produced.

Applying the principle of subdivision by annual production bands has an adverse impact on the principle of proportionality, giving rise to disparities in terms of payment obligations. This can be demonstrated by making a simple comparison between two hypothetical wine-producing firms. One, of modest size, produces 1 000 hectolitres of wine which, assuming an average price of EUR 200/hectolitre and with the fee applicable to band 1 to be paid (EUR 400), would mean the tariff has an impact of 0.2% on its turnover. Another firm, operating under the same conditions, produces 100 000 hectolitres. It would have to pay the amount in band 3, EUR 1 500, which is equivalent to 0.0075% of its turnover. Thus the impact on the second firm is over 20 times less than on the first. Article 11(1) of the legislative decree also provides for an increase of at least 20% on the amount owed ‘until it has been verified that the cost of the service provided has actually been covered’.

Could the Commission say whether it believes that the Italian legislation at issue conflicts with EU provisions, and particularly the rules governing competition? If so, what steps does it intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(29 August 2013)

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 (147) permits — in some cases requires — Member States' competent authorities to recover the cost of official controls through the collection of cost-based fees from the controlled operators. Whether mandatory or not, such fees may be charged at a flat-rate, reflecting a share of the overall annual costs incurred by the charging authority, or compensate the actual cost incurred by it. In no case must the fee exceed the actual costs of the controls. As some control costs remain constant, regardless of business size, it is possible that cost-based fees impact on production costs as explained by the Honourable Member.

Concerning wines and spirits, specific rules apply in accordance with Regulations (EC) No.1234/2007, (EC) No 607/2009 and (EC) No 110/2008 which provide that the costs incurred for verifications or certification shall be borne by the operators subject to them/it. However, as regards spirit drinks, Member States may decide otherwise.

On the basis of the information provided it is not possible to establish whether the fee levels applied by Italy contain an element of state aid and entail a violation of competition rules.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-007428/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(24 giugno 2013)

Oggetto: Sindrome di Down e altre anomalie genetiche fetali: nuovo test più preciso e meno invasivo di quelli attualmente in uso

Un recente studio, condotto su un campione di 1.005 future mamme alla 10 settimana, ha messo a punto un nuovo test prenatale che analizzando il DNA del nascituro con un semplice prelievo del sangue materno, è in grado di rilevare la sindrome di Down e altre possibili anomalie genetiche del feto.

Questo tipo di esame, eseguibile già dal primo trimestre, risulta essere un buon metodo di diagnosi non invasivo ed estremamente preciso rispetto alle attuali metodiche di screening disponibili, di cui le più comuni sono l'ecografia e l'analisi ormonale e le più precise il prelievo dei villi coriali e la amniocentesi che però comportano un rischio di aborto spontaneo.

Al fine di assicurare un risultato certo ed attendibile e un metodo non invasivo né per la madre né per il feto, il nuovo test è la soluzione perfetta; si pensi che i tassi di falsi positivi sono stati più bassi (0,1 %) rispetto alle attuali metodiche di screening prenatale ( 3,4 %) e che il tutto avviene con un semplice esame del sangue della madre. Quindi non è più necessario ricorrere ad ultrasuoni, esami ormonali o invasivi e pericolosi che possono generare episodi di aborto.

Considerato che il nuovo test prenatale, altamente attendibile e specifico, si presenta come una alternativa fattibile e concreta rispetto agli attuali metodi di screening più invasivi e incerti e il tasso di falsi positivi, con il nuovo test, è nettamente diminuito rispetto ai metodi standard:

può la Commissione far sapere quale sarà la sua posizione riguardo a questo nuovo test prenatale e se ritiene opportuno approfondire la ricerca in tale campo?

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(7 agosto 2013)

La messa a punto di test diagnostici di elevata qualità, affidabili, accurati e sicuri per le anomalie fetali genetiche rappresenta un obiettivo importante per la ricerca in questo campo. I test diagnostici in vitro rientrano nel campo di applicazione della direttiva 98/79/CE (148), a norma della quale i dispositivi medici in vitro possono essere immessi sul mercato dal fabbricante a condizione che sia rispettata la procedura di valutazione della conformità. La Commissione non interviene in questa procedura di valutazione.

Nell'ambito del programma quadro di ricerca, sviluppo tecnologico e dimostrazione in corso (7o PQ), la Commissione ha garantito un considerevole sostegno finanziario alla ricerca nel settore sanitario sulle malattie genetiche. I più recenti inviti del 7o PQ relativi alla tematica «Salute», ad esempio, comprendevano temi relativi allo sviluppo di strumenti diagnostici molecolari e l’armonizzazione, la convalida e la standardizzazione dei test genetici. Inoltre, circa 500 milioni di EUR sono stati investiti nella ricerca sulle malattie rare, comprese le disfunzioni genetiche rare.

Il settore delle malattie genetiche presumibilmente beneficerà di continuo di finanziamenti nell’ambito di Orizzonte 2020, dove la ricerca concernente i determinanti della salute, i meccanismi della malattia e il miglioramento della diagnostica costituirà probabilmente una delle principali aree d’intervento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007428/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: More accurate and less invasive screening method to detect Down's syndrome and other genetic foetal abnormalities

Recent research based on a sample of 1005 women in their tenth week of pregnancy has made it possible to develop a prenatal test for the analysis of foetal DNA which can accurately detect Down’s syndrome and other possible foetal abnormalities by means of a blood sample alone.

This form of screening, which can be carried out in the first trimester, is not invasive and is far more accurate than other procedures to date, including ultrasound and hormonal analysis, which are the most commonly used. Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis currently yield the most accurate results but at the same time involve a risk of miscarriage.

The new prenatal diagnosis procedure, which is non-invasive for both mother and foetus, is the ideal way of obtaining a clear and accurate result, simply requiring the mother to undergo a blood test and yielding a much lower false positive rate (0.1%) than standard screening methods (3.4%), thereby obviating the need for ultrasound, hormone analyses or any invasive and hazardous procedures which might possibly cause a miscarriage.

What view does the Commission take of the new prenatal test, bearing in mind that it produces clear and accurate results and is a genuinely viable alternative to current screening methods, which are more invasive and less reliable and produce a higher rate of false positives? Is it in favour of carrying out additional research in this field?

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

(7 August 2013)

High quality, robust, accurate, and safe diagnostic tests for genetic foetal abnormalities is an important objective for research in this field. In vitro diagnostic tests fall under Directive 98/79/EC (149) according to which in vitro medical devices can be placed on the market by the manufacturer provided that the applicable conformity assessment procedure is followed. The Commission does not intervene in this assessment procedure.

Through the current Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7), the Commission has provided considerable funding support for health research on genetic disorders. The most recent FP7 ‘Health’ theme calls, for instance, included topics addressing the development of molecular diagnostic tools, and the harmonisation, validation, and standardisation of genetic testing. In addition, some EUR 500 million has been invested in rare disease research, including rare genetic disorders.

The field of genetic disorders will likely receive continued funding through Horizon 2020, under which research on the determinants of health, disease mechanisms and the improvement of diagnostics will likely be some of the main focus areas.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-007429/13

aan de Commissie

Philip Claeys (NI)

(24 juni 2013)

Betreft: Gebrek aan transparantie bij subsidiëring van NGO's

De organisatie NGO Watch bracht onlangs een kritisch rapport uit over de manier waarop de EU subsidies aan NGO's verleent: „Lack of Due Diligence and Transparency in European Union Funding for Radical NGOs.”

NGO Watch analyseert de situatie aan de hand van een voorbeeld: de „Coalition of Women for Peace” (CWP), die gelijktijdig gesubsidieerd wordt in het kader van „Partnership for Peace” en „European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights”).

Er bestaan ernstige twijfels of de activiteiten van CWP in overeenstemming zijn met de officiële doelstellingen van deze groepering. In de praktijk roept CWP op tot sanctie‐ en boycotacties tegen Israël, en zijn er talrijke aanwijzingen dat ze samenwerkt met allerlei gewelddadige groepen.

Is de Commissie bekend met de grieven van NGO Watch betreffende CWP? Overweegt de Commissie de toelagen van deze organisatie te schrappen of te verminderen? Zo neen, waarom niet?

Waarom worden de (volledige) evaluatieverslagen over gesubsidieerde NGO's niet openbaar gemaakt, zodat belastingbetalers en andere belangstellenden de mogelijkheid krijgen te weten hoe hun geld besteed wordt?

Antwoord van de heer Füle namens de Commissie

(12 augustus 2013)

De Commissie is op de hoogte van de beschuldigingen die in de „NGO (150) Monitor” zijn geuit ten aanzien van de „Coalition of Women for Peace” (CWP). De Commissie verleent geen subsidies aan de desbetreffende organisatie, maar cofinanciert een van de projecten van de CWP in het kader van het Europees instrument voor democratie en mensenrechten. Het project wordt in juli 2013 beëindigd. De CWP is ook een partner in een project dat door een andere ngo ten uitvoer wordt gelegd en dat wordt gefinancierd in het kader van het programma „Partnerschap voor de Vrede”. Op grond van het toezicht en de evaluatie tot op heden zijn er geen redenen om een van deze contracten te annuleren.

Evaluaties van alle door de EU gefinancierde projecten worden uitgevoerd en bekendgemaakt overeenkomstig het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie, zoals nader wordt bepaald in de verordening die op het desbetreffende instrument van toepassing is — in dit geval dus het Europees instrument voor democratie en mensenrechten (EIDHR) en het Europees nabuurschaps‐ en partnerschapsinstrument (ENPI) — alsook in de desbetreffende interinstitutionele overeenkomsten tussen de Commissie, de Raad van Ministers en het Parlement.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007429/13

to the Commission

Philip Claeys (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Lack of transparency in subsidies to NGOs

The organisation NGO Watch recently issued a critical report entitled ‘Lack of Due Diligence and Transparency in European Union Funding for Radical NGOs’, concerning the way in which the EU grants subsidies to NGOs.

NGO Watch’s analysis of the situation uses the example of the Coalition of Women for Peace (CWP), which is also subsidised under the Partnership for Peace and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.

There are serious doubts as to whether the activities of CWP tally with its official objectives. In practice CWP campaigns for sanctions and boycotts against Israel, and there are many indications that it collaborates with all kind of violent groups.

Is the Commission aware of the accusations by NGO Watch against CWP? Is the Commission considering cancelling or reducing the subsidies to this organisation? If not, why not?

Why are the (full) evaluation reports on subsidised NGOs not published, so that taxpayers and other stakeholders can have the opportunity to know how their money is being spent?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of the accusations made by ‘‘GO (151) Monitor’’against the ‘‘oalition of Women for Peace’’(CWP). The Commission does not subsidise the organisation in question but co-funds one of its projects implemented in the framework of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, which ends in July 2013. CWP is also a partner in a project implemented by another NGO financed under the ‘‘artnership for Peace’’programme. According to monitoring and evaluation carried out to date, there are no grounds for cancelling either of the contracts referred to.

Evaluations of all projects financed by the EU are carried out and published in accordance with the Treaty of the European Union; as specified in the relevant instrument’s regulation, in this case — the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument; and in the relevant interinstitutional agreements between the Commission, the Council of Ministers and Parliament.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-007430/13

à Comissão

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(24 de junho de 2013)

Assunto: Contratos de swap em Portugal

Tendo o Governo português admitido que os contratos de swap celebrados por empresas públicas com diversos bancos e instituições financeiras tiveram um impacto desastroso nas contas públicas de Portugal, agravando o défice orçamental em vários milhares de milhões de euros, porque não recomenda a Comissão Europeia, inclusive como membro da Troika que monitoriza o programa de resgate, ao Governo português que denuncie os contratos em questão, apoiando o Governo no caso de os bancos e instituições financeiras contestarem a denúncia em tribunal?

A denúncia dos contratos de swap referidos seria fundamental para corrigir o impacto orçamental tóxico destes contratos (que de outra maneira irá sobrecarregar injustamente os contribuintes portugueses), garantir eficácia à supervisão do sistema bancário/financeiro, evitando o risco sistémico e, sobretudo, recuperar a confiança dos cidadãos nas instituições governamentais e europeias.

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(7 de agosto de 2013)

O Governo português efetuou uma auditoria que revelou perdas potenciais até um montante máximo de 3 mil milhões de EUR, em termos de valor líquido atualizado, associadas aos contratos de swap de taxas de juro assinados pelo setor empresarial do Estado (SEE) entre 2003 e 2010. As empresas públicas de transportes foram as principais utilizadoras destes instrumentos derivados que, por vezes, foram além do simples efeito de cobertura do risco.

O Governo iniciou negociações com os bancos que venderam estes produtos derivados, a fim de limitar as perdas potenciais mediante a cessação antecipada dos contratos problemáticos. Até agora, o Governo conseguiu fazer cessar todos estes contratos assinados, exceto com um dos bancos em causa. De acordo com as últimas informações, ainda não foi alcançado um acordo com o banco em questão, que introduziu pedidos de indemnização junto dos tribunais do Reino Unido para validar os contratos de swap. O Governo português acionou o Tribunal Cível de Lisboa no sentido de anular vários contratos de swap celebrados entre as empresas públicas e o banco, com base no facto de estes não terem sido previamente submetidos à apreciação do Tribunal de Contas.

Está atualmente em curso um inquérito parlamentar sobre os instrumentos de gestão dos riscos financeiros das empresas do setor empresarial do Estado e vários magistrados do Ministério Público estão a investigar a legalidade dos contratos de derivados em causa. A Comissão não está em posição de interferir neste processo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007430/13

to the Commission

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Debt swap contracts in Portugal

In view of the fact that the Portuguese Government has admitted that debt swap contracts between public enterprises and various banks and financial institutions have had a disastrous impact on Portugal’s public accounts and have increased the budget deficit by several billion euros, why does the Commission, as a member of the Troika overseeing the bail-out programme, not recommend that the Portuguese Government revoke such contracts, and offer its support in the event that the banks and financial institutions decide to respond by taking the Government to court?

Revoking these swap contracts would be a fundamental step towards correcting their toxic impact on the budget (which would otherwise be borne by Portuguese taxpayers), ensuring efficient supervision of the banking/financial system, avoiding systemic risk and, above all, restoring citizens’ confidence in governmental and European institutions.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

The Portuguese Government has carried out an audit that revealed potential losses of up to EUR 3 billion, in net present value terms, associated with interest rate swaps (IRS) contracts signed by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) between 2003 and 2010. Transport SOEs were the main users of these derivatives which sometimes went beyond mere hedging purposes.

The Government has initiated negotiations with the banks that sold these derivative products in order to limit potential losses by early termination of the problematic contracts. Until now the Government managed to terminate these contracts with all but one bank involved. According to the latest information, agreement with the outstanding bank has not been reached yet and the latter has presented claims in UK's courts to validate the IRS contracts. The Portuguese Government has brougth this case to the Lisbon civil court to cancel several swaps between SOEs and the bank on the grounds that they were not submitted to the court of auditors beforehand.

There is currently a parliamentary committee inquiring into SOEs' financial risk management instruments and several public prosecutors investigate the legality of the derivative contracts in question. The Commission is not in a position to interfere in this process.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub P-007431/13

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(24 ta' Ġunju 2013)

Suġġett: Il-proposta IMD 2 u l-prinċipji ta' sussidjarjetà u proporzjonalità

Fit-3 ta’ Lulju 2012, il-Kummissjoni pproponiet reviżjoni tad-Direttiva dwar il-Medjazzjoni fl-Assigurazzjoni magħrufa bħala IMD 2. L-emendi proposti huma numerużi.

L-Artikolu 8 (ekwivalenti għall-Artikolu 4 tal-IMD 1) jipprovdi li “l-intermedjarji tal-assigurazzjoni u tar-riassigurazzjoni… għandhom jkollhom l-għarfien u l-kapaċità xierqa”. Għalkemm il-piż tal-infurzar jitqiegħed fuq l-Istati Membri, l-IMD 2 tagħti l-Kummissjoni l-abbiltà li tadotta atti delegati biex tiddefinixxi “għarfien suffiċjenti”, “livell tal-kwalifiki professjonali, l-esperjenzi u l-ħiliet” u “l-passi” li l-intermedjarji għandhom jieħdu biex jaġġornaw l-għarfien u l-abbiltajiet tagħhom.

L-Artikolu 21 tal-IMD 2 jipprojbixxi prattiki ta’ “bejgħ abbinat”, fejn prodott jista’ jinxtara biss ma’ prodott wieħed ieħor jew aktar minn wieħed, iżda jippermetti prattiki ta’ gruppar (bundling) fejn prodotti disponibbli separatament jinbiegħu orħos meta jinbiegħu flimkien, skont regolamentazzjoni addizzjonali. It-tnejn huma magħrufa flimkien bħala prattiki ta’ “bejgħ inkroċjat”. L-IMD 2 issostni li prattiki ta’ “bejgħ abbinat”“jistgħu jgħawġu l-kompetizzjoni u jolqtu ħażin lill-konsumaturi” iżda la toffri bażi teoretika u lanqas empirika għal din il-pretensjoni.

Jidher li l-Artikolu 8 jmur kontra l-prinċipju ta' sussidjarjetà. It-Taqsima 3.2 tal-proposta tal-Kummissjoni dwar is-sussidjarjetà u l-proporzjonalità tonqos milli tispjega għaliex il-Kummissjoni temmen li l-Istati Membri mhumiex kapaċi jiddefinixxu standards għall-intermedjarji tal-assigurazzjoni. Minbarra dan, il-proposta ma tispjegax kif jew għaliex intermedjarji tal-assigurazzjoni jistgħu jew huma mistennija jikkonformaw mar-regolamenti li jistgħu jinbidlu kwalunkwe ħin b’ordni tal-eżekuttiv, minflok permezz ta’ proċess leġiżlattiv fil-livell nazzjonali jew sovranazzjonali.

Jidher li l-Artikolu 21 imur kontra l-prinċipju ta' proporzjonalità, li jobbliga l-leġiżlazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea tieħu l-anqas miżuri onerużi u restrittivi possibli għall-ilħuq ta’objettiv. Il-projbizzjoni diretta tal-bejgħ inkroċjat hija l-aktar mod restrittiv biex ikun indirizzat il-ksur potenzjali tal-liġi. Għalhekk, jista’ jkun iġġustifikat biss jekk: 1) il-Kummissjoni tkun tista’ tipprova li jeżisti ħafna ksur tal-liġi minn bejgħ abbinat 2) l-ebda skema regolatorja oħra barra dik ta’ projbizzjoni diretta, li tinkludi, iżda mhijiex limitata għal, regolamenti estensivi dwar il-bejgħ inkroċjat u l-bejgħ tal-assigurazzjonijiet b’mod ġenerali li huma inklużi fil-bqija tal-IMD 2, ma tista’ tipprevjeni prattiki ta’ bejgħ abbinat ħżiena.

Il-Kummissjoni kif tiddefendi l-legalità tal-IMD 2 fid-dawl ta’ dan it-tħassib?

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

(19 ta' Lulju 2013)

Hija prassi komuni fil-leġiżlazzjoni tal-UE li lill-Kummissjoni, skont l-Artikolu 290 tat-Trattat dwar il-Funzjonament tal-Unjoni Ewropea (TFUE), tingħatalha s-setgħa biex tadotta atti delegati biex tissupplimenta jew temenda ċerti elementi mhux essenzjali tal-att leġiżlattiv.

Il-ħsieb tal-Kummissjoni għall-Artikolu 8 huwa li tistabbilixxi qafas għal għarfien u abbiltà xierqa għall-intermedjarji tal-assigurazzjoni fl-abbozz tad-Direttiva. L-att iddelegat se jissupplimenta d-direttiva bl-elementi tekniċi u mhux essenzjali.

L-għan ewlieni tal-proposta tal-IMD 2 huwa l-ħarsien tal-konsumatur wara li tispiċċa l-kriżi finanzjarja, inkluż rigward il-kwistjoni li jingħaqdu prodotti finanzjarji differenti offruti lil konsumaturi bl-imnut. Filwaqt li jista' jkun li oqsma differenti jeħtieġu xi approċċi ftit differenti, il-Kummissjoni taqbel bi sħiħ mal-għan ġenerali li tiżgura l-konsistenza f'partijiet differenti tal-leġiżlazzjoni finanzjarja.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-007431/13

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: IMD 2 proposal and subsidiarity and proportionality principles

On 3 July 2012, the Commission proposed a revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive, known as IMD 2. The proposed changes are numerous.

Article 8 (equivalent to Article 4 of IMD 1) provides that ‘insurance and reinsurance intermediaries… shall possess appropriate knowledge and ability’. Although the enforcement burden is placed on Member States, IMD 2 gives the Commission the ability to adopt delegated acts to define ‘adequate knowledge’, ‘professional qualifications, experiences and skills’ and ‘steps’ intermediaries should take to update their knowledge and abilities.

Article 21 of IMD 2 bans ‘tying’ practices, whereby a product can only be purchased in combination with one or more other products, but permits ‘bundling’ practices, whereby products available separately are sold at a discount when bought together, subject to additional regulation. Both are collectively referred to as ‘cross-selling’ practices. IMD 2 asserts that tying practices ‘can distort competition and negatively affect consumers’ but offers neither a theoretical nor empirical basis for this claim.

Article 8 appears to violate the principle of subsidiarity. Section 3.2 of the Commission’s proposal, on subsidiarity and proportionality, fails to explain why the Commission believes that Member States are incapable of defining standards for insurance intermediaries. Furthermore, the proposal does not explain how or why insurance intermediaries can or should be expected to comply with regulations that may be changed at any time by executive fiat, instead of through a legislative process at either national or supranational level.

Article 21 appears to violate the principle of proportionality, which obligates European Union legislation to take the least onerous and restrictive measures possible to achieve an objective. The outright ban on cross-selling is the most restrictive way to deal with potential wrongdoing. Thus, it can only be justified if: 1) the Commission can prove that widespread wrongdoing from tying is present, and 2) no other regulatory scheme short of an outright ban, including but not limited to the extensive regulations on cross-selling and insurance sales generally that are included in the rest of IMD 2, could prevent wrongful tying practices.

How does the Commission defend the legality of IMD 2 in light of these concerns?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2013)

It is common practice in EU legislation to delegate, in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), to the Commission the power to adopt delegated acts to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of the legislative act.

The Commission’s intention with Article 8 is to lay down a framework for adequate knowledge and ability for insurance intermediaires in the draft Directive. The delegated act will supplement the directive with technical, non-essential elements.

The IMD 2 proposal’s primary objective is consumer protection in the aftermath of the financial crisis, including as regards the issue of tying of different financial products being offered to retail customers. Whilst different areas may necessitate slightly different approaches, the Commission fully agrees with the general aim of ensuring consistency in different parts of financial legislation.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007432/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Fortalecimiento de las redes de comunicaciones

Varios estudios resaltan el retraso en el despliegue de las redes de telecomunicaciones de nueva generación en Europa. Entre las causas que se mencionan se halla la fragmentación de los mercados de telecomunicaciones, la existencia de numerosas empresas y la gran intervención en los precios entre las operadoras propietarias de las redes y las llamadas operadoras virtuales.

Recientemente se ha difundido el interés de las empresas norteamericanas de telecomunicaciones por este mercado europeo que adolece de tanta fragmentación.

Por ello pregunto a la Comisión:

¿No considera que debe facilitar la inversión en el establecimiento de las nuevas redes a las empresas europeas y, de manera especial, fomentar los vínculos, convenios o incluso fusiones de las mismas para el mejor despliegue de redes europeas?

Respuesta de la Sra. Kroes en nombre de la Comisión

(1 de agosto de 2013)

El despliegue de redes de banda ancha de nueva generación constituye el núcleo de la Agenda Digital para Europa de la Comisión, que ha fijado objetivos ambiciosos en este ámbito, como por ejemplo alcanzar una cobertura del 100 % de la población con redes de alta velocidad (30 Mbps) en el horizonte de 2020, mediante el establecimiento de objetivos en materia de banda ancha para 2020 (152).

Si bien a finales de 2012, la cobertura de la población de la UE con redes de banda ancha con velocidades iguales o superiores a 30 Mbps ascendió al 54 %, frente al 39 % un año antes, la Comisión sigue preocupada por las actuales tendencias inversoras en comparación con nuestros competidores en los Estados Unidos y Asia.

La Comisión considera que la falta de un mercado único en el sector de las telecomunicaciones constituye un importante obstáculo a las inversiones y a la contribución del sector al crecimiento del PIB de la UE (153).

Para hacer frente a la situación, y de conformidad con las conclusiones del Consejo Europeo de los días 14 y 15 de marzo de 2013, la Comisión presentará en septiembre medidas concretas para completar el mercado único de las telecomunicaciones lo antes posible.

Respecto al fomento de vínculos, convenios y fusiones entre empresas europeas, la Comisión considera que entre sus funciones no se encuentra determinar de antemano la apariencia del futuro mercado de la UE, definir la estructura de la industria o defender a los líderes nacionales, sino más bien impulsar la innovación con el fin de prosperar y permitir a la industria europea aprovechar oportunidades de negocio más prometedoras, al tiempo que se estimula la inversión en redes, se fomenta la competencia y se garantizan los máximos beneficios para los consumidores, respetando plenamente las normas de competencia de la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007432/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Strengthening of communications networks

According to several studies, the deployment of next-generation telecommunications networks is delayed in Europe. Among the reasons for the delay, these studies cite the fragmentation of telecommunications markets, the existence of a large number of companies and extensive price intervention between operators that own the networks and ‘virtual operators’.

US telecommunications companies have recently expressed their interest in the European market, which is so fragmented.

Does the Commission not take the view that it should make it easier for European companies to invest in setting up new networks and, in particular, promote links, agreements and even mergers among European companies, for the best possible deployment of European networks?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2013)

The deployment of next-generation broadband networks lies at the heart of the Commission's Digital Agenda for Europe, which has set ambitious targets in this regard including achieving 100% population coverage with high speed networks (30 Mbps) by 2020, with the setting of broadband targets by 2020 (154).

While by the end of 2012, the coverage of the EU population by broadband networks with speeds of 30 Mbps and above amounted to 54%, against 39% one year before, the Commission is concerned about the current investment trends in comparison to our competitors in the US and Asia.

The Commission considers that the lack of a Single Market in telecommunications is a significant obstacle to investment and to the sector's contribution to the EU GDP growth (155).

In order to tackle the situation, and in accordance with the conclusions of the European Council of 14-15 March 2015, the Commission will come forward in September with concrete measures to complete the Single Market telecoms as early as possible.

As regards the easing of links, agreements and mergers between European companies, the Commission considers that its role is not to predetermine what the future EU market will look like, to define the industry structure or to defend national champions. It is rather to allow innovation to thrive and to enable European industry to seize the most promising business opportunities, while driving investment in networks, enhancing competition and ensuring maximum benefits for the consumers, in the full respect of EU competition rules.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007433/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: La buena noticia de reducción del precio de itinerancia y la inseguridad jurídica generada

Se cumple ahora un año de la entrada en vigor del Reglamento (UE) n° 531/2012, de 13 de junio de 2012, relativo a la itinerancia en las redes públicas de comunicaciones móviles en la Unión Europea. Entre las medidas que introdujo destacó el control de los precios por la prestación de los servicios de itinerancia o alquiler del uso de las redes de comunicaciones al imponerse una progresiva reducción de los mismos porque se fijaban precios máximos en los sucesivos años hasta 2017 y 2022, ambos inclusive.

Sin embargo, hace pocos días, desde la Comisión Europea se ha anunciado que se suprimirán todos esos costes de itinerancia a partir del 1 de julio de 2014.

Reconozco la trascendencia de esta medida que está pensada para fomentar el desarrollo de las comunicaciones. Además es una medida muy positiva en defensa de los consumidores.

Por ello pregunto

Respuesta de la Sra. Kroes en nombre de la Comisión

(31 de julio de 2013)

El Consejo Europeo de primavera de 2013 hizo hincapié en la importancia del mercado único digital para el crecimiento y, en sus conclusiones, insta a la Comisión a presentar a tiempo medidas concretas para el Consejo Europeo de octubre con el fin de establecer un mercado único de la tecnología de la información y las comunicaciones lo antes posible. La Comisión está trabajando actualmente en un paquete de medidas legislativas que deberían permitir a los operadores ofrecer servicios digitales en toda la Unión Europea y a los ciudadanos y empresas gozar de dichos servicios en cualquier lugar de Europa. Las tarifas de itinerancia son un ejemplo de la ausencia de un verdadero mercado único actualmente. La seguridad jurídica y tiempo suficiente para adaptarse a un nuevo requisito reglamentario son elementos importantes del éxito de la política reguladora. La reducción gradual de las tarifas de itinerancia desde 2007 ha ofrecido a los operadores la posibilidad de adaptar sus planes de negocio. Respetando el mismo principio, la Comisión está estudiando otras medidas para incentivar a los operadores a ofrecer la itinerancia a precios nacionales sobre la base de las medidas en favor de la competencia del Reglamento sobre la itinerancia de 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007433/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Good news about the reduction in the price of roaming and the resulting legal uncertainty

It has now been one year since Regulation (EU) No 531/2012 of 13 June 2012 on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the Union entered into force. One measure introduced by that regulation was price controls for the provision of roaming services, i.e. rental of the use of communications networks. The regulation imposes a progressive reduction in the price of these services by setting maximum prices for the coming years, up to 2017 and 2022 (both inclusive).

However, a few days ago, the Commission announced that all of these roaming charges would be abolished as from 1 July 2014.

I recognise the significance of this measure, which is intended to promote the development of communications. It is also a very positive consumer protection measure.

2.What steps does the Commission plan to take to address this problem?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2013)

The 2013 Spring European Council stressed the importance of the digital single market for growth and, in its conclusions, called for concrete measures to be presented by the Commission in time for the October European Council to establish a Single Market for Information and Communications Technology as early as possible. The Commission is currently working on a set of legislative measures which should allow operators to provide digital services across the EU and allow citizens and businesses to enjoy such services from anywhere in Europe. Roaming charges are an example of the absence of a genuine single market today. Legal certainty and sufficient time to adapt to a new regulatory requirement constitute important elements of successful regulatory policy. The gradual reduction of roaming charges since 2007 has provided operators an opportunity to adapt their business plans. Respecting the same principle, the Commission is considering further measures to incentivise operators to provide roaming at domestic price levels building on the pro-competitive measures of the 2012 Roaming Regulation.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007434/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Atención a las personas axesuadas

Varias han sido las ocasiones en las que desde este Parlamento Europeo se ha llamado la atención sobre la necesidad de luchar contra las discriminaciones por razones de orientación sexual como establece el artículo 21 de la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea. Algunas medidas se están adoptando en la buena dirección ante las múltiples denuncias de los colectivos de homosexuales, bisexuales y transexuales. Sin embargo, sorprende que ni desde la Agencia de los Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea ni desde los servicios de la Comisión se hayan incluido actuaciones similares respecto a las personas asexuadas que padecen iguales discriminaciones como bien explica el Profesor Bogaert en su libro «Understanding Asexuality».

Por ello pregunto a esa Comisión:

¿No considera necesario incorporar la atención a las personas asexuadas en los programas de lucha por la igualdad con independencia de la orientación sexual?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión Europea condena todas las formas y manifestaciones de intolerancia, por considerarlas incompatibles con los valores y principios en los que se sustenta la Unión Europea.

Es prioritario para la Comisión asegurar que la legislación de la Unión se ajuste plenamente a la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea, incluido su artículo 21, que prohíbe toda discriminación por razón de orientación sexual. Esto significa, en la práctica, que antes de su adopción todas las propuestas legislativas de la UE se escrutan minuciosamente a fin de determinar su compatibilidad con la Carta. Además, la Comisión supervisa la aplicación del Derecho de la UE por los Estados miembros para asegurarse de que en ella no se produce ningún tipo de discriminación.

La Directiva 2000/78/CE del Consejo, relativa al establecimiento de un marco general para la igualdad de trato en el empleo y la ocupación (156), prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de orientación sexual en el ámbito del empleo y la ocupación. Esa normativa se ha incorporado a los ordenamientos jurídicos nacionales de todos los Estados miembros. La Comisión desconoce la existencia de denuncias de discriminación presentadas por personas asexuadas y carece de datos que demuestren semejante discriminación.

El Programa de Derechos, Igualdad y Ciudadanía, actualmente en fase de negociación con el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo, contempla la financiación de medidas de lucha contra la discriminación. Los programas anuales fijarán las prioridades anuales y los ámbitos de intervención de la Comisión, así como el calendario de convocatorias de propuestas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007434/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Giving attention to asexual people

On several occasions, Parliament has called attention to the need to fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation, as established in Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Some positive measures are being taken in response to multiple complaints from gay, bisexual and transsexual groups. However, it is surprising that neither the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights nor the Commission services have included similar actions with regard to asexual people, who suffer the same discrimination, as Professor Bogaert clearly explains in his book Understanding Asexuality.

Does the Commission not believe it should give attention to asexual people in programmes to ensure equality regardless of sexual orientation?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2013)

The European Commission condemns all forms and manifestations of intolerance, as they are incompatible with the values and principles upon which the European Union is founded.

The Commission's priority is to ensure that Union legislation fully complies with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including its Article 21 which prohibits discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation. In practice, this means that all proposed EU legislation is carefully scrutinised against the Charter before being adopted. The Commission is also monitoring Member-State implementation of EC law in view of ascertaining that the law is not applied in a way that would constitute discrimination based on any ground.

Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (157) prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and occupation. This legislation has been transposed into national laws of all Member States. The Commission is not aware of reported cases of discrimination by asexual persons in employment in the framework of this directive and does not dispose of any solid evidence of discrimination suffered by this group.

Funding for anti-discrimination is foreseen under the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, currently under negotiation with the European Parliament and the Council. The annual work programmes will set the yearly priorities and areas of action for the Commission and the programme of the calls for proposals.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007435/13

a la Comisión

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(24 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Consecuencias del Cuarto Paquete Ferroviario

Como sabe, la Comisión adoptó el pasado mes de enero el cuarto paquete ferroviario, una serie de medidas, a través de las cuales, se pretende llevar a cabo, entre otras acciones, la liberalización del transporte nacional de viajeros por ferrocarril en todos los Estados miembros.

¿Estima la Comisión que la apertura del mercado fomentará una oferta global y equilibrada?

¿Ha tenido en cuenta la Comisión las peculiaridades geográficas, económicas y sociales en esta propuesta?

¿Cómo salvaguarda la Comisión que los niveles de seguridad no se verán afectados por la liberalización, ya que se podrían reducir las inversiones en mantenimiento de material e infraestructura?

¿Cree que es necesaria una mayor protección social para los trabajadores y trabajadoras, de manera que se proteja el empleo, los derechos adquiridos y las condiciones laborales y sociales en caso de que los trabajadores y trabajadoras sean subrogados como consecuencia de la liberalización y fragmentación de las empresas? 

Por último, ¿comprende la preocupación de los sindicatos por la futura privatización de RENFE y ADIF en España así como su división en cuatro subsectores? 

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(12 de agosto de 2013)

El cuarto paquete ferroviario propone una liberalización gradual regulada con el fin de lograr mejores servicios ferroviarios sin afectar por ello las prerrogativas de los Estados miembros en cuanto a la organización de las obligaciones de servicio público.

La liberalización de los mercados de transporte nacional de viajeros por ferrocarril aumentará probablemente la oferta de servicios ferroviarios, ya que los nuevos participantes en el mercado ofrecerán nuevos servicios y tarifas. En lo que se refiere a las obligaciones de servicio público, los ahorros derivados de la licitación competitiva pueden ser reinvertidos por las autoridades públicas en la contratación de servicios ferroviarios adicionales.

El cuarto paquete ferroviario combina la liberalización de los servicios comerciales a través del acceso abierto con licitaciones competitivas para la contratación de servicios públicos. La Comisión remite a Su Señoría a las evaluaciones de impacto del cuarto paquete ferroviario (158) que se alimentan de la experiencia y situación de la amplia mayoría de los Estados miembros y que contienen la evaluación tanto del impacto económico como del social.

En lo que se refiere a la seguridad, las evaluaciones de impacto constituyen una prueba documental de que no hay correlación entre la liberalización del mercado y los niveles de seguridad. No hay tampoco ninguna prueba de que la inversión en mantenimiento de equipos e infraestructuras pueda verse afectada por la liberalización.

El Reglamento n° 1370/2007 sobre las obligaciones de servicio público ya permite el traslado de personal en caso de concesión de un contrato a un operador diferente, ya que el término traspaso se remite explícitamente a su acepción en la Directiva 2001/23/CE. La Comisión no es competente para intervenir en la asignación de funciones en los diferentes sectores de la actividad ferroviaria.

Por último, la Comisión no dispone de detalles suficientes en relación con la posible reorganización de los ferrocarriles españoles y, por consiguiente, no está en situación de formular ninguna observación.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007435/13

to the Commission

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Consequences of the fourth railway package

In January 2013 the Commission adopted the fourth railway package, a series of measures aimed inter alia at liberalising national rail passenger transport in all the Member States.

Does the Commission believe that opening up the market will promote an integrated and balanced supply?

Has the Commission taken account of specific geographical, economic and social characteristics in this proposal?

How will the Commission ensure that safety levels will not be affected by liberalisation, since investment in equipment and infrastructure maintenance could be reduced?

Does the Commission see a need to provide greater social protection for workers in relation to jobs, acquired rights and working and social conditions in the event that workers are replaced as a consequence of liberalisation and business fragmentation?

Finally, does the Commission understand the concern expressed by Spanish trade unions at the prospect of Renfe and Adif being privatised and broken up into four subsectors?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2013)

The 4th railway package proposes a progressive regulated market opening to achieve better rail services. It does not affect the Member States' prerogatives to organise public service obligations.

The opening up of domestic passenger rail markets is likely to increase the supply of rail services as new entrants will propose new services and new fares. As far as public services obligations are concerned, the savings resulting from competitive tenders can be reutilised by public authorities to procure additional rail services.

The 4th railway package combines the opening of commercial services through open access with competitive tenders for public service contracts. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the impact assessments of the 4th railway package (159) which draw on the experience and the situation of the vast majority of Member States and which contain both an economic and a social impact assessment.

As far as safety is concerned, the impact assessments provide documented evidence that there is no correlation between market opening and safety rates. There is also no evidence that investment in equipment and infrastructure maintenance could be affected by market opening.

Regulation 1370/2007 on public service obligations already allows for the transfer of staff in the event of a contract award to a different operator, as it explicitly refers to transfers within the meaning of Directive 2001/23/EC. The Commission has no competence to intervene as regards the allocation of jobs in different railway business units.

Finally, the Commission does not have sufficient details regarding the possible reorganisation of Spanish railways and is not therefore in a position to comment.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007436/13

a la Comisión

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(24 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: Acuerdo de Libre Comercio UE-Tailandia

La Unión Europea y Tailandia han iniciado la apertura de las negociaciones para un futuro Acuerdo de Libre Comercio entre ambas partes para impulsar sus relaciones comerciales. En lo que respecta al sector pesquero, esta diputada ha tenido conocimiento de un informe de la organización EJF ( «Environmental Justice Foundation » ), en el que se denuncia «tráfico de personas» en el sector de la pesca de Tailandia, y donde se «fuerza» a trabajadores a permanecer a bordo de buques durante meses, en condiciones «brutales» . Como la Comisión Europea conoce, Tailandia es el tercer país pesquero del mundo y líder en la exportación de atún. Tailandia cuenta con una flota superior a los 12 000 barcos y exporta productos del mar por valor de 5 600 millones de euros, y pese a que en su sector pesquero trabajan 650 000 personas, hay carencia de marineros debido a las «duras condiciones» de esta actividad. De ello pudiera desprenderse que Tailandia vende en los mercados productos a bajo coste sin respetar los derechos de los trabajadores.

Por ello, ¿podría la Comisión indicar si, en las negociaciones que se están llevando a cabo, se está teniendo en cuenta si las condiciones laborales de los pescadores tailandeses cumplen con los mínimos requisitos de la UE y de la OIT, ya que además de ser denigrante, podría suponer una competencia desleal si finalmente se incluyera este sector en el acuerdo?

Respuesta del Sr. De Gucht en nombre de la Comisión

(9 de agosto de 2013)

La Comisión está al corriente del informe de Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) sobre el sector pesquero de Tailandia. La UE concede gran importancia a la inclusión de disposiciones sobre comercio y desarrollo sostenible en las negociaciones del Acuerdo de libre comercio entre la UE y Tailandia. Dichas disposiciones incluyen referencias al cumplimiento y la aplicación efectiva de las normas básicas y los convenios de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), al cumplimiento efectivo de la legislación laboral nacional y a la no aplicación de exenciones a la misma. Las disposiciones en materia de comercio y desarrollo sostenible también podrían proporcionar un marco para el diálogo sobre las normas laborales, entre otros con las partes interesadas correspondientes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007436/13

to the Commission

Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: EU-Thailand free-trade agreement

The European Union and Thailand have opened negotiations on a future free-trade agreement with the aim of boosting their trade relations. With regard to the fisheries sector, the organisation Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has produced a report exposing ‘human trafficking’ in Thailand's fisheries sector, where workers are ‘forced’ to remain on boats for months in ‘brutal’ conditions. As the Commission knows, Thailand is the third largest fishing nation in the world and the leading exporter of tuna. Thailand has a fleet of over 12 000 vessels and exports seafood products worth EUR 5.6 billion. Even though 650 000 people work in its fisheries sector, the harsh conditions mean that there is a shortage of seamen. This might indicate that Thailand is selling low-cost products on the market and failing to respect workers' rights.

Is the question of whether the working conditions of Thai fishermen meet minimum EU and ILO conditions being taken into account in the current negotiations, since failure to meet those conditions would not only be deplorable in itself but would also amount to unfair competition, in the event that the fisheries sector is included in the ensuing agreement?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 2013)

The Commission is aware of the report of the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) on Thailand's fisheries sector. The EU attaches great importance to including provisions on trade and sustainable development in the negotiation of the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement. These provisions include references to adherence to, and effective implementation of, core International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and conventions and to enforcement of, and non-derogation from, domestic labour laws. The trade and sustainable development provisions could also provide a framework for dialogue in the area of labour standards, including with relevant stakeholders.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007437/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 de junio de 2013)

Asunto: De nuevo actuaciones degradantes en un «Lugar de importancia comunitaria»

La Comisión acordó declarar el espacio marino denominado «Estrecho oriental» como lugar de importancia comunitaria mediante la Decisión 2009/95, de 12 de diciembre (código ES 6120032). En mayo de 2011, la Comisión publicó también la nueva Estrategia de biodiversidad con más actuaciones para proteger los hábitats. Siguiendo estas directrices, el Gobierno español, mediante el Real Decreto 1620/2012, de 1 de diciembre, declaró «Zona especial de conservación» ese lugar de importancia comunitaria de la región biogeográfica mediterránea de la Red natura 2000, adoptando medidas de conservación y limitando o prohibiendo actividades claramente dañinas, como en el caso de los rellenos.

Sin embargo, a pesar de todas estas previsiones, se están realizando rellenos irregulares y actuaciones con el fin de ganar terreno al mar, que perjudican gravemente la fauna y biodiversidad de ese espacio.

Con anterioridad ya he puesto de manifiesto ante la Comisión algunos riesgos ambientales que afectan a ese entorno (preguntas números E‐4560 y E‐12441 de 2011, E‐7803/2012). La respuesta que he obtenido es que se abriría un periodo de información, por ello me permito insistir:

¿Qué resultados ha obtenido la Comisión durante estos meses? ¿Piensa adoptar alguna medida ejecutiva para garantizar la adecuada protección de la biodiversidad de ese lugar de interés comunitario?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de agosto de 2013)

En las próximas semanas, la Comisión, tras una serie de contactos preliminares con las autoridades del Reino Unido a propósito de la contaminación en la Bahía de Algeciras, solicitará con carácter oficial en las próximas semanas a tales autoridades que expliquen las causas de esa contaminación y las acciones correctoras previstas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007437/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: More damaging activities at a site of Community importance

The Commission designated the marine space ‘Estrecho oriental’ as a site of Community importance in Decision 2009/95/EC of 12 December 2008 (code ES6120032). In May 2011, the Commission also published the new biodiversity strategy, with more actions to protect habitats. In line with these guidelines, the Spanish Government designated this site of Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeographical region in the Natura 2000 network as a ‘Special conservation area’ by means of Royal Decree No 1620/2012 of 1 December. With this designation, the Spanish Government established conservation measures and limited or prohibited clearly harmful activities, such as landfilling.

However, in spite of all of these measures, unlawful landfilling and activities intended to reclaim land from the sea are taking place. These activities seriously harm the fauna and biodiversity of this space.

I have already alerted the Commission of several environmental risks affecting this area (Questions E‐4560 and E‐12441 of 2011 and E‐7803/2012). In response, I was told that an information-gathering period would begin, so I would like to raise the issue again:

What results has the Commission obtained in recent months? Does it plan to adopt any executive measures to ensure that the biodiversity of this site of Community interest is adequately protected?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(21 August 2013)

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that following preliminary contacts with the UK authorities on the matter of the pollution in the Bay of Algeciras, the Commission will in the coming weeks formally ask the UK authorities to explain the related causes and the foreseen remedial actions.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007438/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Pollution de la mer Méditerranée

La pollution de la mer Méditerranée devient inquiétante: les polluants organiques, les déchets plastiques, les résidus médicamenteux, associés à la surpêche, menaceraient, selon diverses études nationales, la biodiversité de la mer Méditerranée. La mer Méditerranée, si elle ne représente que 0,3 % du volume des eaux océaniques, regroupe 7 à 8 % des espèces maritimes connues. En cela, il apparaît nécessaire d'agir pour la préservation de cet espace.

C'est avant tout la croissance de la population qui est la cause première de cette pollution élevée. En outre, la population des pays riverains est passée de 285 millions à 427 millions d'habitants entre 1970 et 2000. Cette croissance est aggravée par l'urbanisation grandissante mais aussi par la littoralisation, c'est-à-dire l'augmentation des populations vivant près de la côte.

En ce que la pollution est un phénomène transfrontalier, il est évident que les pays européens doivent réfléchir à des solutions d'action conjointe.

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(23 août 2013)

«Horizon 2020» en faveur de la dépollution dans le cadre de l'Union pour la Méditerranée.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007438/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Pollution in the Mediterranean

Pollution in the Mediterranean has reached alarming levels: according to numerous national studies, organic pollutants, waste plastics and drug residues, together with overfishing, constitute a real threat its biodiversity. The Mediterranean, although it makes up only 0.3% of global sea water, contains 7 to 8% of known marine species. Action is therefore urgently needed to conserve this marine ecosystem.

The severity of this pollution is chiefly attributable to population growth: between 1970 and 2000 the population of neighbouring countries increased from 285 million to 427 million people. The situation is compounded by both galloping urbanisation and the phenomenon of coastal population growth.

Since marine pollution is a cross-border issue, Europe’s countries should clearly be considering joint solutions.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(23 August 2013)

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007439/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Possibles effets de la pollution atmosphérique sur la santé

La pollution de l'air est un fait reconnu, étendu en particulier à nos villes, en Europe comme ailleurs. Cependant, il semblerait que les effets de cette pollution sur la santé soient sinon négligés, du moins amoindris.

Une étude, publiée en mars 2011 par l'Institut français de veille sanitaire et menée dans 12 pays européens, a démontré que la diminution des particules fines dans l'air de nos villes permettrait d'augmenter l'espérance de vie. Par exemple, à Marseille, si on respectait l'objectif de qualité de l'OMS, soit 10μg/m3, l'espérance de vie augmenterait de 8 mois. Dépasser ces recommandations entraînerait également, selon cette étude, une augmentation des pathologies chroniques. Cette étude a montré que le fait d'habiter à proximité du trafic routier serait à l'origine de 15 % des cas d'asthme chez l'enfant et de l'augmentation des maladies respiratoires et cardiovasculaires chez les plus de 65 ans.

D'autre part, une récente étude menée par des scientifiques américains et publiée dans la revue «Environmental Health Perspectives» a mis en lumière une possible corrélation entre pollution atmosphérique et autisme. Selon cette étude, les femmes enceintes exposées à des taux élevés de particules polluantes auraient deux fois plus de risques de donner naissance à un enfant autiste.

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(20 août 2013)

De plus, le programme CIVITAS relevant du 7e programme-cadre pour la recherche et l'innovation encourage l'expérimentation, par les villes européennes, de mesures innovantes visant à décongestionner les routes et à améliorer la qualité de l'air dans les agglomérations urbaines.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007439/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Possible effects of pollution in the atmosphere on health

Air pollution is a recognised fact, particularly so in our towns and cities, whether in Europe or elsewhere. However it seems that the effects of this pollution on health are, if not ignored, at least played down.

A study conducted in 12 European countries and published in March 2011 by France’s ‘Institut de Veille Sanitaire’ showed that reducing the quantity of fine particles in the air in our cities and towns would help increase life expectancy. In Marseille, for instance, if the WHO’s quality target were to be met, i.e. 10μg/m3, life expectancy would rise by eight months. Equally, exceeding these recommended figures would bring about a rise in chronic pathologies. The study demonstrated that living in the vicinity of road traffic could be at the root of 15% of cases of asthma in children and the rise in respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses in people over 65.

In addition, a recent study by American scientists published in the journal ‘Environmental Health Perspectives’ brought to light a possible correlation between air pollution and autism. The study concluded that pregnant women who are exposed to high levels of polluting particulates are twice as likely to give birth to an autistic child.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

and other pollutants of concern, and to ensure compliance with international commitments.

Additionally the Civitas programme under the 7th Research and Innovation Framework programme supports collaboration of EU cities to test innovative measures with the aim to reduce congestion and improve air quality in urban agglomeration.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007440/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Covoiturage en Europe

Le covoiturage poursuit sa démocratisation en Europe, et est en passe de devenir un incontournable dans le secteur du transport routier. Toutefois, ce moyen de transport innovant pourrait voir son essor ralenti par le manque de soutien de la part des autorités: le covoiturage reste une initiative privée.

Le covoiturage est pour plusieurs raisons un moyen de transport intéressant dans le contexte actuel: au-delà de la réduction des coûts de transport pour l'usager, il permet la limitation du nombre de véhicules particuliers sur les voies de circulation et de limiter l'empreinte écologique du transport particulier. Cependant, la multiplicité et la diversité des acteurs et des sites sont un frein au développement et à l'essor du covoiturage en France, la plupart de ces sites souffrant d'une faible fréquentation. Le regroupement d'acteurs et la mise en commun des bases de données des sites pourraient répondre à ce problème.

La Commission entend-elle étudier le réel potentiel du covoiturage en Europe? Envisage-t-elle de mettre en œuvre des dispositions permettant de soutenir le développement du covoiturage en Europe?

Réponse donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(7 août 2013)

La Commission ne favorise aucun mode ou forme de transport local en particulier. Il appartient aux acteurs locaux de décider en fonction des circonstances locales et de leurs préférences. Toutefois, la Commission européenne soutient la recherche et les activités de diffusion concernant les solutions de mobilité nouvelles et innovantes (y compris l'autopartage), notamment par le biais de l'initiative Civitas. Notre soutien permet d'expérimenter différentes solutions et de partager des informations sur les bonnes pratiques et les expériences.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007440/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Car sharing in Europe

Car sharing is gaining currency in Europe and is set to become an integral part of the road transport sector. Nevertheless, this innovative concept could soon see its progress hampered by a lack of government support; car sharing is still very much a private initiative.

In the current climate, this alternative means of transport is particularly appealing for a number of reasons. While users benefit from cheaper travel costs, both society and the environment benefit from fewer passenger cars on the roads and a smaller ecological footprint left by personal transport. However, the development and growth of car sharing in France is being hindered by the proliferation of different operators and websites, many of which have little traffic. This could be resolved by bringing operators together and merging online databases.

Does the Commission intend to explore the real potential of car sharing in Europe? Does it intend to take any action to support its development in Europe?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2013)

The Commission does not favour any particular mode or form of local transport — that is for local actors to decide according to their local circumstances and preferences. However the European Commission does support research and dissemination activities into new and innovative mobility solutions (including car sharing) in particular through the CIVITAS initiative. Our support helps to test different solutions and to share information about best practices and experiences.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-007441/13

à la Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE) et Philippe Juvin (PPE)

(24 juin 2013)

Objet: Qualité de l'air intérieur

La qualité de l'air intérieur a été reconnue, pour la première fois, comme un domaine prioritaire dans le 6 e programme d'action pour l'environnement.

Il s'agit d'un enjeu majeur pour la santé publique. En effet, l'air à l'intérieur des bâtiments peut être jusqu'à cinquante fois plus pollué que l'air extérieur. Cela entraîne des risques importants pour la santé des groupes les plus vulnérables, notamment les enfants, les personnes âgées et les personnes souffrant de maladies respiratoires.

Force est de constater qu'aucune action politique concrète n'a été entreprise jusqu'ici. Alors que le rapport EnVIE (Co-ordination Action on Indoor Air Quality and Health Effects) de 2009 a souligné la nécessité d'une approche intégrée sur la qualité de l'air intérieur, il nous semble indispensable de l'inclure dans les priorités environnementales de l'Union européenne pour les années à venir.

Dès lors, quelles mesures la Commission a-t-elle l'intention de prendre afin de traduire les recommandations du 7 e  programme d'action pour l'environnement en initiatives politiques ou législatives concrètes?

Par ailleurs, compte tenu des risques importants pour la santé et du fait que les gens passent près de 90 % de leur temps dans des bâtiments, la Commission a-t-elle l'intention de prendre des mesures additionnelles dans ce domaine?

Enfin, quand la Commission envisage-t-elle de donner suite à la recommandation du rapport EnVIE concernant le livre vert sur la qualité de l'air intérieur?

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(20 août 2013)

Le programme d'action général de l'Union pour l'environnement à l'horizon 2020, qui a récemment été adopté, prévoit que la réalisation des objectifs en matière de qualité de l'air intérieur nécessite en particulier:

En ce qui concerne le premier point, l'exposition à l'intérieur des bâtiments à la plupart des polluants atmosphériques réglementés par l'Union est principalement imputable à des sources extérieures, à l'exception du tabagisme à l'intérieur des bâtiments et de l'utilisation de combustibles solides (164). La pollution extérieure sera traitée dans le cadre de la révision de la politique sur l'air ambiant que la Commission prévoit d'effectuer à l'automne 2013 (165). Pour ce qui est du tabagisme à l'intérieur des bâtiments, la Commission a publié un rapport sur la mise en œuvre de la recommandation de 2009 du Conseil relative aux environnements sans tabac (166). Les principales mesures prises à la source par l'Union et directement liées à la qualité de l'air intérieur ont trait à l'utilisation domestique de combustibles solides (lots 15 et 20, directive 2009/125/CE relative à l'écoconception). Une décision sur l'acte d'exécution y afférent est attendue pour l'automne 2013.

Quant au second point, la Commission approfondira la question de l'exposition aux produits, y compris à l'intérieur des bâtiments, dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du 7e programme d'action environnemental.

Ces initiatives couvrent les priorités définies et aucune mesure supplémentaire n'est prévue.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007441/13

to the Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE) and Philippe Juvin (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Indoor air quality

For the first time indoor air quality has been made a priority area of action, with the Sixth Environment Action Programme.

Indoor air quality is a major public health challenge; indoor air may be up to 50 times more polluted than outdoor air, and therefore poses a significant heath risk for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases.

No real political action has yet been taken, but as far back as 2009, the FP7 ‘Coordination Action on Indoor Air Quality and Health Effects’ (EnVIE) report called for an approach to ensuring indoor air quality. We believe, therefore, that it must remain an EU environmental priority in the years to come.

What measures does the Commission intend to take to turn these recommendations into actual initiatives or legislation?

Furthermore, given the significant health and the fact that people spend almost 90% indoors, does the Commission intend to take any further steps?

Lastly, when does the Commission intend to make good on the EnVIE report’s recommendation to publish a green paper on indoor air quality?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(20 August 2013)

The recently agreed General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 states that achieving the objectives for indoor air quality requires in particular:

On the first, indoor exposures to most EU-regulated air pollutants are primarily due to outdoor sources, with the exception of indoor smoking and the burning of solid fuel (167). Outdoor pollution will be addressed in the Commission's review of ambient air policy, scheduled for autumn 2013 (168). On indoor smoking, the Commission has published a report on implementation of the 2009 Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments (169). The main EU source measures directly relevant for indoor air quality address solid fuel domestic combustion (Lots 15 and 20, Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC). A decision on the relevant implementing act is expected in autumn 2013.

On the second point, the Commission will further investigate the issue of exposures to products, including those exposures occurring indoors, as part of the implementation of the 7th EAP.

These initiatives cover the priorities identified and no further measures are planned.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-007442/13

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)

(24 ta' Ġunju 2013)

Suġġett: Tariffi antidumping kontra panelli solari Ċiniżi

Fl-4 ta’ Ġunju 2013, il-Kummissjoni ħabbret deċiżjoni unanima biex tibda tariffi proviżorji kontra importazzjonijiet ta’ panelli solari Ċiniżi, filwaqt li tistenna r-riżultati ta’ investigazzjonijiet kompluti antisussidji u antidumping f’Diċembru. Din id-deċiżjoni tidher li qajmet ritaljazzjoni min-naħa taċ-Ċiniżi.

Skont il-kummenti tal-Kummissarju tal-UE għall-Kummerċ Karel De Gucht, “l-istima tagħna tal-prezz tal-bejgħ ġust ta’ panell solari Ċiniż se tkun fil-fatt 88 % ogħla mill-prezz attwali li jinbiegħu għalih fis-suq Ewropew”. Fil-parti l-kbira tagħha l-industrija solari tal-Unjoni Ewropea teżisti grazzi għas-sussidji, li fil-preżent qed jitnaqqsu iżda kellhom impatt biex jistabbilixxu l-industrija. L-UE innifsha kellha “tużżani” ta’ programmi ekonomiċi li jappoġġaw enerġija b’livell baxx ta’ karbonju, minbarra l-programmi mmexxija mill-Istati Membri infushom.

Il-kalkolu tal-Kummissjoni li l-panelli solari Ċiniżi kienu qed jinbiegħu taħt il-valur tas-suq jikkunsidra l-valur tas-suq naturali jew il-valur tas-suq meta meta wieħed iqis il-programmi Ewropej kollha jappoġġaw l-enerġija solari? Liema effett huwa akbar u x’metodu qed tuża l-Kummissjoni biex tikkumpara? Peress li diversi setturi importanti tal-ekonomija Ewropea jista’ jkollhom ritaljazzjoni Ċiniża sinifikanti matul is-sitt xhur li ġejjin, il-Kummissjoni x’inhi tagħmel biex tagħmel l-evidenza speċifika tad-dumping disponibbli u trasparenti fl-istess ħin?

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

(26 ta' Awwissu 2013)

L-investigazzjoni wriet dumping sinifikanti. Il-kwistjoni ta’ programmi ta’ appoġġ tal-UE mhijiex relatata ma’ dan. Dak li huwa importanti huwa li esportazzjonijiet iddampjati/sussidjati jikkawżaw ħsara għall-produtturi tal-UE. Dawn l-investigazzjonijiet jitwettqu bi trasparenza sħiħa, il-Kummissjoni għamlet informazzjoni mhux kunfidenzjali disponibbli u l-partijiet interessati jistgħu jikkummentaw.

Fis-27 ta’ Lulju 2013, kumpaniji esportaturi Ċiniżi ppreżentaw offerta ta' impenn formali dwar il-prezz li l-Kummissjoni sabet li hija aċċettabbli. Verżjoni mhux kunfidenzjali tal-offerta hija disponibbli għall-partijiet interessati li jistgħu jipprovdu kummenti.

Iċ-Ċina tabilħaqq dan l-aħħar bdiet xi investigazzjonijiet ta’ difiża kummerċjali kontra l-esportazzjonijiet tal-UE f’setturi differenti. Bħal kull membru ieħor tal-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija tal-Kummerċ (WTO), iċ-Ċina hija intitolata li tagħmel użu minn dawn l-istrumenti, iżda dan għandu jsir b’konformità sħiħa mar-regoli relevanti tad-WTO. Il-Kummissjoni tibqa’ viġilanti u tissorvelja mill-qrib dawn il-każijiet sabiex tiżgura li l-esportaturi tal-UE jkunu jistgħu jeżerċitaw b'mod sħiħ id-dritt tagħhom tad-difiża u li r-regoli rilevanti, inkluż dwar it-trasparenza, jiġu applikati b’mod strett. Jekk dan ma jkunx il-każ, il-Kummissjoni mhux sejra toqgħod lura milli tintervjeni kif xieraq.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007442/13

to the Commission

David Casa (PPE)

(24 June 2013)

Subject: Anti-dumping tariffs against Chinese solar panels

On 4 June 2013, the Commission announced a unanimous decision to initiate provisional tariffs against imports of Chinese solar panels, awaiting the results of full anti-subsidy and anti-dumping investigations in December. This decision appears to have triggered Chinese retaliation.

According to remarks by EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, ‘our estimate of the fair sale price of a Chinese solar panel would actually be 88% higher than the current price for which they are sold on the European market’. The European Union’s solar industry owes much of its existence to subsidies, which are currently being phased out but still had an impact in establishing the industry. The EU itself has ‘dozens’ of economic programmes that support low-carbon energy, in addition to the programmes run by Member States themselves.

Does the Commission’s calculation that Chinese solar panels are being sold below market value consider natural market value, or market value given all of the European programmes that support solar energy? Which effect is larger, and what method does the Commission use to make the comparison? Since several important sectors of the European economy may bare significant Chinese retaliation over the next six months, what is the Commission doing to make the specific evidence of dumping available and transparent in the meantime?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(26 August 2013)

The investigation has shown significant dumping. The issue of EU support programmes is not related to this. What matters is that dumped/subsidised exports cause injury to EU producers. These investigations are carried out in full transparency, the Commission has made non-confidential information available and interested parties are allowed to comment.

On 27 July 2013, Chinese exporting companies presented a formal price undertaking offer which the Commission found acceptable. A non-confidential version of the offer has been made available to interested parties who may provide comments.

China has indeed recently initiated some trade defence investigations against EU exports in different sectors. Like any other World Trade Organisation (WTO) member, China is entitled to make use of these instruments, but this should be done in full compliance with the relevant WTO rules. The Commission continues to be vigilant and closely monitors these cases in order to ensure that EU exporters can fully exercise their right of defence and that the relevant rules, including on transparency, are strictly applied. Should that not be the case, the Commission would not hesitate to duly intervene.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-007443/13

lill-Kummissjoni

David Casa (PPE)