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 208/01)

Contents

E-010904/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Functioning of the energy market

E-010905/13 by Giles Chichester and Ashley Fox to the Commission

Subject: The online gambling sector in Europe

E-010906/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Heavy metals in food

E-010907/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Early school leavers

E-010908/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Aluminium as a cause of disease

E-010909/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Alcohol-related harm and accidents

E-010910/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries subsidies: not being used in the general interest?

E-010911/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Staff for banking supervision

E-010912/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: Cyber attacks emanating from China

E-010915/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Support for Cécile Kyenge

E-010916/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: President Barroso solves poverty

E-010917/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Strong law on natural resources

E-010918/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: EUR 193 million in VAT losses

E-010919/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: The European Union too lenient towards cartels

E-010920/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Israel — European Union and Horizon 2020

P-010921/13 by Richard Falbr to the Commission

Subject: Modifications to the national scheme to support renewable energy sources (RES)

P-010922/13 by Maria Eleni Koppa to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — European diplomats manhandled by Israelis

E-010923/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: 2030 energy targets in bad shape

E-010924/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Changes to surcharge rules

E-010925/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: OpenupED and Iversity

E-010927/13 by Maria Eleni Koppa to the Commission

Subject: Rapes of women and minors in Pakistan

E-010928/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Criteria for allocating new EU rural development funding

E-010929/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Dimensional mapping systems

E-010930/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Tackling sexual crimes against women in Asia

E-010931/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: EU Anti-Trafficking Day

E-010932/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Privatised speed-detection systems in the EU

E-010933/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Transfrontier shipment of waste across the EU

E-010934/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Action on persecution of Christians in Syria

E-010935/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: EU research on violence against women

E-010936/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Tackling domestic violence against men

E-010938/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Rise in wholesale gas prices

E-010939/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Deadly attacks in Kenya and Pakistan

E-010940/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Support for older motorists

E-010941/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Timeline for EU legislation on legal highs

E-010943/13 by Corien Wortmann-Kool to the Commission

Subject: Changes to the methodology for calculating Member States' structural deficits

E-010944/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Oil exploration near the Canary Islands, authorised by Morocco, possibly encroaching on Western Sahara waters

E-010945/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Oil exploration near the Canary Islands authorised by Morocco: environmental aspects

E-010946/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Chinese investors on the European energy market

E-010947/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Trade relations with China

E-010948/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Consultation between European Commission and Greece on shipping companies

E-010949/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Single supervisory mechanism in the euro area

E-010950/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Institutional intervention in trades union in Greece

E-010951/13 by Krzysztof Lisek and Paweł Zalewski to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Relations with Iran — what future?

E-010953/13 by Eider Gardiazábal Rubial to the Commission

Subject: European Year of Citizens 2013 — ‘learning’ citizenship

E-010954/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Gender equality and protection of rape victims in Greece

E-010956/13 by Philippe de Villiers to the Commission

Subject: EU aid for Tunisia's ‘democratic transition’

E-010957/13 by Minodora Cliveti to the Commission

Subject: National strategies for Roma integration

E-010958/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Local media

E-010959/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Draft Júcar Basin Hydrological Plan

E-010960/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Available illegally produced foodstuffs

E-010962/13 by Susy De Martini and Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Requirement for open sea swimmers to signal their presence

E-010963/13 by Esther de Lange and Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Residue limits for wine

E-011147/13 by Mark Demesmaeker to the Commission

Subject: Pesticides in French wines

P-010964/13 by Corien Wortmann-Kool to the Commission

Subject: The tender for the Dutch high-speed rail network

P-010965/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Investigation into the massacre of Iranian refugees at Camp Ashraf in Iraq

E-010966/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Disability and education

E-010967/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: European Accessibility Act

E-010968/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Imbalance in private sector investment in R+D+i in the various Member States — The situation in Spain

E-010969/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Economic sustainability of some high-speed train (HST) station projects in Zamora, one in a town of 28 residents — Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines and Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 473/2013

E-010970/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Fascist assassination in Greece

E-010971/13 by Søren Bo Søndergaard to the Commission

Subject: ILO finding concerning the incompatibility of the Swedish Laval legislation

E-010973/13 by Jutta Steinruck to the Commission

Subject: Exploitation of workers in the company Foxconn in the Czech Republic

E-010975/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves within Cyprus's EEZ

E-010976/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Travel assistance and business start-up funds for EU nationals

E-010977/13 by Jan Březina to the Commission

Subject: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

E-010978/13 by Roberto Gualtieri, Alfredo Pallone, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Roberta Angelilli, Paolo Bartolozzi, Silvia Costa, Francesco De Angelis, Leonardo Domenici, Guido Milana, Claudio Morganti, Niccolò Rinaldi, Potito Salatto, David-Maria Sassoli and Marco Scurria to the Commission

Subject: Terni steelworks

E-010979/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Anti-blogger law in China: 16-year-old boy arrested

E-010980/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Terrorist attack on a shopping centre in Nairobi

E-010981/13 by Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy to the Commission

Subject: Leaking radioactive waste at Dessel and Doel in Belgium

E-010982/13 by Bart Staes to the Commission

Subject: Measures relating to national targets on renewable energy by 2020

P-010983/13 by Werner Schulz to the Commission

Subject: Failure to grant EU assistance for independent election observation in Azerbaijan

E-010984/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Vaccination of infants in the European Union

E-010985/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment benefit in the euro area

E-010986/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Renewable energy premiums and exceptions in Spain

E-010988/13 by Georgios Toussas to the Commission

Subject: No to privatisation of Karathona beach

E-010989/13 by Nick Griffin to the Council

Subject: Tolerance

E-010990/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Equitable Life compensation payment scheme

E-010991/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Community trade-mark reform and non-agricultural geographical indicators

E-010992/13 by Phil Bennion to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Protests by Bangladesh workers and the minimum wage

E-010993/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Problems with the application of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste

E-010994/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Possible case of discrimination in the workplace regarding hair and clothing

E-010995/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for university research

E-010997/13 by Pino Arlacchi to the Commission

Subject: EU funds granted to Morocco to manage immigration

E-010998/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Local authorities fear the arrival of Romanians and Bulgarians

E-010999/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: The spiral of inequality

P-011002/13 by Véronique De Keyser to the Commission

Subject: Application of the Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA) Agreement

P-011000/13 by Paul Murphy to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up to questions P-007039/2013 and E-007251/2013

P-011001/13 by Erik Bánki to the Commission

Subject: Obligations arising from the Water Framework Directive concerning authorisation for cyanide mining

E-011004/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: The ‘Minority Safepack’ citizens' initiative

E-011005/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals

E-011006/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Announcement of new measures concerning net neutrality

E-011007/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Possible deterioration in quality of professional services, for example in the field of physiotherapy, following the transposition into Greek law of Directive 2005/36/EC

E-011008/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Energy costs — sustainability and competitiveness of Greek industries

E-011009/13 by Alyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Price controls on fuel supplies

E-011010/13 by Erik Bánki to the Commission

Subject: Commission's formal response to Parliament's resolution on cyanide mining

E-011011/13 by Paolo De Castro, Giancarlo Scottà, Herbert Dorfmann, Giovanni La Via, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Iratxe García Pérez and Michel Dantin to the Commission

Subject: Food labelling: UK traffic-light system

E-011017/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Draft directive on renewable energy and sustainability criteria for biomass

E-011018/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Draft directive on renewable energy — Forest areas

E-011019/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Designation of a disability Commissioner

E-011077/13 by Martina Anderson to the Commission

Subject: Disability rights

P-011020/13 by Marina Yannakoudakis to the Commission

Subject: Withdrawal of the proposed Pregnant Workers Directive under the right of initiative

P-011021/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: State of play in the work on the Iași-Ungheni gas pipeline

E-011022/13 by Andrés Perelló Rodríguez to the Commission

Subject: Spanish co-payment scheme for pharmaceutical products used to treat serious and chronic illnesses

E-011023/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Secession of an EU Member State

E-011024/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Rail transport safety

E-011025/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Irrigation project

E-011027/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Definition of precarious work

E-011028/13 by Philippe de Villiers to the Commission

Subject: Snail farming impact of European labelling planned for December 2014

E-011030/13 by Aldo Patriciello to the Commission

Subject: State aid for rolling stock and freight train operators — reply

E-011031/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Milk observatory

E-011157/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The jailing of Berta Cáceres for her opposition to the Agua Zarca dam (Honduras)

E-011032/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Honduras: indigenous leaders wrongfully imprisoned

E-011034/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Environmentally responsible transition

E-011035/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: European consumer confidence index

E-011036/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Three quarters of chickens in the European Union contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria

E-011038/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Independent editor-in-chief imprisoned due to coverage of an Al Qaeda video

E-011042/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Attack on activists in Yerevan

E-011044/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Homophobic Zambia

E-011046/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Evictions from Ba Gou

E-011047/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Rapes in India

E-011048/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Vulnerability of evictees in Somalia

E-011049/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Step backwards for women's rights in Afghanistan

E-011051/13 by Richard Ashworth to the Commission

Subject: Commission action on Gelmini law

E-011053/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Clarification regarding the transparency of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, in particular the transferability of criminal data to third countries

E-011054/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Ecuador takes case against Chevron/Texaco to the UN

E-011055/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Stick-on children's tattoos that pose a risk to health

E-011056/13 by Baroness Sarah Ludford to the Commission

Subject: LGBT rights in Lithuania

E-011058/13 by Danuta Jazłowiecka to the Commission

Subject: Practical guide to the legislation that applies to workers

E-011059/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Aluminium in cosmetic products

P-011061/13 by Andrzej Grzyb to the Commission

Subject: Possible infringement on the market in Internet browsers

E-011065/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Banking union — bank resolution fund — budget sovereignty

E-011066/13 by Takis Hadjigeorgiou to the Commission

Subject: Economic austerity measures and the rise of extreme right-wing fascist movements in Europe

E-011067/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Council

Subject: State of the banking system in Cyprus

E-011068/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: State of the banking system in Cyprus

E-011069/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Revision of tobacco products directive

E-011070/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Contraband tobacco products in Europe

E-011072/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Progress in ‘Education and Lifelong Learning’ operational programme in Greece

E-011073/13 by Rebecca Taylor to the Commission

Subject: Airport body scanners

E-011074/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Antwerp City Council

E-011075/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Appropriation of private pension funds by the Polish Government

E-011076/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: Daimler's law-breaking strategy

E-011078/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Road safety in Europe

E-011079/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Crisis in the euro area and replacing the current ‘euro system’

E-011080/13 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: Industrial competitiveness and climate/energy targets

E-011081/13 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: Prospects for gender equality on the European job market

E-011082/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Interpretation of Article 27 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) Regulation — Aid relating to financial compensation

E-011083/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Children with Down syndrome

E-011084/13 by Georgios Toussas to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Release of Cuban patriots

E-011085/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Protection of artisan bakers

E-011087/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Protection of the Union's financial interests — reported cases of corruption in 2012

P-011088/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Protection of the Union's financial interests — action taken following reported cases of corruption in 2012

E-011648/13 by Salvador Sedó i Alabart to the Commission

Subject: Slavery situation in Qatar relating to the 2022 football World Cup

E-011649/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Exploitation of Nepali workers in Qatar

P-011553/13 by Mikael Gustafsson to the Commission

Subject: Construction of football stadium in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup

E-011091/13 by Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Treatment of migrant workers in Qatar

E-011092/13 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: ‘Lesser duty’ rule in the fertiliser industry

E-011093/13 by Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto to the Commission

Subject: Strategy of wage cuts in Spain as the only way to increase competitiveness

E-011095/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Financial sector reform

E-011096/13 by Jiří Maštálka to the Commission

Subject: How to support organ donation in Europe

E-011097/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Deforestation and unrealistic 2020 objectives: EU imports are the main cause of the global phenomenon

E-011098/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Use of growth hormone in medicine to prevent heart failure

E-011099/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Innovative methods of managing waste

E-011100/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Unfair and abusive practices in the European food supply chain

E-011101/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Problems at the Tricastin nuclear power plant

E-011102/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Seismic risk affecting the Rogun dam in Tajikistan

E-011105/13 by Sergio Berlato to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Massacre of Christians in Pakistan

E-011106/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Drinking water of some areas of the Veneto region contaminated with perfluoroalkylated substances and an increase in related illnesses: the position of doctors

E-011107/13 by Philippe De Backer to the Commission

Subject: Telecommunications — harmonisation of USB cables

P-011108/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: OPAP SA sale

E-011109/13 by Francisco José Millán Mon to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Union for the Mediterranean

E-011110/13 by Francisco José Millán Mon to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The Union for the Mediterranean's ministerial conferences

E-011114/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Development of hydrokinetic energy in Europe

E-011116/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Turkish police arrest 70 football fans

P-011117/13 by Tamás Deutsch to the Commission

Subject: Political research requested by the Commission

P-011118/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamist attacks in Kenya

P-011119/13 by Alain Cadec to the Commission

Subject: Support for the European network of Leader Local Action Groups

E-011120/13 by Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova to the Commission

Subject: Resources for members of the EU's Roma communities

E-011122/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Turkey's accession process

E-011123/13 by Alyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Ortolans in France

E-011178/13 by Arlene McCarthy and David Martin to the Commission

Subject: Hunting of the ortolan bunting in France

E-011124/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Forest management

E-011125/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Promoting physical activity in Europe

E-011126/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Fishing exports from the Faroe Islands

E-011127/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Gender pay gap

E-011128/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Transnational low-season tourism

E-011129/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Google tax

E-011130/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Compensation for delayed air passengers

E-011131/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Consequences of independence (follow-up)

E-011132/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Marche region: redundancy procedure at the TVRS television station

P-011133/13 by Claude Moraes to the Commission

Subject: Clean air — ambient air quality directive

P-011134/13 by Sandra Petrović Jakovina to the Commission

Subject: Eligibility criteria for the Youth Employment Initiative

P-011136/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Latest information on the opening of a new landfill site in the Falcognana district of Rome

P-011137/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Spread of invasive weed species through bird food

E-011138/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Services sector — situation in Italy's railways

P-011139/13 by Romana Jordan to the Commission

Subject: Subsidies in the single internal energy market

E-011141/13 by Herbert Reul to the Commission

Subject: Seveso II Directive

E-011142/13 by Dominique Riquet to the Commission

Subject: Training requirements set out by Directives 2003/59/EC and 2008/68/EC in the road transport sector

E-011143/13 by Sergio Gaetano Cofferati to the Commission

Subject: Scaling-down of the Cuneo-Nice-Ventimiglia railway line

E-011144/13 by Giommaria Uggias to the Commission

Subject: Using assets confiscated from the mafia to reduce macroeconomic imbalances

E-011145/13 by Sari Essayah to the Commission

Subject: Banning laser pointers

E-011146/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Cost of electricity and competitiveness

E-011149/13 by David Martin to the Commission

Subject: Ongoing issue of Cyprus property deeds

E-011150/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Seizure of bottlenose dolphins from the Rimini dolphinarium and the situation of dolphinariums in Europe

E-011151/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: The re-emergence of the golden share and European telecommunications policy

E-011152/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante

E-011153/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Consequences of the US shutdown

E-011154/13 by Gay Mitchell to the Commission

Subject: Repercussions of ‘Basel III’ standards on credit unions

E-011155/13 by Giommaria Uggias to the Commission

Subject: VAT assessment on the amounts repatriated under the tax shield

E-011156/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Reasonable time of legal proceedings

E-011159/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Inconsistencies in the regulation governing the self-supply of electricity

E-011160/13 by Jan Mulder to the Commission

Subject: Risk-based checks at airports

E-011161/13 by Hynek Fajmon to the Commission

Subject: Procedure for submission of scientific studies for the registration of protective substances

E-011162/13 by Anna Rosbach to the Commission

Subject: Legality of the Danish Dog Act

E-011163/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Benasque-Bagnères-de-Luchon tunnel

E-011164/13 by Alyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: EU assistance for clearing contaminated land

E-011165/13 by Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: More effective careers advice in schools

E-011166/13 by Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: Final payments for projects supported by the Cohesion Fund

P-011167/13 by Susy De Martini to the Commission

Subject: Government compliance with the Late Payments Directive

E-011168/13 by Georgios Stavrakakis to the Commission

Subject: Level of payments as of 30 September 2013

E-011169/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Salvador Sedó i Alabart, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Raimon Obiols, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica and Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and ratification thereof

E-011170/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Review of the collective redundancy regime

E-011171/13 by Derek Roland Clark to the Commission

Subject: Dutch state pension

E-011172/13 by Marlene Mizzi to the Commission

Subject: Child obesity

E-011173/13 by Marlene Mizzi to the Commission

Subject: Hours of physical education

E-011174/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Staff in EU representations (2013)

E-011175/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Results of the consultation on the structural reform of the banking sector

E-011176/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Detailed breakdown of translation costs for 2009 and 2012

P-011177/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Commission's dealings with lobby groups in connection with the reform of the structure of the banking sector

E-011179/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Increased budget spending

E-011180/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: Capping of pensions when combining employment relationships

E-011181/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Capping of pensions when combining employment relationships

E-011182/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: Detailed breakdown of the costs for the Council's Open Day

E-011183/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Cost of Europe Day and Europe Week

E-011184/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Negative consequences of a financial transaction tax for consumers

E-011185/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Boom in warranty concerns

E-011186/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Danger of mortgages with a term of over 30 years

E-011187/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Ban on chocolate cigarettes

E-011188/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: In-flight calls

E-011189/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Red Bull gives you heart problems

E-011190/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Anti-radiation patch for mobile telephones

E-011192/13 by Andrej Plenković to the Commission

Subject: Air pollution problem in the Slavonski Brod area caused by emissions from an oil refinery in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina

E-011193/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: European Commission investigations into Gazprom

E-011194/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Institutional aspects of the privatisation programme in Greece

E-011195/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Council

Subject: Disrespect of the Council of the European Union on the part of the Commission

E-011196/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Lack of interinstitutional respect on the part of the Commission

E-011197/13 by Elisabeth Köstinger to the Commission

Subject: Review of the sustainability criteria for biofuels/national verification schemes placed at a disadvantage by the Commission

E-011198/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Chemicals used in fracking in breach of REACH guidelines

E-011199/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Undersea natural gas storage facility off the coast of Amposta, Catalonia

E-011239/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Underground natural gas storage plant

E-011240/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Underground natural gas storage plant II

E-011243/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Application of Directive 2007/65/EC in Spain

E-011200/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Reciprocity regarding imports of processed proteins from monogastric animals

E-011201/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Creating a level playing field

E-011202/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: BSE status of Member States and third countries

E-011203/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: French reform of the national railway system — effects on the national regulatory body in the context of the Fourth Railway Package

P-011204/13 by Francesca Barracciu to the Commission

Subject: Union Customs Code: free zone, proposed amendment and entry into force

P-011205/13 by Kartika Tamara Liotard to the Commission

Subject: Measures in response to excessive 3-MCPD intake

E-011208/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: The high cost of health services for Greek citizens

E-011209/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis and Marietta Giannakou to the Commission

Subject: Intention of the northern countries to propose establishing a discriminatory regime against workers from the European South within the mobility framework

E-011210/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Council

Subject: Imbalances in the integrated European financial market

E-011211/13 by Jan Březina to the Commission

Subject: Commission proposal on plant varieties

E-011212/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: VAT on domestic fuel

E-011213/13 by David Martin to the Commission

Subject: Role of environmental assessment concerning Rosyth international container terminal

E-011214/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Aflatoxin levels in maize

E-011215/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Coordination of banking supervision

E-011217/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU position on exploiting Arctic resources

E-011220/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU-US travel arrangements

E-011221/13 by Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu to the Commission

Subject: 112 emergency number

P-011222/13 by Andreas Pitsillides to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment

E-011223/13 by Catherine Bearder to the Commission

Subject: Social media bullying

E-011224/13 by Catherine Bearder to the Commission

Subject: Shark-derived squalene

E-011225/13 by Andreas Pitsillides to the Commission

Subject: Pupils of the English School, Nicosia

E-011226/13 by Andreas Pitsillides to the Commission

Subject: Agricultural policy

E-011227/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Systemically important insurance services

E-011228/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Exclusion of certain companies from ICT calls for tender

E-011229/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Contravention of the passenger name records and SWIFT agreements as a result of NSA personal profiles

E-011230/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Belgacom surveillance case

E-011231/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Prevention of espionage

E-011232/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Commission action on the safe transportation of workers in the oil industry

E-011233/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU trademarks in the US

E-011235/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Decrease in grassland butterfly population in the EU

E-011236/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: EU twinning arrangements

E-011237/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Tackling the issue of food banks

E-011238/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Agricultural shows in the EU

P-011244/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Human rights in Russia and the EU's external relations

E-011246/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Problems associated with the digital single market

E-011247/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Investments in the development of mobile telecommunications networks

E-011248/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: NSA attacks on European undertakings

E-011249/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: Measures to prevent espionage

E-011250/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Loss caused by espionage and industrial espionage

E-011251/13 by Herbert Reul to the Commission

Subject: Disposal law — Article 17 KrWG

E-011252/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: Contributions to chambers of commerce in Greece and Europe

E-011253/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Greece's ‘competence’ to manage its own water resources

E-011254/13 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: Early retirement schemes

E-011255/13 by Fiona Hall to the Commission

Subject: EED online platform

E-011258/13 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Crude oil indexation and the decision in RWE v Gazprom case

E-011259/13 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Effects of backloading and structural reform of the ETS

E-011260/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for the creation of the Home of Culture and Applied Arts in the Marcigliana-Cinquina area of Rome

E-011263/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Gezi Park protests: human rights violations by the Turkish authorities

E-011264/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Request for measures to support 204 workers facing dismissal at Plasmon

E-011265/13 by Jörg Leichtfried to the Commission

Subject: Commission flyer on animal welfare and the terms it uses

E-011267/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Council

Subject: Stroke prevention and atrial fibrillation management

E-011268/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: EIB support for Bulgaria

E-011269/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: EU to establish more Union-wide level competitions in more fields

E-011270/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: India-EU Free Trade Agreement

E-011272/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Multilingualism in Europe

E-011273/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Slow broadband services

E-011274/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Moldovan wines

E-011275/13 by David Casa to the Commission

Subject: Agreement between the EU and Indonesia to curb illegal timber

E-011276/13 by Julie Girling and James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Civets and coffee beans

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010904/13

to the Commission

Nicole Sinclaire (NI)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Functioning of the energy market

Title XXI of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that Union policy on energy must aim to ensure the functioning of the energy market. In the opinion of the Commission, would price capping by a Member State be detrimental to the functioning of the energy market?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

A functioning energy market with effective competition between energy companies is the best guarantee for cost-reflective energy prices. However, such a market cannot be achieved without prices being based on supply and demand fundamentals. State intervention in the form of general caps for energy retail prices tend to have a detrimental effect on the functioning of the energy market as they deter new suppliers from market entry by reducing incentives for innovation and investment by both new entrants and incumbents, and holding back the development of stronger competition for the benefit of the consumer. While protection of vulnerable consumers remains paramount also in an integrated and competition-driven internal energy market, it can be more effectively provided through more targeted means than general price caps — e.g. through social policy programmes or targeted assistance measures addressing specific drivers of consumers' vulnerabilities.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010905/13

to the Commission

Giles Chichester (ECR) and Ashley Fox (ECR)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: The online gambling sector in Europe

The online gambling sector in the EU is inherently cross-border and has the potential to make a significant contribution to the success of the single market. However, the current fragmentation of the sector is putting a brake on its expansion. Certain Member States operate under different licensing policies, some of which are discriminatory or overly burdensome, making it hard for operators to expand their businesses across the EU. This has led to a highly piecemeal approach to regulating the sector, far from the single market ideal. Greater EU cooperation would both protect consumers and promote competition.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 2013)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010906/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25. September 2013)

Betrifft: Schwermetalle in Nahrungsmitteln

Schwermetalle wie etwa Zinn, Nickel, Eisen, Cadmium, Quecksilber, Blei oder auch Aluminium kommen durch industrielle Prozesse um einiges häufiger in der Luft, im Wasser, im Boden und somit auch in der Nahrung vor, als es von Natur aus der Fall ist. Diese Spurenelemente werden Nahrungsmitteln zugeführt und oft als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel eingenommen, wodurch es zusätzlich zu einer übermäßigen Aufnahme kommt; überschüssige Reste der Schwermetalle können sich in Knochen, Leber, Nieren und Gehirn ablagern. Erkrankungen, Störungen, Unverträglichkeiten und Allergien sind die Folge. Parallel dazu sind chronische Unverträglichkeiten und Allergien in den letzten Jahren extrem gestiegen: 2007 waren in der österreichischen Bevölkerung fast sieben Millionen Menschen (das entspricht über 80 %!) betroffen, die entweder unter Allergien, Unverträglichkeiten oder anderen chronischen Erkrankungen litten; die Tendenz ist steigend.

— Plant die Kommission Initiativen zur Erforschung von Zusammenhängen zwischen Schwermetallen und Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeiten und wenn ja, welche?

— Welche Initiativen plant die Kommission im Hinblick auf Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeiten und Gesundheitsförderung?

— Hat die Kommission geplant, strengere Auflagen für Schwermetallkonzentrationen in Nahrungsmitteln und der Umwelt vorzuschlagen? (Mit der Bitte um ausführliche Erläuterung)

Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(21. November 2013)

In der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1881/2006 (2) sind Höchstgehalte für Zinn, Kadmium, Blei und Quecksilber in Lebensmitteln festgelegt. Diese Höchstgehalte basieren auf wissenschaftlichen Gutachten der Europäischen Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit (EFSA) und tragen den schädlichen Gesundheitsauswirkungen dieser Elemente Rechnung. Die zuständigen Behörden der Mitgliedstaaten überwachen diese Schwermetallgehalte laufend. Die so erhobenen Daten werden von der EFSA in thematischen Berichten zusammengefasst. Auf der Grundlage dieser Berichte wird die Lage fortlaufend beobachtet, damit die geltenden Höchstgehalte gegebenenfalls gesenkt werden können.

Chemische Elemente, die eine biologische Funktion im menschlichen Körper haben (sogenannte Spurenelemente), gelten nicht als Kontaminanten, da Lebensmittel im Hinblick auf eine normale Körperfunktion minimale Mengen von ihnen enthalten müssen. Falls in einem EFSA-Gutachten jedoch darauf hingewiesen wird, dass diese Elemente jedoch in großen Mengen über die Nahrung aufgenommen werden, werden Höchstgehalte für Nahrungsergänzungsmittel festgelegt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010906/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Heavy metals in food

Heavy metals, such as tin, nickel, iron, cadmium, mercury, lead or even aluminium, occur somewhat more frequently in the air, water, soil and therefore also in food as a result of industrial process than would naturally be the case. These trace elements are added to foodstuffs and are often taken as food supplements, thus resulting in further excessive intake; surplus heavy metals can be deposited in the bones, liver, kidneys and brain. This results in diseases, disorders, intolerances and allergies. At the same time, chronic intolerances and allergies have risen sharply in recent years: in 2007 nearly seven million people in Austria (more than 80% of the population) were suffering from allergies, intolerances or other chronic diseases. This is a rising trend.

— Is the Commission planning any initiatives for investigating the links between heavy metals and food intolerances? If so, what are they?

— What initiatives is it planning with regard to food intolerances and the promotion of health?

— Has the Commission had any plans to propose more stringent requirements for heavy metal concentrations in food and the environment (please provide detailed information)?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

Maximum levels (MLs) for tin, cadmium, lead and mercury in food are established in Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 (3). These MLs are based on scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) taking into account negative health effects of these elements. Monitoring of levels of these heavy metals by Member States’ competent authorities is on-going. The resulting data are collected by EFSA and compiled into thematic reports. Based on the outcome of these reports, the situation is constantly monitored in view of further lowering existing maximum levels.

Chemical elements that have a biological function in the body (so-called trace elements) are not treated as contaminants as minimal quantities are needed in food for a normal body function. However, in cases where EFSA opinions point out that they are important contributors to dietary exposure, maximum levels are established for food supplements.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010907/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25. September 2013)

Betrifft: Frühzeitige Schulabgänger

Im Zuge der Strategie Europa 2020 soll das Bildungsniveau erheblich verbessert werden. Dennoch kann jede/-r fünfte Europäer/-in nicht richtig lesen und schreiben. Zusätzlich liegt die Zahl der frühzeitigen SchulabgängerInnen und ‐abbrecherInnen immer noch bei knapp 13 %, wobei die Zahl der Frauen wesentlich höher ist als die der Männer. Vor allem in Südeuropa ist dieses Problem sehr verbreitet.

Antwort von Frau Vassiliou im Namen der Kommission

(15. November 2013)

Gemäß Artikel 165 des Vertrags über die Arbeitsweise der Europäischen Union sind ausschließlich die Mitgliedstaaten für die Lehrinhalte und die Gestaltung der Bildungssysteme verantwortlich. Die Kommission unterstützt die Mitgliedstaaten bei ihren Bemühungen zur Verbesserung der Systeme der allgemeinen und beruflichen Bildung und fördert ihre Zusammenarbeit. Im Rahmen der offenen Methode der Koordinierung (OMK) in der allgemeinen und beruflichen Bildung konzentriert sich die Kommission hauptsächlich auf Themen wie niedriges Qualifikationsniveau, frühzeitigen Schulabgang, frühkindliche Betreuung, Bildung und Erziehung sowie Lehrkräfteausbildung. Eine neue OMK-Gruppe zur Schulbildung wird Ende 2013 oder Anfang 2014 ihre Arbeit aufnehmen und sich mit frühzeitigem Schulabgang und Lehrkräfteausbildung beschäftigen.

Der Rat setzt sich in seiner Empfehlung für politische Strategien zur Senkung der Schulabbrecherquote (4) aus dem Jahr 2011 für einen umfassenden Ansatz bezüglich des frühzeitigen Schulabgangs ein. Angesprochen werden Fragen der Gleichheit, Inklusion und Qualität der Schulbildung. Die Kommission untersucht in ihren Initiativen „Neue Denkansätze für die Bildung“ und „Die Bildung öffnen“ außerdem, wie die Attraktivität und Relevanz der europäischen Bildungs‐ und Ausbildungssysteme gesteigert werden kann. Die Kommission arbeitet außerdem eng mit der OECD in Fragen der Qualität und Effizienz der Schulbildung zusammen und unterstützt die PISA- (5) und die PIAAC (6)-Studien.

Das neue Bildungsprogramm Erasmus+ und die europäischen Struktur‐ und Investitionsfonds, insbesondere der Europäische Sozialfonds, sind die wichtigsten EU-Instrumente zur Förderung von Investitionen und Reformen der nationalen Bildungs‐ und Ausbildungssysteme. Zu den Zielen dieser Programme zählt die Verringerung der regionalen Unterschiede in der allgemeinen und beruflichen Bildung.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010907/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Early school leavers

One aim of the Europe 2020 strategy is to significantly improve the level of education. Nevertheless, one in five Europeans cannot read or write properly. Furthermore, the number of early school leavers remains close to 13%, with the number of women in this category being considerably higher than the number of men. This problem is particularly widespread in southern Europe.

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

According to Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems are under the exclusive responsibility of Member States. The role of the Commission is to support Member States in their efforts to improve their education and training systems and to support their cooperation. Within the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in education and training, the Commission focuses especially on issues related to low skills, early school leaving (ESL), early childhood education and care as well as teacher education. A new OMC group on School Education will start its work in late 2013 or early 2014 addressing the issues of ESL and teacher education.

The 2011 Council Recommendation on policies against ESL (7) advocates a comprehensive approach towards ESL. It addresses questions of equity, inclusiveness and quality in school education. With its initiatives on ‘Rethinking Education’ and ‘Opening Up Education’ the Commission also looks at how to increase the attractiveness and relevance of European education and training systems. In addition, the Commission closely cooperates with the OECD on questions of quality and efficiency in school education, supporting also the PISA (8) and PIAAC (9) studies.

The new education programme Erasmus+ and European Structural and Investment Funds, in particular European Social Fund, are the main tools at EU level to support investment and reforms in national education and training systems. Reducing regional disparities in education and training will be among the objectives of these programmes.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010908/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25. September 2013)

Betrifft: Aluminium als Krankheitsverursacher

Immer mehr Studien belegen, dass ein Zusammenhang zwischen Aluminium und Krankheiten wie Krebs, Alzheimer und Demenz besteht. Aluminium ist ein Bestandteil von unzähligen Lebensmitteln, Medikamenten, Zahnpasten und Deodorants und wird oft zur Reinigung von Trinkwasser verwendet.

Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(20. November 2013)

Die Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit (EFSA) (10) hat für Aluminium (Al) eine tolerierbare wöchentliche Aufnahme von 1 mg Aluminium/kg Körpergewicht/Woche festgelegt. Die EFSA wies darauf hin, dass die Bevölkerung hauptsächlich über Lebensmittel gegenüber Al exponiert ist. Al in Trinkwasser stelle eine weitere, weniger bedeutende Expositionsquelle dar. Zu einer zusätzlichen Exposition könne es durch die Verwendung von Aluminiumverbindungen in Arzneimitteln und Konsumgütern kommen.

Folglich hat die Kommission Maßnahmen zur Verminderung der Al-Aufnahme durch Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe ergriffen. Die Maßnahmen (11) betreffen die wichtigsten Al-Quellen und sollen zu einer Verminderung der Gesamtaufnahme führen. Derzeit werden einige Al enthaltende Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe verboten. Für alle anderen Al enthaltenden Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe werden Verwendung und Höchstgehalte deutlich eingeschränkt werden. Außerdem wird die EFSA bis 2018 eine vollständige Neubewertung aller Al enthaltenden Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe vornehmen (12).

In Impfstoffen wurden 70 Jahre lang Al-Adjuvantia verwendet und deren Sicherheitsprofil kann durch „mit geringem Potenzial, unerwünschte Reaktionen hervorzurufen“ als angemessen beschrieben gelten. Bei Allergenen und Impfstoffen beträgt die Obergrenze 1,25 mg/Dosis (13). Die meisten in der EU zugelassenen Impfstoffe enthalten weniger als diese Höchstmenge.

Die Kommission hat den Wissenschaftlichen Ausschuss „Verbrauchersicherheit“ (SCCS) ersucht, ein Gutachten zur Sicherheit von Al in kosmetischen Mitteln (14) zu erstellen und einen sicheren Konzentrationsgrenzwert für Al zu empfehlen, falls die geschätzte Exposition gegenüber Al als bedenklich erachtet wird. Das Gutachten des SCCS soll spätestens im zweiten Quartal 2014 vorliegen.

Die Kommission hat vor kurzem groß angelegte Forschungsprojekte wie PHIME (15) zur Rolle der Exposition gegenüber einer Reihe von Schwermetallen bei neurologischen Entwicklungsstörungen und neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen finanziert.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010908/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Aluminium as a cause of disease

More and more studies are demonstrating a link between aluminium and diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Aluminium is found in numerous foods, medicines, toothpastes and deodorants and is often used to purify drinking water.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2013)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)  (16) has established a Tolerable Weekly Intake for Aluminium (Al) of 1 mg aluminium/kg bw/week. EFSA noted that the major route of exposure to Al for the general population is through food. Al in drinking water represents another, minor, source of exposure. Additional exposures may arise from the use of aluminium compounds in pharmaceuticals and consumer products.

Consequently, the Commission took measures to reduce Al intake from food additives. The measures (17) concern the most significant Al sources and are expected to result in a reduction of the total intake. Some Al containing food additives are being banned. The use and maximum limits for all other Al containing food additives will be significantly reduced. In addition, EFSA will carry out a complete re-evaluation of all Al containing food additives by 2018 (18).

Al adjuvants have been used in vaccines for 70 years and their safety profile can be considered as adequately characterised with a very small potential to cause adverse reactions. The upper limit for Al for allergens and vaccines is 1.25 mg per dose (19). Most licensed vaccines in the EU contain less than this maximum amount.

The Commission has asked to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to provide a scientific opinion on the safety of Al in cosmetic products (20) and to recommend a safe concentration limit for the presence of Al, should the estimated exposure to Al be found to be of concern. The SCCS opinion is expected for the second quarter of 2014 at the latest.

The Commission has recently funded large-scale research projects such as PHIME (21) on the role of exposure to a number of heavy metals in neurodevelopmental and neurogenerative diseases.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010909/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25. September 2013)

Betrifft: Alkoholbedingte Schäden und Unfälle

Noch immer ist die EU weltweit die Region mit dem höchsten Alkoholkonsum und den meisten alkoholbedingten Schäden und Unfällen. Laut Medienberichten gibt es sogar mehr Tote durch Alkoholkonsum als durch Verkehrsunfälle.

Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(15. November 2013)

Alkoholbedingte Schäden stellen EU-weit ein ernstes Gesundheitsproblem dar.

Die Europäische Kommission setzt sich für die Umsetzung der EU-Strategie gegen Alkoholmissbrauch ein (22). Laut den Schlussfolgerungen der unabhängigen Evaluierung sind alle Schwerpunkte der 2006 angenommenen EU-Alkoholstrategie nach wie vor aktuell. In diesem Zusammenhang prüft die Kommission derzeit, wie sie ihre künftigen Arbeiten weiter verbessern und zielgenau ausrichten kann, um alkoholbedingte Schäden, insbesondere im Hinblick auf chronische Krankheiten und Schäden, weiter zu verringern und spezielle Herausforderungen, wie Alkoholkonsum von Minderjährigen und Alkoholexzesse („Komasaufen“), erfolgreich anzugehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010909/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Alcohol-related harm and accidents

The EU remains the region with the highest level of alcohol consumption worldwide and the most alcohol-related injuries and accidents. According to media reports, there are even more deaths caused by alcohol consumption than as a result of traffic accidents.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

Alcohol-related harm is a major public health concern across the EU.

The Commission is committed to taking forward the EU Alcohol Strategy (23). The conclusions of the independent evaluation suggest that all the priority themes of the EU Alcohol Strategy adopted in 2006 are still valid today. In this context, the Commission is currently analysing how to further improve and focus its future work to contribute to reducing alcohol-related harm, in particular as regards its impact on chronic disease and injuries, and to address specific challenges, such as underage drinking and binge drinking.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010910/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25. September 2013)

Betrifft: Fischereisubventionen: nicht für das allgemeine Wohl verwendet?

Einer aktuellen Studie zufolge beträgt seit dem Jahr 2000 die Gesamtsumme der EU-Fischereisubventionen mehr als 12 Mrd. EUR. Die von den Mitgliedstaaten überwiesenen 4,9 Mrd. EUR an Staatsbeihilfen an die Fischereisektoren hätten demnach zu einem sehr beträchtlichen Teil die Überfischung gefördert.

Antwort von Frau Damanaki im Namen der Kommission

(5. Dezember 2013)

Die von der Frau Abgeordneten angesprochene Studie trägt den Titel „ European Fisheries Subsidies — State Aid — The Hidden Subsidies “ (Europäische Fördermittel für die Fischerei — staatliche Beihilfen — die verborgenen Fördermittel) und wurde von Oceana erstellt. Nach Schätzungen der Kommission beliefen sich die Fördermittel für den Fischereisektor (einschließlich Aquakultur und Verarbeitung) im Zeitraum 1996-2012 auf 4,6 Mrd. EUR. Die Kommission weist darauf hin, dass die staatlichen Beihilfen seit 2007 schrittweise um 70 % gesenkt wurden.

Die Fischerei ist naturgemäß eine Tätigkeit, die Auswirkungen auf die Fischbestände und die marine Umwelt hat. Im Laufe der Zeit wurden Maßnahmen wie der Schiffbau und die Erhöhung des Fischereiaufwands von der Förderung ausgeschlossen, weil ausreichende Hinweise auf deren nachteilige Umweltauswirkungen vorlagen. Im Vorschlag der Kommission für den Europäischen Meeres‐ und Fischereifonds 2014-2020 rückt die Nachhaltigkeit der Bestände stärker in den Mittelpunkt, außerdem ist eine erhebliche Aufstockung der Mittel für Kontrolle und Datenerhebung vorgesehen. Ferner umfasst der Vorschlag Investitionen in die Selektivität, um das Verbot von Rückwürfen und die Umstellung auf den höchstmöglichen Dauerertrag zu unterstützen. Soll die endgültige Einstellung der Fischerei im Europäischen Meeres‐ und Fischereifonds verbleiben, so muss deren Förderung nach Auffassung der Kommission nach oben begrenzt und befristet werden. Diese Bedingungen sind notwendig, um verbliebene Überkapazitäten gezielt und zeitnah angehen zu können.

Der Begriff „generelle Beihilfe“ wird in der Studie nicht definiert; es handelt sich auch nicht um ein Konzept des EU-Beihilferechts. Daher kann die Kommission diese Frage nicht beantworten. In jedem Fall muss eine Beihilfe jedoch den Zielen der Gemeinsamen Fischereipolitik (GFP) entsprechen und darf nicht wettbewerbsverzerrend sein.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010910/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries subsidies: not being used in the general interest?

According to a current study, EU fisheries subsidies since 2000 total more than EUR 12 billion. The EUR 4.9 billion contributed by the Member States in state aid to the fisheries sector has, according to the study, played a considerable part in promoting overfishing.

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2013)

The study referred to by the honourable MEP is ‘European Fisheries Subsidies — State Aid — The Hidden Subsidies’, by Oceana. The Commission estimates that in the period 1996-2012, subsidies to the fishing sector (including aquaculture and processing) amounted to EUR 4.6 billion. The Commission notes that state aid has gradually reduced, by 70% since 2007.

Fishing is by definition an activity that impacts fishing stocks and the marine environment. Over time, measures such as vessel construction and aid increasing fishing effort have been excluded from support when sufficient evidence became available on their negative environmental impacts. The Commission's proposal for the 2014-20 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund increases the focus on aid that will enhance sustainability of resources, and foresees a significant increase of funds for control and data collection. The proposal also covers investments in selectivity to support the discard ban and investments to support the transition to Maximum Sustainable Yield. The Commission considers that if permanent cessation has to be maintained in the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund it will have to be capped in terms of funding available and limited in time. These conditions are necessary for a precise and timely targeting of remaining pockets of overcapacity.

The notion of ‘general aid’ is neither defined in the study nor is a concept used in Union state aid legislation. The Commission is, thus, unable to reply. In any case, aid has to comply with the CFP objectives and not distort competition.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010911/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25. September 2013)

Betrifft: Personal für die Bankenaufsicht

Wie Medienberichte melden, sucht die EZB Personal für die Bankenaufsicht und will die betreffenden Stellen möglicherweise auch durch Abwerben von Personal der Geschäftsbanken besetzen.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(29. November 2013)

Die Verordnung (EU) Nr. 1024/2013 des Rates zur Übertragung besonderer Aufgaben im Zusammenhang mit der Aufsicht über Kreditinstitute auf die Europäische Zentralbank (24), mit der ein einheitlicher Aufsichtsmechanismus als erster Schritt zur Schaffung einer Bankenunion eingerichtet wird, trat am 3. November 2013 in Kraft; der einheitliche Aufsichtsmechanismus wird in zwölf Monaten voll funktionsfähig sein. Die Europäische Zentralbank (EZB) hat zur Vorbereitung auf die Wahrnehmung ihrer Aufsichtsaufgaben und gemäß den Vorschriften der Verordnung über den einheitlichen Aufsichtsmechanismus eine umfassende Prüfung eingeleitet, die aus einer aufsichtsbehördlichen Risikobewertung, einer Überprüfung der Aktiva-Qualität und einem Stresstest besteht. Der Stresstest wird in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde (EBA) durchgeführt werden.

Ein Element dieser Vorbereitungen ist die Einstellung von Personal für eine wirksame Ausübung der Aufsichtsfunktion der EZB. Die EZB rekrutiert Personal eigenständig auf der Grundlage ihrer internen Vorschriften und Verfahren.

Die Kommission ist angesichts der Beschäftigungsregeln der EZB und ihres Ethikrahmens zuversichtlich, dass die EZB bei ihrem Einstellungsverfahren die in den einschlägigen EU‐Rechtsvorschriften enthaltenen Grundsätze der Integrität und Glaubwürdigkeit der Bankenaufsicht einhält und ferner angemessene interne Kontrollmechanismen anwendet, um die Unabhängigkeit und das ethische Verhalten ihres Personals zu gewährleisten. Die Kommission ist überzeugt, dass eine starke europäische Bankenaufsicht gut aufgestellt ist, um dem Druck von Lobbyisten standzuhalten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010911/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Staff for banking supervision

As reported in the media, the European Central Bank is recruiting banking supervision staff and intends, where possible, to fill the posts concerned by enticing staff away from commercial banks.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2013)

Council Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013 conferring specific tasks on the ECB concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions (25) and establishing a Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) which constitutes a first step of banking union, entered into force on 3 November 2013 and the SSM will be fully operational in 12 months. In preparation for carrying out its prudential tasks, and as required by the SSM Regulation, the European Central Bank launched a comprehensive assessment, consisting of a supervisory risk assessment, an asset quality review and a stress test. The stress test will be carried out in close cooperation with the EBA.

One element of these preparations is the recruitement of staff in order to effectively exercise the ECB's supervisory function. This is autonomously undertaken by the ECB on the basis of its internal rules and procedures on recruitement of staff.

Given the ECB's internal rules on employment and the ethics framework, the Commission is confident that in its recruitment process the ECB fully respects the principles of integrity and credibility of banking supervision, as set out in the relevant EC law and that it will also apply the appropriate internal control mechanisms in order to guarantee the independence and ethical conduct of its staff. The Commission is confident that a strong European banking supervisor is very well equiped to resist to lobbying pressures.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010912/13

alla Commissione

Fiorello Provera (EFD) e Charles Tannock (ECR)

(25 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Attacchi informatici provenienti della Cina

Il 17 settembre 2013 l'agenzia Reuters ha riferito che una società di sicurezza informatica americana aveva scoperto un gruppo di sofisticati hacker informatici basati in Cina. Il gruppo, noto come Hidden Lynx, è ritenuto uno dei più avanzati tecnicamente e opera come organizzazione che rende servizi a pagamento. La società americana di sicurezza informatica Symantec sostiene che Hidden Lynx potrebbe essere stato coinvolto negli attentati del 2009, noti come operazione Aurora, quando gli hacker hanno attaccato Google e decine di altre società. Nel 2010 Google ha ammesso che gli hacker avevano tentato di leggere la corrispondenza elettronica di attivisti dei diritti umani. La Symantec ritiene che il gruppo abbia sede in Cina, dal momento che il software impiegato per eseguire gli attacchi è stato scritto utilizzando strumenti e codici cinesi.

Hidden Lynx è anche sospettato di avere collegamenti con un'altra infame campagna di attacchi informatici, Voho, che ha colpito centinaia di organizzazioni, fra cui imprese finanziarie, tecnologiche, aziende sanitarie, operatori nel settore della difesa e agenzie governative. Stando alla Symantec, gli hacker sono un'«organizzazione professionale» composta da 50 a 100 persone.

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(11 dicembre 2013)

La Commissione si impegna a fornire una risposta globale al fenomeno della criminalità informatica, come indicato anche nella sua Strategia dell’Unione europea per la cibersicurezza (26). Nello sviluppare la sua politica in materia essa tiene conto di tutte le informazioni disponibili, comprese le valutazioni delle minacce e le altre informazioni fornite dal settore privato, nonché da imprese di sicurezza privata come Symantec.

Inoltre la Commissione ha istituito il Centro europeo per la lotta contro la criminalità informatica (EC3) nei primi mesi del 2013 per fornire supporto e coordinamento alle investigazioni degli Stati membri. Questo Centro, tra gli altri compiti, si occupa anche dell’analisi e delle valutazioni delle minacce, comprese quelle provenienti da paesi al di fuori dell’UE. Tale quadro intende adottare un approccio collaborativo, grazie alla collaborazione con le parti interessate nelle comunità. Le imprese private sono invitate a partecipare ai gruppi consultivi del Centro europeo per la lotta contro la criminalità informatica e a fornire informazioni sulle minacce e sulle tendenze che possono poi essere utilizzate per informare gli Stati membri di minacce specifiche e modi operandi.

Durante il 14° vertice UE-Cina nel febbraio 2012 l’Unione europea e la Cina hanno deciso a livello politico che era necessario sviluppare un quadro per un dialogo sui problemi informatici. A tal fine hanno varato una task force informatica UE-Cina, che si è già riunita due volte e i cui obiettivi comprendono l’elaborazione di norme di comportamento degli Stati e la promozione dell’applicabilità del diritto internazionale vigente nel ciberspazio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010912/13

to the Commission

Fiorello Provera (EFD) and Charles Tannock (ECR)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Cyber attacks emanating from China

On 17 September 2013, Reuters reported that a US computer security firm had uncovered a group of sophisticated computer hackers based in China. The hacker group, known as Hidden Lynx, is believed to be one of the most technically‐advanced groups and is operating as a for‐hire organisation. The US-based cyber security firm Symantec says that Hidden Lynx may have been involved in the 2009 attacks known as Operation Aurora, in which hackers attacked Google and dozens of other companies. In 2010, Google admitted that hackers had attempted to read the Gmail correspondence of human rights activists. Symantec believes the group is based in China because the software used to run the attacks was written using Chinese tools and code.

Hidden Lynx is also alleged to have connections with another infamous cyber-attack campaign, Voho, which targeted hundreds of organisations including financial and technology firms, healthcare companies, defence contractors and government agencies. According to Symantec, the hackers are a ‘professional organisation’, staffed by between 50 and 100 people.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2013)

The Commission is committed to providing a comprehensive response to the phenomenon of cybercrime, as outlined also in its Cybersecurity Strategy of the European Union (27). In developing policy, it takes into account all available information, including threat assessments and other information provided by the private sector and including by private security firms such as Symantec.

In addition, the Commission created the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) in early 2013 to provide support and coordination for Member States’ investigations. The EC3, among other tasks, also provides analysis and threat assessments, including on threats emanating from outside the EU. It is designed to take a collaborative approach, cooperating with stakeholders across communities. Private companies are invited to participate in the advisory groups to the EC3 and to provide information on threats and trends which can then be used to inform Member States of specific threats and modi operandi.

At the political level, the European Union and China decided at the 14th EU-China Summit in February 2012 that there was a need to develop a framework for a dialogue on cyber issues. To this end, they have launched an EU-China cyber taskforce, which has met twice to date and whose objectives include working on developing norms for state behaviour and promoting the applicability of existing international law in cyber space.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010915/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 septembre 2013)

Objet: Soutien à Cécile Kyenge

Je soutiens la ministre italienne en charge de l'intégration, Cécile Kyenge, victime de propos racistes outranciers, et tiens à promouvoir la déclaration de Rome et la lutte contre la xénophobie et l'intolérance.

En effet, la xénophobie et l'intolérance sont encore trop présentes en Europe. Les partis populistes prennent de l'ampleur dans de nombreux pays européens et leurs messages sont empreints d'idées xénophobes, nationalistes et protectionnistes. Certains partis politiques au sein de l'Union européenne expriment ouvertement leur haine de «l'autre», qu'il soit rom, juif ou musulman, bref à l'égard de tout individu qui diffère de la norme.

La xénophobie et la haine de l'«autre» ont alimenté les guerres en Europe pendant des décennies, voire des siècles. Nous avons malheureusement pu en voir des signes avant‐coureurs par le passé. Mais nous ne pouvons pas risquer de payer le prix de l'inaction. Ceux qui défendent l'ouverture d'esprit et la tolérance ne se font pas suffisamment entendre. En tant qu'Européens, en tant que démocrates, en tant qu'individus profondément engagés dans la sauvegarde des Droits de l'homme, nous avons le devoir de relever ce défi et de défendre les droits des individus et la démocratie. Chaque jour, nous devons promouvoir une société ouverte et tolérante, une société européenne de la diversité réussie.

La Commission nous rejoint-elle dans l'idée d'un pacte pour une Europe de la diversité, une Europe engagée dans la lutte contre le racisme?

Le plus grand danger pour une société n'est pas le mal commis par les personnes mal intentionnées. Le plus grand danger, c'est quand les citoyens honnêtes se taisent. C'est pourquoi nous nous associons à la ministre Cécile Kyenge pour militer ensemble contre la xénophobie et l'intolérance.

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(20 novembre 2013)

La Commission renvoie à sa déclaration au Parlement européen du 9 octobre 2013 sur la montée en puissance de l'extrême droite en Europe.

La Commission est profondément préoccupée par tous les actes racistes ou xénophobes signalés dans l'Union, y compris les attaques racistes dirigées contre la ministre italienne chargée de l'intégration, Mme Cécile Kyenge.

Conformément à la la décision-cadre 2008/913/JAI du Conseil sur la lutte contre le racisme et la xénophobie, les États membres sont tenus de sanctionner l'incitation publique intentionnelle à la violence ou à la haine fondée sur la race, la couleur, la religion, l'ascendance, l'origine nationale ou l'origine ethnique. La Commission publiera un rapport sur les mesures d'exécution prises par les États membres en décembre 2013.

Outre la législation, la Commission a recours à d'autres instruments pour lutter contre le racisme.

La Commission prête son soutien à des activités visant à prévenir les actes d'intolérance. Elle soutient les initiatives visant à sensibiliser le public sur les droits et les obligations des citoyens et fournit une assistance en matière de renforcement des capacités par l'intermédiaire des organismes nationaux chargés de la promotion de l'égalité. La Commission facilite en outre l'échange des bonnes pratiques et l'Agence des droits fondamentaux recueille et diffuse des données sur le racisme et la xénophobie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010915/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Support for Cécile Kyenge

I support Italian Minister for Integration Cécile Kyenge, the victim of extreme racist remarks, and am anxious to promote the Declaration of Rome and the fight against xenophobia and intolerance.

Indeed, xenophobia and intolerance are still all too common in Europe. Populist parties are on the rise in many European countries, and their messages are imbued with xenophobic, nationalist and protectionist ideas. Some political parties within the European Union openly express their hatred of ‘the other’, be it a Roma, Jew or Muslim, or basically anyone who differs from the norm.

Xenophobia and hatred of ‘the other’ have fuelled wars in Europe for decades, if not centuries. The warning signs were, unfortunately, visible in the past. However, we cannot risk paying the price of inaction. The voices of those who stand up for open-mindedness and tolerance are too quiet. As Europeans, as democrats, as people deeply committed to protecting human rights, we have a duty to meet this challenge and to stand up for the rights of individuals and democracy. Every day we must promote an open and tolerant society, a European society of successful diversity.

Does the Commission support our idea of creating a pact for a Europe of diversity and a Europe committed to combating racism?

The greatest threat to any society is not the harm caused by people with bad intentions. The greatest threat is when honest citizens stay silent. That is why we support Minister Kyenge in our common fight against xenophobia and intolerance.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2013)

The Commission refers to its statement of 9 October 2013 to the European Parliament about the rise of right-wing extremism in Europe.

The Commission is deeply concerned about any racist or xenophobic incidents emerging in the EU, including the racist attacks directed against Italian Minister of Integration, Mrs Cécile Kyenge.

According to Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating racism and xenophobia, Member States are obliged to penalise the intentional public incitement to violence or hatred on the basis of race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin. The Commission will publish a report on Member States' implementing measures in December 2013.

In addition to legislation, the Commission makes use of other instruments to combat racism.

The Commission lends its support to activities to prevent acts of intolerance. The Commission supports work aimed at raising awareness on the rights and obligations of citizens, and provides assistance for capacity building through national equality bodies. Furthermore, the Commission facilitates the exchange of good practices and the Fundamental Rights Agency collects and disseminates data on racism and xenophobia.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010916/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 septembre 2013)

Objet: Barroso solutionne la pauvreté

«Il est possible d'éradiquer la pauvreté d'ici une génération», a annoncé le Président Barroso.

À quelles conditions précisément le président Barroso pense-t-il pouvoir éradiquer la pauvreté?

Réponse donnée par M. Piebalgs au nom de la Commission

(21 novembre 2013)

Dans le cadre des discussions sur le futur Agenda pour le développement, qui succédera aux objectifs du millénaire pour le développement (OMD), l'une des principales questions est de déterminer le niveau d'ambition du cadre pour l'après 2015. Des données récentes donnent à penser qu'un certain nombre de transformations (par exemple le progrès technologique, la mutation de l'économie, l'augmentation des volumes d'échange) ont créé les conditions nécessaires à l'éradication de l'extrême pauvreté à l'échelle mondiale d'ici à 2030, si tous les pays restent déterminés à atteindre cet objectif.

Dans ce contexte, le président Barroso a exhorté la communauté internationale, lors de l'événement spécial des Nations unies consacré aux OMD qui a eu lieu le 25 septembre 2013, à faire cause commune autour de l'objectif de l'éradication de la pauvreté extrême en une génération, objectif auquel l'Honorable Parlementaire est sans aucun doute attaché.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010916/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: President Barroso solves poverty

President Barroso has announced that ‘eradicating poverty within one generation is possible’.

Under what conditions exactly does President Barroso believe he can eradicate poverty?

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

In the context of the discussions about the future development agenda after the Millennium Development Goals, one of the major questions is how ambitious a post-2015 framework should be. Recent evidence suggests that a number of transformational shifts (for example technological progress, economic transformation, increased trade volumes) have made it possible for global extreme poverty to be eradicated by 2030 — if all countries remain committed to achieving this goal.

Against this background, President Barroso urged the international community at the UN MDG Special Event that took place on 25 September 2013 to rally behind the objective of eradicating extreme poverty within one generation, which the Honourable Member certainly supports.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010917/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 septembre 2013)

Objet: Législation stricte sur les ressources naturelles

Le rapport «Rompre le lien entre ressources naturelles et conflits: les arguments en faveur d'un règlement européen» (28), publié la semaine dernière, énonce les éléments clés qui doivent être inclus dans la législation de l'Union afin de contraindre les entreprises européennes à exercer un «devoir de diligence» approfondi sur leurs chaînes d'approvisionnement. Il s'agit de contrôles pour permettre aux entreprises de s'assurer qu'elles n'utilisent pas ou ne font pas le commerce de ressources naturelles qui financent la violence.

Réponse donnée par M. De Gucht au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2013)

La Commission prépare actuellement une initiative globale de l'Union européenne en faveur d'un approvisionnement responsable en minerais provenant de zones de conflit. Elle entend s'inspirer du «Guide OCDE sur le devoir de diligence pour des chaînes d'approvisionnement responsables en minerais provenant de zones de conflit ou à haut risque», y compris pour les zones géographiques et les produits (étain, tungstène, tantale et or) concernés, tout en tenant compte des résultats de la consultation publique menée du 27 mars au 26 juin 2013. La proposition viserait à étendre l'exercice du devoir de diligence fondé sur le risque, conformément aux recommandations du guide de l'Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE). Les diamants relèvent du système de certification du processus de Kimberley et ne font pas encore partie des ressources visées dans le guide de l'OCDE. En outre, la Commission évalue avec attention les répercussions d'une telle initiative globale de l'Union européenne sur les zones de conflit concernées, y compris sur les communautés locales et les moyens d'existence des mineurs, examinant comment celle-ci favorisera un approvisionnement responsable à partir des zones de conflit et comment les facteurs dissuadant d'adopter une telle pratique qui sont liés aux initiatives législatives actuelles peuvent être contrés.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010917/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Strong law on natural resources

The report ‘Breaking the Links Between Natural Resources and Conflict: The Case for EU Regulation’ (29), published last week, sets out the key elements that must be included in EU legislation to compel European businesses to carry through supply chain checks, known as due diligence. The checks allow companies to make sure they are not using or trading natural resources that are funding violence.

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Commission is currently preparing a comprehensive EU supply chain initiative for responsible sourcing of minerals originating from conflict-affected areas. Taking into account the outcome of the public consultation (conducted between 27 March and 26 June 2013), the Commission intends to build upon the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible supply chains of minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas including in terms of geographical and product scope (tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold). The proposal would aim at further spreading the use of risk-based due diligence in accordance with the OECD Guidance. Diamonds are covered by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and do not form part of the OECD Guidance yet. Moreover, the Commission is carefully assessing the impact of the comprehensive EU initiative on relevant conflict areas, including on local communities and the miners' livelihood, how the initiative will enable and promote responsible sourcing from conflict-affected areas and how the disincentive to engage in such sourcing that has been associated with existing legislative initiatives can be avoided.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010918/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 septembre 2013)

Objet: 193 millions de perte dans la perception de la TVA

193 milliards d'euros de perte dans la perception de la TVA en 2011: c'est ce que révèle une étude commandée par la Commission publiée le 19 septembre. Un manque à gagner majeur et qui serait dû non seulement à la fraude mais aussi à des erreurs statistiques ou encore à l'insolvabilité des entreprises.

Si la Commission, qui fait de la lutte contre la fraude et l'évasion fiscale l'un de ses chevaux de bataille, se félicite de cette étude, les États membres, eux, et notamment les plus concernés (qui font partie de la «vieille» Europe), contestent la méthode utilisée. Des États qui reconnaissent cependant que le manque à gagner sur la TVA existe et n'est pas à minimiser. Les chiffres de la Commission semblent toutefois semer le trouble au sein des ministères des finances.

Il est vrai que l'étude est sans appel: ce fossé entre la TVA théorique et la TVA réellement perçue n'a cessé de s'agrandir depuis 2006 pour atteindre 1,5 % du PIB européen. Un phénomène qui n'est pas uniquement lié à la crise et qui prouve, pour la Commission, qu'une réforme des systèmes fiscaux des États membres est nécessaire.

Réponse donnée par M. Šemeta au nom de la Commission

(21 novembre 2013)

La méthode utilisée pour l'étude s'apparente à celle appliquée par Reckon dans le rapport de 2009, mais avec certaines améliorations notables. Cette méthode est étayée par la littérature existant dans ce domaine, et elle a été utilisée par le Royaume-Uni, qui est l'État membre ayant le plus d'expérience dans le calcul des écarts fiscaux. En outre, pour s'assurer que les résultats soient aussi précis que possible, la Commission a consulté les États membres et leur a donné la possibilité de corriger toute imprécision dans les données utilisées pour les évaluations.

Le rapport confirme les disparités au niveau de la part de l'écart de TVA dans le PIB des différents États membres, ce qui indique que certains États membres ont encore beaucoup à faire pour remédier à ce problème important. Il confirme également que l'augmentation des taux de TVA entraîne une augmentation de l'écart de TVA, ce qui est contraire à l'objectif poursuivi par ce type mesure, à savoir générer des recettes supplémentaires.

Lorsque l'on analyse les dernières années de la période couverte par l'étude, on ne peut ignorer que celles-ci coïncident avec une grave crise économique et financière. On peut raisonnablement penser que l'augmentation des écarts de TVA aurait été encore plus forte si les différentes mesures antifraude mises en place sur la base de propositions de la Commission n'avaient pas été adoptées. Il convient également de souligner que l'écart de TVA, tel qu'il est mesuré dans l'étude, ne concerne pas uniquement la fraude et l'évasion fiscales, mais aussi les erreurs, les cas d'insolvabilité, etc. La Commission estime que les modifications de la législation relative à la TVA ainsi que les efforts continus déployés par les administrations fiscales nationales se traduiront par une réduction soutenue des écarts de TVA au cours de la période à venir.

Compte tenu de tous ces éléments, il semble prématuré de tirer des conclusions sur la nécessité d'une réforme des systèmes fiscaux des États membres sur la seule base des résultats de cette étude.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010918/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: EUR 193 million in VAT losses

A Commission-funded study published on 19 September 2013 has revealed that EUR 193 billion in VAT revenues was lost in 2011. This major revenue shortfall is apparently due not only to fraud, but also to statistical errors and business insolvencies.

While the Commission, for which the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion is a favourite theme, welcomes this study, the Member States, and particularly those most affected (which are part of the ‘old’ Europe), dispute the method used. Despite this, they recognise that the loss in VAT revenues is a reality and should not be played down. However, the Commission’s figures seem to be creating confusion within the finance ministries.

The study’s findings are, admittedly, indisputable: the gap between theoretical and actual VAT receipts has steadily increased since 2006, and now stands at 1.5% of European GDP. This is a phenomenon that is not linked solely to the crisis and which proves, as far as the Commission is concerned, that the Member States’ tax systems need to be reformed.

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

The methodology for the study follows the methodology used by Reckon in the report of 2009, but introduces some noticeable improvements. This methodology is supported by relevant literature and it has been used by the United Kingdom, which is the Member State with most experience in the calculation of tax gaps. Moreover, in order to make sure the results were as accurate as possible, the Commission consulted Member States and gave them the possibility to correct any imprecisions in the data used for the assessments.

The report confirms the disparities in the share of the VAT gap in the GDP of the different Member States, revealing that some Member States still have a lot to do to address this important problem. It also confirms that an increase in VAT rates leads to an increase in the VAT gap, thus hampering the aim of obtaining additional revenue intended by such tax rises.

When analysing the most recent years of the period covered by this study, it cannot be ignored that these coincided with a severe economic and financial crisis. It is natural to assume that the increase in the VAT gaps would have been even higher if it were not for the different anti-fraud measures introduced on the basis of proposals from the Commission. It should also be stressed that the VAT gap as measured in the study does not relate to tax fraud and evasion only, but also to errors, insolvencies, etc. The Commission believes that the changes in the VAT legislation together with continued efforts by national Tax Administrations will result in the sustained reduction of VAT gaps over the coming period.

Taking all these elements into account, it would seem premature to draw any conclusion about the need for reform of Member States’ tax systems based solely on the results of this study.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010919/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D) et Jean Louis Cottigny (S&D)

(25 septembre 2013)

Objet: L'Union européenne trop indulgente avec les cartels

Une étude récente du think tank bruxellois Bruegel explique que les amendes infligées ces douze dernières années par la Commission européenne aux sociétés ayant conclu des ententes illicites sur les prix pratiqués n'étaient pas suffisamment élevées pour les en dissuader.

En effet, dans quatre cas sur cinq, il était avantageux pour les sociétés de conclure des accords sur les prix ou de se partager le marché entre elles, même si les sociétés concernées étaient par conséquent obligées de payer une amende équivalente à plusieurs millions d'euros.

Pour rappel, pendant la période indiquée, la Commission a infligé des amendes pour 18,4 milliards d'euros, alors que les ententes illicites ont coûté quelque 300 milliards aux consommateurs européens.

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(27 novembre 2013)

La lutte contre les ententes est clairement une priorité de la Commission, qui exige, de la part de la Commission et des autorités nationales de concurrence, un contrôle rigoureux de l'application des règles en la matière, ainsi que des sanctions proportionnées et suffisamment dissuasives.

Conformément au règlement 1/2003 du Conseil, le montant d'une amende doit prendre en considération à la fois la gravité et la durée de l'infraction et ne peut excéder 10 % du chiffre d'affaires total de l'entreprise. Les lignes directrices de la Commission pour le calcul des amendes (30) assurent la transparence des décisions en la matière; elles établissent un lien entre les amendes et le chiffre d'affaires concerné et tiennent compte de la participation individuelle de chaque entreprise (durée et circonstances qui justifieraient une augmentation ou une réduction).

Bien qu'il soit par nature difficile de mesurer les bénéfices réels par rapport aux amendes, la Commission dispose d'un certain nombre d'éléments indiquant que les amendes qu'elle inflige et les moyens de contrainte dont elle dispose ont un effet dissuasif significatif. Le succès du programme de clémence et l'augmentation constante des efforts avisés des entreprises pour se conformer aux règles en sont la preuve. De même, les décisions de la Commission en matière d'ententes sont souvent à l'origine d'actions civiles en réparation devant les juridictions nationales qui augmentent la note pour les entreprises en infraction et, par conséquent, renforcent l'effet dissuasif. Le Parlement européen examine actuellement une proposition législative en la matière (31). De manière générale, la pratique de fixation des amendes de la Commission est aussi confirmée par les juridictions européennes.

Comme indiqué dans l'étude mentionnée par les Honorables Parlementaires, des procédures plus rapides pourraient encore renforcer l'effet dissuasif. Avec l'introduction de la «procédure de transaction» en 2010, la durée de la procédure administrative a été réduite. Simultanément, la situation des ressources de la Commission a un impact direct sur le taux de détection des ententes et la durée des procédures.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010919/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D) and Jean Louis Cottigny (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: The European Union too lenient towards cartels

According to a recent study by the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, the fines imposed over the last 12 years by the Commission on companies concluding illegal price-fixing agreements were not high enough to deter them.

In four out of five cases, the companies concerned benefited from concluding price-fixing agreements or sharing the market between them, even if they were forced to pay a fine of several million euros as a result.

It should be remembered that the Commission imposed fines of EUR 18.4 billion during the period in question, whereas illegal cartels cost European consumers some EUR 300 billion.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2013)

The fight against cartels is a clear Commission priority which requires strong enforcement by the Commission and national competition authorities, as well as proportionate and sufficiently deterrent sanctions.

According to Council Regulation 1/2003, fines should take into account both the gravity and duration of the infringement and cannot exceed 10% of the undertaking's total turnover. The fining method is made transparent in the Commission Guidelines on Fines (32) which link the fines to the affected turnover and take into account each undertaking's individual involvement (duration and any circumstances that would justify an increase or a reduction).

Although it is inherently difficult to measure actual profits against fines the Commission has a number of indications that its fines and enforcement actions have a significant deterrent effect. This includes the successful leniency programme and the steady increase of sophisticated compliance efforts by companies. Also, Commission cartel decisions are often the basis for private damage actions before national courts which increases the costs of the cartel offenders and, hence, deterrence. The European Parliament is currently reviewing a legislative proposal in this regard (33). The Commission’s fining practice is also, by and large, confirmed by the European Courts.

As noted in the study referred to by the Honourable Members, faster procedures could further strengthen deterrence. With the introduction of the so-called settlement procedure in 2010, the duration of the administrative proceedings has been reduced. At the same time, the Commission's resource situation has a direct impact on the cartel detection rate and the duration of procedures.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010920/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 septembre 2013)

Objet: Israël — Union européenne et Horizon 2020

Le vendredi 13 septembre dernier, le site EU-Observer notait que les négociateurs européens et israéliens réunis la veille à Bruxelles n'avaient pas réussi à s'accorder sur les nouvelles règles de financement. Seules quelques possibilités, qui seraient plus faciles à accepter pour Israël, ont été recensées.

Les entretiens portaient sur la participation d'Israël au nouveau projet scientifique Horizon 2020 de l'Union européenne. Ce projet de 80 milliards d'euros couvre une période de sept années à dater du 1er janvier 2014. Israël a déclaré ne pas vouloir participer dans le cadre des nouvelles règles publiées en juillet, qui obligent les entreprises et les institutions à signer des documents attestant que l'argent de l'Union ne financera pas d'activités en territoire occupé.

L'ambassadeur de Grèce en Israël, Spiros Lampridis, a dit à titre personnel au quotidien israélien The Jerusalem Post qu'il comprend le pays qui l'accueille: «Si je me mets à la place d'Israël, je vois pourquoi ils ne sont pas en état de le signer. […] Notre mission en tant que pays européens est de trouver des alternatives pour rendre cette chose utilisable», a-t-il déclaré.

Israël a fait du lobbying auprès des ministères des affaires étrangères de l'Union et des États‐Unis afin que la Commission reporte l'application des mesures. Israël dit ne pas pouvoir signer de documents relatifs à des subsides européens qui établissent notamment que Jérusalem‐Est est une partie de la Palestine, alors qu'au même moment, des négociations sont en cours au sujet des frontières définitives avec la Palestine.

Quelle est la version de la Commission sur ces éléments?

Réponse donnée par Mme Geoghegan-Quinn au nom de la Commission

(3 décembre 2013)

Les négociations avec Israël en vue d'associer ce pays au programme Horizon 2020 ont débuté lors d'une réunion à Tel Aviv, le 14 août 2013. Une deuxième réunion s'est tenue à Bruxelles le 12 septembre 2013. D'autres réunions sont prévues. Les médias ont accordé une grande attention à la publication des «Lignes directrices relatives à l'éligibilité des entités israéliennes établies dans les territoires occupés par Israël depuis juin 1967 et des activités qu'elles y déploient aux subventions, prix et instruments financiers financés par l'Union européenne à partir de 2014» (34), ainsi qu'au fait que les négociations sont en cours. Les informations communiquées par les médias dans ce contexte ne sont pas toutes exactes.

Les lignes directrices visent à clarifier la position actuelle de l'UE et ne préjugent en rien du résultat des négociations de paix. L'Union européenne appuie sans réserve la reprise des négociations directes entre les parties, et elle reconnaîtra les modifications apportées au tracé des frontières une fois qu'elles auront été approuvées par les deux parties. L'application des lignes directrices sera transposée dans les accords associant Israël aux programmes de l'UE qui seront mis en place à partir de 2014. Le niveau élevé d'attention accordé par les médias illustre le fait que l'association d'Israël au programme Horizon 2020 est non seulement un accord très important, mais aussi le premier accord de ce type à être négocié en vue du cadre financier 2014-2020.

Étant donné que les négociations sont en cours, la Commission n'est pas en mesure de formuler des observations sur des points spécifiques.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010920/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Israel — European Union and Horizon 2020

On Friday 13 September 2013 the website EU-Observer reported that EU and Israeli negotiators meeting in Brussels the day before had failed to agree on new funding rules. Only a handful of options, which would be easier for Israel to accept, were identified.

The talks centred on Israel’s participation in the European Union’s new science project, Horizon 2020. This EUR 80 billion project will run from 1 January 2014 for seven years. Israel has said it will not take part under new rules, published in July 2013, which oblige its firms and institutions to sign documents saying that EU money will not fund activities on occupied land.

The Greek ambassador to Israel, Spiros Lampridis, told Israeli daily the Jerusalem Post that he sympathises with his host country. ‘If I put myself in the Israelis’ shoes, I can see why they are not able to sign it. […] Our task as EU Member States is to find alternatives to make this thing workable.’ he said.

Israel has lobbied EU foreign ministries and the US State Department to make the Commission postpone the measures. Israel says it cannot sign EU grant papers saying that East Jerusalem, for example, is part of Palestine at the same time as negotiating final borders with Palestine in the talks that are currently taking place.

What is the Commission’s version of the facts?

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

(3 December 2013)

Negotiations with Israel on Association to Horizon 2020 began with a meeting in Tel Aviv on 14 August 2013 and there has been a subsequent meeting in Brussels on 12 September 2013. There will be further meeting(s). There has been significant media attention to both the publication of the ‘Guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards’ (35), and of the fact that the negotiations are ongoing. Not all of the media reporting has been accurate.

The guidelines serve to clarify the existing EU position and in no way prejudge the outcome of peace negotiations. The EU fully supports the resumption of the direct negotiations between the parties and will recognise changes made to the borders once agreed by both parties. The application of the guidelines will be translated into the agreements on Israel's participation in EU programmes to be put in place from 2014. The high level of media attention reflects the fact that association of Israel to Horizon 2020 is both a high-profile agreement and also the first such agreement to be negotiated for the 2014-20 financial framework.

As negotiations are ongoing, the Commission is not able to comment on specific details.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení P-010921/13

Komisi

Richard Falbr (S&D)

(25. září 2013)

Předmět: Úpravy národního schématu podpory obnovitelných zdrojů energie

Obracím se na Vás v případu notifikace českého Zákona o podporovaných zdrojích energie č. 165/2012 Sb. (POZE), respektive jeho případných dalších úprav.

Vysokou dotaci výkupních cen, která v letošním roce dosahuje částky 44,4 mld. Kč, pokrývá z 26% státní rozpočet a zbytek, tj. 32,8 mld. Kč, hradí všichni spotřebitelé jednotným poplatkem. Tento poplatek (cca23 €/MWh spotřebované elektřiny) navíc stále roste a zvyšuje se jeho podíl na koncové ceně elektřiny. Enormně vysoký poplatek zásadním způsobem ničí český trh s energiemi, stává se (makro)ekonomicky neudržitelným a představuje stále větší konkurenční nevýhodu výrazně exportně orientovaného českého průmyslu, zejména energeticky intenzivních komoditních oborů, a to nejen vůči mimoevropské konkurenci, ale již i v rámci Evropy.

Ve vyspělých státech EU s vysokou mírou podpory OZE (Německo, Francie, Holandsko, Belgie atd.) platí energeticky náročný průmysl snížené poplatky nebo nízký roční paušál. Ostatní „staré“ členské země sice nemají snížené poplatky pro průmysl, ale míra podpory OZE je zde podstatně nižší. ČR je výjimkou v tom, že vysoce podporuje OZE (nejvyšší podíl podpory OZE na hlavu a jednotku HDP), ale přitom nechrání svou průmyslovou základnu.

Notifikace nového českého zákona 165/2012 Sb. měla proběhnout do března 2013, dosud se tak nestalo a nelze očekávat, že by k notifikaci došlo dříve, než na podzim 2013. Podobné zdržovací taktice čelily ze strany EK ve stejném období letošních prvních 6 měsíců i některé další, a zřejmě nikoliv náhodou menší členské země EU, ve své snaze obhájit úpravy své dosavadní podpory OZE (Slovinsko), či notifikovat zcela nové schéma podpory OZE (Rakousko). Zároveň bylo zahájeno šetření EK vůči Německu po 2 letech od zavedení diferencovaných plateb cen elektřiny pro velké spotřebitele v této členské zemi EU. Nicméně s minimálním časovým odstupem táž EK oficiálně sdělila, že na svém protekcionistickém systému nemusí Německo minimálně dalších 18 měsíců nic měnit. Šetření vůči Francii, jež rovněž chrání svůj průmysl před poplatky za OZE, nebylo dosud zahájeno vůbec.

Dovoluji si proto položit následující otázky:

Odpověď pana Almunii jménem Komise

(22. října 2013)

V rámci kontroly státní podpory ze strany EU mají členské státy široký prostor pro uvážení, jak do roku 2020 dosáhnout cílů v oblasti energie z obnovitelných zdrojů a jak navrhnout systémy podpory, například pokud jde o způsobilé náklady a příjemce podpory. Komise rovněž nemůže nařídit zavedení podpory pro odvětví s vysokou spotřebou energie v konkrétním členském státě či v celé EU. Komise však v současné době zvažuje vydání pokynů pro členské státy, jak reformovat a zlepšit režimy podpory získávání energie z obnovitelných zdrojů, a zároveň provádí revizi pokynů ke státní podpoře na ochranu životního prostředí. Cílem je dosáhnout toho, aby státní podpora byla účinnější a méně narušovala stabilitu systému, zejména aby nevedla k roztříštěnosti vnitřního trhu s energií.

Pokud jde o oznámení státní podpory stanovené českým zákonem č. 165/2012 Sb., o podporovaných zdrojích energie, české orgány byly požádány o dodatečné informace k doplnění uvedeného oznámení. Komise tedy režim stále posuzuje a očekává, že přijme rozhodnutí do konce roku 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010921/13

to the Commission

Richard Falbr (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: Modifications to the national scheme to support renewable energy sources (RES)

I am writing to you with regard to the notification of the Czech Act on supported energy source No 165/2012 Coll. (POZE), and specifically to the possibility of further changes being made thereto.

The national budget significantly subsidises purchase prices — which last year amounted to CZK 44.4 billion — to the tune of 26%. The remainder of CZK 32.8 billion is paid by all consumers in the form of a uniform payment. This charge of approximately EUR 23/MWh of electricity consumed is rising continuously, and its overall proportion of the end price of electricity is also increasing. Such a huge cost of payment is having a profoundly destructive effect on the Czech energy market; it is becoming (macro‐) economically unsustainable and represents an ever‐increasing competitive disadvantage to the Czech Republic's overwhelmingly export‐oriented industrial sector, especially in the energy‐intensive commodity branches. This not only affects competitiveness outside Europe, but also within the EU.

In older EU Member States with high levels of support for renewable energy sources (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, etc.), energy‐intensive industries pay reduced fees or a low fixed annual payment. The other older EU Member States have not reduced charges for industry; however, in such countries the level of support for renewable energy sources is much lower. The Czech Republic is an exception in this regard, as it provides a high degree of support for RES (highest proportion of RES per capita and per unit of GDP) but does not protect its industrial base.

The notification of Czech Act No 165/2012 Coll. should have taken place by March 2013. However, this has not occurred and is not expected to happen earlier than autumn 2013. Some other Member States — not coincidentally, these were smaller Member States — encountered similar delaying tactics from the Commission in the first six months of 2012 as they attempted to defend their existing RES support schemes (Slovenia) or to notify an entirely new RES support scheme (Austria). The Commission also launched an investigation into Germany two years after that Member State introduced differentiated electricity prices for large consumers. However, after a minimal amount of time had passed, the Commission stated that Germany must not make any changes to its protectionist system for at least the next 18 months. So far no investigation has even been launched into France, which also protects its industry from having to pay RES charges.

I therefore put the following questions to the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2013)

Within the framework of EU State aid control, Member States have wide discretion as to how to achieve the 2020 renewables targets and how to design support systems, for example with respect to eligible costs and beneficiaries. Likewise, the Commission cannot prescribe the introduction of support for energy intensive industries within a particular Member State or across the EU. The Commission is, however, currently reflecting on guidance to be addressed to the Member States on how to reform and improve their renewables support schemes and is in the process of revising the Environmental state aid Guidelines. The objective is to make state aid more efficient and less distortive, in particular avoiding the fragmentation of the internal energy market.

As regards the state aid notification of the Czech Act No 165/2012 concerning support to renewable sources of energy, additional information was required from the Czech authorities to complete the notification. Therefore, the Commission is still at the stage of assessing the scheme and expects to take a decision before the end of 2013.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης P-010922/13

προς την Επιτροπή (Αντιπρόεδρος/Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος)

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(25 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: VP/HR — Bίαιες ενέργειες εις βάρος Ευρωπαίων διπλωματων εκ μέρους του Ισραήλ

Την Παρασκευή, 20 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013, στο Κιρμπέτ Αλ-Μαχούλ της Δυτικής Όχθης, Ισραηλινοί στρατιώτες προέβησαν σε βίαιες ενέργειες εις βάρος Ευρωπαίων διπλωματών και κατάσχεσαν υλικό ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας που προοριζόταν για Παλαιστίνιους, των οποίων οι οικισμοί έχουν καταστραφεί. Σύμφωνα με αυτόπτες μάρτυρες, οι ισραηλινές δυνάμεις χρησιμοποίησαν χειροβομβίδες κρότου και απομάκρυναν με τη βία τους Ευρωπαίους διπλωμάτες.

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση πάντα τόνιζε την σημασία της ανεμπόδιστης διανομής ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας και της προστασίας, σύμφωνα με τη Συνθήκη της Γενεύης, των ανθρώπων που βρίσκονται στα κατεχόμενα εδάφη, κάτι που προφανώς δεν τηρεί η κυβέρνηση του Ισραήλ στην περίπτωση της Παλαιστίνης.

Η επανέναρξη των συνομιλιών για την ειρηνευτική διαδικασία χαιρετίζεται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, όμως τέτοιου είδους περιστατικά υπονομεύουν τις διαπραγματεύσεις και δημιουργούν σοβαρές αμφιβολίες για την δέσμευση και την πρόθεση του Ισραήλ να βρεθεί επιτέλους μία λύση. Ανεξάρτητα όμως από την έκβαση των διαπραγματεύσεων, οι αρχές της χώρας οφείλουν να σέβονται το Διεθνές Δίκαιο, μέρος του οποίου αποτελεί και η διπλωματική ασυλία, αλλά και το Διεθνές Ανθρωπιστικό Δίκαιο. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι ο οικισμός στο Κιρμπέτ Αλ-Μαχούλ είναι ο τρίτος παλαιστινιακός οικισμός που γκρεμίζεται από τον περασμένο Αύγουστο.

Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, και με βάση το άρθρο 2 της Συμφωνίας Σύνδεσης ΕΕ-Ισραήλ, που ορίζει ότι οι σχέσεις ανάμεσα στις δύο πλευρές θα βασίζονται στον αμοιβαίο σεβασμό για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και τις δημοκρατικές αρχές, ερωτάται η Ύπατη Εκπρόσωπος αν προτίθεται να επιβάλει οικονομικές κυρώσεις;

Και ακόμη, σε τι ενέργειες σκοπεύει να προβεί προκειμένου να διασφαλιστεί η ασφαλής παροχή ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας στην Παλαιστίνη, αλλά και η συμμόρφωση του Ισραήλ με το Διεθνές Ανθρωπιστικό Δίκαιο;

Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(7 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Η ΕΕ παρακολούθησε εκ του σύνεγγυς το περιστατικό.

Σε δήλωση που εξέδωσε η εκπρόσωπος της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου και Μέλος της Επιτροπής Georgieva στις 21 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013, η ΕΕ αποδοκίμασε την κατάσχεση της ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας από Ισραηλινούς στρατιώτες στο Κιρμπέτ Αλ-Μαχούλ και υπογράμμισε την υποχρέωση εφαρμογής του διεθνούς ανθρωπιστικού δικαίου στα Κατεχόμενα Παλαιστινιακά εδάφη. Αξιωματούχοι της ΕΕ ήταν σε επαφή με τις αρχές του Ισραήλ κατά τη διάρκεια των επεισοδίων.

Όπως υπογραμμίζεται στα συμπεράσματα του Συμβουλίου Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων του Μαΐου 2012, η ΕΕ ζητεί επανειλημμένως να δοθεί τέλος στην καταστροφή οικισμών και τη μεταφορά του πληθυσμού στη Ζώνη Γ. Η ΕΕ δίνει ιδιαίτερη σημασία και θα εξακολουθήσει να εμμένει στην αρχή της ανεμπόδιστης ανθρωπιστικής πρόσβασης, όπως καταδεικνύεται από την παρουσία διπλωματών της ΕΕ επί τόπου. Πρέπει να διασφαλίζεται η ασφάλεια των μελών των ανθρωπιστικών οργανώσεων κατά την παράδοση της βοήθειας.

Η ΕΕ χαιρετίζει την απόφαση του Ανώτατου Δικαστηρίου του Ισραήλ που αποτρέπει την εκδίωξη της κοινότητας και την περαιτέρω καταστροφή σκηνών, υποστηρίζοντας την άποψη ότι η ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια όπως χορηγείται από την ΕΕ πρέπει να συνεχιστεί ανεμπόδιστα.

Η ΕΕ δεν προωθεί την εφαρμογή εμπορικών κυρώσεων στο πλαίσιο των σχέσεων ΕΕ-Ισραήλ. Η συμφωνία σύνδεσης αποτελεί τη νομική βάση του τρέχοντος διαλόγου μας με τις ισραηλινές αρχές. Η ΕΕ θα συνεχίσει να κάνει χρήση όλων των ευκαιριών που προσφέρονται από τον διάλογο που διεξάγεται σε +διάφορα επίπεδα στο πλαίσιο της συμφωνίας σύνδεσης για να θίγει ζητήματα που προκαλούν ανησυχία. Η ΕΕ θα συνεχίσει επίσης να παρακολουθεί στενά τις εξελίξεις, μεταξύ άλλων, επιβλέποντας συνεχώς την παράδοση ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας και παρακολουθώντας τις κοινότητες που απειλούνται με εκδίωξη μέσω της αντιπροσωπείας της στην Ανατολική Ιερουσαλήμ.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010922/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(25 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — European diplomats manhandled by Israelis

On 20 September 2013, Israeli forces forcibly stopped European diplomats travelling to Khirbet Al-Makhul on the West Bank and seized a consignment of humanitarian aid intended for Palestinians whose homes had been demolished. According to witnesses, the soldiers hurled sonic grenades before converging on the European diplomats and hauling them away.

The European Union has always firmly stressed the importance of ensuring the unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid and compliance with the Geneva Convention regarding protection of the inhabitants of occupied territories, a principle clearly being flouted by the Israeli Government in its dealings with Palestine.

While the European Union welcomes the reopening of peace negotiations, incidents such as the above merely serve to undermine the process and raise serious doubts as to the depth of Israeli commitment to finding a solution. Regardless of the outcome of the talks, however, Israeli authorities have an obligation to comply with the provisions of international law, including those relating to diplomatic immunity and human rights. Moreover, Khirbet Al-Makhul is the third Palestinian community to be demolished since August.

In view of this and given that Article 2 of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ismael stipulates that relations between the parties shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, does the High Representative intend to impose economic sanctions?

What action does the High Representative intend to take to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid for Palestine and compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law?

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

(7 November 2013)

The EU has followed closely the incidents.

In a statement issued by the spokespersons of HR/VP and Commissioner Georgieva on 21 September 2013, the EU deplored the confiscation of humanitarian assistance by Israeli forces in Khirbet al-Makhul and underlined the applicability of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory. EU officials were in contact with the Israeli authorities throughout the incident.

As oulined in the conclusions of its Foreign Affairs Council of May 2012, the EUcontinues to call for a halt of demolitions and forced transfers of the population in Area C. The EU attaches great importance and will continue to insist on the principle of unimpeded humanitarian access as demonstrated by the presence of EU diplomats at the scene. The safety of humanitarian workers in delivering aid must be safeguarded.

The EU welcomes the decision by the Israeli High Court preventing the community's eviction and the further destruction of tents, supporting the view that humanitarian assistance such as the EU is providing should continue unhindered.

The EU does not promote the use of trade sanctions in the context of EU-Israel relations. The Association Agreement (AA) is the legal basis of our ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities. The EU will continue to use all opportunities afforded by the dialogue that takes place at different levels within the framework of the AA to raise issues of concern. The EU will also continue to monitor developments closely, including through continued observation of humanitarian assistance delivery and monitoring of communities threatened by eviction through its delegation in East Jerusalem.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010923/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 septembre 2013)

Objet: Objectifs énergétiques 2030 en berne

Selon un document officieux de la Commission, les États membres affichent aujourd'hui des divergences importantes en matière de politique énergétique future, à l'exception de l'objectif de réduction de CO2 à hauteur de 40 %. Les États membres s'inquièteraient de la tournure que prend le débat pour 2030. «Un large accord règne sur la nécessité d'un nouvel objectif de réduction des émissions de CO2 pour 2030», a expliqué la Commission lors d'une conférence de presse à l'issue d'une réunion informelle des ministres de l'énergie à Vilnius, le 20 septembre. «Certains sont contre et d'autres pour la mise en place d'un nouvel objectif d'énergies renouvelables. Un désaccord porte sur la forme qu'il doit prendre», a-t-elle ajouté.

En matière d'économies d'énergie, l'UE dispose d'ores et déjà d'une directive sur l'efficacité énergétique, laquelle devrait faire l'objet d'une révision l'année prochaine.

Réponse donnée par Mme Hedegaard au nom de la Commission

(15 novembre 2013)

Comme annoncé dans son programme de travail pour 2014, la Commission publiera des propositions concrètes pour un cadre d'action pour le climat et l'énergie à l'horizon 2030 au début de l'année 2014. En règle générale, la Commission ne commente pas les détails d'une initiative, notamment les aspects relatifs à l'étude qui sous-tend l'analyse d'impact qui l'accompagne, avant la publication de ladite initiative.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010923/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: 2030 energy targets in bad shape

According to a Commission non-paper, there is currently little consensus among the Member States on future energy policy, with the exception of the 40% CO2 reduction target. The Member States are said to be concerned about the direction the 2030 debate is taking. At a press conference after the informal energy council in Vilnius on 20 September 2013, the Commission said: ‘There was wide agreement that a new CO2 emissions reductions goal is needed for 2030.’ It added: ‘There were opinions for and against developing a new goal for renewable energies and also some disagreement about what form this should take.’

As far as energy savings are concerned, the EU already has an energy efficiency directive, which is due to be reviewed next year.

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

As announced in the Commission's recent work programme for 2014, the Commission will publish concrete proposals for a 2030 Climate and Energy Framework in the beginning of 2014. As a general rule, the Commission does not comment on details of initiatives, including on aspects relating to the analysis underpinning the accompanying Impact Assessment, until the initiative has been published.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010924/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 septembre 2013)

Objet: Modification des règles de tarification des surcharges

Plusieurs compagnies aériennes, et non des moindres, ont indiqué à leurs clients que les surcharges carburant et sûreté allaient désormais s'appliquer au poids taxable et non plus au poids brut des expéditions.

Réponse donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(19 novembre 2013)

L'article 2 du règlement (CE) no 1008/2008 définit le «tarif de fret» comme étant le prix à payer pour le transport de fret ainsi que les conditions d'application de ce prix.

L'article 22 du même règlement établit la liberté de tarification, tandis que son article 23 oblige les transporteurs de fret à inclure les conditions applicables dans leurs informations sur les tarifs de fret. Le prix définitif à payer doit être précisé à tout moment et inclure le tarif de fret, les taxes, les redevances, les suppléments et les droits applicables inévitables et prévisibles à la date de publication. Les suppléments de prix optionnels sont communiqués de façon claire, transparente et non équivoque au début de toute procédure de réservation.

Aussi les transporteurs de fret ont-ils la liberté de fixer la structure des prix. Le contrat relève, par nature, du droit civil national.

En conséquence, si les règles en matière de transparence, de sûreté et de sécurité sont appliquées, la Commission ne voit aucune nécessité d'intervenir et ne surveille pas non plus l'évolution des prix. Les parties qui constatent que le règlement n'est pas correctement appliqué sont invitées à contacter les autorités nationales chargées de veiller à l'application de la législation.

En ce qui concerne les règles de concurrence, selon la jurisprudence des juridictions européennes, les concurrents ne sont pas autorisés à coordonner entre eux leur comportement sur le marché d'une manière qui risquerait d'altérer les conditions normales de concurrence. Ils ont toutefois le droit de s'adapter intelligemment au comportement constaté ou à escompter de leurs concurrents (voir, par exemple, l'affaire T-588/08, Dole Food Company/Commission, point 61). Ainsi, le simple fait que les compagnies aériennes ont pris leurs décisions l'une à la suite de l'autre dans un laps de temps relativement bref n'indique pas en soi que les règles de concurrence de l'UE ont été violées, sans compter que l'utilisation du «poids taxable» pour le calcul des tarifs de base constituait déjà la norme dans ce secteur.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010924/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Changes to surcharge rules

Several airlines, including the major carriers, have informed their customers that fuel and security surcharges will no longer be based on the gross weight of shipments, but on the chargeable weight instead.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

Article 2 of Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 says that ‘air rate’ is the price to be paid for the carriage of cargo and the conditions under which those prices apply.

Article 22 of the same Regulation sets pricing freedom and Article 23 obliges cargo carriers that air rates include the applicable conditions. The final price shall at all times be indicated and shall include the applicable air rate, taxes, charges, surcharges and fees which are unavoidable and foreseeable at the time of publication. Optional price supplements shall be communicated in a clear, transparent and unambiguous way at the start of any booking process.

Thus, cargo carriers have the liberty to set the price structure. The contract is by nature subject to national civil law.

Consequently, if the price transparency, safety and security rules are applied, the Commission does not see any intervention needed, nor does the Commission monitor price developments. Parties, that find that the regulation is not correctly applied, are advised to contact the relevant national enforcement authorities.

As for competition rules, according to the case law of the European courts, competitors are not allowed to coordinate between themselves the conduct on the market in a way that might interfere with the normal conditions of competition. They have however the right to adapt themselves intelligently to the existing or anticipated conduct of their competitors (e.g. see Case T-588/08 Dole Food Company v Commission, §61). Thus, the mere fact that airlines took their decisions one after another in a relatively short space of time does not suggest by itself a violation of EU competition rules, notably since the use of ‘chargeable weight’ for the calculation of the base rates was already the industry standard.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010925/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 septembre 2013)

Objet: OpenupED et Iversity

Les partenaires de onze pays ont uni leurs forces pour lancer la première initiative paneuropéenne de cours en ligne massifs et ouverts (MOOC), avec l'aide de la Commission européenne. C'est ce que précisait le communiqué de presse de l'Association européenne des universités d'enseignement à distance, sur le site de l'Union européenne fin avril pour le lancement «d'OpenupED». Mais à la différence «d'Iversity», OpenupED ne met pas à disposition une technologie permettant aux établissements de diffuser leur MOOC, mais ne fait que renvoyer vers diverses universités ouvertes partenaires. En somme, c'est une sorte d'annuaire. Les premiers cours seront présentés prochainement.

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(15 novembre 2013)

Les deux projets mentionnés par l'Honorable Parlementaire poursuivent des objectifs différents. «Iversity» est une plateforme technique d'hébergement de cours en ligne ouverts et massifs (MOOC) qui permet aux établissements de diffuser leurs cours. Quant au projet «OpenupEdu», il vise à accroître l'offre de MOOC en favorisant des partenariats entre les universités d'enseignement à distance et entre celles-ci et les universités traditionnelles. La Commission se félicite de cette diversité d'approches dans la mesure où il n'existe pas de solution unique pour répondre à l'ensemble des besoins des établissements européens qui proposent déjà des MOOC.

La Commission n'est pas propriétaire des projets financés dans le cadre du programme pour l'éducation et la formation tout au long de la vie en cours et du futur programme Erasmus+. Elle n'a pas non plus à intervenir dans les stratégies organisationnelles et pédagogiques d'établissements d'enseignement supérieur autonomes.

La Commission a récemment publié une communication intitulée «Ouvrir l'éducation» (36), estimant qu'il était essentiel que les établissements d'enseignement et de formation européens tirent parti du potentiel des nouvelles technologies afin d'innover, d'accroître leur efficacité et de garantir un accès équitable à la connaissance et aux différentes possibilités d'apprentissage. Les priorités et les actions annoncées dans cette communication seront financées par les programmes Erasmus+ et «Horizon 2020». De plus, dans le cadre de cette initiative, la Commission a lancé le portail «Open Éducation Europa» (37) pour assurer la visibilité des ressources éducatives libres et des MOOC conçus en Europe. Les MOOC hébergés sur «Iversity» tout comme ceux hébergés sur «OpenupEdu» sont accessibles depuis ce portail.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010925/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: OpenupED and Iversity

Partners in 11 countries have joined forces to launch the first pan-European ‘MOOCs’ (Massive Open Online Courses) initiative, with the support of the Commission. That is what the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities said in its press release, posted on the EU website at the end of April to mark the launch of ‘OpenupED’. Unlike ‘Iversity’, however, OpenupED does not provide the technology for institutions to disseminate their MOOCs, but merely refers users to various partner open universities. In short, it is a kind of directory. The first courses will be offered soon.

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

The two projects mentioned by the Honourable Member serve different goals: while Iversity is a technical platform for the provision of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through which institutions can offer their courses, OpenupEdu is a project that aims at increasing the offer of MOOCs by way of fostering partnerships among distance teaching universities and between distance teaching and traditional universities. The Commission welcomes this diversity of approaches as there is no single approach which could cater for all the different needs of the European institutions already delivering (MOOCs).

The Commission has no ownership over the projects funded under the current Lifelong Learning and the future Erasmus+ programme, nor is it the Commission's role to interfere with organisational and educational strategies of autonomous higher education institutions.

The Commission has recently published the communication ‘Opening up Education’ (38) as it considers it essential that European education and training institutions exploit the potential of the new technologies in order to innovate, to enhance efficiency and to ensure equity in the access to knowledge and learning opportunities. The priorities and actions announced in the communication will be supported through the Erasmus+ and the Horizon 2020 programme. Also, as part of the initiative, the Open Education Europa portal (39) was launched to provide visibility for Open Educational Resources and MOOCs created in Europe. MOOCs from both Iversity and OpenupEdu are accessible via the portal.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010927/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(26 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Βιασμοί γυναικών και ανηλίκων στο Πακιστάν

Με αφορμή την πρόσφατη υπόθεση ομαδικού βιασμού 5χρονου κοριτσιού, στις 14 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013, στην επαρχία Πουντζάμπ του Πακιστάν, το αποτρόπαιο αυτό ζήτημα επανήλθε στο προσκήνιο. Το περιστατικό προκάλεσε μαζικές διαδηλώσεις σε όλο το Πακιστάν, με κύριο αίτημα την βελτίωση του συστήματος απονομής δικαιοσύνης για τα θύματα βιασμών.

Σύμφωνα με την Επιτροπή Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων του Πακιστάν, μόνο στην επαρχία Πουντζάμπ, το 2012 υπήρξαν περίπου 450 επίσημες καταγγελίες για υποθέσεις βιασμού ανηλίκων. Σύμφωνα με τις αρχές όμως, ο πραγματικός αριθμός είναι πολύ υψηλότερος, καθώς η πλειοψηφία των θυμάτων δεν καταγγέλλει τον βιασμό.

Παρά τις νομοθετικές αλλαγές το 2006 σχετικά με την δικαστική αντιμετώπιση των υποθέσεων βιασμού και την μετάθεση της εκδίκασης τέτοιων υποθέσεων στα ποινικά δικαστήρια, το βάρος της απόδειξης πέφτει ακόμα στο θύμα. Σε συνδυασμό με την διαφαινόμενη ανικανότητα της αστυνομίας να επιληφθεί των σχετικών ερευνών και την περιβόητη βραδύτητα της Πακιστανικής δικαιοσύνης, καθώς και τον φόβο πολλών θυμάτων να προσφύγουν στη δικαιοσύνη λόγω των δολοφονιών τιμής (άνω των 900 το 2012), το ποσοστό των καταδικαστικών αποφάσεων για υποθέσεις βιασμού φτάνει μόλις το 3-4%.

Παρά την κινητοποίηση του πληθυσμού και τις προσπάθειες των αρχών το φαινόμενο βρίσκεται σε έξαρση.

Η ΕΕ, σύμφωνα με το Έγγραφο Στρατηγικής για το Πακιστάν, καθώς και με το 5ετές πρόγραμμα δέσμευσης, καλεί την κυβέρνηση του Πακιστάν να προβεί στην μεταρρύθμιση του δικαστικού συστήματος, να διευκολύνει την πρόσβαση στη δικαιοσύνη για γυναίκες και ανήλικους και να συνεργαστεί με τους εθνικούς θεσμούς για την προώθηση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων.

Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή αν σκοπεύει να θέσει πιο επιτακτικά την ανάγκη νομοθετικής μεταρρύθμισης επί του θέματος αυτού στις διαπραγματεύσεις με την νεοεκλεγείσα πακιστανική κυβέρνηση και αν, στο πλαίσιο της στρατηγικής συνεργασίας σκοπεύει να ενισχύσει την κοινωνία των πολιτών και να προωθήσει προγράμματα ενημέρωσης και ευαισθητοποίησης για τα δικαιώματα των γυναικών και των ανηλίκων;

Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(12 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Τα δικαιώματα των γυναικών και των παιδιών αποτελούν προτεραιότητες στον διάλογο της ΕΕ με το Πακιστάν για τα δικαιώματα του ανθρώπου. Η ΕΕ δεσμεύεται πλήρως όσον αφορά την καταπολέμηση του προβλήματος της σεξουαλικής κακοποίησης γυναικών και παιδιών στις εξωτερικές της σχέσεις και ενθαρρύνει την πακιστανική κυβέρνηση να λάβει επειγόντως μέτρα για την ασφάλεια και την προστασία των δικαιωμάτων και των δύο.

Η θέση της ΕΕ είναι να συνεργαστεί με το Πακιστάν σε όλα τα επίπεδα, μεταξύ άλλων για τη βελτίωση της ευαισθητοποίησης και της προστασίας των δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου, την ενίσχυση της κοινωνίας των πολιτών, τη στήριξη προγραμμάτων που συνδέονται με την εκπαίδευση και την ισορροπία μεταξύ των δύο φύλων και προγραμμάτων για το κράτος δικαίου, καθώς και τη στήριξη της πρόσβασης στη δικαιοσύνη για τις ευάλωτες ομάδες. Ειδικότερα, η ΕΕ υποστηρίζει επί του παρόντος συγκεκριμένες δράσεις μέσω της ευρωπαϊκής πρωτοβουλίας για τη δημοκρατία και τα δικαιώματα του ανθρώπου (ΕΜΔΔΑ), η οποία επιδιώκει την αντιμετώπιση συγκεκριμένων πτυχών της κατάστασης που επικρατεί στο Πακιστάν όσον αφορά τα δικαιώματα του ανθρώπου, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της βίας κατά γυναικών και παιδιών, και υποστηρίζει την κοινωνία των πολιτών σε δράσεις ευαισθητοποίησης και ενημερωτικές εκστρατείες.

Το Πακιστάν έχει υπογράψει τη διεθνή σύμβαση για την εξάλειψη όλων των μορφών διακρίσεων κατά των γυναικών (CEDAW), και τη σύμβαση για τα δικαιώματα του παιδιού (CRC). Τα συμπεράσματα του Συμβουλίου Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων του Μαρτίου 2013 υπογραμμίζουν τα σχέδια της ΕΕ να αρχίσει αμέσως να συνεργάζεται με την νεοεκλεγείσα κυβέρνηση του Πακιστάν για ζητήματα προτεραιότητας, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου. Η εφαρμογή της CEDAW και CRC, καθώς και άλλων συμβάσεων θα εξεταστούν στο πλαίσιο του εν λόγω διαλόγου.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010927/13

to the Commission

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Rapes of women and minors in Pakistan

The recent gang rape of a five-year old girl in the Punjab province of Pakistan on 14 September 2013 has brought this horrific issue back under the spotlight. The incident provoked mass demonstrations across Pakistan, demanding mainly that the justice system be improved for rape victims.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, almost 450 rapes of minors were formally reported in the Punjab province in 2012 alone. According to the authorities, however, the real number is much higher, as the majority of victims do not report the rapes.

In spite of legal reforms in 2006 addressing the judicial handling of rape cases and the transfer of trials of such cases to criminal courts, the burden of proof still falls on the victim. In combination with the obvious inability of the police to handle the relevant investigations, and the notorious slowness of the Pakistani justice system, as well as the fear of seeking justice felt by many victims due to honour killings (of which there were more than 900 in 2012), the conviction rate for rape cases amounts to just 3-4%.

In spite of the mobilisation of the population and the efforts of the authorities, the problem is increasing.

In accordance with the strategy Paper on Pakistan, and in the spirit of the five-year engagement programme, the EU is calling on the Pakistani Government to proceed with judicial reform in order to facilitate access to justice for women and minors, and to cooperate with national institutions for the promotion of human rights.

Within this framework, will the Commission say whether it aims to press the case for legislative reform on this matter more urgently in negotiations with the newly-elected Pakistani Government and whether it intends, within the framework of strategic cooperation, to strengthen civil society and to promote information and awareness-raising campaigns focusing on the rights of women and minors?

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

(12 November 2013)

The rights of women and children are priorities in the EU’s human rights dialogue with Pakistan. The EU is fully committed to combating the problem of sexual abuse of women and children in its external relations and encourages the Government of Pakistan to take urgent measures to ensure the physical security and protect the rights of both.

The EU’s position is to engage with Pakistan across the board, including through improving awareness and protection of human rights, strengthening civil society organisations, supporting programmes related to education and gender balance, and programmes on the rule of law as well as support for access to justice for vulnerable groups. More specifically, the EU currently supports specific actions through the European initiative for democracy and human rights (EIDHR) which seek to address specific aspects of Pakistan's human rights performance, including violence against women and children, and supporting civil society in awareness raising and information campaigns.

Pakistan is a signatory to the international Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The March 2013 Foreign Affairs Council conclusions underline EU plans to engage promptly with the newly elected Pakistani government on priority issues including human rights. The implementation of the CEDAW and CRC as well as other conventions will be addressed in the course of that dialogue.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010928/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Criteria for allocating new EU rural development funding

Can the Commission detail the criterion that will be used to distribute rural development funding to each Member State and outline the mechanisms that will be employed to make this process objective?

In addition, can the Commission outline in detail the specific objective criterion and indicators of past performance that will be used to allocate rural development funding for the 2014-2020 period to the following Member States: Austria, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, Finland and the United Kingdom?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 2013)

An overall political agreement on the CAP reform was reached among the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in the trilogue meeting on 24 September 2013.

As part of this overall agreement, it was decided to set out the allocation among Member States of the Union support for rural development in an annex to the new Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The figures in that annex reflect the Member States' envelopes seen and agreed by the Heads of State and Government during the European Council of 7-8 February 2013.

Therefore, with the CAP reform agreement, Article 64(4) of the draft basic act on rural development does not include a reference to objective criteria and past performance, as initially proposed by the Commission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010929/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Dimensional mapping systems

What plans, if any, does the Commission have under the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) to recognise the need for three‐dimensional mapping systems, which would make it possible to ascertain the actual size of a given land parcel?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission does not have any plans under the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) to recognise the need for three dimensional mapping systems. GIS-techniques used in the context of the CAP implementation sufficiently tackle the projection of a three-dimensional reality into a two-dimensional mapping through the process of ortho-rectification.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010930/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Tackling sexual crimes against women in Asia

Almost one quarter of men surveyed in a UN report looking at violence against women in parts of Asia have admitted to committing at least one rape. In Papua New Guinea, more than 6 out of 10 men surveyed admitted to forcing a woman to have sex.

Is the Commission aware of this report? What measures can be taken by the EU to bring about a reduction in the incidence of this terrible crime?

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

(19 November 2013)

The EU is aware of the UN survey's appalling conclusions. It is clear that violence against women cannot be justified whatsoever. The EU is aware that Papua New Guinea faces serious problems with regard to violence against women, including rape, domestic violence, and violence based on sorcery. These dramatic problems need to be tackled urgently and combatting violence against women is among the top priorities of the EU in Papua New Guinea and in the whole region. On their side, the Pacific leaders committed to intensify their efforts to eradicate Sexual and Gender Based Violence as it is underlined in their communiqué issued at the Summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2011.

The EU has urged the authorities of Papua New Guinea to combat these abuses and take action in terms of education/awareness raising, legislative and policy initiatives. Recently, the parliament of Papua New Guinea passed legislation making any form of domestic violence an offence. This can be considered as a serious progress.

The EU contributes in various ways to combatting violence against women in Papua New Guinea. Under the EIDHR's 10% preparations allocation, the EU is co-sponsoring the conference ‘A Comprehensive Response to Family and Sexual Violence in Papua New Guinea’ with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on 21 and 22 November 2013. The aim of this conference is the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive response to family and sexual violence, which also addresses the victim's immediate and long term needs. Besides, the second phase of the Rural Economic Development Programme of the EU aims to support women's empowerment in remote rural areas in order to improve their protection against violence and abuse.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010931/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: EU Anti-Trafficking Day

It is estimated that there are approximately 880 000 victims of forced labour and sexual exploitation in the European Union. In order to raise awareness of the prevalence of this horrific crime, can the Commission outline what plans it has to mark the EU Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October 2013?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Commission shares the concerns of the Honourable Member on the ILO estimates on forced labour. The Commission welcomed the opportunity of the 7th EU Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October 2013 to raise awareness on this priority area for the EU.

To mark the 7th EU Anti-Trafficking Day, the Commission organised in Brussels a screening of the film ‘Not my life’ by Robert Bilheimer, a documentary depicting the horrifying and dangerous practices of trafficking in human beings on a global scale, filmed on five continents over a period of four years. The Member of the Commission responsible for Home Affairs, Belgian Interior Minister Joëlle Milquet and the film makers addressed the audience after the screening.

The Commission also co-organised with the Lithuanian Council Presidency a conference in Vilnius on ‘Exploring the Links between the Internet and Trafficking in Human Beings: Cyberspace for Prevention, not Recruitment’. Experts from governments, law enforcement, national rapporteurs, civil society organisations and academics, as well as the private sector met to explore and raise awareness on the links between the Internet and trafficking in human beings and to improving cooperation between Member States, working together with different stakeholders in this context.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010932/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Privatised speed-detection systems in the EU

Can the Commission detail which Member States currently have in place privatised speed‐detection systems for motorists?

In addition, can the Commission confirm whether it has carried out an impact assessment of the effectiveness of this method? If so, can it provide the results of this analysis?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

The Commission does not have information on which, and to what extent, Member States use the services of private companies to manage speed-detection devices.

The Commission has not performed an impact assessment for the use of speed-detection devices.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010933/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Transfrontier shipment of waste across the EU

European Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 sets out the required procedures and protocols for the shipment of waste across the EU.

In this context, can the Commission clarify the notification process for transporting amber‐listed waste, such as mixed dry recyclables, between Member States? In doing so, can the Commission detail the level of flexibility that each Member State affords between the notified date of shipment and the actual date of shipment?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The shipment within the EU of mixtures of wastes that are not listed in Annex IIIA to Regulation (EC) No 1013/2013 on shipments of waste (40) is subject to the procedure of prior written notification and consent as laid down in Article 4 of the regulation.

According to Article 9(6) of the regulation, all shipments must take place within the validity period of the written or tacit consents of all competent authorities concerned. This period is shown in the notification document (Annex IA) and normally does not exceed the period of one year. According to the regulation, the actual date of a shipment, which is the date when a shipment actually begins and which is shown in block 6 of the movement document (Annex IB), shall be within the validity period of the granted consent(s). In this regard, the regulation does not provide room for flexibility.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010934/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Action on persecution of Christians in Syria

Syrian rebels led by al-Qaeda-linked fighters recently seized control of a predominantly Christian village north‐east of Damascus, sweeping into a mountainside sanctuary amid heavy fighting overnight and forcing hundreds of residents to flee.

This battle, which took place in Maaloula, an ancient village that is home to two of the oldest surviving monasteries in Syria, has thrown a spotlight on the deep-seated fears harboured by many of Syria’s religious minorities over the growing role of Islamic extremists on the side of the rebels in the civil war against President Bashar Assad’s regime. In the light of reports that militants are forcing some Christian residents to convert to Islam, what action is the Commission taking in relation to this situation?

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

(26 November 2013)

The EU remains deeply concerned about the increasingly deteriorating situation and militarisation of the conflict in Syria as well as its spill over effects within the region. In this regard, the EU has reiterated the urgent need for a political solution of the conflict and welcomed the call of UN Secretary Genral Ban Ki-Moon for a peace conference in Geneva before the end of November 2013. It urges all sides to the conflict to respond positively to this call and to adhere publicly to a credible political transition based on the full implementation of the Geneva communiqué of 30.6.2012. Only a political solution that results in a united, inclusive and democratic Syria can end the terrible bloodshed and grave violations of human rights.

The issue of the respect and protection of minorities in Syria is another subject of major concern. The EU has stated on many occasions the need for all parties in the conflict to respect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. The recent events in the town of Maaloula are of particular concern for the symbolic dimension of this town for the Christian community in Syria.

The EU has also condemned the continuing widespread and systematic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Syria, including increasing attacks on religious and ethnic communities. These crimes must be investigated, and perpetrators and those ordering these crimes must be held accountable. The EU reaffirms that there should be no impunity for any such violations and recalls that either the International Criminal (ICC) Prosecutor could initiate an investigation on the basis of Article 15 of the Rome Statute or the UN Security Council could refer the situation in Syria to the ICC at any time.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010935/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: EU research on violence against women

For the first time, a new UN study on men and violence includes data, across a number of countries, from men themselves telling us why some men use violence against women and how this can be prevented. What similar research, if any, has been carried out by the Commission in this area?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2013)

The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to a report finalised in 2012 for the Commission, ‘The Role of Men in Gender Equality — European Strategies and Insights’ (41), which examines in one of its chapters the role of men in gender-based violence. It provides available data, explores men's attitudes towards women and explains why men may commit violence against women. It offers recommendations that include promoting non-violent masculinities, encouraging the development and improvement of programmes to rehabilitate perpetrators of violence against women, raising public awareness and improving research.

The Commission has also funded several projects through the Daphne programme that engage men in violence prevention.

The European Institute for Gender Equality commissioned a study on the role of men in gender equality in 2011 (42) and an online discussion on Men and Gender Equality (43). In the first quarter of 2014, the Fundamental Rights Agency will publish its survey of women's experiences of violence (44) containing comparable figures on violence against women in the 28 Member States that can also provide further information about violent men's attitudes towards women in the EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010936/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Tackling domestic violence against men

Statistics continue to show that domestic abuse of men is increasing in the UK. Recent figures from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) show that almost 4 000 women were prosecuted successfully in the past year, compared with 1 500 women in 2005, which equates to an increase of 169%.

In this context, what mechanisms have been put in place at EU level to raise awareness of domestic violence against men, and to tackle the stigma surrounding this crime?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2013)

The Commission is committed to a strong policy response to combat all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, that disproportionately affect women. However, gender-based violence can also affect men. The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the recent studies commissioned by the Commission (45) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (46) mentioned in its answers to Question E-010935/2013 as they also cover men's own perspectives, realities and needs in order to achieve gender equality.

Moreover, the exchanges of good practices organised by the Commission in February 2012 and April 2013 to discuss Members States' experiences related to, on the one hand, awareness-raising campaigns on gender-based violence and, on the other hand, support services for victims and treatment programmes for perpetrators of gender-based violence, gave the opportunity to discuss initiatives targeting women's violence against men (47).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010938/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Rise in wholesale gas prices

Several energy providers have confirmed recently that gas prices are set to rise by up to 15% for customers living in certain parts of my constituency (Northern Ireland, UK). The rise, it is claimed, comes after the extreme weather experienced in spring 2013, which saw the coldest March in many decades, and which has depleted the UK’s gas reserves.

In this context, can the Commission give an assessment of wholesale gas prices across the EU, and detail whether the latest rise in Northern Ireland is consistent with a European‐wide trend of increased demand in the past six to eight months?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

The Commission publishes quarterly reports on European gas and electricity markets, including analysis of wholesale and retail prices (48). Across the EU significant price differentials persist at wholesale and retail levels. Countries with diverse portfolios of gas suppliers and supply routes, sufficient infrastructure connections and developed gas markets, tend to have lower wholesale gas prices. At retail level taxation is an important component.

Northern Ireland gas suppliers sell to consumers by purchasing gas from producers or wholesalers at prices set with reference to the UK trading hub, the National Balancing Point (NBP). Traditionally NBP is among the lowest priced hubs in the EU and our estimates show that the UK benefits from competitive prices for Norwegian imports.

The cold snap in March 2013 led to a significant increase in demand for gas putting pressure on gas supplies in the UK. Demand in March was higher than average winter days' demand and 40% higher than the seasonal average.

Twice per year Member States report retail prices by consumer category for electricity and gas to Eurostat (49). Average retail gas prices in the first half of 2013 for the EU were 4.14 cEUR/kWh for industrial consumers (ex. VAT) and 6.58 cEUR/kWh for households (incl. all taxes) (50). At 3.5 cEUR/kWh (ex. VAT) industrial retail gas prices in the UK were below the EU average. At 5.31 cEUR/kWh for households (incl. all taxes) household retail prices in the UK were below EU average. Household retail prices in the EU and in the UK went down in comparison to the second half of 2012; in contrast industrial retail prices for gas went up both on average in the EU and in the UK.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010939/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Deadly attacks in Kenya and Pakistan

Last week’s double suicide bombing at a church in Peshawar by militants linked to the Taliban is estimated to be the deadliest‐ever attack on Christians in Pakistan. The brutal attack by members of the Somali al-Shabab movement at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, has also highlighted the prevalence of Islamic extremism in parts of Africa.

In this context, what action has the Commission taken to assist the authorities in Kenya and Pakistan in the light of the latest round of attacks? Moreover, what strategy, if any, is in place at EU level to combat the threat posed by Islamic extremism both to EU citizens and to Christians throughout the world?

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

(21 November 2013)

The HR/VP issued statements condemning the two attacks, called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

The EU is continuing to support Pakistan in its efforts to tackle the threat from terrorism. In June 2013, the Foreign Affairs Council noted with concern the continuing terrorist attacks in Pakistan, and reiterated the EU’s unequivocal commitment to working with Pakistan to address the shared threat from terrorism both inside and outside its borders, including bringing perpetrators to justice.

The EU is also supporting efforts to tackle the threat of terrorism in the Horn of Africa (including Kenya) and Yemen. In January 2013, the Foreign Affairs Council endorsed a Counter-Terrorism (CT) Action Plan for the Horn of Africa and Yemen, implementing the counter-terrorism strand of the EU Strategic Framework for the region from November 2011. As part of the action plan, the EU has committed itself to helping build regional capacities to tackle the threat of terrorism, supporting regional law enforcement cooperation, and countering violent extremism.

CT work is framed by the EU CT Strategy, adopted in 2005. A central element of that strategy is to prevent people turning to terrorism by tackling the factors or root causes which can lead to radicalisation and recruitment, in Europe and internationally.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010940/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Support for older motorists

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Foundation for Motoring recently confirmed that over four million people aged over 70 in the United Kingdom hold full UK driving licenses. The research stated that while licence holders over 70 years of age have to submit a declaration every three years saying that they are fit to drive, the constituent group in fact has a very positive safety record on our roads.

In this context, can the Commission detail what efforts are being made at EU level to ensure that older people across Europe have the confidence to use our roads so that they can continue to participate in society?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission considers that the safe mobility of elderly people, including elderly drivers deserves particular attention and specific measures due to the ageing of the European population.

Following the entry into force of the third driving license directive (Directive 2006/126/EC (51)), Member States may require an examination applying the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness to drive when renewing the driving license.

Technology is another area where progress is expected to help elderly drivers. Driver assistance systems are now being developed and some of them are already commercially available in certain vehicles. These systems can help elderly drivers to compensate for the functional limitations due to age. The Commission intends to promote the deployment of those technologies that improve safety.

The Commission has financed actions related to elderly road users, including elderly drivers, like for example the projects GOAL (52), SAMERU (53) and CONSOL (54). They are aimed at improving knowledge, disseminate best practices and make recommendations concerning the mobility of elderly people. Moreover, the Commission intends to provide funding for research on this topic under the Horizon 2020 framework programme.

The Commission will also encourage Member States to take the mobility of elderly people into account in the framework of its upcoming package on urban mobility.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010941/13

to the Commission

Diane Dodds (NI)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Timeline for EU legislation on legal highs

On 17 September 2013, the Commission announced plans to strengthen EU legislation tackling harmful legal highs. The proposals would allow for the immediate removal of harmful substances on a temporary basis, as well as reducing the time taken to ban a legal high from the market completely from 24 months to 10 months.

In this context, can the Commission detail whether an impact assessment has been, or will be, carried out in relation to these proposals, and outline the timeline it envisages for progressing this piece of legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The Impact Assessment accompanying the Commission’s legislative proposals on new psychoactive substances (55) was published at the same time as the adoption of the proposals, on 17 September 2013. The Impact Assessment is available on the Europa website (56).

The two legislative proposals will need to be adopted by the European Parliament and by the Council of the European Union, in co-decision, in order to become law. The Council started the examination of the proposals in October 2013. There is no precise timeline for the adoption of the proposals by the European Parliament and by Council.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010943/13

aan de Commissie

Corien Wortmann-Kool (PPE)

(26 september 2013)

Betreft: Wijzigingen aan de methodologie om de structurele tekorten van de lidstaten te berekenen

Op 19 september 2013 hebben de Wall Street Journal en verschillende andere nieuwsbronnen gemeld dat EU-ambtenaren van de werkgroep Output Gaps van de Commissie bij wijze van proef een wijziging hebben goedgekeurd aan de methodologie om de structurele tekorten van de lidstaten te berekenen. (57) In de Wall Street Journal werd eveneens gemeld dat de nieuwe methodologie naar verwachting een zeer grote invloed zal hebben op de tekorten van sommige lidstaten, bijvoorbeeld het geschatte structurele tekort van Spanje voor dit jaar zou worden gehalveerd en dat voor 2014 zou met twee derden worden verminderd.

Antwoord van de heer Rehn namens de Commissie

(20 november 2013)

Er zijn tot dusver geen wijzigingen „bij wijze van proef goedgekeurd” van de methode voor de berekening van de structurele tekorten van de lidstaten — de bestaande methodologie is niet gewijzigd.

De diensten van de Commissie en de comités van de Raad verrichten regelmatig technische werkzaamheden  ter ondersteuning van de SGP-evaluatiemethode. Wijzigingen van de bestaande methoden worden overwogen om ervoor te zorgen dat de uitvoering van het SGP de structurele en conjuncturele economische situatie in de lidstaten accuraat weerspiegelt, en om een doeltreffend toezicht op de uitvoering te bevorderen. Gewoonlijk gaat dit gepaard met bestudering van recente economische literatuur over betrokken kwesties, simulatie‐ en gevoeligheidsanalyses en andere technische werkzaamheden die ervoor moeten zorgen dat de goedgekeurde wijzigingen effectief leiden tot een correctere weergave van de conjunctuur in de lidstaten. Één voorbeeld waar de huidige methode kan worden verbeterd, betreft de procycliciteit ervan waar het gaat om de meting van de structurele werkloosheid in de lidstaten.

Hoewel ook de comités van de Raad bij de technische werkzaamheden worden betrokken, is alleen de Europese Commissie verantwoordelijk voor het up-to-date en accuraat houden van de SGP-beoordelingsmethodologie. Deze technische werkzaamheden doen absoluut geen afbreuk aan de rol van het Europees Parlement en de Raad als medewetgevers inzake het economische governance.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010943/13

to the Commission

Corien Wortmann-Kool (PPE)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Changes to the methodology for calculating Member States' structural deficits

On 19 September 2013, the Wall Street Journal and several other news sources reported that EU officials in the Commission’s Output Gaps Working Group had tentatively approved a change in the methodology used to calculate Member States’ structural deficits (58). The Wall Street Journal also reported that the new methodology was expected to have a very substantial impact on the deficits of some Member States, for example halving Spain’s estimated structural deficit for this year and cutting it by two thirds in 2014.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2013)

To date, no changes were ‘tentatively approved’ to revise the methodology for calculating Member State's structural deficits — the existing methodology has not been changed.

Commission services and Council committees regularly carry out technical work that underpins the SGP assessment methodology. Changes to existing methods are considered to ensure that implementation of the SGP accurately reflects the structural and cyclical economic situation in the Member States, and to facilitate effective monitoring of the implementation. Usually, this involves reviews of the recent economic literature on relevant issues, dry-runs and sensitivity analyses and other technical work to ensure that the changes adopted would indeed result in a more accurate reflection of the cyclical positions of Member States. One example where the current methodology could be improved is the method's pro-cyclicality, most notably with respect to how the method measures structural unemployment rates in the Member States.

While the Council committees are associated with the technical work, the European Commission is solely responsible to ensure that the SGP assessment methodology is up-to-date and robust. This technical work absolutely does not undermine the role of the European Parliament and the Council as co-legislators on economic governance.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010944/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(26 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Prospecciones petrolíferas próximas a Canarias autorizadas por Marruecos en posibles aguas del Sáhara Occidental

Debido a las prospecciones petrolíferas que la empresa española REPSOL está realizando en aguas territoriales de las Islas Canarias, se han comenzado a realizar prospecciones petrolíferas también en las vecinas aguas territoriales del Reino de Marruecos.

Dichas prospecciones, autorizadas por el Gobierno marroquí, se producen en las cercanías de las aguas territoriales pertenecientes al Sáhara Occidental. La orientación tradicional del Reino de Marruecos de desoír a la comunidad internacional y a las Naciones Unidas y de apropiarse ilegalmente del territorio del Sáhara Occidental, así como de su espacio marítimo, hace sospechar que exceda su soberanía en caso de un yacimiento en aguas cercanas.

Dichas prospecciones, en caso de considerarse viables y de que comenzara la explotación de los yacimientos, supondrían una serie de riesgos ambientales para los ecosistemas marítimos de las Islas Canarias. Estos ecosistemas de una gran importancia se encontrarían gravemente amenazados, puesto que la legislación ambiental marroquí, así como su aplicación, no garantizan los mismos estándares de seguridad que ofrece la legislación europea.

¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante las citadas prospecciones realizadas en dicha zona?

¿Puede asegurar que ninguna de las prospecciones petrolíferas que se están realizando con la autorización de Marruecos se encuentra el espacio marítimo del Sáhara Occidental?

En caso de existir prospecciones en el espacio marítimo del Sáhara Occidental, ¿qué medidas planteará para que Marruecos detenga dichas prospecciones ilegales?

En caso de desarrollarse explotaciones en dicho espacio marítimo, ¿qué medidas planteará para que Marruecos detenga la explotación de unos recursos naturales que no le pertenecen?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010945/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(26 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Prospecciones petrolíferas próximas a Canarias autorizadas por Marruecos: aspectos ambientales

Debido a las prospecciones petrolíferas que la empresa española REPSOL está realizando en aguas territoriales de las Islas Canarias, se han comenzado a realizar prospecciones petrolíferas también en las vecinas aguas territoriales del Reino de Marruecos.

Dichas prospecciones, autorizadas por el Gobierno marroquí, se producen en las cercanías de las aguas territoriales pertenecientes al Sáhara Occidental. La orientación tradicional del Reino de Marruecos de desoír a la comunidad internacional y las Naciones Unidas y de apropiarse ilegalmente del territorio del Sáhara Occidental, así como su espacio marítimo, hace sospechar que exceda su soberanía en caso de que se halle un yacimiento en aguas cercanas.

Dichas prospecciones, en caso de considerarse viables y de que comenzara la explotación de los yacimientos, conllevarían una serie de riesgos ambientales para los ecosistemas marítimos de las Islas Canarias. Estos ecosistemas de una gran importancia se encontrarían gravemente amenazados puesto que la legislación ambiental marroquí, así como su implementación, no garantiza los mismos niveles de seguridad que prevé la legislación europea.

Ante lo expuesto, ¿está al tanto la Comisión de las citadas prospecciones realizadas en dicha zona?

¿Posee información la Comisión sobre la ubicación de dichas prospecciones por Marruecos, y puede afirmar que estas no se extenderán ilegalmente a aguas territoriales del Sáhara Occidental?

¿Posee elementos la Comisión como para afirmar que, en caso de iniciarse las explotaciones, la legislación ambiental de Marruecos en el ámbito petrolífero protegería suficientemente al ecosistema marino, evitando que los riesgos potenciales que acarrea dicha actividad se extendieran también a las Islas Canarias?

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

(20 de noviembre de 2013)

La UE está al corriente de las actividades de prospección petrolífera mencionadas por Su Señoría.

Según las Naciones Unidas, el Sáhara Occidental es un territorio no autónomo objeto de disputa administrado de facto por Marruecos. La prospección de recursos minerales en el mar frente a las costas del Sáhara Occidental no está prohibida como tal por la Carta de las Naciones Unidas (véase el documento S/2002/161 de 12 de febrero de 2002).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010944/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Oil exploration near the Canary Islands, authorised by Morocco, possibly encroaching on Western Sahara waters

As a result of the oil exploration that the Spanish company REPSOL is conducting in territorial waters of the Canary Islands, oil exploration has also begun in the adjacent territorial waters of the Kingdom of Morocco.

This exploration, authorised by the Moroccan Government, is occurring in the vicinity of the territorial waters of the Western Sahara. The Kingdom of Morocco’s long-standing habit of turning a deaf ear to the international community and the United Nations, and of illegally appropriating the territory and the maritime space of the Western Sahara, leads to the suspicion that it would exceed the bounds of its sovereignty if an oilfield were discovered in nearby waters.

This exploration, if it is deemed feasible and exploitation of the oilfields begins, would pose a series of environmental risks to the maritime ecosystems of the Canary Islands. These very important ecosystems would be seriously threatened, since Moroccan environmental legislation and its enforcement do not ensure the same safety standards that EU legislation offers.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the abovementioned exploration being conducted in this area?

Can she confirm that none of the oil exploration that is being conducted with Morocco’s authorisation is occurring in the maritime space of the Western Sahara?

If exploration is occurring in the maritime space of the Western Sahara, what measures will she put forward to force Morocco to halt such illegal exploration?

If exploitation is occurring in this maritime space, what measures will she put forward to force Morocco to halt the exploitation of natural resources that do not belong to it?

Question for written answer E-010945/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Oil exploration near the Canary Islands authorised by Morocco: environmental aspects

As a result of the oil exploration that the Spanish company REPSOL is conducting in territorial waters of the Canary Islands, oil exploration has also begun in the adjacent territorial waters of the Kingdom of Morocco.

This exploration, authorised by the Moroccan Government, is occurring in the vicinity of the territorial waters of the Western Sahara. The Kingdom of Morocco’s long-standing habit of turning a deaf ear to the international community and the United Nations, and of illegally appropriating the territory and the maritime space of the Western Sahara, leads to the suspicion that it would exceed the bounds of its sovereignty if an oilfield were found in nearby waters.

This exploration, if it is deemed feasible and exploitation of the oilfields begins, would present a series of environmental risks to the maritime ecosystems of the Canary Islands. These very important ecosystems would be seriously threatened, since Moroccan environmental legislation and its implementation do not ensure the same levels of safety provided for in EU legislation.

In view of this information, is the Commission keeping abreast of the abovementioned exploration being conducted in this area?

Does the Commission have information about the location of this exploration by Morocco, and can it confirm that it will not extend illegally into the territorial waters of the Western Sahara?

Does the Commission have a basis to confirm that, if exploitation is begun, Morocco’s environmental legislation on oil will sufficiently protect the marine ecosystem, preventing the potential risks that such exploitation entails from threatening the Canary Islands as well?

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

(20 November 2013)

The EU is aware of the oil exploration activities mentioned by the Honourable Member of the EP.

According to United Nations, the Western Sahara is a disputed Non-Self‐ Governing Territory under de facto Moroccan administration. The exploration of mineral resources in areas offshore Western Sahara is not as such forbidden by the UN Charter (see document S/2002/161 of February 12, 2002).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010946/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2013)

Betrifft: Chinesische Investoren am europäischen Energiemarkt

Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(19. November 2013)

Der Kommission ist bekannt, dass in jüngsten Presseartikeln von einem möglichen Interesse des chinesischen Unternehmens „State Grid of China“ an Investitionen in den deutschen Energiesektor die Rede ist, ihr liegen jedoch keine Informationen über konkrete Investitionspläne vor. Es sei daran erinnert, dass das Unternehmen „State Grid of China“ bereits einen Anteil von 25 % an dem portugiesischen Unternehmen REN-Redes Energéticas Nacionais SA hält. Ausländische Investitionen in den europäischen Energiesektor, auch in den Übertragungs‐ und Verteilungssektor, sind rechtlich möglich und werden begrüßt, sofern bestimmte Bedingungen eingehalten werden. So sehen die EU-Rechtsvorschriften für den Energiebinnenmarkt vor, dass in Fällen, in denen ein Investor aus einem Drittland die Kontrolle über ein Übertragungsnetz oder einen Übertragungsnetzbetreiber in der EU erwirbt, der betreffende Mitgliedstaat in Zusammenarbeit mit der Kommission dafür Sorge tragen muss, dass die Energieversorgungssicherheit der EU nicht gefährdet wird.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010946/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Chinese investors on the European energy market

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

The Commission noted that recent press articles mentioned a possible interest of the Chinese company ‘State Grid of China’ to invest in the energy sector in Germany, but does not have information about specific investment plans. It is recalled that ‘State Grid of China’ already owns a 25% stake in the Portuguese company REN-Redes Energéticas Nacionais SA. Foreign investments in the European energy sector, including in the electricity transmission and distribution sectors, are legally possible and welcome provided they respect certain conditions For instance, the EU internal energy market legislation foresees that, where a third country investor acquires control over an electricity transmission system or a transmission system operator in the EU, the Member State concerned in cooperation with the Commission shall ensure that it will not put at risk security of energy supply to the EU.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010947/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26. September 2013)

Betrifft: Handelsbeziehungen mit China

China kauft oder pachtet mehr und mehr Produktionsflächen in vielen verschiedenen Ländern der Erde, um den eigenen Bedarf zu decken, zuletzt in Osteuropa. Währenddessen setzen sich EU-Abgeordnete weiter für faire Handelsbeziehungen mit China ein.

1.1 Welche konkreten Maßnahmen sind hinsichtlich der Verbesserung der Transparenz ergriffen worden?

1.2 Wie wurde oder wird der Stand ausländischer Unternehmen am chinesischen Markt bewertet, und wie kann er verbessert werden?

1.3 Auf welchen Ebenen und wie wurden die komplexen Tarifstrukturen in der Wirtschaft bis jetzt aufgearbeitet und optimiert?

Antwort von Herrn De Gucht im Namen der Kommission

(25. November 2013)

Die EU hat sich zu offenen Handelsbeziehungen mit China verpflichtet. Die Strategie, den fairen Wettbewerb zu unterstützen, aber gleichzeitig darauf zu beharren, dass China gemäß international vereinbarten Regeln Handel treibt, die Rechte an geistigem Eigentum (IPR) respektiert und seine Verpflichtungen gegenüber der Welthandelsorganisation (WTO) erfüllt, ist das Leitprinzip der Handelspolitik der EU gegenüber China.

In puncto Transparenz hat sich die Bilanz Chinas verbessert. Aber die EU drängt weiterhin darauf, dass China die Interessenträger über alle Entwürfe von Gesetzen und Regelungen mit Auswirkungen auf den Handel vor deren Annahme unterrichtet und diesbezüglich konsultiert. Diese Themen wurden zuletzt am 24. Oktober 2013 beim Wirtschafts‐ und Handelsdialog auf hoher Ebene angeschnitten. Im Rahmen der WTO hat die EU China ebenfalls aufgefordert, seinen Verpflichtungen zur Notifizierung von Subventionen nachzukommen.

Bei der Festlegung ihrer Handelspolitik konsultiert die Kommission alle beteiligten Akteure, darunter die in China tätigen europäischen Unternehmen (59).

Die Zolltarifstruktur Chinas steht im Einklang mit den Verpflichtungen, die das Land bei seinem Beitritt zur WTO eingegangen ist. In Ermangelung eines multilateralen Handelsabkommens wären etwaige Änderungen des Zolltarifs das Ergebnis einseitiger Entscheidungen Chinas. Die EU kann sich zwar dafür aussprechen, hat jedoch hier keine Handhabe.

Mehr Wettbewerb mit China kann viele Herausforderungen mit sich bringen. Aber der Markt Chinas und die dortige rasche Entwicklung der Volkswirtschaft bieten nach wie vor Chancen und erhebliches Potenzial für eine weitere Ausweitung des Handels und der Investitionstätigkeit. Die Entscheidung, während des Gipfeltreffens zwischen der EU und China im November 2013 Verhandlungen über ein bilaterales Investitionsabkommen einzuleiten, ist eine wichtige Initiative zur Förderung bilateraler Investitionen durch Transparenz, Rechtssicherheit und Marktzugang für Investoren beider Seiten. Dies beinhaltet auch die Botschaft, dass eine stärkere Beteiligung und gegenseitige Öffnung im Interesse beider Seiten liegt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010947/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(26 September 2013)

Subject: Trade relations with China

China is buying and leasing more and more production facilities in a number of different countries, most recently in Eastern Europe, in order to meet its own demand. In the meanwhile, MEPs remain committed to establishing fair trade relations with China.

1.1 What specific measures have been taken to increase transparency?

1.2 What was or is the assessment of the position of foreign companies on the Chinese market and how can it be improved?

1.3 On what levels and in what ways have the complex tariff structures in the economy been revised and optimised to date?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission