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 221/01)

Contents

P-010755/13 by Tonino Picula to the Commission

Subject: Support for regional airports

E-011726/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: APROSYS Project

E-011727/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Shale gas

E-012000/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: The Commission submits a list of 250 infrastructure projects eligible for funding to the value of EUR 5.85 billion

E-012002/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: TEN-T guidelines, cost-benefit analysis, passenger volumes and economic sustainability of Spanish high-speed rail (AVE) routes

E-012003/13 by Glenis Willmott to the Commission

Subject: Fructose

E-012473/13 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Acceptance of fructose

E-012004/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: United Kingdom's implementation of the Birds Directive

E-012005/13 by Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: Access to hazardous weight-loss substances on the EU market

P-012006/13 by Eleni Theocharous to the Commission

Subject: School trips to occupied Cyprus

E-012010/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Elections to the Agriculture Council in Spain

E-012013/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Differences in fuel prices between EU Member States

P-012016/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Galileo programme

E-012018/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: The big energy report

P-013072/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Amount of energy subsidies per energy source

E-012019/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: The allegedly ‘unreliable’ figures in the energy report

E-012020/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Commissioner Oettinger's list

E-012021/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: France's new economic policy

E-012022/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Funding of animal welfare in Romania

E-012024/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Governmental crisis in Italy — loss of confidence

E-012025/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Quality differences in expert opinions in court

E-012026/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Russia's trade restrictions on EU Member States and on Eastern Partnership countries

E-012028/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Early school leaving

E-012029/13 by Sandra Petrović Jakovina to the Commission

Subject: Safety‐ related issues in air navigation service provision

E-012030/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Dumping emergency in the ‘land of fires’

E-012131/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Cristiana Muscardini, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Aldo Patriciello, Clemente Mastella, Crescenzio Rivellini and Salvatore Tatarella to the Commission

Subject: ‘Terra dei fuochi’ dumping emergency

E-012244/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Land of fires: illegal bonfires and landfills

E-012031/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Commissioner Füle: ‘momentum’ behind accession negotiations

P-012032/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: Women's underrepresentation in science

P-012033/13 by Erik Bánki to the Commission

Subject: Alternative mining project at Krumovgrad

E-012034/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Energy consumption of smartphones

E-012035/13 by Jean-Luc Mélenchon to the Commission

Subject: Is the Council taking orders from Mrs Merkel?

E-012036/13 by Erik Bánki to the Commission

Subject: Jobs for young people in tourism

E-012037/13 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: Complaint fees charged by air carriers

P-012038/13 by Paul Murphy to the Commission

Subject: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Israeli Government on Horizon 2020

P-012039/13 by Marietje Schaake to the Commission

Subject: Supply of tear gas to the Bahraini Government

E-012042/13 by Ingeborg Gräßle to the Commission

Subject: OLAF investigations: Greek Office for Vocational Education and Training (OEEK) — OF/2011/0704

E-012043/13 by Charalampos Angourakis to the Commission

Subject: Intensified use of the ‘Law and Order’ doctrine against the working people's movement

E-012045/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Defence industry closures in Greece

E-012046/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Excessive charges for private cars in Greece

E-012047/13 by Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: European Commission Notice using the term ‘Macedonia’ for ‘Skopje’

E-012048/13 by Sandrine Bélier to the Commission

Subject: Safety assessment of MON810: invalidation of a Monsanto result by a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) expert

E-012049/13 by Sandrine Bélier to the Commission

Subject: Safety assessment of MON810

E-012050/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — request by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Russia to return the crashed TU-154

E-012051/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — comments by the Russian ambassador to the EU on Poland

E-012053/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Additional cost of S-80 submarine

E-012055/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Belgian Internet providers imposing residence conditions on new clients

E-012056/13 by Salvatore Tatarella to the Commission

Subject: Management of the ESM bailout fund

E-012058/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Online sale of kits for producing fake Italian cheeses

P-012059/13 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: European mountain quality label

E-012061/13 by Salvador Sedó i Alabart to the Commission

Subject: The reality of youth unemployment in Europe

E-012063/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Lack of filters in flag factory

E-012064/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Women and poverty in old age

E-012066/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Resumption of the negotiations with Turkey

E-012067/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Accession of Turkey

E-012068/13 by Rainer Wieland to the Commission

Subject: Electronic declaration and export procedure/VAT refund

E-012069/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Y Vasca and European funding

E-012071/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Gilding the pill

E-012072/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Confiscation of the property of 17 historical monasteries in Turkey

E-012074/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Illegal occupation of three Greek Orthodox churches and their property in Karaköy/Galata (Istanbul)

E-012073/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Elimination of unfounded negative claims in history textbooks in Turkey

E-012075/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Lack of any reference to sexual rights in the European Union's health programmes

E-012076/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Access to information about HIV pregnancies

E-012078/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Sexual rights and cooperation

E-012079/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Guidance plan

E-012080/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: A holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights and HIV

E-012081/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Automated execution rate for European Union pre-accession projects

E-012082/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Europe 2020 progress report

E-012083/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Convergence process within the European Semester

E-012084/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Social impact of reforms

E-012085/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: A more social Economic and Monetary Union

E-012086/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Parliament and the European Semester

E-012087/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Quality framework for traineeships

E-012089/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Conflict in the Sahel

E-012090/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘Do not publish the Turkey progress report on a religious holiday’

E-012092/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Amount of paper used by the Commission's translation service

E-012093/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Council

Subject: Translator salaries in the Council

E-012094/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Translators' salaries in the Commission

E-012095/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Costs of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) for the Reitox information network

E-012106/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Staff at the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

E-012108/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Restaurant costs of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

E-012111/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Training costs of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

E-012096/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Staff costs of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA)

E-012105/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Operational expenditures of the European Railway Agency (ERA)

E-012110/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Meetings and associated costs of the European Railway Agency (ERA)

E-012116/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Movable property and associated costs of the European Railway Agency (ERA)

E-012107/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Composition of the staff of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT)

E-012109/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Security and surveillance costs of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT)

E-012119/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Missions of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT)

E-012146/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Properties of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT)

E-012112/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Publishing costs of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound)

E-012113/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Web publishing costs of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound)

E-012115/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Costs of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) for events and exhibitions

E-012149/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Buildings costs of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound)

E-012114/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Horizontal operations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

E-012123/13 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Financial and political aspects of the resumption of negotiations with Turkey

P-012124/13 by Wojciech Michał Olejniczak to the Commission

Subject: Status of complaints CHAP(2013) 02744 and 2013/090949

E-012125/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Murder of German Embassy employee

E-012126/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Executions in the Islamic Republic of Iran

E-012129/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Problem of slavery in Mauritania

E-012130/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: China's water crisis

E-012132/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: France halts high-speed rail works

E-012133/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Europol investigation into the trafficking of children for their organs

E-012134/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘Turkey close to EU standards’

E-012137/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘Many EU Member States are performing less well than Turkey’

E-012138/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘The Turkey progress report is not a scorecard’

E-012135/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘Violence is not a means to claim one's rights’

E-012136/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘EU membership a concrete objective for Turkey’

E-012139/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Egemen Bağış: ‘Freedom of expression situation is fine’

P-012140/13 by Emilie Turunen to the Commission

Subject: Prepaid cards

P-012141/13 by Karima Delli to the Commission

Subject: EU response to health risks posed by mercury in dental amalgrams

E-012144/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Project bonds for the Castor project

E-012145/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Renewable energy in Spain: 2020 target

E-012147/13 by Marietje Schaake to the Commission

Subject: ACTA provisions in the EU-Singapore trade agreement text

E-012148/13 by Brian Simpson to the Commission

Subject: Hen harrier decline in North West England

E-012151/13 by Robert Goebbels to the Commission

Subject: Tax on fuel

P-012153/13 by William to the Commission

Subject: EU investigation into Gibraltar tax system

E-012154/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Buying and selling of organs in the EU

E-012155/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Energy objectives for 2020

E-012156/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up to the Decade of Roma Inclusion

E-012157/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Attacks on protestors in Egypt

E-012158/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Rights of the LGBT community in Lithuania and Latvia

E-012160/13 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Protection of ortolans in France

E-012164/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Air pollution classified as carcinogenic

E-012165/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: STOP the bonuses

E-012166/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Green electronics

E-012169/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Samsung concessions

E-012170/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Crowdfunding

E-012171/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: POWERDRIVER

E-012173/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Baby wipes warning

E-012174/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Ships' graveyard

E-012175/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: EU-Canada agreements

E-012176/13 by Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg to the Commission

Subject: Functioning of the European Arrest Warrant and opportunities for its enforcement

E-012177/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: The wine sector

P-012178/13 by Ryszard Antoni Legutko to the Commission

Subject: Promoting gender ideology

E-012180/13 by Charles Tannock and Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Sultanate of Brunei to extend use of Sharia law

E-012181/13 by Martin Häusling to the Commission

Subject: Proposal for a regulation on the production and making available on the market of plant reproductive material (plant reproductive material law)

E-012184/13 by Paolo De Castro to the Commission

Subject: Uniform application of authorisations for plant protection products

P-012185/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Funding for environmental projects in 2014

P-012187/13 by Raffaele Baldassarre to the Commission

Subject: Olive tree disease in Puglia

P-012314/13 by Paolo De Castro to the Commission

Subject: Measures to contain bacterium infecting olive trees

E-012188/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Food scandal in the EU: pigs' intestines sold as calamari

E-012189/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Council

Subject: Construction of the new Council building

E-012190/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Evaluation procedure for the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station

E-012191/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Cost estimate and timescales for the construction of a nuclear power station in the UK

E-012192/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Construction of a European pressurised reactor (EPR) at Hinkley Point C

E-012193/13 by Kathleen Van Brempt to the Commission

Subject: Chinese participation in the Hinkley Point C project

E-012196/13 by Andrew Henry William Brons to the Commission

Subject: Treaty of 8 April 1965

E-012197/13 by Glenis Willmott, Catherine Stihler and Brian Simpson to the Commission

Subject: Method of slaughter labelling and Sikhism

E-012198/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up on vehicle defects and accidents

E-012200/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Danger posed by ‘patent trolls’

E-012206/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Imprisoned blogger

E-012207/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Russia and its migrants

E-012208/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Syrians in Egypt

E-012210/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: EU enlargement in the Balkans/Turkey

E-012211/13 by Tadeusz Cymański, Jacek Włosowicz, Jacek Olgierd Kurski and Zbigniew Ziobro to the Commission

Subject: Environmental problems in Bulgaria

E-012212/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Awarding of contracts in Bulgaria — construction of the ‘Arena Armeec’ sports hall

E-012213/13 by Jean-Pierre Audy and Michel Dantin to the Commission

Subject: Draft free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada

E-012214/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Commission Work Programme for 2014

E-012215/13 by Josefa Andrés Barea and María Muñiz De Urquiza to the Commission

Subject: The application of the directive on cogeneration

E-012216/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Funding for environmental projects

E-012217/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Reduction in investment by local authorities

E-012218/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Financial restrictions on senior Sudanese officials responsible for serious human rights breaches

E-012220/13 by Josefa Andrés Barea to the Commission

Subject: The current situation of the Ciudad de la Luz complex in Alicante

E-012221/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up questions (4) concerning subsidies granted to Egypt

E-012222/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Unsustainable private debt

E-012223/13 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: Relevance of the REFIT programme for harmonising energy policy

P-012225/13 by Lena Kolarska-Bobińska to the Commission

Subject: Declining bee population in Europe

E-012226/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Medication for chronically ill patients

E-012228/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Revision of the Air Passenger Rights Regulation

E-012229/13 by Ivo Belet, Alojz Peterle and Glenis Willmott to the Commission

Subject: ATMP (advanced therapy medicinal product) treatments

P-012231/13 by Tonino Picula to the Commission

Subject: Support for the fisheries sector

E-012233/13 by Georgios Koumoutsakos to the Commission

Subject: Announcement of Turkey democratisation package/reopening of Chakli Seminary

E-012234/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Actual Internet capacity and its regional distribution

E-012236/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: NSA scandal — reading of emails

E-012238/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: E-Government — data security

P-012239/13 by Claudio Morganti to the Commission

Subject: EU funding for integration of Roma

P-012240/13 by Pablo Zalba Bidegain to the Commission

Subject: Exclusion of children from a leisure programme

E-012241/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: EU aid for the developing world

E-012242/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Chemotherapy: which drugs may be harmful to health

E-012243/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: New technology for vacuuming urban smog

E-012245/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: New devices for delivering drugs via light impulses

P-012246/13 by Nessa Childers to the Commission

Subject: Industrial wind turbines

P-012247/13 by Juan Fernando López Aguilar to the Commission

Subject: European Social Fund assistance for the Canaries

E-012248/13 by Andrea Cozzolino to the Commission

Subject: ‘Cava Spinelli’ landfill in Quarto (province of Naples)

E-012249/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Clarifications regarding applications for the E-1 visa for trade and investment in the United States

E-012338/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Regulation implementing the Ecodesign Directive — reduced power of vacuum cleaners

E-012250/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Commission's action regarding the power rating of vacuum cleaners

E-012251/13 by Georgios Koumoutsakos to the Commission

Subject: New Trans-European Transport Networks/need for information and know-how on effective take-up of Community resources to be passed to cohesion countries

E-012257/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Cyprus — reform of the banking sector

E-012258/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Summer time all year round

E-012259/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Child trafficking for the purpose of welfare fraud by Roma and Sinti

E-012260/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Traces of pharmaceutical products in water

E-012261/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Cloud computing strategy

E-012262/13 by Andreas Mölzer to the Commission

Subject: Strategy for improving health literacy

E-012264/13 by Angelika Niebler to the Commission

Subject: Intra-Union mail order and excise goods

E-012672/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Yemeni girl burned to death

E-012265/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Burnings of Yemeni girls

E-012271/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Burnings of Yemeni girls

E-012267/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Polio virus — emergency immunisation activities

E-012268/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Funding the eradication of polio

E-012269/13 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Port and trade security in light of AIS vulnerabilities

E-012272/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Bulgaria's extension of ban on sale of land to foreigners

E-012273/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of PEAD in Romania

E-012274/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Recurring threat of polio virus in Europe

E-012275/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Drafting national rural development programmes in Member States

E-012276/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Definition of ‘artificial conditions’ laid down by Regulation (EU) No 65/2011

E-012277/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Marine litter

E-012357/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: Suggested modifications to legislation on marine litter

E-012278/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Taps and standardisation

E-012280/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Simplified VAT declaration

E-012281/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Cinema and cultural exception

P-012282/13 by Heinz K. Becker to the Commission

Subject: Decision on the topic for the 2014 European Year

E-012283/13 by Giancarlo Scottà to the Commission

Subject: Procedures for dealing with liquids and prohibited items at airports

E-012284/13 by Mariya Gabriel to the Commission

Subject: Tobacco growing under the new CAP

E-012285/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Dual taxation of income

E-012286/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Pollution from the Compañía Española De Petróleos (CEPSA) oil refinery

E-012287/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Pollution on Gibraltar's Western Beach

E-012288/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Reports of pollution in the Bay of Gibraltar

E-012289/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: E-Health, health inequalities and the digital divide

E-012292/13 by Dominique Riquet to the Commission

Subject: Review of experience gained regarding the screening of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs)

E-012300/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Cost of rescuing euro area countries with Memorandum status

E-012301/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: CPR survival rate

E-012302/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Action to promote language learning among European citizens

E-012303/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: Entrepreneurship in European education

E-012304/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Request for measures to support 10 000 Alcatel Lucent workers facing redundancy

E-012306/13 by Olga Sehnalová to the Commission

Subject: Changes affecting the transport of passengers in wheelchairs made by RegioJet a.s.

P-012309/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Solidarity regarding migration issues

E-012312/13 by Konstantinos Poupakis to the Commission

Subject: Percentage of labour force covered by collective agreements

P-012313/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Emergency in the Salento area caused by the appearance of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa

E-012315/13 by Mark Demesmaeker to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's language policy

E-012318/13 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: EU-Russia cooperation at Commission level

E-012319/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Discriminatory blood donation policies

E-012321/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Efficacy of bailout and bail-in plans

E-012323/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Promoting gender issues in times of economic crisis

E-012326/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Regulated professions

E-012327/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: IT illiteracy among the elderly

E-012329/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Sport and physical activity

E-012330/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Traffic accidents

E-012332/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: Energy intake reference values for children

E-012334/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: Eco-labelling of fish products

E-012336/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Distortion of competition due to disposal of state assets

E-012337/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Developing innovative urban technologies

E-012339/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Wild boar and swine fever in the EU

E-012340/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: New Medical Devices Regulation — approval system — patient safety

E-012341/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Commission's plans to regulate water quantities used for toilet flushing

P-012343/13 by Erminia Mazzoni to the Commission

Subject: Setting up of a territorial cohesion agency in Italy

E-012344/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: Irish national car test (NCT) legislation

P-012345/13 by Keith Taylor to the Commission

Subject: State aid for proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant

P-012346/13 by Jean Lambert to the Commission

Subject: State aid for proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant

E-012348/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Open Knowledge Foundation

E-012349/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Rat population in Italy

E-012351/13 by Daniel Hannan to the Commission

Subject: Cyprus Memorandum of Understanding

E-012353/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Decapitation video on Facebook

E-012354/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Food labelled ‘made on the premises’

E-012355/13 by Marc Tarabella and Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Rabbit battery farms

E-012356/13 by Daciana Octavia Sârbu to the Commission

Subject: New school fruit scheme

E-012358/13 by Elisabeth Jeggle and Mathieu Grosch to the Commission

Subject: Separate social legislation for bus drivers and uniform fines for infringements of EU social legislation

E-012359/13 by Gay Mitchell to the Commission

Subject: Temporary workers

E-012360/13 by Renate Sommer to the Commission

Subject: Effects of rapeseed oil on health

E-012361/13 by Renate Sommer to the Commission

Subject: Assessment of food labelling indications concerning probiotics

E-012362/13 by Linda McAvan to the Commission

Subject: Sambuca and the spirit drinks regulation

E-012364/13 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Flooding in Ginosa

E-012365/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Threatened monuments and cultural landmarks in Europe

E-012366/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: LNG and power cable projects of common interest

E-012367/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Operation of the Porto Viro regasification plant (Rovigo, Italy) and the related fall in catch levels and deaths of dolphins and turtles in the surrounding Adriatic waters

E-012368/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Hydrocarbon exploration and extraction in Emilia-Romagna, an area prone to subsidence and earthquakes

E-012369/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Disputed installations and delays in completion of nature trail ‘Sui Sentieri degli Ezzelini’ in the western part of the province of Treviso, financed with EU funding

P-012372/13 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: Cinema communication — no to uncontrolled deregulation

E-012373/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: CAP payment

E-012380/13 by Edward McMillan-Scott to the Commission

Subject: Application of the industrial emissions directive and its impact on competitiveness

E-012382/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Alzheimer's disease breakthrough

E-012383/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Milk quota compensation

E-012384/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Malaria vaccine

E-012385/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: EU military integration

E-012386/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of EU Directive 2012/29/EU

E-012387/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Support for Thalidomide victims

E-012388/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Research into the trans-generational impact of terrorism

E-012389/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: The political situation in Libya

E-012390/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Impact of EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on agriculture

E-012391/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Uptake of advanced single farm payments

E-012392/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Racism in sport

E-012394/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Female drivers in Saudi Arabia

E-012395/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Regulation (EC) No 261/2004

E-012396/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Banning mobile phone roaming charges

P-012397/13 by Josef Weidenholzer to the Commission

Subject: Storage of passenger data in Hungary

E-012399/13 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: European otter under threat in Lot-et-Garonne

E-012400/13 by Rachida Dati to the Commission

Subject: EU-China investment agreement: protection of geographical indications

E-012405/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Suicide rates

E-012406/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Women's economic independence

E-012408/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment in Italy: failure of the Europe 2020 strategy and concern over relocations

E-012409/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Hepatitis E: increase in contagion from animals in the UK

E-012410/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Bad diets and the associated health risks for people in Europe

P-012412/13 by Salvatore Caronna to the Commission

Subject: Suspected relocation of Electrolux

E-012413/13 by Catherine Bearder, Chris Davies and Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy to the Commission

Subject: Squalene

E-012419/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Suspicious funding in Germany

E-012424/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: The Republic of Cyprus has become a colony of its ‘protector’ motherland Turkey

E-012426/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Concealment of massive amounts of hazardous and harmful toxic waste in Italy and non-disclosure of important environmental information by the Italian authorities

E-012427/13 by Tunne Kelam to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Human Rights Situation in Kazakhstan

E-012428/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Number of European arrest warrants implemented

E-012429/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Supremacy of EC law

P-012430/13 by Tarja Cronberg to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Opening of an EU delegation in Iran

P-012431/13 by Bogusław Liberadzki to the Commission

Subject: TIR system

E-012434/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Reform of European Arrest Warrant

E-012435/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Developments in Gibraltar

E-012437/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Cases of lung cancer

E-012438/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Strokes affecting young people

E-012439/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Flash floods in India

E-012441/13 by Diane Dodds to the Commission

Subject: Motor Neurone Disease

E-012448/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: General Health Plan

P-012449/13 by Bart Staes to the Council

Subject: EU tobacco agreements and payments to Member States

E-012457/13 by Crescenzio Rivellini to the Commission

Subject: Transportation and treatment of waste from Naples in the Netherlands

E-012461/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Use of new technologies in Europe's fight against unemployment

E-012463/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Rise in use of the mephedrone-based drug ‘Slam’

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor P-010755/13

upućeno Komisiji

Tonino Picula (S&D)

(20. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: Potpora regionalnim zračnim lukama

U srpnju ove godine Europska komisija objavila je nacrt Smjernica za državne potpore zračnim lukama i avioprijevoznicima koje bi, nakon što se okončaju konzultacije sa zemljama članicama Europske unije 2. listopada 2013., trebale stupiti na snagu početkom sljedeće godine.

Predložene smjernice znatno izmjenjuju dosadašnju dinamiku ulaganja u avioinfrastrukturu i smjernice usvojene 2005. godine. Pritom se šalju signali da investicije u zračnu infrastrukturu u ovom trenutku nisu najpoželjnije (takva se interpretacija primjerice može čuti od Glavne uprave za regionalni i urbani razvoj Europske komisije). To nikako ne doprinosi ujedinjenosti Europe u različitosti (United in diversity), kako to često i Komisija naglašava, a za koju je upravo kvalitetna prometna povezanost jedan od osnovnih preduvjeta.

Među mnoštvom izmjena predloženim u području zračnog prometa nekolicina je od iznimne važnosti za Republiku Hrvatsku. Prije svega, kategorizacija zračnih luka isključivo prema broju putnika koji njima prolaze. Takva klasifikacija zanemaruje specifičnosti, kako hrvatskih tako i ostalih europskih regija, vezano uz npr. njihove postojeće intermodalne prometne veze ili zemljopisnu izoliranost. U hrvatskom slučaju to se primarno odnosi na zračne luke na otocima ili na zračnu luku Dubrovnik koja povezuje jedini ekstrateritorijalni kopneni dio cijele Europske unije, gdje su okolnosti bitno drugačije od onih u središnjem dijelu kontinenta. Pored toga, nužno je uzimati u obzir ukupnu razvojnu i socijalnu korist koju zračne luke donose cijeloj regiji.

Također, važno je naglasiti da Republika Hrvatska kao najnovija članica Europske unije, za razliku od ostalih zemalja članica, nije imala mogućnost korištenja europskih fondova u svrhu ulaganja u avioinfrastrukturu. Budući da se na sve zemlje članice EU-a primjenjuje načelo tzv. equal treatmenta, odnosno jednakog tretmana, predviđa li Europska komisija za Hrvatsku mjere kojima bi se olakšala takva ulaganja, s obzirom na to da Hrvatska u ovom trenutku priprema operativne programe i jedan dio budućih investicija planira u ovom sektoru?

Odgovor g. Almunije u ime Komisije

(15. listopada 2013.)

Komisija je u potpunosti svjesna važnosti regionalnih zračnih luka u omogućivanju dostupnosti regija i regionalnog razvoja.

Potrebno je, međutim, uzeti u obzir moguće narušavanje tržišnog natjecanja zbog državnih potpora te nužnost sprečavanja rasipanja javnih sredstava.

U tom je kontekstu nacrtom novog okvira državnih potpora za zračne luke i zračne prijevoznike predviđeno da se potpore za ulaganje u zračne luke s obzirom na njihov promet proglase sukladnima uz određene uvjete. Određene operativne potpore za regionalne zračne luke moći će se dodjeljivati tijekom prijelaznog razdoblja od 10 godina.

Države članice zadržavaju i mogućnost nametanja obveza pružanja javne usluge određenim zračnim lukama posebno u izoliranim regijama te dodjeljivanja naknade za pružanje javne usluge, u skladu s odredbama o sukladnosti potpora za javne usluge.

Države članice moći će, dakle, osigurati financiranje određenih ulaganja u zračne luke kao odgovor na stvarne potrebe građana.

Komisija još nije konačno utvrdila svoje stajalište i pomno će proučiti primjedbe koje bude zaprimila tijekom javnog savjetovanja.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010755/13

to the Commission

Tonino Picula (S&D)

(20 September 2013)

Subject: Support for regional airports

In July 2013, the Commission published proposals for directives on state support for airports and airlines. Following the conclusion of consultations with Member States on 2 October 2013, those directives should enter into force in 2014.

The proposed directives significantly alter the traditional dynamic for investment in air infrastructure and modify the directive adopted in 2005. They also send out signals that investments in air infrastructure are not currently viewed as desirable (such attitudes may be encountered in the Commission's Directorate‐General for Regional and Urban Policy). This in no way serves the objective of European unity in diversity, as the Commission often claims. High‐quality transport links are one of the key preconditions for such unity to exist.

Among the numerous changes proposed in the area of air transport, several will have a particular impact on Croatia. Above all, there is the classification of airports solely on the basis of how many passengers pass through them. Such a classification system ignores the specificities of regions both in Croatia and elsewhere in Europe (for example, their existing intermodal traffic links or geographic isolation). In the case of Croatia, the issue mainly concerns airports on islands or the airport serving Dubrovnik, which provides a transport link for the only exclave in the EU, where conditions differ greatly from those in the central part of the continent. Additionally, it is vital to take into consideration all of the developmental and social benefits that airports bring to the entire region.

Furthermore, it is important to stress that Croatia — as the newest EU Member State — has not been able to benefit from EU funds for air infrastructure investment, unlike the other Member States. Given that the principle of equal treatment is supposed to be applied with regard to all Member States, does the Commission foresee any measures to facilitate such investment for Croatia, given that Croatia is currently preparing operational programmes and that a portion of future investments are planned in this sector?

(Version française)

La Commission est pleinement consciente de l'importance des aéroports régionaux pour assurer l'accessibilité et le développement régional.

Il convient toutefois de prendre également en considération les distorsions de la concurrence qui peuvent résulter des aides d'État et la nécessité d'éviter un gaspillage des ressources publiques.

Dans ce contexte, le projet de nouvel encadrement des aides d'État en faveur des aéroports et des compagnies aériennes prévoit notamment de déclarer compatibles sous certaines conditions, les aides à l'investissement en faveur des aéroports en fonction de leur trafic. Certaines aides au fonctionnement en faveur des aéroports régionaux pourront être octroyées pendant une période transitoire de 10 années.

Les États membres conservent aussi la possibilité d'imposer des obligations de service public à certains aéroports notamment dans les régions isolées et d'octroyer des compensations de service public, conformément aux dispositions régissant la compatibilité des aides pour les services publics.

Les États membres auront donc la possibilité d'assurer le financement de certains investissements dans les aéroports qui répondent à un besoin réel des citoyens.

La Commission n'a pas encore finalisée sa position et analysera avec attention les commentaires fournis lors de la consultation publique.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-011726/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(15 octobre 2013)

Objet: Projet Aprosys

Le projet Aprosys a reçu 18 millions d'euros de l'UE, ce qui en fait une initiative européenne phare dans le domaine de la recherche sur la sécurité routière. L'équipe a rassemblé la recherche et l'expertise scientifique et technologique de toute l'Europe et a englobé un large éventail de questions liées à la sûreté, dont la biomécanique humaine, la résistance des véhicules et des infrastructures aux collisions, la détection et le contrôle ainsi que les systèmes de protection des usagers de la route et des passagers.

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

(3 décembre 2013)

Les connaissances acquises dans les essais d'impact latéral ont alimenté de nouvelles initiatives en matière de sécurité des conducteurs et des passagers prises par Euro NCAP (3) (organisme européen chargé des essais de collision), des groupes de travail du Comité européen pour l'amélioration de la sécurité des véhicules et d'autres organismes internationaux.

Les travaux se poursuivent après la fin du projet en ce qui concerne la méthode d'évaluation, les essais d'impacts frontal et latéral, les essais spécifiques pour les piétons, les cyclistes et les motocyclistes et l'intégration d'essais virtuels dans la réglementation.

Plusieurs projets du 7e PC (4) se fondent également sur les résultats d'Aprosys, comme Imviter (5), EuroFOT (6), Assess (7) et Saferider (8).

Aprosys a apporté une contribution considérable à la sécurité routière et à l'objectif d'une sécurité totale sur les routes pour 2050, fixé dans le livre blanc sur les transports, en faisant progresser la sécurité des citoyens européens de manière significative.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-011726/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(15 October 2013)

Subject: APROSYS Project

The APROSYS (Advanced Protection Systems) project has received EUR 18 million from the EU, which is making it a flagship European initiative in the field of road safety research. The team has brought together research and scientific and technological expertise from across Europe and covered a wide range of issues linked to safety, including human biomechanics, the resistance of vehicles and infrastructures to collisions, detection and control, as well as protection systems for road users and passengers.

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

(3 December 2013)

Knowledge gained in the side impact tests is being included in new, driver/passenger safety initiatives by Euro NCAP (11), (the European crash test authority), EEVC (European Enhanced Vehicle Safety Committee) working groups and other international bodies.

Further work continues after the project on the assessment method, front and side impact tests, specific tests for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and implementing virtual testing in regulations.

Several FP7 (12) projects are also building on results, such as IMVITER (13), EuroFOT (14), ASSESS (15) and SAFERIDER (16).

APROSYS has made a major contribution to road safety and to the ‘zero-vision’ 2050 objective on the Transport White Paper, delivering a significant step forward for the safety of the European citizen.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-011727/13

à la Commission

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

(15 octobre 2013)

Objet: Gaz de schiste

Le Parlement européen a proposé mercredi que les activités d'exploration et d'extraction d'hydrocarbures non-conventionnels par fracturation hydraulique fassent obligatoirement l'objet d'une étude d'impact environnemental, en amendant une législation existante.

Réponse donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(10 décembre 2013)

La Commission examine actuellement les propositions votées par le Parlement afin d'étudier cette question avec les colégislateurs dans le cadre du processus législatif en cours. Au stade actuel, la Commission reste neutre sur cette question et se veut à l'écoute. Étant donné que la question porte sur l'application d'un acte législatif existant (Annexe I de la directive EIE) aux projets relatifs au gaz de schiste (qui relèvent actuellement soit de l'annexe I soit de l'annexe II de la directive EIE), la position adoptée par la Commission dans ce contexte est sans préjudice de toute décision ultérieure de la Commission relative à l'initiative visant à instaurer un nouveau cadre spécialement conçu pour une extraction sûre et sécurisée des hydrocarbures, qui figure dans le programme de travail 2014 de la Commission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-011727/13

to the Commission

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

(15 October 2013)

Subject: Shale gas

On Wednesday, Parliament proposed that activities involving the exploration and extraction of non-conventional hydrocarbons by hydraulic fracturing should be subject to an environmental impact assessment, amending existing legislation.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 2013)

The Commission is currently examining the proposals voted by Parliament in order to discuss this matter with the co-legislators in the framework of the ongoing legislative process. At this moment, the Commission remains neutral on this issue and in listening mode. Since the issue is the scope of application of an existing piece of legislation (Annex I of the EIA Directive) to shale gas projects (which are currently covered by either Annex I or Annex II of the EIA Directive), the Commission's position in this context is without prejudice to any future Commission decision on the initiative aimed at establishing a new framework specifically designed for the safe and secure hydrocarbon extraction, which is included in the Commission Work Programme of 2014.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-012000/13

adresată Comisiei

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(21 octombrie 2013)

Subiect: Prezentarea de către Comisia Europeană a unei liste de 250 de proiecte de infrastructuri eligibile pentru o finanțare în valoare de 5,85 miliarde EUR

Comisia Europeană a prezentat în 14 octombrie o listă de 250 de proiecte de infrastructuri eligibile pentru o finanțare în valoare de 5,85 miliarde Euro. Aceste proiecte de interes comun pot beneficia de sprijin financiar prin intermediul Mecanismului Conectarea Europei. Însă suma totală alocată (5,85 miliarde Euro) nu poate acoperi nevoile de finanțare a tuturor proiectelor incluse pe lista publicată de către Comisie.

În acest context, poate oferi Comisia informații cu privire la criteriile în baza cărora vor fi selectate proiectele ce vor fi efectiv finanțate din această sumă? Cum intenționează Comisia să soluționeze situația ipotetică în care valoarea proiectelor depuse în vederea finanțării depășește anvelopa financiară de 5,85 miliarde Euro?

Răspuns dat de dl Oettinger în numele Comisiei

(6 ianuarie 2014)

Regulamentul privind liniile directoare pentru infrastructurile energetice transeuropene (17) stabilește o procedură de identificare, o dată la doi ani, a proiectelor de infrastructură energetică cu valoare adăugată ridicată la nivel european. O primă listă de 248 de proiecte de interes comun a fost publicată în octombrie 2013. Cu toate acestea, doar o mică parte dintre aceste proiecte (în special cele care se confruntă cu dificultăți în ceea ce privește viabilitatea lor comercială) vor fi eligibile pentru sprijin financiar sub formă de granturi pentru lucrări în cadrul mecanismului „Conectarea Europei” (MCE). Cele mai multe dintre acestea vor fi eligibile pentru sprijin financiar sub formă de granturi destinate exclusiv studiilor. Rata de cofinanțare pentru granturi este limitată la maximum 50 % din suma eligibilă. Anumite proiecte vor fi eligibile, de asemenea, pentru finanțare sub formă de instrumente financiare, suma maximă care urmează să fie utilizată pentru instrumentele financiare fiind limitată la 10 % din bugetul MCE. Anumite proiecte nu sunt eligibile pentru niciun ajutor financiar.

Liniile directoare stabilesc, de asemenea, măsuri nefinanciare pentru facilitarea investițiilor. Proiectele de interes comun beneficiază de facilități în ceea ce privește acordarea autorizațiilor și de un proces de reglementare ajustat în funcție de riscuri. Studiul de impact (18) realizat înainte de redactarea liniilor directoare a identificat aceste aspecte ca fiind cele mai serioase obstacole în calea investițiilor.

În mai 2014 va fi lansată prima cerere de propuneri în cadrul MCE — Energie. Criteriile de selecție și de atribuire pe care trebuie să le îndeplinească proiectele de interes comun eligibile pentru a primi finanțare vor fi identificate în programul de lucru care urmează să fie adoptat la începutul lunii aprilie 2014. Acestea vor lua în considerare, printre altele, analiza cost-beneficiu a proiectului, rezultatul deciziei de alocare transfrontalieră a costurilor și planul de afaceri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012000/13

to the Commission

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: The Commission submits a list of 250 infrastructure projects eligible for funding to the value of EUR 5.85 billion

On 14 October, the Commission submitted a list of 250 infrastructure projects which were eligible for funding to the value of EUR 5.85 billion. The projects of common interest are eligible for financial support through the Connecting Europe Facility. However, the total amount allocated (EUR 5.85 billion) cannot cover the funding needs of all the projects included on the list published by the Commission.

In light of this, can the Commission provide information regarding the criteria on which the projects that will actually be funded from this amount will be selected? How does the Commission intend to address the hypothetical situation in which the value of projects submitted for funding exceeds the EUR 5.85 billion available?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(6 January 2014)

The regulation on Guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (19) establishes a bi-annual procedure to identify energy infrastructure projects of high European added value. A first list of 248 Projects of Common Interest was published in October 2013. However only a minority of these projects (especially the ones facing difficulties in their commercial viability) will be eligible for financial support in the form of grants for works under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Most of them will be eligible for financial support in the form of grants for studies only. The co-financing rate for grants is limited to a maximum of 50% of the eligible amount. Some projects will also be eligible for access to financial instruments, the maximum amount to be used for financial instruments being limited to 10% of the CEF budget. Some projects are not eligible for any financial support at all.

The Guidelines also establish non-financial measures to facilitate investments. PCIs benefit from improved permit granting and risk-adjusted regulatory treatment. The impact assessment (20) conducted prior to the Guidelines identifies these obstacles as the most important ones to investments.

In May 2014, the first call for proposals under CEF energy will be launched. The selection and award criteria that eligible PCIs will have to meet in order to receive funding will be identified in the Work Programme to be adopted in early April 2014. They will take into account, among others, the project specific cost-benefit analysis, the outcome of the cross-border cost allocation decision and the business plan.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-012002/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(21 de octubre de 2013)

Asunto: Orientaciones RTE-T, análisis coste-beneficios, volumen de pasajeros y sostenibilidad económica de algunos trayectos del AVE

Uno de cada cuatro trayectos del AVE solo tiene un pasajero al día. En 2012 se contabilizaron 10 rutas entre las 22 estaciones de la red con menos de 10 pasajeros en los doce meses y otras 88 con menos de cinco viajeros diarios. Únicamente 16 relaciones superaron los 100 000 pasajeros en el año, y tan solo dos rebasaron el millón (21). Entre Puente Genil y Córdoba viajaron en todo el año 295 personas; entre Guadalajara y Calatayud, 127; entre Antequera y Puertollano, 108.

Entre las estaciones en las que existieron relaciones con menos de diez pasajeros al día está la de Tardienta, en Huesca; de los diez trayectos de ida o vuelta con parada en este apeadero, solo dos logran un pasajero por día. De los ocho restantes, dos suman poco más de 30 pasajeros a lo largo del año y seis no llegan ni siquiera a diez viajeros en los 12 meses. Pero este pequeño pueblo aragonés no es un caso único. Poblaciones con mucho más empaque, como Guadalajara (2 trayectos), Huesca (1), Calatayud (2), Antequera (2), Puertollano (2), Cuenca (1), Utiel-Requena (2) o Puente Genil (2), explotan alguna relación con menos de 10 pasajeros al año. Si a estas estaciones les sumamos las de ciudades como Ciudad Real o Lleida, habremos identificado las poblaciones desde las que se explota la práctica totalidad de los 48 trayectos del AVE a los que calificamos de «unipersonales», porque tuvieron uno o menos de un pasajero por día. Por ejemplo, entre Puente Genil y Córdoba viajaron en todo el año 295 personas; entre Guadalajara y Calatayud, 127; entre Antequera y Puertollano, 108.

El parque de RENFE, en el que se han invertido 5 000 millones de euros, cuenta con 195 trenes de alta velocidad. Solo 86 han sido diseñados para los trayectos directos o semidirectos entre grandes capitales del país. Las restantes 109 unidades fueron adquiridas para los servicios Alvia y Avant.

¿Tiene la Comisión conocimiento de estos datos sobre el volumen de pasajeros y el tráfico del AVE? ¿Nos puede facilitar la Comisión los datos que tiene?

¿Considera la Comisión que el dispendio dedicado a la alta velocidad en España respeta las nuevas normas RTE-T y el principio de coste-beneficio?

¿Ha recibido la Comisión un estudio sobre los retornos económicos de esta infraestructura y, en particular, se han implicado fondos de financiación europeos?

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(9 de diciembre de 2013)

En el análisis costes-beneficios del tren de alta velocidad en España se tienen en cuenta al menos entre veinte y veinticinco años de actividad. Los datos sobre tráfico del año citado son realmente insatisfactorios; no obstante, debe realizarse un análisis a largo plazo. Además, en el análisis costes-beneficios debe considerarse no solo la rentabilidad financiera, sino también la rentabilidad económica para todo el país y para la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012002/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: TEN-T guidelines, cost-benefit analysis, passenger volumes and economic sustainability of Spanish high-speed rail (AVE) routes

One in every four AVE routes has only one passenger a day. In 2012, 10 routes between the network’s 22 stations were recorded as having fewer than 10 passengers over the year and another 88 routes had fewer than five passengers a day. Only 16 routes had more than 100 000 passengers in the year, and only two had more than a million (23). Two hundred and ninety-five people travelled between Puente Genil and Córdoba in the whole year, 127 between Guadalajara and Calatayud and 108 between Antequera and Puertollano.

Stations with connections carrying fewer than 10 passengers a day included Tardienta, in Huesca; of the 10 return trips stopping at this passenger stop, only two managed one passenger a day. Of the other eight, two accounted for a little over 30 passengers over the year combined and six did not even manage 10 passengers in the 12 months. However, this little town in Aragon is not a unique case. Much bigger towns, like Guadalajara (2 routes), Huesca (1), Calatayud (2), Antequera (2), Puertollano (2), Cuenca (1), Utiel-Requena (2) and Puente Genil (2), operate connections with fewer than 10 passengers a year. If we add to these the stations in towns like Ciudad Real and Lleida, we will have identified the towns and cities from which practically all of the 48 AVE routes that we term ‘one‐person’ routes — because they had one, or less than one, passenger a day — are operated. For example, in the whole year, 295 people travelled between Puente Genil and Córdoba, 127 between Guadalajara and Calatayud and 108 between Antequera and Puertollano.

Spain’s national rail company, RENFE, has invested EUR 5 billion in its fleet, which includes 195 high-speed trains. Only 86 of these are designed for direct or semi-direct routes between the country’s major cities. The other 109 units were acquired for the Alvia and Avant services.

Is the Commission aware of this AVE passenger volume and traffic data? Can the Commission provide us with the data it has?

Does the Commission believe that the excessive sums spent on high-speed rail in Spain adhere to the new TEN‐T guidelines and the cost-benefit principle?

Has the Commission received a study on the economic returns of this infrastructure and, in particular, have European funds been involved?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 2013)

The cost benefit analysis of the high speed train in Spain takes into consideration at least 20-25 years of activity. The traffic data of the year mentioned are indeed unsatisfactory; however the analysis has to be made on a long term basis. Furthermore, the cost benefit analysis has to consider not also the financial returns but also the economic returns to the whole country and the EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012003/13

to the Commission

Glenis Willmott (S&D)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: Fructose

Earlier this year, the health claim ‘consumption of foods containing fructose leads to a lower blood glucose rise compared to foods containing sucrose or glucose’ was authorised. As a diet with high levels of fructose has been linked to obesity, and fructose is metabolised in a way that can cause health problems in the long term, it is important that this health claim does not encourage people to consume unhealthy amounts of fructose.

Will the Commission be monitoring the consumption of fructose across Europe and how this is affected by the newly authorised health claim? Will it consider revoking the authorisation of the health claim if there is evidence that it is leading to unhealthy levels of consumption of fructose? When authorising health claims in the future, will the Commission take into account the long-term health effects of increased consumption of a certain nutrient?

Question for written answer E-012473/13

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(5 November 2013)

Subject: Acceptance of fructose

The European Food Safety Authority recently decided to allow a health claim for fructose, on the grounds that it has a lower glycaemic index than sucrose or glucose. On the basis of this advice, the EU has ruled that food and drink manufacturers may claim that their sweetened products are healthier if they replace more than 30% of the glucose and sucrose in the product with fructose.

Nevertheless, health experts have warned that this could potentially increase obesity levels across the EU. Is the Commission aware of the objections raised by the health sector? If so, what plans does it have to ensure that people are adequately warned of the dangers of excessive consumption of products containing fructose?

Joint answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 2013)

The authorised claim on fructose may only be made on foods where glucose and /or sucrose have been replaced by fructose in sugar-sweetened foods or drinks; it targets people who are already consumers of sugar sweetened foods or drinks and are concerned about their blood glucose levels.

The claim was authorised on the basis of a favourable assessment carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). During the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health that gave a favourable opinion to the Commission's draft Regulation authorising the aforementioned claim, on the request of some Member States it was agreed that particular attention will be paid by the Commission to the evolution of fructose intakes following the authorisation of the claim in the report on the application of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 (25). The Commission may consider whether EFSA should be requested to provide further scientific advice in relation to the use of the claim, taking into account the evolution of scientific knowledge on fructose and the evolution of its consumption in the EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012004/13

to the Commission

Chris Davies (ALDE)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: United Kingdom's implementation of the Birds Directive

Is the Commission satisfied that the UK is meeting the requirements of the Birds Directive with regard to the designation of Special Protection Areas intended to conserve the marine habitats of seabirds, and with regard to the acquisition of data for seabirds at sea as required by Article 10?

The Birds Directive is one of the oldest EU measures intended to protect habitats and the biodiversity of species. If the Commission is not wholly satisfied that the UK is in compliance more than 30 years after the date set, what steps is it taking to ensure that respect is paid to the provisions of the directive?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2013)

The Commission is in contact with the UK authorities on the question of the insufficient designation of marine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive (26) and the underlying question of data-needs. The issue has been discussed a number of times with the UK authorities. The Commission has raised concerns that the data collection efforts and designation process need to be speeded up and is considering what further steps to take.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-012005/13

do Komisji

Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE)

(21 października 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Dostępność niebezpiecznych substancji odchudzających na rynku Unii Europejskiej

W ostatnim czasie w mediach pojawiły się niepokojące doniesienia na temat osób, które poniosły śmierć ze względu na spożycie substancji odchudzających. Większość tych substancji jest nielegalna i pochodzi z nieznanych źródeł. Zdając sobie sprawę z faktu, iż wśród młodych osób modne stało się zrzucanie wagi za wszelką cenę, chciałbym zwrócić uwagę na leki i substancje, które mimo całej gamy skutków ubocznych jednak trafiają do konsumentów. Zaliczamy do nich między innymi:

Nie są to zapewne wszystkie tego typu substancje, jednak to te są najczęściej wymieniane w kontekście niebezpieczeństwa dla człowieka. Odnalezienie ofert leków, które w swym składzie zawierają wymienione elementy, nie przysparza większych trudności. Zdając sobie sprawę, że działania służb odpowiedzialnych za ochronę zdrowia i bezpieczeństwo obywateli są niewystarczające, chciałbym zadać Komisji następujące pytania:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Tonia Borga w imieniu Komisji

(20 grudnia 2013 r.)

Produkty lecznicze mogą być wprowadzane do obrotu w UE wyłącznie po uzyskaniu pozwolenia na dopuszczenie do obrotu wydanego zgodnie z prawodawstwem farmaceutycznym (27) przez właściwy organ państwa członkowskiego w odniesieniu do jego terytorium lub przez Komisję w odniesieniu do całej UE. W obu tych przypadkach pozwolenie na dopuszczenie do obrotu produktu leczniczego udzielane jest wyłącznie po uprzedniej ocenie jakości, bezpieczeństwa stosowania i skuteczności tego produktu oraz po stwierdzeniu pozytywnego stosunku korzyści do ryzyka związanego z jego stosowaniem.

Wspólnotowy rejestr produktów leczniczych dopuszczonych przez Komisję jest dostępny na stronie internetowej Dyrekcji Generalnej ds. Zdrowia i Konsumentów (DG SANCO) (28). Rejestr ten zawiera aktualne pozwolenia na dopuszczenie do obrotu, w tym pozwolenia wydane dla produktów stosowanych w leczeniu otyłości (substancja czynna: orlistat), wycofane pozwolenia (rimonabant, 2009 r.) oraz decyzje wydane w ramach ogólnounijnych procedur wyjaśniających (zawieszenie pozwolenia dla sybutraminy, 2010 r.). Przegląd produktów leczniczych dopuszczonych przez państwa członkowskie jest dostępny na stronie internetowej szefów agencji ds. leków (UE) (29). Dodatkowych informacji o produktach dopuszczonych do obrotu w drodze procedury krajowej udzielają właściwe organy państw członkowskich.

Komisja nie posiada szczegółowych informacji na temat skali nielegalnej produkcji i sprzedaży substancji odchudzających. W kwietniu i czerwcu tego roku służby celne Zjednoczonego Królestwa przechwyciły nielegalne leki odchudzające. W czerwcowej akcji przechwycono ponad 3,7 mln dawek niedozwolonych leków, w tym leków odchudzających, o wartości około 14,5 mln EUR.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012005/13

to the Commission

Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: Access to hazardous weight-loss substances on the EU market

There have recently been disturbing media reports about people dying after taking weight-loss products. Most such substances are illegal and originate from unknown sources. Given that it has become fashionable among young people to lose weight whatever the cost, I would like to draw attention to medicinal products and substances which, in spite of their many side effects, are nevertheless available to consumers. They include the following:

This is not a comprehensive list of all such substances, but these are the most frequently mentioned in terms of their danger to human health. It is not difficult to obtain medicinal products which contain the abovementioned substances. Given that not enough action is taken by the agencies responsible for protecting people’s health and safety, I would like to ask the Commission the following:

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(20 December 2013)

A medicinal product can be placed on the EU market only after a marketing authorisation has been granted in accordance with the pharmaceutical legislation (30) either by the competent authority of a Member State for its own territory or by the Commission for the entire EU. In both cases a marketing authorisation is granted to a medicinal product only after its quality, safety and efficacy have been evaluated and a positive benefit-risk balance related to its use has been concluded.

The Community register of medicinal products authorised by the Commission is available on the website of the Health and Consumers Directorate General (DG SANCO) (31) and contains valid marketing authorisations, including those for treatment of obesity (the active substance orlistat), withdrawn authorisations (rimonabant, 2009) as well as decisions in EU-wide referral procedures (suspension of authorisation of sibutramine, 2010). An overview of medicinal products authorised by the Member States is available on the website of the Heads of Medicines Agencies (EU) (32). Additional information about nationally authorised products is provided by the competent authorities of the Member States.

The Commission does not have detailed information on the extent of the illegal production and sale of weight-loss substances. This year illegal weight-loss medicines were seized by UK borders controls in April and June. The June crackdown resulted in the seizure of over 3.7 million doses of unlicensed medicines, including for slimming, worth approximately EUR 14.5 million.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης P-012006/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Eleni Theocharous (PPE)

(21 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Εκδρομή μαθητών στην κατεχόμενη Κύπρο

Το Ευρωπαϊκό Σχολείο στις Βρυξέλλες, το οποίο χρηματοδοτείται για τη λειτουργία του και από την ΕΕ, δηλαδή και από την Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία που είναι κράτος μέλος της, διοργανώνει εκδρομές για τους μαθητές του στην κατεχόμενη Κύπρο, η οποία συνιστά κατεχόμενο ευρωπαϊκό έδαφος (διαθέτουμε όλα τα έγγραφα). Οι εκδρομές διοργανώνονται μέσω Τουρκίας και του παράνομου αεροδρομίου της Τύμπου και οι μαθητές καλούνται να μην μεταβαίνουν από την «τουρκική Κύπρο» — όπως η οδηγία του σχολείου αποκαλεί τα κατεχόμενα — στις ελεύθερες περιοχές της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας.

Θα επέμβει η Επιτροπή για να αποτραπεί η διοργάνωση εκδρομών από ένα εκπαιδευτικό ίδρυμα που λειτουργεί και με δικούς της πόρους και το οποίο, αντί να προάγει τη νομιμότητα και το σεβασμό στην ευρωπαϊκή και διεθνή έννομη τάξη, γίνεται συνεργό στην παρανομία και στην προσβολή της εδαφικής ακεραιότητας της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας και των πολιτών της και, ειδικότερα, των προσφύγων;

Αυτά μαθαίνουν στο Ευρωπαϊκό Σχολείο στους νέους μας;

Τους μαθαίνουν να συνδράμουν την παρανομία και να επικροτούν την κατοχή ή ακόμη και να διαμένουν, καθόλου παράξενο, σε κλεμμένες περιουσίες Ελληνοκυπρίων προσφύγων;

Απάντηση του κ. Šefčovič εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Έχει ήδη ληφθεί υπόψη από την Επιτροπή το θέμα που έθεσε η κυρία βουλευτής. Η Επιτροπή γνωρίζει πολύ καλά τον ευαίσθητο χαρακτήρα του θέματος. Με βάση τις πληροφορίες που έλαβε, η σχολική εκδρομή έχει έκτοτε καταργηθεί.

Τα ευρωπαϊκά σχολεία είναι επίσημα εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα που ελέγχονται από κοινού από τις κυβερνήσεις των κρατών μελών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-012006/13

to the Commission

Eleni Theocharous (PPE)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: School trips to occupied Cyprus

Despite the fact that the Republic of Cyprus, a Member State, contributes to its EU funding, the European School in Brussels, in cooperation with the Turkish authorities, is organising school trips to what is fully documented as occupied European territory in Cyprus, using the illegal airport of Tymbou. Pupils are also being instructed not to cross from what the school authorities refer to as ‘Turkish Cyprus’ into the free territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Will the Commission take action to prevent the organisation of such excursions by an EU-funded educational institution which, instead of encouraging compliance with European and international law, is becoming an accessory after the fact to infringements of the territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and its people, in particular those forced to flee from the occupied territory?

Is this what the European School is teaching our young people today?

Is it teaching them to aid and abet illegal activity, condone acts of occupation and unquestioningly accept accommodation in properties stolen from Greek Cypriot refugees?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 2013)

The Commission's attention has already been brought to the issue raised by the Honourable Member. The Commission is well aware of the sensitive nature of this issue. Based on the information received, the school trip has since been cancelled.

The European Schools are official educational establishments controlled jointly by the governments of the Member States of the European Union.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-012010/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(21 de octubre de 2013)

Asunto: Elecciones al Consejo Agrario en España

El Ministro de Agricultura del Gobierno de España, Miguel Ángel Arias Cañete, ha anunciado su intención de celebrar unas nuevas elecciones al Consejo Agrario durante el primer semestre de 2014. Estas elecciones se producen a 35 años de las últimas elecciones celebradas entre los representantes del sector. El reglamento propuesto favorece la participación de los grandes agricultores dejando a las organizaciones de pequeños agricultores en clara desventaja.

Según han denunciado COAG, UPA y Unión de Uniones, tres de las principales organizaciones agrarias del país, dicha reglamentación de las elecciones favorece a ASAJA, organización de agricultores afín a los principios del partido en el Gobierno. La propuesta de reglamento para las elecciones supone un censo electoral cuya elaboración podría beneficiar la participación de grandes agricultores; dicho censo, además de incluir a las 265 000 personas afiliadas a la seguridad social como agricultores, incluiría a aquellos perceptores de ayudas agrarias por un valor superior a los 3 000 euros anuales, unos 397 000 agricultores, dejando a otros 590 000 fuera del proceso electoral que perciben cantidades menores. Muchos de estos son pequeños agricultores que no llegan a percibir grandes cuantías en ayudas y por tanto quedan fuera del proceso, además abre la puerta a que puedan votar personas cuyas rentas agrarias supongan al menos el 25 % de sus rentas totales. Además de toda la problemática relacionada con la elaboración del censo electoral, varias asociaciones agrarias han denunciado el problema y el sesgo que puede imprimir a dicho proceso electoral el hecho de que solo se pueda votar en las capitales de provincia y en un periodo máximo de 15 días. La distribución de los agricultores a lo largo de la geografía del país supone importantes dificultades, además de unos costes en los que los agricultores deben incurrir, suponiendo otra barrera de entrada para la participación de los pequeños agricultores y aquellos que habitan en sus fincas. Existiendo una estructura nacional de oficinas agrarias que podría permitir el voto en muchas localidades sin un excesivo coste, esta condición supone otra piedra puesta en el camino para que participen cierto tipo de agricultores.

¿Conoce la Comisión el reglamento para las elecciones presentado por el Gobierno de España? ¿Considera que el censo planteado y el reglamento facilitan la participación de todos los agricultores por igual sin imprimir un sesgo hacia cierto tipo? Comparando con otras elecciones agrarias en otros Estados miembros, ¿considera el censo y el reglamento planteado la mejor opción? ¿Podría citar ejemplos de buenas prácticas en las elecciones agrarias en los otros Estados miembros?

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloş en nombre de la Comisión

(25 de noviembre de 2013)

La Comisión no es competente en materia de elecciones al Consejo Agrario en España o en cualquier otro Estado miembro. Es ese un asunto de índole puramente nacional.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012010/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: Elections to the Agriculture Council in Spain

The Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Miguel Ángel Arias Cañete, has announced his intention to hold new elections to the Agriculture Council in the first half of 2014. These elections come 35 years after the last elections held among representatives in the sector. The proposed rules favour the participation of large-scale farmers, putting small-scale farming organisations at a clear disadvantage.

According to the Coordinating Committee of Farmer and Livestock Breeder Organisations (COAG), the Small-Scale Farmers’ Union (UPA) and the Union of Unions, three of the main agricultural organisations in Spain, these election rules favour the Young Farmers’ Agricultural Association (ASAJA), the farmers’ organisation aligned with the ruling party. The proposed election rules involve an electoral census, which could, in practice, favour participation by large-scale farmers. The census, as well as including 265 000 people registered with the social security scheme as farmers, will include those who receive more than EUR 3 000 in agricultural aid annually, some 397 000 farmers, excluding from the electoral process another 590 000 who receive less. Many of those are small-scale farmers who do not receive large amounts of aid and are therefore left out of the process, and it paves the way for people whose agricultural income accounts for at least 25% of their total income to vote. On top of the problem concerning the electoral census, several agricultural associations have raised the fact that voting can only take place in provincial capitals, and for a maximum of 15 days, as a problem that might skew this electoral process. The fact that farmers are spread right across Spain creates major difficulties, as well as the costs that farmers have to incur, creating another barrier to participation by small-scale farmers and those who live on their farms. As there is a national network of agricultural offices that could make it possible to vote in many places inexpensively, this condition creates another obstacle to participation by certain farmers.

Is the Commission aware of the rules for the elections proposed by the Spanish Government? Does it think that the planned census and the rules facilitate participation by all farmers equally, without creating a bias towards a particular category of farmers? Compared with other agricultural elections in other Member States, does the Commission think the census and the planned rules are the best option? Could it give examples of good practices in agricultural elections in other Member States?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 2013)

The Commission has no competence as regards the elections to the Agriculture Council in Spain or in any other Member State. This is purely a national matter.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-012013/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(21 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Διαφορές στις τιμές υγρών καυσίμων μεταξύ των κρατών μελών της ΕΕ

Σύμφωνα με τα επίσημα στατιστικά στοιχεία που δημοσιεύονται στον δικτυακό τόπο της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής για την ενέργεια (33), οι τιμές των υγρών καυσίμων διαφέρουν σε πολύ μεγάλο βαθμό μεταξύ των κρατών μελών της Ένωσης. Οι διαφορές αυτές οφείλονται εν μέρει στις διαφορές στο επίπεδο φορολογίας μεταξύ των κρατών μελών. Παρατηρούνται όμως και τεράστιες διαφοροποιήσεις στο ποσοστό κέρδους (margin) που καρπούνται οι διάφορες επιχειρήσεις που εμπλέκονται στα ενδιάμεσα στάδια της διαδικασίας, από την αγορά της πρώτης ύλης (crude oil) μέχρι τη διάθεση του τελικού προϊόντος στην αγορά. Συγκεκριμένα, το ποσοστό κέρδους (margin), για την αμόλυβδη βενζίνη 95 οκτανίων, ποικίλει από 0,107 ευρώ το λίτρο στην Κροατία και 0,137 ευρώ το λίτρο στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο μέχρι 0,285 ευρώ το λίτρο στην Κύπρο και 0,286 ευρώ το λίτρο στην Πορτογαλία. Παρόμοιες διαφορές παρατηρούνται και σε διάφορα άλλα είδη υγρών καυσίμων. Εκ πρώτης όψεως τέτοιου μεγέθους διαφορές δεν δικαιολογούνται σε μια υποτιθέμενη ενιαία αγορά και μάλιστα για ομοιογενή προϊόντα όπως είναι τα καύσιμα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Δεκεμβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή έχει επίγνωση των διαφορών που υφίστανται μεταξύ των κρατών μελών όσον αφορά τα ακαθάριστα περιθώρια λιανικής πώλησης των διάφορων καυσίμων. Η Επιτροπή παρακολουθεί τακτικά τις εξελίξεις των τιμών καυσίμων, κυρίως μέσω του Παρατηρητηρίου Ενεργειακών Αγορών το οποίο παρουσιάζει σε εβδομαδιαία βάση τις τιμές καταναλωτή και τις καθαρές τιμές (άνευ τελών και φόρων) των προϊόντων πετρελαίου στα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ (34).

Όπως τονίζεται στη μελέτη που διεξήγαγε η εταιρεία Pöyry το 2009 (35), οι διαφορές που υφίστανται μεταξύ των κρατών μελών όσον αφορά τα ακαθάριστα περιθώρια λιανικής πώλησης είναι αποτέλεσμα διάφορων παραγόντων όπως οι δομές των αγορών διύλισης και λιανικής πώλησης και οι πρακτικές εμπορίας. Βέβαια, η διαχρονική εξέλιξη των παραγόντων αυτών είναι δυνατόν να διαφέρει από το ένα κράτος μέλος στο άλλο, γεγονός το οποίο ενδέχεται να οξύνει τις διαφορές.

Η Επιτροπή δεν παύει να επαγρυπνεί όσον αφορά τυχόν αντιανταγωνιστική συμπεριφορά στην ΕΕ. Εφόσον απαιτείται, η Επιτροπή δεν θα διστάσει να λάβει μέτρα είτε η ίδια είτε σε συνεργασία με τις εθνικές αρχές ανταγωνισμού, εάν λάβει επαρκείς πληροφορίες που δείχνουν την ύπαρξη σύμπραξης μεταξύ επιχειρήσεων ή καταχρηστικής συμπεριφοράς από μέρους μεμονωμένων εταιρειών.

Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή έχει προτείνει αναθεώρηση της «οδηγίας για τη φορολόγηση της ενέργειας» (36) η οποία προσανατολίζεται προς πιο ομοιογενείς συντελεστές ΦΠΑ και έμμεσων φόρων, ιδίως των ειδικών φόρων κατανάλωσης, και η οποία θα μπορούσε να οδηγήσει σε μεγαλύτερη σύγκλιση στις τιμές καυσίμων εντός της ΕΕ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012013/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(21 October 2013)

Subject: Differences in fuel prices between EU Member States

According to official statistical data on energy published on the Commission website (37), fuel prices differ to a considerable degree between Member States of the Union. These differences are due in part to the different taxation levels in Member States. However, huge differences have also been noted in the profits (margin) reaped by the various firms involved in the intermediate stages of the procedure, from the purchase of the raw material (crude oil) up to the placing of the final product on the market. Specifically, the profits (margin) for 95 octane unleaded petrol varies from EUR 0.107 per litre in Croatia and EUR 0.137 per litre in the UK, up to EUR 0.285 per litre in Cyprus and EUR 0.286 per litre in Portugal. Similar differences are also seen for other types of fuel. At first sight, such large differences cannot be justified in a supposedly single market, particularly for homogenous products such as fuels.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2013)

The Commission is aware of the differences between Member States in the gross retail margins (GRM) of different fuels. It regularly monitors fuel price developments notably via the Market Observatory for Energy Oil, which presents consumer prices and net prices (excluding duties and taxes) of petroleum products in the EU Member States each week (38).

As highlighted in the 2009 Pöyry study (39), differences between Member States in the GRM can be the result of various factors such as the refining and retail market structures and the marketing practices. The evolution in time of these factors can of course be different from one Member State to another, which can possibly amplify the differences.

The Commission remains vigilant in relation to possible anti-competitive behaviour in the EU. If required, it will not hesitate to act, either itself or in coordination with national competition authorities, if it receives sufficient information pointing to collusive behaviour of undertakings or abusive behaviour of individual companies.

Additionally, the Commission has proposed a revised ‘Energy Taxation Directive’ (40) which goes in the direction of more homogeneous VAT and indirect tax rates, in particular excise duties, and which could result in a better convergence of fuel prices in the EU.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-012016/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(22 octobre 2013)

Objet: Programme Galileo

La presse française vient de se faire l'écho d'un nouveau retard dans l'avancée du programme européen de radionavigation par satellites, Galileo. Elle fait ainsi état de difficultés touchant à la fabrication des satellites de la constellation par l'entreprise OHB choisie en 2011 par la Commission européenne.

La Commission confirme-t-elle l'existence de telles difficultés? Peut-elle préciser, de manière claire et transparente, de quelle nature sont les problèmes rencontrés? Un audit a-t-il été effectué sur cette situation, audit qui mentionnerait de nombreuses erreurs en termes de choix de technologies?

La Commission peut-elle en outre confirmer qu'il a été fait appel aux sociétés Thales Alenia Space et EADS Astrium pour venir en aide au fabricant désigné?

Quel impact auront ces dysfonctionnements sur les délais de livraison de l'ensemble des satellites de la constellation et sur la mise en service de Galileo? Y aura-t-il en outre des conséquences financières?

Enfin, la Commission estime-t-elle sa responsabilité engagée, vu que lorsqu'elle a choisi en 2011 la société OHB, des voix se sont fait entendre? Compte tenu de la technicité du projet, pourquoi se passe-t-on du savoir-faire des champions européens de l'industrie spatiale que sont EADS Astrium et Thales Alenia Space?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(4 décembre 2013)

Un certain nombre de défauts de conformité aux spécifications, relevés durant la phase d'essais, retardent la livraison des satellites Galileo par la société OHB. Cela n'est pas inhabituel dans l'industrie spatiale. La durée des essais a été étendue afin de résoudre les problèmes constatés.

L'Agence spatiale européenne (ASE) est en train de mener un audit visant à déterminer pourquoi les retards imputables à OHB n'ont pas été anticipés et détectés à temps par l'équipe de gestion du projet de l'ASE.

Les choix technologiques et de conception de Galileo sont robustes et adéquats. Les essais effectués sur les quatre satellites déjà déployés ont permis de faire la démonstration de l'excellente précision de positionnement.

La Commission n'a pas fait appel à Thales Alenia Space et à EADS Astrium pour que ces sociétés viennent en aide à OHB. En revanche, elle a exhorté l'ASE et OHB à prendre les mesures d'atténuation qui s'imposent et à assumer leurs responsabilités respectives.

La prolongation de la période d'essais remet en cause le calendrier de livraison des satelllites de l'OHB. L'ASE soumettra à la Commission un calendrier de lancement révisé dès que le test clé qu'est l'essai thermique sous vide sera achevé. Aucun lancement de satellites Galileo n'aura lieu en 2013. La Commission a invité l'ASE à prendre toutes les mesures appropriées pour garantir la fourniture des services initiaux d'ici à la fin de l'année 2014 ou au début de l'année 2015.

La Commission ne demandera pas de budget supplémentaire. Le contrat forfaitaire conclu avec la société OHB prévoit en effet que le risque de performance est supporté par le contractant. OHB assumera donc les conséquences du retard. Des pénalités pour retard de livraison seront imposées par la Commission conformément aux dispositions contractuelles.

La Commission a attribué le marché à OHB à l'issue d'une mise en concurrence parfaitement conforme aux règles en vigueur dans l'UE. La décision d'attribution était fondée sur les recommandations de l'ASE, selon lesquelles l'offre d'OHB était économiquement la plus avantageuse.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-012016/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Galileo programme

The French press has reported recently a further delay in progress on the European satellite navigation programme Galileo. The report spoke of problems the firm OHB is having with the manufacture of the constellation satellites. OHB was awarded the contract by the Commission in 2011.

Can the Commission confirm that problems have been encountered? Can it state clearly and openly, what these problems are? Has the situation been audited and will the audit mention the numerous mistakes made in terms of the technology chosen?

Can the Commission confirm too that it has asked Thales Alenia Space and EADS Astrium to come to the aid of the appointed manufacturer?

What impact will these problems have on the delivery schedule for all the satellites in the constellation and on Galileo becoming operational? Will this have financial repercussions as well?

Finally, does the Commission consider itself responsible in any way, in view of the objections raised when it awarded the contract to OHB in 2011? Considering the technical nature of this project, why are we not drawing on the know-how of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, the European leaders in the space industry?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2013)

A number of non-compliances with the specifications identified during testing are delaying the delivery of Galileo satellites by the firm OHB. This is not unusual for space industrial activities. The test duration has been extended to resolve the problems.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting an audit to assess why OHB delays were not anticipated and detected in time by ESA project management.

The Galileo design and technological choices are robust and adequate. Tests carried out on the four satellites already deployed have demonstrated an excellent positioning precision.

The Commission has not requested Thales Alenia Space or EADS Astrium to aid OHB. Instead, the Commission has urged ESA and OHB to take the mitigation measures and assume their respective responsibilities.

The prolongation of tests impacts the delivery schedule for the OHB satellites. ESA will submit to the Commission a revised launch schedule on completion of the key thermal vacuum test. No launch of Galileo satellites will take place in 2013. The Commission has requested ESA to take all appropriate measures to guarantee the provision of early services by the end of 2014, beginning of 2015.

The Commission will not require supplementary budget. Under the firm and fixed price contract concluded with OHB the risk of performance is borne by the contractor. OHB will assume the consequences of the delay. Penalties for the late delivery will be claimed by the Commission in accordance with contractual provisions.

The Commission awarded the contract to OHB as result of a competitive procurement carried out in full compliance with the EU rules. The award decision was based on the ESA recommendations that the OHB tender represented best value for money.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012018/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Der große Energiebericht

Die Medien berichten, dass der große Energiebericht der Europäischen Kommission Gefahr läuft, „beschönigt“ zu werden. Zwei Entwürfe, ein vorläufiger sowie der endgültige Entwurf, wurden dankenswerterweise gleich zur Verfügung gestellt.

Das zuständige Kommissionsmitglied Oettinger wird um eine umfassende Stellungnahme zu den folgenden Punkten gebeten:

Gemeinsame Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(11. Dezember 2013)

Die Kommission verweist die Frau Abgeordnete auf ihre Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage P-011809/2013 von Herrn Leinen, in der auch in vollem Umfang auf die Frage eingegangen wird, die von den Abgeordneten in den oben genannten Anfragen angesprochen wurde.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-013072/13

aan de Commissie

Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

(18 november 2013)

Betreft: Hoeveelheid energiesubsidies per energiebron

Op 5 november 2013 presenteerde de Commissie de communicatie „Delivering the internal electricity market and making the most of public intervention”. De juiste toepassing van ondersteuningsmechanismen is inderdaad cruciaal voor de verdere ontwikkeling van ons energielandschap en het halen van onze energie‐ en klimaatsdoelstellingen. Dit onderwerp verdient dan ook een uitgebreid debat in al de Europese instellingen. Om dit debat grondig te kunnen voeren moet men echter beschikken over correct, gedetailleerd en recent cijfermateriaal.

Het werkdocument betreffende bovengenoemde communicatie lekte al uit in oktober in de Duitse pers. Dit document bevatte ook passages waarin cijfermateriaal zat opgenomen over de hoeveelheid steun die de verschillende energiebronnen (hernieuwbare, fossiele en nucleaire energie) konden ontvangen in 2011. Deze passages, die te vinden waren op pagina 2 van het werkdocument, werden echter geschrapt en zijn ook niet opgenomen in de definitieve versie van de communicatie.

Kan de Commissie:

Antwoord van de heer Oettinger namens de Commissie

(11 december 2013)

De Commissie wil het geachte Parlementslid verwijzen naar haar antwoord op schriftelijke vraag P-011809/2013 van de heer Jo Leinen, waarin bovenstaande vragen van de geachte Parlementsleden ook volledig worden beantwoord.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012018/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: The big energy report

The media are reporting that there is a risk of the Commission’s big energy report being ‘glossed over’. Thankfully, two drafts, a preliminary one and the final draft, were both made available.

I would ask the competent Commissioner, Mr Oettinger, to provide a detailed statement on the following points:

Question for written answer P-013072/13

to the Commission

Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

(18 November 2013)

Subject: Amount of energy subsidies per energy source

On 5 November 2013, the Commission presented the communication ‘Delivering the internal electricity market and making the most of public intervention’. The correct use of support instruments is indeed crucial for the further development of our energy landscape and the attainment of our energy and climate targets. This subject therefore ought to be debated in detail within all the European institutions. To enable this debate to be conducted thoroughly, however, correct, detailed and recent statistics are needed.

The working document concerning the above communication was already leaked to the German press in October. This document also contained passages which included statistics on the amount of support given to the various energy sources (renewables, fossil fuels and nuclear power) in 2011. However, these passages, which appeared on page 2 of the working document, were deleted and do not appear in the final version of the communication either.

Joint answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question

P-011809/2013 by Mr Jo Leinen, which also fully addresses the question raised by the Honourable Members in the questions above.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012019/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Die angeblich „nicht gesicherten“ Zahlen des Energieberichts

Die — aus bisher nicht nachvollziehbaren Gründen — gestrichenen Zahlen im vorläufigen Entwurf der Europäischen Kommission zeichnen ein fragwürdiges Bild über die Förderung von Energieformen im Jahre 2011. 26 Mrd. EUR wurden für fossile Kraftwerke, 35 Milliarden (laut Medienbericht) EUR für nukleare Anlagen und für indirekte Förderungen von Energie aus Kohle und Gas rund 40 Mrd. EUR von den Mitgliedsländern ausgegeben. „Lediglich“ 30 Mrd. EUR an Fördergeldern gehen an erneuerbare Energieträger (renewable energy ressources).

Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(29. November 2013)

Die Kommission verweist die Frau Abgeordnete auf ihre Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage P-11809/2013 (41).

Die Kommission hat ihre Vorstellungen zu staatlichen Interventionen im Elektrizitätssektor in ihrer Mitteilung vom 5. November 2013 (42) dargelegt. Öffentliche Interventionen müssen gut konzipiert und verhältnismäßig sein, damit sie optimal genutzt werden können, die Energiepreise erschwinglich bleiben und das Funktionieren des Binnenmarktes nicht beeinträchtigt wird. Diese Grundsätze gelten für alle Technologien.

In einigen Mitgliedstaaten, z. B. Deutschland, gibt es Anhaltspunkte dafür, dass erneuerbare Energien in einer Höhe gefördert wurden, die die Erzeugungskosten überstieg. Die Kommission rät zwar von rückwirkenden Kürzungen ab, dennoch vertritt sie die Auffassung, dass die kostenorientierte Förderung erneuerbarer Energien für langfristige stabile Investitionsbedingungen im Hinblick auf erneuerbare Energien wichtig ist.

Wenn die Gewährung von Subventionen staatliche Beihilfen involviert, gelten hierfür die Regelungen des Vertrags und die einschlägige Rechtsprechung. Liegt keine staatliche Beihilfe vor, können Subventionen dennoch unter die für gemeinwirtschaftliche Verpflichtungen geltenden Regelungen der Elektrizitätsrichtlinie (43) fallen. In der oben genannten Mitteilung beschreibt die Kommission, welche Grundsätze und Kriterien sie bei der Überprüfung der diesbezüglichen staatlichen Interventionen zugrunde zu legen beabsichtigt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012019/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: The allegedly ‘unreliable’ figures in the energy report

The — for reasons which are currently unclear — deleted figures in the Commission’s preliminary draft paint a dubious picture of the subsidising of energy sources in 2011. The Member States paid out EUR 26 billion for fossil fuel power stations, EUR 35 billion (according to media reports) for nuclear plants and around EUR 40 billion in indirect subsidies for energy from coal and gas. ‘Only’ EUR 30 billion in subsidies goes to renewable energy resources.

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question

P-11809/2013 (44).

The Commission has set out its vision on public interventions in the electricity sector in its communication of 5th November 2013 (45). Public intervention must be proportionate and well designed in order to make most of it, to keep energy bills affordable and not to distort the functioning of the internal market. Such principles apply to all technologies.

For some Member States, for example Germany, evidence exists that for some time renewables received support above the costs of production. Whilst advising against retroactive cuts, the Commission considers that cost-reflective support for renewables is important to underpin long-term stable investment conditions for renewables.

If granting of subsidies involves state aid, it is regulated by the Treaty and the relevant state aid jurisprudence. If no state aid is involved, subsidies may still fall under the rules on Public Service Obligations of the Electricty Directive (46). In the abovementioned Communication, the Commission sets out which principles and criteria it intends to rely on when reviewing public interventions in this context.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012020/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Liste von Kommissionsmitglied Oettinger

Infrastruktur im Sinn des Allgemeinwohls ist eine Sache. Die andere ist es, wenn Bürgerinnen und Bürger der Europäischen Union unter Großprojekten leiden. Es ist eine Grundsatzfrage, ob ab einem gewissen Ausmaß noch von „Allgemeinwohl“ die Rede sein kann, wenn ganze Landstriche massive Eingriffe in das Landschaftsbild und EinwohnerInnen Auswirkungen von Leitungen fürchten müssen.

Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(4. Dezember 2013)

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/pci/doc/2013_pci_projects_country.pdf

Um die Bürgerbeteiligung in einer sehr frühen Phase der Projektplanung sicherzustellen, ist in der Infrastruktur-Verordnung geregelt, dass die Öffentlichkeit frühzeitig vor der Einreichung der vollständigen Unterlagen bei der Genehmigungsbehörde durch den Projektträger angehört werden muss. Stellt sich heraus, dass ein Projekt, das auf der Unionsliste der Vorhaben von gemeinsamem Interesse steht, mit dem EU-Recht nicht in Einklang steht, sollte es von dieser Liste gestrichen werden.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012020/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Commissioner Oettinger's list

Infrastructure of common interest is one thing. It is quite another when citizens of the European Union suffer as a result of large-scale projects. It is a fundamental question whether, as projects reach a certain scale, it is still possible to regard them as ‘of common interest’ if whole regions have to fear major disruption to the landscape and the residents the effects of pipelines.

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2013)

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/pci/doc/2013_pci_projects_country.pdf

To ensure that citizens are involved in the very early phase of the project planning process, the Infrastructure Regulation introduced a mandatory early public consultation before the project promoter submits the complete file to the permit granting authority. If a project included in the PCI list turns out not to be in compliance with the EU acquis, it should be removed from the Union list of PCIs.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012021/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Die neue Wirtschaftspolitik Frankreichs

Die französische Nationalversammlung hat vor kurzem ein Gesetz verabschiedet, das die Schließung von Privatfirmen mit mehr als 1 000 Mitarbeitern unter Strafe stellen soll, falls die Firma an sich noch wirtschaftlich ist.

2.1 Wenn ja, welche Konsequenzen muss die Europäische Union in Betracht ziehen, was mögliche Schäden durch Firmenabwanderungen aufgrund auferlegter Entscheidungszwänge anbetrifft?

2.2 Wird sich dies nach Ansicht der Kommission auf das außereuropäische Investitionsvolumen auswirken? Wenn ja, in welcher Höhe können sich mögliche Verluste bei der Investitionstätigkeit bewegen?

Antwort von László Andor im Namen der Kommission

(17. Dezember 2013)

Die französische Nationalversammlung hat am 1. Oktober 2013 einen Gesetzesentwurf verabschiedet, der derzeit im Senat erörtert wird und Unternehmen mit mehr als 1 000 Mitarbeitern, die einen Standort schließen, verpflichtet, nach einem möglichen Käufer zu suchen. Im Gesetzesentwurf ist tatsächlich die Möglichkeit vorgesehen, Sanktionen zu verhängen, wenn i) das Unternehmen nicht nach einem Käufer für diesen Standort sucht oder ii) das Unternehmen nicht ausreichend begründet, weshalb es ein gültiges Angebot ablehnt.

Ebensowenig wie die Kommission Unternehmensentscheidungen, z. B. zur Umstrukturierung, beeinflusst, mischt sie sich in nationale Gesetzgebungsakte hinsichtlich der Konsequenzen solcher Entscheidungen ein bzw. kommentiert diese, es sei denn, sie verstoßen gegen EU-Recht. Abgesehen von den Vorschriften für die Arbeitnehmerbeteiligung, die in mehreren EU-Richtlinien geregelt wird, unterliegen Unternehmensumstrukturierungen und insbesondere Unternehmensschließungen als solche nicht den EU-Rechtsvorschriften.

Die Kommission ist nicht in der Lage, die Konsequenzen eines Gesetzes, das später verabschiedet wird, für ausländische Investitionen oder seinen Einfluss auf andere Länder nicht antizipieren. Die Kommission merkt jedoch an, dass die geplanten neuen Anforderungen Unternehmensschließungen zwar erschweren, den Umfang der Auflagen für Unternehmensschließungen allerdings nicht grundlegend ändern würden, da in Frankreich infolge der Annahme des Gesetzes zur Beschäftigungssicherung vom Juni 2013 und in vielen anderen Mitgliedstaaten bereits vergleichbare Verpflichtungen existieren.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012021/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: France's new economic policy

The French National Assembly has recently passed a law that provides for the imposition of a fine in the event of the closure of a private company with more than 1 000 employees if the company is still viable.

2.1 If so, what consequences does the European Union need to take into consideration as regards possible damage caused by businesses relocating on account of the constraints imposed on their decisions?

2.2 In the Commission’s opinion, will this affect the volume of investments from outside Europe? If so, how large might potential losses in investments be?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(17 December 2013)

The French National Assembly adopted on 1 October 2013 a draft law, currently in discussion in the Senate, which requires companies with more than 1 000 employees closing a site to look for a potential buyer. The draft law indeed introduces the possibility to impose sanctions if (i) the company fails to look for a buyer for this site or (ii) if it does not sufficiently justify the reasons for refusing a valid offer.

In the same way as it does not interfere in companies' business decisions, including when they lead to restructuring, the Commission does not intrude, nor comment, on national legislative acts governing the consequences of such decisions insofar as they do not collide with EC law. In that respect, apart from rules on employee involvement, governed by several EU Directives, corporate restructuring, and in particular, the closure of undertakings is not in itself subject to any EU legal provision.

The Commission is not in a situation to anticipate the consequences of the law which will eventually be passed on inward investment or its influence in other countries. It notes however that the foreseen new requirements, while making the process for site closure more complex, would not fundamentally change the level of constraint imposed on closing companies, as similar obligations already exist in France, following the adoption of the law on securing employment in June 2013, and in many other Member States.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012022/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Finanzierung von Tierschutz in Rumänien

Das Problem begleitet Europa schon seit Jahren: Offenbar kommen in Rumänien immer wieder Tiere, vor allem Straßenhunde in großer Zahl zu Tode. Solche Maßnahmen seien notwendig, weil eine Gefahr für die Bevölkerung bestehe, heißt es mitunter.

Antwort von Tonio Borg im Namen der Kommission

(10. Dezember 2013)

Die Kommission möchte die Frau Abgeordnete auf die Antworten zu den schriftlichen Anfragen E‐006543/2011, E-007161/2011, E-002062/2012 und E-005276/2013 (51) verweisen, die sich mit der Problematik streunender Hunde und der Kontrolle des Hundebestands beschäftigen.

Die Zuständigkeiten der EU ermöglichen der Kommission nicht, Programme zur Bekämpfung streunender Hunde zu finanzieren.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012022/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Funding of animal welfare in Romania

For many years, Europe has been dealing with the problem of animals in Romania, stray dogs in particular, apparently being killed in large numbers on a regular basis. Such measures are sometimes said to be necessary because there is a danger to the people.

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 2013)

The Honourable Member is invited to refer to the answers to written questions E‐006543/2011, E-007161/2011, E-002062/2012 and E-005276/2013 (52) which address the issues of stray dogs and of dog population management.

EU competences do not allow the Commission to fund stray dogs control programs.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012024/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Regierungskrise in Italien — Vertrauensverlust

In den vergangenen Tagen wurden zahlreiche Medienberichte laut, die die — nun bereits wiederholt stattfindende — Regierungskrise in Italien zum Thema hatten.

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(3. Dezember 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012024/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Governmental crisis in Italy — loss of confidence

In recent days, there have been numerous media reports on the subject of the — now recurring — governmental crisis in Italy.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2013)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-012025/13

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22. Oktober 2013)

Betrifft: Qualitätsunterschiede bei Gerichtsgutachten

Die Bestellung von Gutachtern in Sorgerechtsfällen funktioniert europaweit nach unterschiedlichen Regelungen, die — insbesondere was die fachlichen Qualifikationen angeht — zunehmend häufiger zu unbilligen Ergebnissen führen. In einem derart sensiblen und auswirkungsstarken Bereich sind unwissenschaftliche und schlicht falsche Gutachten in großem Ausmaß kritisch zu sehen.

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(8. Januar 2014)

Der Kommission liegen bislang keine Informationen über Probleme aufgrund unterschiedlicher Rechtsvorschriften der Mitgliedstaaten über die Bestellung von Gutachtern in Sorgerechtsfällen vor. Die Kommission prüft diese Frage derzeit jedoch im Zusammenhang mit der Überarbeitung der Anwendung der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1206/2001 des Rates über die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Gerichten der Mitgliedstaaten auf dem Gebiet der Beweisaufnahme in Zivil‐ oder Handelssachen.

Im Zuge dieser Überarbeitung hat die Kommission den Mitgliedstaaten einen Fragebogen zugesandt, um Informationen über die praktische Anwendung der Verordnung zu sammeln. Die darin enthaltene Frage Nr. 40 bezieht sich auf die Folgen der Anwendung unterschiedlicher Qualitätsstandards auf Gutachten infolge voneinander abweichender nationaler Rechtsvorschriften.

Die Qualitätsstandards für Gutachten und ihre Auswirkungen in zivilrechtlichen Verfahren unterliegen nicht den EU-Rechtsvorschriften. Die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1206/2001 betrifft insbesondere die Mechanismen der Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Gerichten der Mitgliedstaaten zum Zweck der grenzübergreifenden Beweisaufnahme. Andere Themen wie der Beweismittelbegriff, die Beweislast, die Beweiswürdigung und das Beweismaß unterliegen dem jeweiligen nationalen Recht. Gemäß der Verordnung soll das ersuchte Gericht das Gesuch zwar nach Maßgabe des Rechts seines Mitgliedstaats erledigen, doch wird die Wirkung solcher Beweise im ersuchenden Mitgliedstaat nicht durch das EU-Recht geregelt. Die Gerichte des ersuchenden Mitgliedstaats müssen daher bei der Würdigung der von dem ausländischen Gericht übermittelten Beweise (einschließlich der Qualität von Gutachten) und bei der Ermittlung ihrer Beweiskraft ihr nationales Recht anwenden.

Die Kommission sammelt nun Informationen über die Auswirkungen dieser uneinheitlichen Rechtslage auf die grenzübergreifende Beweisaufnahme. Diese Informationen werden in den Bewertungsbericht einfließen, der 2014 angenommen werden soll. Anschließend wird die Kommission prüfen, welche Folgemaßnahmen möglicherweise erforderlich sind.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012025/13

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Quality differences in expert opinions in court

The appointment of experts in custody cases operates according to different rules throughout Europe. These different rules — in particular where professional qualifications are concerned — are increasingly resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. In a sensitive area such as this, where the consequences can be serious, unscientific and quite simply erroneous expert opinions on a large scale are to be viewed with criticism.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2014)

To date the Commission has not received information on problems derived from diverging Member State laws on the appointment of experts in custody cases. The Commission is, however, currently examining this issue in the context of the review of the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1206/2001 on cooperation between the courts of the Member States in the taking of evidence in civil or commercial matters.

As part of this review exercise, the Commission sent a questionnaire to Member States to gather information on the practical operation of the regulation. Question No 40 addresses the consequences of applying different quality standards to expert opinions as a result of diverging national laws.

EU legislation does not govern quality standards of expert opinions or their effects in civil litigation. Regulation 1206/2001 covers in particular the cooperation mechanisms between Member State courts for the purposes of the cross-border taking of evidence. Other issues such as means of evidence, burden of proof, assessment of evidence and standard of evidence are left to national law. Although the regulation provides that the requested court shall execute the request in accordance with its own law, the effect of such evidence in the requesting Member State is not governed by EC law. The courts of the requesting Member State must thus apply national law to assess the evidence delivered by the foreign court, including the quality of expert opinions, and to establish its evidentiary value.

The Commission is now collecting input on the impact of this legal diversity on the cross-border taking of evidence, which will be reflected in the evaluation report to be adopted in 2014. The Commission will thereafter consider the follow-up action that may be required.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-012026/13

adresată Comisiei

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(22 octombrie 2013)

Subiect: Restricțiile comerciale aplicate de Rusia statelor membre ale UE și țărilor din Parteneriatul estic

În cadrul observațiilor sale referitoare la restricțiile vamale aplicate de Federația Rusă începând cu 12 septembrie 2013 produselor lactate din Lituania, comisarul pentru comerț, Karel de Gucht, a declarat la 8 octombrie 2013 că va introduce acest subiect pe ordinea de zi a Consiliului pentru comerțul cu mărfuri din cadrul Organizației Mondiale a Comerțului (OMC), care urma să aibă loc la 18 octombrie 2013.

În plus, la 10 octombrie 2013, în urma unui dezacord cu guvernul neerlandez, Federația Rusă a amenințat că va impune restricții asupra importurilor de lalele și de brânză cu pastă tare din Țările de Jos.

Aceste restricții urmează unor măsuri vamale similare aplicate de Federația Rusă Ucrainei și Republicii Moldova. Aceste sancțiuni au fost condamnate atât de Parlament, în cuprinsul rezoluției sale referitoare la presiunea exercitată de Rusia asupra țărilor din cadrul Parteneriatului estic (în contextul apropiatului summit al Parteneriatului estic ce va avea loc la Vilnius), cât și de Comisie, ca fiind o formă inacceptabilă de presiune. La 11 septembrie 2013, comisarul pentru extindere și politica de vecinătate, Štefan Füle, a criticat obstacolele artificiale din calea comerțului, cum ar fi interdicțiile aplicate importurilor, care nu par să fie compatibile cu normele OMC, precum și practicile vamale greoaie.

În prezent, Federația Rusă menține în continuare numai interdicția aplicată importurilor de vinuri din Republica Moldova. Serviciile sanitare din ambele țări desfășoară în prezent negocieri, însă amânarea eliminării restricțiilor cauzează pierderi semnificative producătorilor și exportatorilor din Republica Moldova.

Răspuns dat de dl De Gucht în numele Comisiei

(13 decembrie 2013)

Comisia este de părere că cel mai bun răspuns în fața presiunii externe este semnarea și punerea rapidă în aplicare, cu titlu provizoriu, a AA/ZLSCC cu partenerii din est care optează pentru acest lucru. În plus, UE analizează în prezent toate posibilitățile de sprijin, inclusiv măsurile comerciale. Un exemplu de măsură comercială de sprijin care ar putea fi adoptată de UE ar fi liberalizarea importurilor de vin din Moldova. Acest lucru ar putea fi realizat prin intermediul unei modificări a actualului Regulament (CE) nr. 55/2008 al Consiliului (53) privind preferințele comerciale autonome ale UE (Regulamentul PCA) pentru Moldova. La 25 septembrie 2013, Comisia a prezentat o propunere legislativă în acest sens, care este analizată în prezent în cadrul Parlamentului și al Consiliului.

În plus, Comisia va continua să colaboreze îndeaproape cu statele membre pentru a aborda obstacolele încă existente care afectează exporturile UE către Rusia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012026/13

to the Commission

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Russia's trade restrictions on EU Member States and on Eastern Partnership countries

Commenting on the Russian Federation’s customs restrictions on Lithuanian dairy products, in force since 12 September 2013, Commissioner for Trade Karel de Gucht declared on 8 October 2013 that he would place this subject on the agenda of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Council for Trade in Goods which was due to take place on 18 October 2013.

Furthermore, on 10 October 2013, the Russian Federation also threatened restrictions on imports of tulips and hard cheese from the Netherlands, as a result of a disagreement with the Dutch Government.

These restrictions come after similar customs restrictions were imposed by the Russian Federation on Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. These sanctions were condemned as unacceptable pressure by both Parliament, through its resolution on pressure exerted by Russia on Eastern Partnership countries (in the context of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius), and the Commission. On 11 September 2013, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle criticised ‘the artificial trade obstacles, such as import bans of dubious WTO compatibility, and cumbersome customs procedures’.

At present, the Russian Federation only upholds the ban on wines from the Republic of Moldova. Talks are taking place between the health services of both countries, but the delays in lifting the restrictions are causing significant losses to producers and exporters from the Republic of Moldova.

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(13 December 2013)

The Commission believes that the best response in the face of external pressure is the signature and swift provisional application of the AA/ DCFTAs with the Eastern Partners who choose to do so. Furthermore, the EU is examining all support possibilities, including trade measures. One example of support trade measures that could be undertaken by the EU would be the liberalisation of wine imports from Moldova. This could be achieved through a modification of the existing Council Regulation (EC) No 55/2008 (54) on EU autonomous trade preferences (ATP Regulation) for Moldova. On 25 September 2013 the Commission made a legislative proposal in this regard which is being considered by Parliament and the Council.

In addition, the Commission will continue to work closely with the Member States to address the remaining barriers which affect EU exports to Russia.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-012028/13

lill-Kummissjoni

Claudette Abela Baldacchino (S&D)

(22 ta' Ottubru 2013)

Suġġett: Tluq bikri mill-iskola

Skont ir-rapport ippublikat wara l-konferenza dwar “It-tnaqqis tat-Tluq Bikri mill-Iskola: Politiki effiċjenti u effettivi fl-Ewropa” li saret fi Brussell fl-1 u t-2 ta' Marzu 2012, it-tluq bikri mill-iskola (ESL) jaffettwa żagħżugħ minn kull seba' u hu wieħed mill-isfidi edukattivi ewlenin fl-Ewropa: it-tnaqqis tar-rati tal-ESL hu objettiv kondiviż tal-Istati Membri.

Iktar minn 14 % taż-żgħażaġħ kollha fl-UE li għandhom bejn it-18 u l-24 sena jispiċċaw l-edukazzjoni u t-taħriġ tagħhom biss b'livell baxx ta' edukazzjoni sekondarja jew inqas; it-tnaqqis tar-rati tal-ESL hu għalhekk wieħed mill-miri ewlenin tal-istrateġija Ewropa 2020. Jekk din il-mira tintlaħaq, ir-rata medja tal-ESL fl-UE tkun tniżżlet taħt l-10 % sal-2020.

Ir-Rakkomandazzjoni tal-Kunsill tat-28 ta' Ġunju 2011 dwar linji politiċi sabiex jitnaqqas it-tluq bikri mill-iskejjel (55) tiddefinixxi linja ta' referenza komuni għall-iżvilupp tal-politika. F'din ir-rakkomandazzjoni l-Istati Membri qablu li sal-2012 għandhom jimplimentaw strateġiji komprensivi biex jikkumbattu l-ESL.

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

(12 ta' Diċembru 2013)

Minkejja li l-biċċa l-kbira tal-Istati Membri ħadu miżuri biex jikkumbattu l-ESL, ftit huma dawk li implimentaw strateġiji komprensivi. NL u IE ilhom is-snin li implimentawhom; AT għamlet dan milux, filwaqt li BG u MT se jimplimentawhom issa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012028/13

to the Commission

Claudette Abela Baldacchino (S&D)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Early school leaving

According to the report published following the conference on ‘Reducing Early School Leaving: Efficient and effective policies in Europe’ held in Brussels on 1 and 2 March 2012, early school leaving (ESL) affects one in seven young people and is one of the main educational challenges in Europe: reducing ESL rates is a shared objective of the Member States.

More than 14% of all 18-to-24-year-olds in the EU finish their education and training with only lower secondary education or less; to reduce ESL rates is therefore one of the headline targets in the Europe 2020 strategy. If the target is met, the average ESL rate in the EU will have been cut to under 10% by 2020.

The Council recommendation of 28 June 2011 on policies to reduce early school leaving (56) defines a common baseline for policy development. The Member States agreed in this recommendation to put in place comprehensive strategies to combat ESL by the end of 2012.

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2013)

Despite most MS having taken measures to tackle ESL, few have implemented comprehensive strategies. The NL and IE have had them for some years; AT recently, while BG and MT are about to do so.

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor E-012029/13

upućeno Komisiji

Sandra Petrović Jakovina (S&D)

(22. listopada 2013.)

Predmet: Problemi sigurnosti u pružanju usluga na području zračne plovidbe

Zakonodavstvo o jedinstvenom europskom nebu regulira zajedničke zahtjeve za pružanje usluga na području zračne plovidbe, kao i certificiranje i određivanje pružatelja usluga u zračnoj plovidbi. Certifikatima se utvrđuju prava i obveze pružatelja usluga u zračnoj plovidbi s posebnim naglaskom na sigurnost. Od nacionalnih nadzornih tijela očekuje se da nadziru sukladnost sa zajedničkim zahtjevima i uvjetima vezanima uz certifikate.

Otkrije li nacionalno nadzorno tijelo da nositelj certifikata više ne zadovoljava zahtjeve i uvjete, mora poduzeti primjerene mjere istovremeno osiguravajući neprekinuto pružanje usluge. Kako bi se osiguralo ispravno funkcioniranje sustava certificiranja, države članice u okviru svojih godišnjih izvješća Komisiji trebale bi pružiti sve relevantne informacije o odstupanjima koje je odobrilo njihovo nacionalno nadzorno tijelo. Pružatelj usluga u zračnoj plovidbi dužan je dokazati usklađenost za razdoblje valjanosti certifikata i za sve pružene usluge. Prije izdavanja certifikata, nacionalno nadzorno tijelo trebalo bi ispitati primjerenost pružatelja usluga te svake godine ocijeniti trajnu sukladnost pružatelja usluga u zračnoj plovidbi.

Budući da pružatelj usluga u zračnoj plovidbi mora dokazati sukladnost, tj. pokazati usklađenost i trajnu usklađenost, opravdano je ukazati da u većoj ili manjoj mjeri postoji mogućnost nedostataka, a time se mogu dovesti u pitanje aspekti sigurnosti putnika u pružanju usluga u zračnoj plovidbi. Godišnja izvješća Eurocontrola o provedbi zakonodavstva o jedinstvenom europskom nebu jasno pokazuju da neke države članice u pitanjima koje regulira zakonodavstvo EU-a nisu potpuno usklađene.

Na primjer, što se tiče trajne usklađenosti, neka nacionalna nadzorna tijela nisu provjerila sve svoje certificirane pružatelje usluga u zračnoj plovidbi kao što je određeno zajedničkim zahtjevima. Preporuka je bila da bi se, s obzirom na broj zahtjeva te na veliki broj pružatelja usluga koje je potrebno nadgledati, trebalo promicati uporabu savjetodavnog materijala i dobre prakse kako bi se osigurala kako bi se osigurala primjerena provjera i potvrda sukladnosti istovremeno posvećujući pozornost ograničenim sredstvima nacionalnih nadzornih tijela. Nadalje, što se tiče određivanja, dvije države članice odredile su pružatelje usluga u zračnoj plovidbi za koje se čini da nemaju certifikat. Na području ocjenjivanja uspješnosti zaključeno je da kapacitet i učinkovitost zračnog prostora sveukupno dostavljenih podataka upućuju na prilično nisku razinu provedbe. Što se tiče nadzora usklađenosti, ukupni prijavljeni broj provedenih inspekcija, istraživanja i sigurnosnih revizija u svrhu takvog nadzora bio je vrlo nizak.

S obzirom na to da smo nedavno bili suočeni s ozbiljnim sigurnosnim pitanjima u vezi s pružanjem usluga u zračnom prometu, što je u konačnici ugrozilo ljudske živote, može li Komisija izjaviti koje mjere namjerava poduzeti u cilju konačnog ukidanja takvih štetnih praksi država članica i/ili pružatelja usluga u zračnoj plovidbi, imajući na umu da uvođenje sankcija državama članicama zbog neprovedbe ili nepravilne provedbe zakonodavstva nije konačno rješenje tog problema?

Odgovor g. Kallasa u ime Komisije

(10. prosinca 2013.)

Uredbe o Jedinstvenom europskom nebu (SES) razlikuju dva odvojena subjekta: Pružatelje usluga zračne plovidbe koji pružaju kontrolu nad zračnim prijevozom i ostale usluge te Nacionalna nadzorna tijela koja nadgledaju pružatelje usluga. Kako je navedeno u pitanju, nedavne revizije ukazale su na nedostatke u načinu na koji tijela vlasti ovjeravaju i nadgledaju pružatelje usluga te kako osiguravaju provedbu propisa koji se odnose na Jedinstveno europsko nebo (SES). Nadalje provedba zadanih ciljeva i dalje je nezadovoljavajuća u smislu ambicija i korektivnih mjera. To se događa naime zbog nedostatka neovisnosti i sredstava ili stručnosti u tijelima vlasti.

Prijedlog za SES2+ zahtijevao bi organizacijsku podjelu između dvaju subjekata kako bi se omogućila istinska neovisnost. Neovisnost će biti potrebna i u pitanjima povezanim s proračunom te prilikom imenovanja osoblja. U konačnici, prijedlog bi utvrdio, na razini EU-a, mrežu nacionalnih tijela pod pokroviteljstvom Europske agencije za sigurnost zračnog prometa kako bi se omogućila razmjena najbolje prakse, osposobljavanje i udruživanje stručnjaka.

Pomoću tih mjera Komisija očekuje da će tijela vlasti dobiti motivaciju i potrebna sredstva te ujedno izbjeći trenutačne sukobe interesa u radu. Velika razlika u radu stoga će se smanjiti jer će se pružatelje usluga zračne plovidbe nadgledati i nadzirati prema istim standardima kao što se već radi sa zračnim prijevoznicima.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-012029/13

to the Commission

Sandra Petrović Jakovina (S&D)

(22 October 2013)

Subject: Safety‐ related issues in air navigation service provision

The SES (Single European Sky) legislation regulates common requirements for the provision of air navigation services, as well as the certification and designation of air navigation service providers (ANSPs). Certificates set out the rights and obligations of ANSPs with particular regard to safety. National supervisory authorities (NSAs) are expected to monitor compliance with the common requirements and with the conditions attached to the certificates.

If an NSA finds that the holder of a certificate no longer satisfies the requirements and conditions, it must take appropriate measures while ensuring continuity of service. In order to ensure the proper functioning of the certification scheme, Member States should provide the Commission with all relevant information on the derogations granted by their NSA in the context of their annual reports. The onus of proving compliance should lie with the ANSPs, for the period of validity of the certificate and for all the services covered. The NSA should examine the suitability of a provider prior to issuing a certificate and should assess the ongoing compliance of the ANSPs it has certified on a yearly basis.

As the onus of proving compliance, i.e. the demonstration of compliance and the ongoing compliance, is on the ANSPs, there are reasonable grounds to assert the possibility of gaps, to a lesser or greater extent, and this may lead to the questioning of the passenger safety-related aspects of air navigation service provision. Eurocontrol’s annual reports on the implementation of SES legislation clearly indicate that there has not been full compliance by some Member States on matters regulated by the EU legislation.

For instance, as to ongoing compliance, some NSAs have not checked all their certified ANSPs as set forth in the common requirements. The recommendation was that, considering the number of requirements and the large numbers of providers to be overseen, advisory material and good practices should be promoted in order to ensure that compliance is adequately verified/confirmed while giving due consideration to the limited resources of the NSAs. Secondly, as to the designation, two Member States have designated air traffic services providers (ATSPs) which appear not to have been certified. As to performance assessment, it was concluded that regarding airspace capacity and efficiency, the overall reported information indicates a rather low level of implementation. Regarding compliance monitoring, the overall reported level of implementation of inspections, surveys and safety audits for the purpose of such monitoring was very low.

Considering that we have recently been faced with serious safety issues relative to air traffic provision, ultimately jeopardising people’s lives, can the Commission state what measures it envisages with a view to ultimately putting an end to such adverse practices by Member States and/or ATSPs, while bearing in mind that the imposition of sanctions on Member States for non-implementation or improper implementation does not ultimately resolve this issue?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 2013)

The Single European Sky (SES) regulations distinguish between two separate entities; the Air Navigation Service Providers providing air traffic control and other services and the National Supervisory Authorities overseeing the service providers. As the question notes, recent audits have revealed shortcomings in the way the authorities certify and oversee the service providers and how they ensure the implementation of the SES rules. Furthermore the implementation of performance targets is still suboptimal in terms of ambition and corrective measures. This is namely due to lack of independence and resources or expertise in the authorities.

The proposal for SES2+ would require an organisational separation between the two, to ensure true independence. Independence will also be required in budgetary matters and staff nominations. Finally the proposal would establish an EU-level network of national authorities under the auspices of the European Aviation Safety Agency to ensure exchanges of best practises, training and pooling of experts.

With these measures Commission expects that the authorities will gain the motivation and resources needed and also avoid the current conflicts of interest in their work. Thus a major performance gap will be closed as the air navigation service providers would be overseen and monitored to the same standards as the airlines already are.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-012030/13

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(22 ottobre 2013)

Oggetto: Terra dei fuochi, emergenza sversamenti

Tra Napoli e Caserta, nella cosiddetta «Terra dei fuochi», il fenomeno degli sversamenti illegali dura da più di 30 anni. Il litorale domitio, l'agro aversano-atellano, l'agro acerrano-nolano e vesuviano e la città di Napoli costituiscono un vasto territorio colpito dal fenomeno dei roghi e dall'abbandono incontrollato di rifiuti solidi urbani, di rifiuti speciali, pericolosi e non, con conseguenze gravi per la salute, per l'ambiente e per la sicurezza. Questo disastro ambientale si inserisce nel più ampio quadro delineato dal primo studio dell'Istituto superiore di sanità, per il quale tutta l'area che va da Giugliano a Villaricca, fino al litorale domitio, è inquinata da discariche abusive, dall'interramento di rifiuti illegali, successivamente incendiati, in gran parte provenienti dalle imprese del Nord, con la complicità della camorra, che hanno contaminato la falda acquifera e 2.000 ettari di terreni agricoli circostanti, inquinati da fanghi tossici, metalli pesanti e sostanze chimiche. Secondo l'Istituto superiore di sanità, in Campania, nell'area ex Resit di Giugliano, l'inquinamento è senza rimedio: 20 chilometri quadrati «morti», 220 ettari di veleni senza possibilità di bonifica. Nella stessa area sono triplicate le malattie in meno di venti anni con una forte incidenza di tumori, malformazioni feto-neonatali ed epigenetica. Il ministero dell'ambiente italiano per risolvere il problema e per evitare sversamenti futuri di materiali tossici sta per istituire una task-force investigativa e giudiziaria contro le infiltrazioni nelle operazioni.

Alla luce di ciò, può la Commissione chiarire quanto segue:

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-012131/13

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE), Cristiana Muscardini (ECR), Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Clemente Mastella (PPE), Crescenzio Rivellini (PPE) e Salvatore Tatarella (PPE)

(23 ottobre 2013)

Oggetto: Terra dei fuochi, emergenza sversamenti

Tra Napoli e Caserta, nella cosiddetta «Terra dei fuochi», il fenomeno degli sversamenti illegali dura da più di 30 anni. Dal litorale domitio, all'agro aversano-atellano, all'agro acerrano-nolano e vesuviano e la città di Napoli, un intero territorio colpito dal fenomeno dei roghi e dall'abbandono incontrollato di rifiuti solidi urbani, di rifiuti speciali, pericolosi e non, con conseguenze gravi per la salute, per l'ambiente e per la sicurezza. Questo disastro ambientale si inserisce nel più ampio quadro delineato dal primo studio dell'Istituto superiore di sanità, per il quale tutta l'area che va da Giugliano a Villaricca, fino al litorale domitio, è inquinata da discariche abusive, dall'interramento di rifiuti illegali, successivamente incendiati, in gran parte provenienti dalle imprese del Nord, con la complicità della camorra, che hanno contaminato la falda acquifera e 2 000 ettari di terreni agricoli circostanti, inquinati da fanghi tossici, metalli pesanti e sostanze chimiche. Secondo l'Istituto superiore di sanità, in Campania, nell'area ex Resit di Giugliano, l'inquinamento è senza rimedio: 20 chilometri quadrati «morti», 220 ettari di veleni senza possibilità di bonifica. Nella stessa area sono triplicate le malattie in meno di venti anni con una forte incidenza di tumori, malformazioni feto-neonatali e modificazioni epigenetiche. Il ministero dell'ambiente italiano, per risolvere il problema e per evitare sversamenti futuri di materiali tossici, sta per istituire una task-force investigativa e giudiziaria contro le infiltrazioni nelle operazioni.

Alla luce di ciò, può la Commissione chiarire: