(English version)

Question for written answer P-008796/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Further discussions on the viability of Greece's debts

The viability of Greek debt is currently the subject of intense discussions, with Greek and international analysts concurring that the target of 120% by 2020 cannot be achieved without immediate direct action. According to rating agencies, the viability of Greece’s debt is by no means guaranteed, while investment banks are predicting that with current policies the recession will continue to bite next year, quoting figures of between 7.5% and 10.7% , with the IMF constantly stressing the need for further ‘haircuts’ in the ‘official sector’.

European Commissioner, Olli Rehn, on the other hand, announced that the Commission was not envisaging any further restructuring of Greece’s debt; a point of view which, until now at least, appears to be shared by other EU institutional players.

However, given the need to face up to reality and the fact that the Commission is known to have been envisaging different scenarios regarding Greece’s debt in the light of a number of working hypotheses:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008798/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(1. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Fahrerlose Fahrzeuge in der EU

Der US-Bundesstaat Kalifornien hat Medienberichten zufolge am 26. September 2012 die Nutzung von „fahrerlosen“ computergesteuerten Fahrzeugen auf öffentlichen Straßen genehmigt. Grundlage des Urteils sind die Erfolge einzelner Pilotprojekte, unter anderem des Konzerns Google, dessen Flotte von computergesteuerten Fahrzeugen auf öffentlichen Straßen fast 500 000 Kilometer unfallfrei zurücklegte.

1. Gibt es derzeit EU-Richtlinien, die die Nutzung von fahrerlosen Fahrzeugen regulieren?

2. Sind der Kommission nationale Regelungen oder Richtlinien zur Nutzung solcher Fahrzeuge bekannt?

3. Plant die Kommission, eine entsprechende Richtlinie vorzuschlagen oder zu ändern?

4. Sieht die Kommission die Möglichkeit, fahrerlose computergesteuerte Fahrzeuge EU-weit zu regulieren beziehungsweise zuzulassen? Wenn ja, gibt es dazu schon konkrete Vorschläge oder Kriterien?

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(30. November 2012)

Es gibt keine EU-Richtlinie, die die Nutzung fahrerloser Fahrzeuge in der EU regelt.

Die Kommission plant derzeit auch nicht, entsprechende Vorschläge zu Fragen des Fahrzeugbetriebs vorzulegen, da dieses Thema Gegenstand internationaler Initiativen und Regelungen ist.

Es bedarf einer Anpassung der Wiener Konvention, um die Fragen zur Weiterentwicklung der teilweisen oder vollständigen Automatisierung von Fahrzeugen zu behandeln. Mit der Arbeitsgruppe „Straßenverkehrssicherheit'“der UN-Wirtschaftskommission für Europa — Abteilung Verkehr — wurden unlängst Gepräche aufgenommen, um diese Fragen zu erörtern.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008798/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Driverless cars in the EU

According to media reports, the US State of California approved the use of ‘driverless’ computer-controlled cars on public roads on 26 September 2012. The judgment is based on the success of individual pilot projects, including one operated by Google, whose fleet of computer‐controlled vehicles has covered almost 500 000 kilometres without an accident.

1. Are there any EU directives in place that regulate the use of driverless cars?

2. Is the Commission aware of national regulations or directives on the use of such vehicles?

3. Is the Commission planning to propose or amend a corresponding directive?

4. Does the Commission believe it will be possible to regulate and/or approve driverless computer-controlled cars on an EU‐wide basis? If so, are specific proposals or criteria already available?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

There is no EU directive which regulates the use of driverless cars.

Currently, the Commission does not have any plans to propose any dedicated legislation on this topic as the operation of vehicles is specifically addressed and governed at international level.

An adaptation of the Vienna Convention is necessary to address questions in relation to further development in the area of partly automated or fully automated driving. Discussions on these issues have recently started with the Working Party on Road Traffic Safety of the UN-ECE Transport Division.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008799/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ευρωπαϊκή Εβδομάδα Ευαισθητοποίησης στο θέμα της καρδιακής ανακοπής

Στις 13 Ιουνίου 2012, το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο ενέκρινε γραπτή δήλωση, η οποία συγκέντρωσε 395 υπογραφές, σχετικά με τη θέσπιση Ευρωπαϊκής Εβδομάδας Ευαισθητοποίησης στο θέμα της καρδιακής ανακοπής (PE484.525). Όπως δηλώνει ο τίτλος της δήλωσης, το Κοινοβούλιο ζητεί να καθιερωθεί Ευρωπαϊκή Εβδομάδα Ευαισθητοποίησης στο θέμα της καρδιακής ανακοπής. Πρέπει να γνωρίζουμε όλοι ότι, κάθε χρόνο στην ΕΕ, περίπου 500 000 άνθρωποι πέφτουν θύμα αιφνίδιας καρδιακής ανακοπής και ότι, μεταξύ αυτών, περίπου 400 000 υφίστανται την ανακοπή εκτός νοσοκομείου με τις πιθανότητες επιβίωσής τους να μην υπερβαίνουν το 10 %. Σε παρόμοιες περιπτώσεις, εάν υπάρξει εντός 3-4 λεπτών παρέμβαση από παριστάμενους καθώς και έγκαιρος απινιδισμός, οι πιθανότητες επιβίωσης υπερβαίνουν το 50 %. Με τον τρόπο αυτό θα σώζονταν 100 000 ζωές στην ΕΕ κάθε χρόνο.

Καλούμε συνεπώς την Επιτροπή να απαντήσει στο εξής ερώτημα:

Προτίθεται η Επιτροπή να καταθέσει προτάσεις για συγκεκριμένα μέτρα και συγκεκριμένες ενέργειες σε αυτό το σημαντικό ζήτημα, μεταξύ των οποίων πρόταση θέσπισης ετήσιας Εβδομάδας Ευαισθητοποίησης στο θέμα της καρδιακής ανακοπής και στα 27 κράτη μέλη, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του σχετικού χρονοδιαγράμματος;

Απάντηση του κ. Šefčovič εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή παρέχει υποστήριξη στα κράτη μέλη για το ζήτημα της καρδιακής ανακοπής μέσω σχεδίων που χρηματοδούνται από το πρόγραμμα «Υγεία», όπως τα «EuroHeart I και II», «EURHOBOP» και «SITS EAST» (91), τα οποία ασχολούνται με καρδιαγγειακές παθήσεις, και γενικότερα με την προώθηση της υγείας μέσω των στρατηγικών της ΕΕ για τη διατροφή και τη σωματική άσκηση, καθώς και μέσω των δράσεων κατά του καπνίσματος (92).

Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή, σε συνεργασία με τα κράτη μέλη, κίνησε διαδικασία προβληματισμού σχετικά με τα χρόνια νοσήματα, σε συνέχεια των συμπερασμάτων του Συμβουλίου με τίτλο «Καινοτόμες προσεγγίσεις των χρόνιων νοσημάτων στον τομέα της δημόσιας υγείας και των συστημάτων υγειονομικής περίθαλψης» (93). Αυτή η διαδικασία — ενώ δεν επικεντρώνεται σε συγκεκριμένη ασθένεια — θα βοηθήσει να προσδιοριστεί η προστιθέμενη αξία των ενεργειών σε επίπεδο ΕΕ για την υποστήριξη των κρατών μελών.

Ωστόσο, η Επιτροπή, σε αντίθεση με τις προαναφερθείσες δραστηριότητες, δεν προβλέπει τη θέσπιση Εβδομάδας Ευαισθητοποίησης στο θέμα της καρδιακής ανακοπής, έτσι όπως προτείνεται από τη δήλωση του Κοινοβουλίου «Εβδομάδα Ευαισθητοποίησης στο θέμα της καρδιακής ανακοπής» (94), λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τον κύριο στόχο των ενεργειών της ΕΕ για τους οριζόντιους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν ένα ευρύ φάσμα χρόνιων νοσημάτων, ως μέσο μεγιστοποίησης της προστιθέμενης αξίας των ενεργειών και των περιορισμένων πόρων.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008799/12

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: European cardiac arrest awareness week

On 13 June 2012, Parliament adopted with 395 signatures the Written Declaration on establishing a European cardiac arrest awareness week (PE484.525). According to the declaration, Parliament calls for the establishment of a European cardiac arrest awareness week. It should be borne in mind that each year in the EU approximately 500 000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest, and that, among these instances, approximately 400 000 are out-of-hospital events where the survival rate is less than 10 %. In such cases, intervention within 3-4 minutes by bystanders, and early defibrillation, can increase the chance of survival to more than 50 %. This would save about 100 000 lives in the EU each year.

We therefore ask the Commission to answer the following:

Does it intend to put forward proposals for concrete measures and actions on this important issue, including a proposal to establish a European cardiac arrest awareness week, every year throughout the 27 Member States, including a time schedule for this?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

The Commission is providing support to the Member States in the area of cardiac arrest through projects financed by the Health Programme specifically dealing with cardiovascular diseases such as EuroHeart I and II, EURHOBOP and SITS EAST (95), and on health promotion more in general through the EU strategies on nutrition and physical activity and work on tobacco control (96).

Moreover, the Commission has launched a reflection process on chronic diseases with the Member States, following up on the Council conclusions on ‘Innovative approaches for chronic diseases in public health and healthcare systems’ (97). This process — while not disease-specific — should help identify added value action at EU level in support of the Member States.

However, the Commission is not envisaging to establish, in addition to the abovementioned activities, a cardiac arrest awareness week as suggested by the Parliament's Declaration ‘European cardiac arrest awareness week’ (98) taking into account the main focus of EU action on horizontal factors that impact on a wide range of chronic diseases as a means of maximising added value of action and limited resources.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008800/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Speed limiters

Would the Commission consider it useful and necessary to introduce speed limiters in cars as part of the type approval for new cars sold in the internal market? Has the Commission carried out any impact assessment study on the matter?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(10 December 2012)

At present EU type-approved vehicles of categories M2, M3, N2 and N3, namely buses and heavy goods vehicles, have to meet the prescriptions concerning speed limitation devices as laid down in UNECE regulation No 89 (99) or Council Directive 92/24/EEC (100).

However, the Commission does not consider introducing such speed limitation devices in passenger cars. Consequently, an impact assessment study concerning the possible introduction of speed limitation devices in passenger cars with respect to type approval is not envisaged.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008801/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Απέλαση του αλλοδαπού προσωπικού της οργάνωσης Save the Children από το Πακιστάν

Θα γνωρίζει η Επιτροπή ότι, τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2012, οι πακιστανικές αρχές διέταξαν τα αλλοδαπά μέλη του προσωπικού της φιλανθρωπικής οργάνωσης Save the Children να εγκαταλείψουν την χώρα. Σύμφωνα με πολυάριθμα δημοσιεύματα του διεθνούς τύπου, η ενέργεια αυτή συνιστά αντίποινα για την εικαζόμενη συνδρομή που προσέφερε η οργάνωση στις αμερικανικές υπηρεσίες κατά τις προσπάθειες τους να επιβεβαιώσουν την παρουσία του Osama bin Laden στο Abbottabad του Πακιστάν.

Ποια είναι η άποψη της Επιτροπής σχετικά με την απέλαση του προσωπικού της Save the Children; Σε ποιο βαθμό στηρίζει η Επιτροπή, άμεσα ή έμμεσα, τις δραστηριότητες της Save the Children στο Πακιστάν; Πόσο θα επηρεαστούν, κατά την εκτίμηση της Επιτροπής, οι δραστηριότητες της Save the Children — και οι συνθήκες διαβίωσης των παιδιών που έχει αναλάβει η οργάνωση — από αυτές τις πρόσφατες εξελίξεις; Ποια στοιχεία — εφόσον υπάρχουν — έχει στη διάθεσή της η Επιτροπή προς επιβεβαίωση της εικαζόμενης ανάμειξης της Save the Children στην επιχείρηση εντοπισμού του Osama bin Laden;

Απάντηση της κας Georgieva εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή δεν διαθέτει επίσημες πληροφορίες για τους λόγους απέλασης του προσωπικού της οργάνωσης Save the Children ούτε στοιχεία που να αποδεικνύουν την εικαζόμενη ανάμειξή της στην υπόθεση Μπιν Λάντεν.

Από τις πλημμύρες του 2010, η ΕΕ άρχισε να παρέχει χρηματοδοτική στήριξη για το ανθρωπιστικό έργο της οργάνωσης Save the Children στο Πακιστάν μέσω συμφωνιών επιδότησης από τη Γενική Διεύθυνση της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής για την Ανθρωπιστική Βοήθεια και την Πολιτική Προστασία (ΓΔ ECHO). Η βοήθεια περιλαμβάνει έκτακτη επισιτιστική ασφάλεια, διατροφή και πολυτομεακή στήριξη στους πλημμυροπαθείς καθώς και στα εσωτερικά εκτοπισθέντα άτομα στον Βορρά. Τα ποσά είναι 7,3 εκατ. ευρώ (2010) και 10,5 εκατ. ευρώ (2011). Το 2012, 4,9 εκατ. ευρώ χορηγήθηκαν για την παροχή βοήθειας σε εκτοπισθέντες από την περιοχή Khyber. Επίσης, η Save the Children είναι ο κύριος οργανισμός μίας κοινοπραξίας έξι διεθνών μη κυβερνητικών οργανώσεων για επιδότηση ύψους 14 εκατ. ευρώ με σκοπό την παροχή έκτακτης επισιτιστικής βοήθειας και στήριξης διατροφής σε θύματα θεομηνιών. Το θεματικό πρόγραμμα επισιτιστικής ασφάλειας της ΕΕ βρίσκεται στη διαδικασία σύναψης σύμβασης με την Save the Children για έργο επισιτιστικής ασφάλειας διάρκειας 48 μηνών στο Sindh κόστους 10 εκατ. ευρώ ως μέτρο σύνδεσης αρωγής και ανάπτυξης.

Παρά την απέλαση του αλλοδαπού προσωπικού της, οι δραστηριότητες της Save the Children για τη στήριξη των πλημμυροπαθών και των πληθυσμών που πλήττονται από συγκρούσεις συνεχίζονται χωρίς διακοπή. Η ΓΔ ECHO παρακολουθεί την εφαρμογή της ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειάς της στο Πακιστάν από το γραφείο της στο Ισλαμαμπάντ. Σε περίπτωση που η επίτευξη των στόχων της διατρέξει κίνδυνο, η ΕΕ μπορεί ανά πάσα στιγμή να αποφασίσει να μειώσει ή ακόμη και να διακόψει τη διοχέτευση βοήθειας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008801/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Expulsion of Save the Children's foreign staff from Pakistan

The Commission will be aware that in September 2012 the Pakistani authorities ordered the foreign staff of the charity Save the Children to leave the country. It has been widely reported in the international media that this move was in retaliation for the charity’s alleged involvement in assisting US officials in their efforts to confirm the presence of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

What is the Commission’s view of the expulsion of the Save the Children personnel? To what extent does the Commission support, directly and indirectly, the activities of Save the Children in Pakistan? What is the Commission’s assessment of the extent to which Save the Children’s activities in Pakistan — and the well-being of the children assisted by the charity — will be undermined by these recent developments? What evidence, if any, does the Commission have regarding the veracity of the alleged involvement of Save the Children in the operation to identify the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden?

Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Commission has no official information on the reasons for the expulsion of Save the Children staff and no evidence concerning the veracity of the its alledged involvement in the Bin Laden case

Since the 2010 floods, the EU has provided financial support for the humanitarian work of Save the Children in Pakistan through grant agreements from the Commission's Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG ECHO). Assistance includes emergency food security, nutrition and multi-sector support to flood-affected people as well as to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North. The amounts are EUR 7.3 million (2010) and EUR 10.5 million (2011). In 2012, EUR 4.9 million is provided to assist IDPs displaced from the Khyber Agency. Save the Children is also the lead agency of a consortium of six international non-governmental organisations for a EUR 14 million grant to provide emergency food and nutrition support to disaster-affected people. The EU's Food Security Thematic Programme is in the process of contracting with Save the Children a 48 month food security project in Sindh for EUR 10 million as a measure to link relief and development.

Despite the the expulsion of its expatriate staff, Save the Children's activities in support of flood-affected and conflict-affected populations are continuing uninterrupted. DG ECHO monitors implementation of its humanitarian assistance in Pakistan from its office in Islamabad. Should at any time the achievement of targets be at risk, the EU may decide to reduce or even interrupt the channelling of assistance.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008802/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Τα δικαιώματα της γυναίκας στο Ισραήλ

Σύμφωνα με πολλούς ντόπιους, στην Ιερουσαλήμ, τα δικαιώματα της γυναίκας υποβαθμίζονται εξαιτίας της αύξησης της επιρροής εξτρεμιστικών ομάδων στην υπερ-ορθόδοξη κοινότητα.

Ο διαχωρισμός των φύλων γίνεται όλο και πιο έντονος σε όλη την ισραηλινή κοινωνία από τα σχολεία και τις επιχειρήσεις έως ακόμη σε έναν ραδιοφωνικό σταθμό που δεν επιτρέπει γυναίκες, και τουλάχιστον μία φορά συνέβη μια γυναίκα να αναγκαστεί να καθίσει στο πίσω μέρος του λεωφορείου.

Ο διαχωρισμός με βάση το φύλο είναι παράνομος στο Ισραήλ. Η πλειοψηφία του ισραηλινού πληθυσμού, η ισραηλινή κυβέρνηση, και τα περισσότερα από τα ισραηλινά μέσα ενημέρωσης έχουν καταδικάσει τις ενέργειες και προσπάθησαν να ελέγξουν με τη βοήθεια της αστυνομίας το θέμα, αλλά παραμένει.

Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την ανισότητα των φύλων και την παραβίαση των δικαιωμάτων των γυναικών στο Ισραήλ, θα ήθελα να ρωτήσω:

Απάντηση της Ύπατης εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου κας Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Η ΕΕ συνεδριάζει τακτικά με το Ισραήλ για τη συζήτηση θεμάτων που αφορούν τα δικαιώματα του ανθρώπου, στο πλαίσιο της διμερών τους σχέσεων. Το ζήτημα των δικαιωμάτων της γυναίκας εξετάζεται με ιδιαίτερη προσοχή στις συνεδριάσεις αυτές. Η προσεχής συνεδρίαση της ομάδας εργασίας ΕΕ-Ισραήλ σχετικά με τα δικαιώματα του ανθρώπου θα διεξαχθεί στις 13 Νοεμβρίου 2013.

Όπως σωστά τονίσατε, η Ισραηλινή Κυβέρνηση καταδίκασε τις ενέργειες που αναφέρονται στην ερώτησή σας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008802/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Women's rights in Israel

According to many Jerusalem residents, women’s rights in Israel are declining as extremist groups gain more traction in the ultra-Orthodox community.

Gender segregation in schools and businesses is becoming more and more prevalent in Israeli society, with one radio station not allowing women, and on at least one occasion a woman was forced to sit in the back of the bus.

Segregation on the basis of gender is illegal in Israel. A majority of the Israeli population, the Israeli Government and most of the Israeli media have condemned such actions, and have tried to police the issue, but it remains unresolved.

In light of the gender inequality and the infringement of women’s rights in Israel, I would like to ask:

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

(6 December 2012)

The EU holds regular meetings with Israel to discuss human rights issues in the framework of its bilateral relations. The question of women’s rights is specifically addressed at these meetings. The next meeting of the EU‐Israel Working Group on human rights will be held on 13 November 2013.

As you rightly point out, the Israeli government has condemned the actions mentioned in your question.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008803/12

alla Commissione

Debora Serracchiani (S&D)

(1o ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Tessera sanitaria

Un cittadino italiano che si trovava nella Repubblica ceca è dovuto ricorrere all'assistenza sanitaria ma, pur essendo cittadino di uno Stato membro e in possesso della carta sanitaria europea, ha dovuto pagare per tutte le prestazioni ricevute.

Considerato che le norme e i principi comuni devono essere rispettati da tutte le autorità nazionali nell'applicare il diritto nazionale e che in quasi tutti i paesi dell'UE (ad eccezione della Francia) l'assistenza è in forma diretta e dunque gratuita, a parte il pagamento dell'eventuale ticket, può la Commissione far sapere se è al corrente che la Repubblica ceca ha un sistema sanitario organizzato in modo tale che il possesso della carta sanitaria europea non è di per sé sufficiente per ottenere delle cure senza ulteriori esborsi a carico del paziente non residente nel paese?

La Commissione concorda nel valutare ciò contrario ai principi operativi condivisi dai sistemi sanitari di tutta l'Unione, cosi come riconosciuto dagli Stati membri nelle conclusioni del Consiglio dell'1 e 2 giugno 2006 sui valori e principi comuni dei sistemi sanitari dell'Unione europea e compresi nella direttiva del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio concernente l'applicazione dei diritti dei pazienti relativi all'assistenza sanitaria transfrontaliera?

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(21 novembre 2012)

La normativa dell'Unione in fatto di sicurezza sociale dispone il coordinamento e non l'armonizzazione dei sistemi di sicurezza sociale. Chi si trova temporaneamente in un altro Stato membro dell'Unione europea o in Islanda, Liechtenstein, Norvegia o Svizzera ha diritto alle cure sanitarie indispensabili fornite dal sistema pubblico di assistenza sanitaria a parità di condizioni con coloro che sono assicurati in tale paese. Ciò significa che sarà curato alle stesse condizioni ma anche che dovrà pagare qualsiasi importo eventualmente dovuto dal paziente. La tessera europea di assicurazione malattia (TEAM) certifica tale diritto.

Nel caso della Repubblica ceca ciò significa che il viaggiatore deve rivolgersi ad un medico convenzionato con uno dei fondi cechi di assicurazione malattia. Il medico richiederà il pagamento di una piccola quota a carico del paziente e chiederà la firma di un «Potvrzeni o naroku» (certificato attestante il diritto). All'occorrenza il medico rilascerà copie del «Potvrzeni o naroku» per la prescrizione di medicine, esami di laboratorio o altre indagini diagnostiche. Se al viaggiatore viene addebitato il costo integrale della cura, questi dovrebbe chiedere il rimborso all'istituto competente al ritorno nel paese di residenza.

Si possono avere informazioni sull'uso della tessera europea di assicurazione sanitaria selezionando il paese in questione sulle pagine web della Commissione europea dedicate alla TEAM.La Commissione europea ha inoltre pubblicato recentemente una app per smartphone sull'utilizzo della TEAM e le informazioni in merito sono anch'esse accessibili da smartphone.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008803/12

to the Commission

Debora Serracchiani (S&D)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Health card

An Italian citizen who happened to be in the Czech Republic and had to seek healthcare was forced to pay for all the services he received, despite being a national of a Member State and having the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with him.

Given that common rules and principles must be observed by all national authorities when applying national law, and that in almost all EU countries (except France), healthcare is provided directly and therefore free of charge, apart from the payment of prescription charges, is the Commission aware that the Czech Republic has a health system organised in such a way that possession of the European Health Insurance Card is not in itself sufficient to obtain care without further payment by a patient who is not a resident of the country?

Does the Commission agree that this is contrary to the operating principles shared by health systems throughout the EU, as recognised by the Member States in the Council Conclusions of 1 and 2 June 2006 on common values and principles in EU health systems and included in both the directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

EC law in the field of social security provides for the coordination and not the harmonisation of social security schemes. Persons who are staying temporarily in another Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland are entitled to necessary healthcare within the public healthcare system on the same conditions as persons insured in that country. This means that they should be treated under the same conditions, but also that they will have to pay any patient fees that might apply. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) confirms this right.

For the Czech Republic this means that a visitor should consult a doctor who has a contract with one of the Czech health insurance funds. The doctor will charge a small patient fee and ask for a ‘Potvrzeni o naroku’ (certificate of entitlement) to be signed. If necessary, the doctor will issue copies of a ‘Potvrzeni o naroku’ for the prescription of medicines, laboratory tests or other examinations. If a visitor is charged the full cost of a treatment he or she should ask for reimbursement from his or her competent institution when returning home.

Information on how to use the EHIC can be found by selecting the appropriate country on the web pages of the European Commission dedicated to the EHIC. The European Commission has also recently launched a smartphone application on the EHIC and such information can therefore also be accessed via smartphones.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008805/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Διαδικασία επί παραβάσει κατά της Ελλάδας για φαρμακευτικά προϊόντα από παράλληλες εισαγωγές

Στις 26/01/2012, η Επιτροπή έστειλε αιτιολογημένη γνώμη στην ελληνική κυβέρνηση σχετικά με τις τιμές των φαρμακευτικών προϊόντων από παράλληλες εισαγωγές. Με βάση την διαδικασία, η ελληνική κυβέρνηση είχε προθεσμία 2 μηνών για να απαντήσει.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή: Ποια είναι η παραβίαση που διερευνάται από την Επιτροπή; Ποια προβλήματα προκύπτουν σε σχέση τις παράλληλες εισαγωγές; Γιατί η ανάγκη υποβολής «Δελτίου έρευνας και επαλήθευσης τιμών» είναι «περιττές απαιτήσεις»; Μπορεί να ενημερώσει για την πορεία της υπόθεσης; Έχει απαντήσει η Ελληνική Κυβέρνηση; Τι ισχυρίζεται;

Απάντηση του κ. Tajani εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(4 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Η εν λόγω υπόθεση, η οποία ερευνάται επί του παρόντος από την Επιτροπή, αφορά παράβαση του άρθρου 34 ΣΛΕΕ από την ελληνική νομοθεσία σχετικά με τον καθορισμό των τιμών των παράλληλα εισαγόμενων φαρμακευτικών προϊόντων.

Η Επιτροπή, με την αιτιολογημένη γνώμη της που εξέδωσε στις 26 Ιανουαρίου 2012, έκρινε ότι τα εθνικά μέτρα και/ή οι πρακτικές εμποδίζουν το εμπόριο των «παράλληλα» εισαγόμενων φαρμακευτικών προϊόντων. Ειδικότερα, η Επιτροπή εξήγησε ότι οι κανόνες ή οι πρακτικές που έχουν ως αποτέλεσμα να κατευθύνονται οι εισαγωγές με τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε μόνον ορισμένοι έμποροι να μπορούν να πραγματοποιούν τις εν λόγω εισαγωγές, ενώ άλλοι να εμποδίζονται να το πράξουν, συνιστούν παράβαση του άρθρου 34 της ΣΛΕΕ.

Ομοίως, εάν ένα κράτος μέλος έχει ήδη στην κατοχή του όλες τις φαρμακευτικές πληροφορίες σχετικά με ένα συγκεκριμένο φαρμακευτικό παρασκεύασμα, φαίνεται αδικαιολόγητο να απαιτεί από έναν δεύτερο επιχειρηματία που εισάγει ένα φαρμακευτικό παρασκεύασμα που είναι όμοιο από κάθε άποψη με το προηγούμενο να του υποβάλει τις εν λόγω πληροφορίες εκ νέου. Για παράδειγμα, η υποχρέωση υποβολής αίτησης για άδεια κυκλοφορίας στην αγορά, επιπλέον της άδειας παράλληλης εισαγωγής, ή η ανάγκη υποβολής δελτίου έρευνας και επαλήθευσης τιμών φαίνεται ότι είναι απαιτήσεις περιττές και ότι είναι δύσκολο να εκπληρωθούν από τον παράλληλο εισαγωγέα.

Σε συνέχεια της απάντησης που ελήφθη από την ελληνική κυβέρνηση στις 10 Μαΐου 2012, η Επιτροπή ερευνά και εξετάζει περαιτέρω όλα τα διαθέσιμα στοιχεία. Καθώς η υπόθεση βρίσκεται σε εξέλιξη, η Επιτροπή δεν μπορεί, στο στάδιο αυτό, να διαθέσει περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες σχετικά με το περιεχόμενο της αλληλογραφίας μεταξύ της Επιτροπής και των οικείων κρατών μελών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008805/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Infringement proceedings against Greece over pharmaceutical products from parallel imports

On 26 January 2012, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to the Greek Government on the price of pharmaceutical products from parallel imports. In accordance with procedure, the Greek Government has a two-month deadline to respond.

In view of the above, will the Commission answer the following: What instance of infringement is being investigated by the Commission? What problems have arisen in relation to parallel imports? Why are an ‘investigation report and price verification’ deemed ‘unnecessary requirements’? Can it provide information on the progress of the case? Has the Greek Government responded and, if so, how?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

The case referred to and currently investigated by the Commission concerns an infringement of Article 34 TFEU by the Greek legislation on the fixing of prices of parallel imported medicine.

In its reasoned opinion of 26 January 2012, the Commission took the view that national measures and/or practices hindered trade in medicines imported ‘in parallel’. More specifically, the Commission explained that rules or practices which result in imports being channelled in such a way that only certain traders can affect these imports, while others are prevented from doing so, contravene Article 34 TFEU.

Similarly, if a Member State already has in its possession all the pharmaceutical particulars relating to the medicinal preparation in question, it seems unjustifiable to require a second trader who imports a medicinal preparation which is in every respect the same, to produce the particulars in question once again. For example, the obligation to submit a marketing authorisation in addition to the parallel import authorisation, or the need to submit a research and verification price sheet, seem unnecessary and difficult for the parallel importer to fulfil.

Following the answer received from the Greek Government on 10 May 2012, the Commission is further investigating and examining all information available. As the case is ongoing, the Commission cannot, at this stage, provide more detail on the content of the correspondence between the Commission and the Member State concerned.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008806/12

adresată Comisiei

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(1 octombrie 2012)

Subiect: Măsuri preconizate în cazul încheierii premature a unui studiu clinic

În cadrul Propunerii de regulament al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului privind trialurile clinice cu medicamente de uz uman și de abrogare a Directivei 2001/20/CE din 17 iulie 2012, nu este specificat modul în care se soluționează situația încheierii premature a unui studiu clinic în etapa de randomizare sau după aceasta, când pacienții au primit una sau mai multe doze din medicația testată.

În momentul de față, SPONSORUL studiului clinic poate să își asume sau nu sarcina de a asigura continuitatea administrării unei medicații autorizate specifice bolii studiate pacienților admiși în studiu, pentru o anumită perioadă de timp după data stopării premature a acestuia, neexistând nicio obligativitate referitoare la acest lucru în propunerea de regulament amintită.

Majoritatea acestor companii farmaceutice care acționează în calitate de SPONSORI în cadrul studiilor clinice nu prevăd gestionarea stopării premature ca un punct important în cadrul PROTOCOLULUI studiului. Chiar dacă demarează această acțiune de asigurare a medicației, se lovesc de necunoașterea cadrului legislativ național al unei țări incluse în studiu referitor la sistemul de acordare a medicației autorizate pentru boala studiată.

În anumite țări participante la studiu, precum România, pot fi cazuri în care un medicament autorizat pentru boala respectivă nu este distribuit decât prin Program național. În general, Programul național are un număr restrâns de locuri raportate la numărul de pacienți înregistrați la nivel național cu boala respectivă. Astfel, deși pacienților li se garantează asigurarea pe o anumita perioadă de timp a unui medicament, este foarte complicată obținerea acestuia.

Poate Comisia să impună SPONSORULUI ca, înainte de lansarea unui studiu clinic cu un medicament neautorizat, să consulte legislația națională a țării în care se face studiul, precum și posibilitatea procurării unui medicament similar autorizat?

Astfel, se poate suplini lipsa continuității administrării medicației specifice în cazul stopării premature a unui studiu clinic, mai ales în faza de randomizare. Comisia trebuie, în opinia mea, să ia în considerare și situația stopării premature a unui studiu clinic.

Răspuns dat de dl Šefčovič în numele Comisiei

(5 noiembrie 2012)

Propunerea Comisiei de regulament privind trialurile clinice (101) nu include o dispoziție generală care să oblige sponsorii să asigure tratamentul post-trial — nici după stoparea prematură a unui trial clinic, nici în urma încheierii acestuia în condiții normale.

Acest aspect trebuie avut în vedere de la caz la caz, în contextul evaluării preliminare a unei cereri pentru un trial clinic.

În acest scop, propunerea Comisiei prevede obligația care revine sponsorului să prezinte în dosarul de cerere privind trialul clinic „o descriere a măsurilor de îngrijire a subiecților după încheierea participării lor la trial, în cazul în care astfel de îngrijiri suplimentare sunt necesare ca urmare a participării subiecților la trial și în cazul în care acestea diferă de îngrijirea care se acordă în mod normal pentru afecțiunea medicală în cauză” (102).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008806/12

to the Commission

Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Measures envisaged in the event of early termination of clinical trials

The proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use, and repealing Directive 2001/20/EC of 17 July 2012, does not provide a solution for the early termination of clinical trials during or after the randomisation phase when patients have received one or several doses of the investigational medicinal product.

At present, the clinical trial SPONSOR may or may not assume responsibility for ensuring continued administration of an authorised medication specific to the disease being studied to patients enrolled in the trial for a certain period of time after the early termination of the trial. The aforementioned proposal for a regulation does not make this compulsory.

Most pharmaceutical companies acting as SPONSORS in a clinical trial do not view the management of early termination as an important part of the trial PROTOCOL. Even if action is taken to ensure the supply of medication, they are confronted with a lack of knowledge of the national legislative framework applicable to the system for granting an authorised medication for the disease studied in the country included in the trial.

There are cases in some countries participating in trials, like Romania, where a medicinal product authorised for the relevant disease is not distributed outside of the National Programme. Generally, the National Programme has a limited number of places compared with the number of patients registered nationally with a certain disease. Therefore, although patients are guaranteed the supply of a medicinal product for a certain period of time, obtaining it is very complicated.

Can the Commission make it compulsory for SPONSORS to consult the national legislation of the country where the trial is taking place, as well as the possibility of obtaining a similar authorised medicinal product, before launching a clinical trial with an unauthorised medicinal product?

This would ensure that there is no lack of continuity in the administration of specific medication if a clinical trial is terminated early, especially in the randomisation phase. I believe that the Commission should also consider the situation of early terminations of clinical trials.

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2012)

The proposal of the Commission for a ‘Clinical Trials Regulation’ (103) does not include a general provision obliging sponsors to ensure post-trial treatment — be it after early termination or following the regular end of a clinical trial.

This aspect is to be considered on a case-by-case basis in the context of the prior assessment of a clinical trial application.

To this end, the proposal of the Commission obliges the sponsor to submit, in the clinical trial application dossier, ‘a description of the arrangements for taking care of the subjects after their participation in the trial has ended, where such additional care is necessary because of the subjects’ participation in the trial and where it differs from that normally expected for the medical condition in question’ (104).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008807/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Προσδιορισμός τραπεζικών εργασιών

Στα περισσότερα κράτη μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης το τραπεζικό σύστημα εμφανίζει παθογένειες και επιβάλλεται η ανακεφαλαιοποίηση των τραπεζών προς αποφυγή πτωχεύσεών τους και απώλειας των καταθέσεων σε αυτές των ευρωπαίων πολιτών. Έχει παρατηρηθεί σε ευρεία έκταση ότι οι απώλειες των τραπεζών και οι επισφαλείς απαιτήσεις τους δεν οφείλονται στα αμιγή τραπεζικά προϊόντα αλλά στην έκθεση τους σε «τοξικά» προϊόντα, τα οποία κατά βάση είναι δημιουργήματα ανεξέλεγκτης χρηματοοικονομικής φαντασίας που τα καθιστούν προϊόντα τυχερού παιγνίου ή στοιχήματος.

Με την πεποίθηση ότι οι τράπεζες δεν είναι καζίνο και το φόβο ότι, εάν συνεχισθεί η ίδια πρακτική των τραπεζών, συντόμως και πάλι οι ευρωπαίοι πολίτες θα αναγκασθούν να τις στηρίξουν, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(7 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Ο ευρωπαϊκός τραπεζικός τομέας και οι ευρωπαίοι πολίτες έχουν υποστεί σημαντικές απώλειες από την αρχή της χρηματοπιστωτικής κρίσης το 2007. Αν και είναι αλήθεια ότι οι τραπεζικές τυχοδιωκτικές πρακτικές που θυμίζουν καζίνο («casino banking») δημιούργησαν κινδύνους οι οποίοι παρερμηνεύτηκαν, οι απώλειες των τραπεζών της ΕΕ οφείλονταν σε μεγάλο βαθμό σε συμβατικά τραπεζικά προϊόντα. Η Επιτροπή είναι εξαιρετικά ενεργή όσον αφορά την ενίσχυση του κανονιστικού πλαισίου για την αντιμετώπιση κινδύνων που απορρέουν τόσο από τις «παραδοσιακές» τραπεζικές δραστηριότητες όσο και από το «casino banking».

Από τη σύστασή της το 2011, η Ευρωπαϊκή Αρχή Τραπεζών στοχεύει στην κατάρτιση ρυθμιστικών τεχνικών προτύπων, τα οποία, αφού εγκριθούν από την Επιτροπή, θα καταστούν νομικά δεσμευτικά. Οι κανόνες αυτοί αποτελούν μία κοινή βάση για ολόκληρη την ενιαία αγορά και το εν λόγω ενιαίο εγχειρίδιο κανόνων είναι αναγκαίο για τη σταθερότητα και την ακεραιότητα της εσωτερικής αγοράς της ΕΕ.

Οι κεφαλαιακές απαιτήσεις έχουν ήδη τροποποιηθεί σημαντικά ώστε να λαμβάνονται καλύτερα υπόψη οι κίνδυνοι που συνδέονται με την τιτλοποίηση και να καθοριστούν βελτιωμένα κίνητρα. Επιπλεόν, η επικείμενη νομοθεσία (CRR/CRD4) θα αυξήσει σημαντικά την ποιότητα και την ποσότητα του κεφαλαίου το οποίο πρέπει να διαθέτουν τα πιστωτικά ιδρύματα προκειμένου να καλύπτονται οι δυνητικοί κίνδυνοι.

Τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια, προκειμένου να βελτιωθεί η ρύθμιση των χρηματοπιστωτικών προϊόντων, έχει υιοθετηθεί μία σειρά νομοθετικών μέτρων, ήτοι ο κανονισμός που απαιτεί κεντρική εκκαθάριση των συναλλαγών τυποποιημένων εξωχρηματιστηριακών παραγώγων ή ο κανονισμός για τις ανοικτές πωλήσεις. Η Επιτροπή έχει ξεκινήσει διαβούλευση για την έκθεση της ομάδας εμπειρογνωμόνων υψηλού επιπέδου για τις δυνατές μεταρρυθμίσεις της δομής του τραπεζικού τομέα της ΕΕ και είναι πιθανόν να εξετάσει το ενδεχόμενο εφαρμογής επιπρόσθετων πρωτοβουλιών με στόχο την ενίσχυση των ευρωπαϊκών τραπεζών.

Όλα τα εν λόγω μέτρα πρέπει να εξασφαλίσουν ότι οι τράπεζες θα απόσχουν από παρακινδυνευμένα επιχειρηματικά σχέδια.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008807/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Defining banking

In most EU Member States, the banking system is in trouble, and banks are being recapitalised to avoid bankruptcy and losses to European citizens’ bank deposits. On a wider scale, it has been observed that bank losses and bad debts are not caused by pure banking products but by their exposure to ‘toxic’ products, which are essentially unregulated financial inventions which become games of chance or betting.

On the basis that banks are not casinos and fearing that, if the same banking practice continues, European citizens will soon need support again, will the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 2012)

The European banking sector and European citizens have suffered significant losses since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2007. While it is true to say that so called ‘casino banking’ generated risks that were misunderstood, much of EU banks' losses were due to conventional banking products. The Commission has been extremely active in strengthening the regulatory framework that would address risks stemming from both ‘traditional’ banking and ‘casino’ banking.

Since 2011 the European Banking Authority is operational, with the task of drafting regulatory or implementing technical standards that, once endorsed by the Commission, will become legally binding. These rules constitute a common foundation across the single market and this single rulebook is needed for the stability and integrity of the EU's internal market.

Capital requirements have already been significantly amended to better take into account the risks linked to securitisation and to put in place better incentives. Furthermore, the forthcoming legislation (CRR/CRD4) will strongly raise the quality and the quantity of capital that credit institutions have to hold to cover potential risks.

In order to improve the regulation of financial products several legislative measures were adopted in the last two years: the regulation requiring central clearing of standardised over-the-counter derivatives transactions or the regulation on short selling. The Commission launched a consultation on the ‘High-level Expert Group on possible reforms to the structure of the EU banking sector report’ and may consider implementing additional initiatives to strengthen European banks.

All these measures should ensure that banks refrain from taking on too risky business.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008808/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Υπόθεση Siemens στην Ελλάδα

Η Επιτροπή εξέφρασε στο παρελθόν την πρόθεση να ασχοληθεί με την πολύκροτη υπόθεση Siemens (και κυρίως με τις προμήθειες στον τομέα της υγείας). Είναι γνωστό ότι το κόμμα ΛΑ.Ο.Σ έδωσε μεγάλη μάχη στην Εξεταστική Επιτροπή που συγκρότησε η Βουλή των Ελλήνων και αναγνωρίστηκε από όλους η συνεισφορά του στην αποκάλυψη πτυχών που πρώτη φορά έβλεπαν το φως της δημοσιότητας. Η Επιτροπή είχε κινητοποιηθεί στο παρελθόν για την υπόθεση π.χ. των ναυπηγείων στην Ελλάδα ή για την «Ολυμπιακή Αεροπορία», αλλά στην υπόθεση της παραπάνω γερμανικής εταιρείας δεν φάνηκε να αντιδρά το ίδιο άμεσα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(21 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή επιθυμεί να πληροφορήσει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου ότι, σύμφωνα με τις διαθέσιμες πληροφορίες, η ανάθεση συμβάσεων από τα ελληνικά νοσοκομεία στη Siemens αποτέλεσε κατά το παρελθόν αντικείμενο ελέγχου από το Σώμα Επιθεωρητών Υπηρεσιών Υγείας.

Στη συνέχεια, οι υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής ζήτησαν από τις ελληνικές αρχές να τους επιτρέψουν την πρόσβαση στα πορίσματα της εν λόγω έρευνας.

Βάσει των πληροφοριών που κοινοποιήθηκαν, φαίνεται ότι οι εν λόγω συμβάσεις έχουν ήδη εκτελεστεί. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι, σύμφωνα με τη νομολογία του Δικαστηρίου της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης (105), η Επιτροπή σε τέτοιες περιπτώσεις δεν είναι σε θέση να διερευνήσει περαιτέρω τις επίμαχες συμβάσεις για τυχόν παραβιάσεις της ενωσιακής νομοθεσίας.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008808/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Siemens case in Greece

In the past, the Commission has expressed its intention to deal with the sensational Siemens case (and in particular, procurement tenders in the health sector). It is well known that the LAOS party worked hard in the Committee of Inquiry set up by the Hellenic Parliament,

and the role it played in revealing previously unknown information was recognised by all. In the past, the Commission has acted in the case of shipyards in Greece and the ‘Olympic Airways’ case. However, it does not seem to be reacting as quickly in the case of the abovementioned German company.

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

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member of the Parliament that, according to the information available, the award of contracts to Siemens by the Greek Hospitals was verified in the past by the Body of Inspectors for Public Health Services.

Subsequently, the Commission services submitted a request to the Greek authorities in order to have access to the conclusions of the above investigation.

On the basis of the information communicated, it appears that the contracts in question have already been performed. This implies that, following the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (106), the Commission in such cases is not in a position to further investigate the contracts at stake for possible violations of EC law.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008809/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Πρόστιμα που έχουν επιβληθεί στην Ελλάδα

Κάθε χώρα της ΕΕ έχει πρόστιμα που εκκρεμούν λόγω παραβιάσεων της νομοθεσίας της ΕΕ και δεν έχουν πληρωθεί ακόμη.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Lewandowski εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(29 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

C-109/08, το Δικαστήριο διέταξε την Ελλάδα να καταβάλει πρόστιμο 31 536 ευρώ ανά ημέρα καθυστερήσεως. Η Ελλάδα κατέβαλε όλα τα οφειλόμενα ποσά και η υπόθεση έχει κλείσει.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008809/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Fines imposed on Greece

Every EU Member State has fines which have not yet been paid for breaching EC law.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2012)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008810/12

an die Kommission

Ismail Ertug (S&D)

(1. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Barrierefreiheit für Assistenzhunde

In der EU fällt es blinden Menschen deutlich schwerer, von ihren Freizügigkeitsrechten als EU-Bürger Gebrauch zu machen als sehenden. Schuld hieran ist ein Flickenteppich nationaler Gesetzgebungen für die Bewegungsfreiheit von Assistenzhunden. Dort, wo das EU-Recht den Zugang von Assistenzhunden regelt, bleibt eine klare Definition „anerkannter Begleithunde“ oft aus (siehe z. B. Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1107/2006 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates) und private Interessenvertretungen von Hundeausbildungsstätten (wie z. B. ADI und IGDF) monopolisieren daher die Kompetenz, eine Anerkennung zu erteilen.

Welche Schritte unternimmt die Europäische Kommission, blinden Unionsbürgern die gleichen Freizügigkeitsrechte zu garantieren wie sehenden? Gibt es Vorhaben, die Anerkennung von Assistenzhunden zu harmonisieren und die freie Trainerwahl auch außerhalb der internationalen Interessenvertretungen von Hundeausbildungsstätten zu ermöglichen?

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(30. November 2012)

Die Kommission misst der Beseitigung von Barrieren für die Freizügigkeit von Personen mit Behinderungen, darunter auch sehbehinderten Personen mit Begleithunden, große Bedeutung bei. Zugänglichkeit ist ein wesentlicher Aktionsbereich der Europäischen Strategie zugunsten von Menschen mit Behinderungen 2010-2020  (107).

Am 11. Juni 2012 hat die Kommission Auslegungsleitlinien zur Anwendung der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1107/2006 über die Rechte von behinderten Flugreisenden und Flugreisenden mit eingeschränkter Mobilität veröffentlicht. Diese Leitlinien enthalten einen Abschnitt über Begleithunde. Darüber hinaus sind in sämtlichen Verordnungen über Passagierrechte bei Bahn-, Schiffs‐ und Busreisen besondere Bestimmungen über behinderte Personen und Personen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität enthalten, auch im Hinblick auf blinde Menschen und Begleithunde. Die Kommission wird die Anwendung der Verordnungen über die Rechte von Schiffs‐ und Busreisenden aufmerksam verfolgen, sobald sie in den nächsten Monaten in Kraft treten.

Derzeit plant die Kommission keine Harmonisierung der Anerkennung von Begleithunden. Sie unterstützt jedoch das Forschungsvorhaben „European Guide Dog Mobility Standards“ (EGDMS)  (108), das möglicherweise Schlussfolgerungen und Empfehlungen zu diesem Thema liefern wird. Mit dem Abschluss des EGDMS-Projekts ist Ende 2012 zu rechnen.

Die Kommission hat zudem ein dreijähriges Partnerschaftsabkommen mit der European Guide Dog Federation (EGDF)  (109) geschlossen, in deren Rahmen die EGDF einen Zuschuss zu ihren Betriebskosten erhält. Die Kommission wird die EGDF sowie andere einschlägige zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen konsultieren, bevor sie weitere Schritte in diesem Bereich plant.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008810/12

to the Commission

Ismail Ertug (S&D)

(1 October 2012)

Subject: Accessibility for assistance dogs

Within the EU, blind people find it significantly more difficult to exercise their right to freedom of movement as EU citizens than sighted people. The reason for this is the patchwork of national regulations for the freedom of movement of assistance dogs. Even when EC law regulates access for assistance dogs, there is frequently no clear definition of ‘recognised assistance dogs’ (see, for example, Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council) and private interest groups from dog training institutions (such as ADI and IGDF) therefore monopolise the authority to issue recognition.

What steps is the European Commission taking to guarantee blind citizens of the Union the same freedom of movement as sighted citizens? Are there any plans to harmonise the recognition of assistance dogs and to enable a free choice of trainer, even going outside the international interest groups of dog training institutions?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

The Commission attaches great importance to removing barriers to the freedom of movement for persons with disabilities, including visually impaired people using guide dogs. Accessibility is a key priority of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (110).

On 11 June 2012 the Commission published interpretative guidelines on the application of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air. These guidelines contain a section on guide and assistance dogs. In addition, the regulations on passenger rights travelling by rail, waterborne transport, and bus or coach all contain specific provisions on disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility, including blind people and guide dogs. The Commission will closely monitor the application of the waterborne and coach passenger right Regulations as soon as they are applicable in the next months.

Presently, the Commission has no plans for harmonisation of the recognition of guide dogs. However, the Commission is supporting the European Guide Dog Mobility Standards (EGDMS) project (111), a research undertaking which may present conclusions and recommendations on this subject. The EGDMS project is expected to be finished by the end of 2012.

The Commission has also concluded a three year partnership agreement with the European Guide Dog Federation (112) (EGDF) in the frame of which EGDF receives a subsidy of its operating costs. The Commission will consult the EGDF and other relevant civil society organisations prior to planning any further steps in this area.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008812/12

an die Kommission

Tanja Fajon (S&D), Barbara Weiler (S&D) und Rita Borsellino (S&D)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Ausmaß und Quantifizierung des Betrugs mit (und Zweckentfremdung von) EU-Mitteln

In einer vom Parlament im Dezember 2011 veröffentlichten Studie mit dem Titel „Wie werden EU-Gelder durch das organisierte Verbrechen zweckentfremdet?“ kommt man zu dem Schluss, dass „nur wenige Informationen von OLAF, Europol, Eurojust und dem Rechnungshof darüber vorliegen, wie und in welchem Ausmaß EU-Gelder zweckentfremdet werden“. Weiter heißt es in dem Bericht, dass „die Frage, in welchem Ausmaß EU-Gelder (einschließlich durch den Mehrwertsteuerbetrug) vom organisierten Verbrechen zweckentfremdet werden, anhand der verfügbaren Informationen nicht zu beantworten ist“. Dieser Punkt wurde von Wim Wensink, einem Vertreter von Price Waterhouse Coopers, in einer Anhörung des Sonderausschusses des Parlaments gegen organisiertes Verbrechen, Korruption und Geldwäsche vom 24. September 2012 bestätigt und hervorgehoben.

Hinzu kommt, dass es offenbar unterschiedliche Meinungen über das allgemeine Ausmaß von Betrugsfällen gibt, die auf das Konto des organisierten Verbrechen oder anderer Urheber gehen. Laut dem Entwurf für eine Richtlinie zur strafrechtlichen Betrugsbekämpfung zum Schutz der finanziellen Interessen der Union (2012/0193(COD)) beläuft sich das vermutete Ausmaß von Betrugsfällen auf 600 Mio. EUR pro Jahr, und im Jahresbericht 2010 „Schutz der finanziellen Interessen der Europäischen Union — Betrugsbekämpfung“, auf den die Richtlinie Bezug nimmt, wird geschätzt, dass in jenem Jahr Betrugsfälle in Höhe von 478 Mio. EUR verübt wurden. Des Weiteren hat ein Vertreter von OLAF auf der oben erwähnten Sitzung des Sonderausschusses die Kosten des Betrugs im Jahr 2011 auf 404 Mio. EUR beziffert.

Angesichts des Entwurfs für eine Richtlinie (2012/0193(COD)), der demnächst im Parlament erörtert wird, wird die Kommission um die Beantwortung der folgenden relevanten Fragen ersucht:

Antwort von Herrn Šemeta im Namen der Kommission

(4. Dezember 2012)

Die Zahlen, auf die sich die Frauen Abgeordneten beziehen, betreffen verschiedene Jahre und Sektoren (113).

Der Jahresbericht über den Schutz der finanziellen Interessen der EU („Bericht nach Artikel 325“) wird auf der Grundlage der Berichte der Mitgliedstaaten über Betrug und sonstige Unregelmäßigkeiten erstellt, die in einem bestimmten Jahr aufgedeckt wurden. Die Berichterstattungspflichten der Mitgliedstaaten sind in sektorbezogenen Rechtsvorschriften festgelegt, die eine Unterscheidung zwischen diesen beiden Arten von Unregelmäßigkeiten ermöglicht (was sich im Bericht 2011 widerspiegelt), nicht jedoch zwischen im Kontext der organisierten Kriminalität begangenem und sonstigem Betrug. Ebenso sehen die Rechtsvorschriften zwecks Verringerung des Verwaltungsaufwands für Behörden der Mitgliedstaaten vor, dass die Mitgliedstaaten nicht alle Unregelmäßigkeiten melden müssen. Die Kommission wirkt jedoch kontinuierlich auf eine verbesserte Berichterstattungsdisziplin der Mitgliedstaaten hin.

Die Berichte nach Artikel 325, ihre Anhänge und die Folgenabschätzungen für neue Legislativvorschläge werden auf der Website der Kommission veröffentlicht. Die Folgenabschätzung untersucht die Ursachen für jedes ermittelte Problem einschließlich unterschiedlicher Arten von Tätern, wenn eine solche Unterscheidung von Bedeutung für die vorzuschlagenden Maßnahmen ist.

Der Vorschlag für eine Richtlinie über die Bekämpfung von Betrug mit strafrechtlichen Mitteln dient der Angleichung der Definitionen von Betrug und anderen Straftaten, die erstmals in einem Übereinkommen von 1995 harmonisiert wurden (114). Die Folgenabschätzung zu dem Vorschlag wurde vor der Veröffentlichung der Zahlen für 2011 fertiggestellt und stützt sich daher auf den Bericht nach Artikel 325 von 2010.

Die Kommission möchte die Frauen Abgeordneten auf ihre Mitteilungen über eine Betrugsbekämpfungsstrategie (115), Korruptionsbekämpfung in der EU (116) und eine EU-Strategie der inneren Sicherheit (117) hinweisen.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008812/12

alla Commissione

Tanja Fajon (S&D), Barbara Weiler (S&D) e Rita Borsellino (S&D)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Portata e quantificazione delle frodi (e dell'uso improprio) ai danni dei fondi dell'UE

Uno studio pubblicato nel dicembre 2011 dal Parlamento europeo sull’uso improprio dei fondi dell’UE da parte della criminalità organizzata rileva che: «La conclusione è che si dispone di poche informazioni da parte di OLAF, Europol, Eurojust e ECA su come e in quale misura la criminalità organizzata faccia uso improprio dei fondi dell'UE» e che «sulla base delle informazioni disponibili è impossibile fornire risposte in merito alla misura dell'uso improprio dei fondi dell’UE — comprese le frodi IVA — da parte della criminalità organizzata». Queste affermazioni sono state confermate ed illustrate da Wim Wensink del Price Warehouse Coopers in una recente audizione, organizzata dalla commissione CRIM del Parlamento europeo il 24 settembre 2012.

Inoltre, la portata delle frodi in generale, siano esse commesse dalla criminalità organizzata o meno, risulta aperta a diverse interpretazioni. La proposta di direttiva sulla lotta contro la frode che lede gli interessi finanziari dell'Unione mediante il diritto penale (2012/0193 (COD)) afferma che le frodi sospette ammontino a 600 milioni di euro l'anno, mentre la relazione annuale sulla tutela degli interessi finanziari dell'Unione europea — Lotta contro la frode (2010) cui la direttiva fa riferimento, stima che le frodi ammontino a 478 milioni di euro per l'anno stesso. Nella riunione sopracitata della commissione CRIM un rappresentante dell'OLAF ha poi valutato i costi della frode nel 2011 pari a 404 milioni di euro.

Alla luce della proposta di direttiva (2012/0193 (COD)) che sta per essere discussa in sede di Parlamento europeo, le seguenti domande e relative risposte risultano notevolmente significative:

Risposta di Algirdas Šemeta a nome della Commissione

(4 dicembre 2012)

Le cifre citate dall'onorevole parlamentare si riferiscono a vari anni e a diversi settori.

La relazione annuale sulla tutela degli interessi finanziari dell'UE («relazione a norma dell'articolo 325») viene elaborata sulla base delle relazioni degli Stati membri sulle irregolarità fraudolente e non fraudolente individuate nel corso di un determinato anno. Gli obblighi di comunicazione degli Stati membri sono precisati nella legislazione settoriale, che permette di distinguere tra questi due tipi di irregolarità (come risulta nella relazione del 2011), ma non tra frodi commesse nel contesto della criminalità organizzata e altri tipi di frode. Inoltre, per ridurre l'onere amministrativo per le autorità degli Stati membri, la normativa stabilisce che gli Stati membri non debbano comunicare tutte le irregolarità. Tuttavia, la Commissione non cessa di adoperarsi per migliorare la disciplina relativa alla segnalazione dei casi da parte degli Stati membri.

Le relazioni a norma dell’articolo 325, i loro allegati e le valutazioni d'impatto utilizzati per le nuove proposte legislative sono pubblicati sul sito web della Commissione. Le valutazioni d'impatto esaminano le cause dei singoli problemi individuati, compresi i tipi di autori, laddove tale distinzione sia pertinente per le misure da proporre.

La proposta di direttiva sulla lotta contro la frode mediante il diritto penale è intesa ad allineare ulteriormente le definizioni di frode e altri reati che sono state armonizzate per la prima volta in una convenzione del 1995. La valutazione d'impatto della proposta è stata conclusa prima della pubblicazione delle cifre relative al 2011 e si basa quindi sulla relazione a norma dell'articolo 325 del 2010.

La Commissione invita l'onorevole parlamentare a consultare la sua comunicazione sulla strategia antifrode, la comunicazione sulla lotta alla corruzione nell'UE e la strategia di sicurezza interna dell'UE.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-008812/12

za Komisijo

Tanja Fajon (S&D), Barbara Weiler (S&D) in Rita Borsellino (S&D)

(2. oktober 2012)

Zadeva: Obseg in količinska opredelitev goljufij (in zlorab) sredstev EU

Študija z naslovom „Kako organizirani kriminal zlorablja sredstva EU?“, ki jo je Parlament objavil decembra 2011, navaja, da je „na voljo malo podatkov o tem, kako in v kakšnem obsegu organizirani kriminal zlorablja sredstva EU, ki so na voljo v okviru uradov OLAF, Europol in Eurojust ter Računskega sodišča“ in da je „na vprašanje, v kakšnem obsegu organizirani kriminal zlorablja sredstva EU – vključno z goljufijami, povezanimi z DDV, – na podlagi razpoložljivih informacij nemogoče odgovoriti“. Vprašanje je na nedavni predstavitvi, ki jo je 24. septembra 2012 organiziral odbor CRIM Parlamenta, potrdil in izpostavil Wim Wensink iz podjetja Price Waterhouse Coopers.

Poleg tega se zdi, da je mogoče splošni obseg goljufij, ne glede na to, ali jih zagreši organizirani kriminal ali ne, razumeti na različne načine. Predlog direktive o boju proti goljufijam, ki škodijo finančnim interesom Unije, z uporabo kazenskega prava (2012/0193(COD)) navaja, da je letni znesek domnevnih goljufij 600 milijonov EUR, v letnem poročilu o zaščiti finančnih interesov Evropske unije – boj proti goljufijam –, na katerega se direktiva sklicuje, pa je ocena, da je znesek goljufij v istem letu 478 milijonov EUR. Na zgoraj omenjeni seji odbora CRIM je predstavnik urada OLAF stroške goljufij v letu 2011 ocenil na 404 milijone EUR.

V luči predloga direktive (2012/0193(COD)), o kateri bo potekala razprava v Parlamentu, so pomembna naslednja vprašanja in ustrezni odgovori:

Odgovor komisarja Šemete v imenu Komisije

(4. december 2012)

Podatki, ki jih spoštovane poslanke omenjajo, se nanašajo na različna leta in na različna področja (118).

Letno poročilo o zaščiti finančnih interesov EU („poročilo o izvajanju člena 325“) se pripravi na podlagi zadevnih letnih poročil držav članic. Obveznosti poročanja držav članic so določene v področni zakonodaji, ki dopušča razlikovanje med nepravilnostmi, ki pomenijo goljufijo, in nepravilnostmi, ki ne pomenijo goljufije (kar se odraža v poročilu za leto 2011), vendar ne med goljufijami, storjenimi v okviru organiziranega kriminala in drugih kontekstih. Poleg tega zakonodaja z namenom zmanjšanja upravnega bremena za organe držav članic določa, da državam članicam ni treba poročati o vseh nepravilnostih. Vendar si Komisija nenehno prizadeva izboljšati disciplino držav članic pri poročanju.

Poročila o izvajanju člena 325, njihove priloge in ocene učinka, ki se uporabljajo za nove zakonodajne predloge, so objavljeni na spletni strani Komisije. V okviru ocen učinka se preučujejo vzroki vsake ugotovljene težave, vključno s tipom storilcev, kadar je takšno razlikovanje relevantno za predlagane ukrepe.

Predlog direktive o boju proti goljufijam z uporabo kazenskega prava je namenjen nadaljnji uskladitvi opredelitve goljufij in drugih kaznivih dejanj, ki so bila prvič usklajeni s konvencijo (119) iz leta 1995. Ocena učinka za predlog je bila zaključena pred objavo podatkov za leto 2011 in zato temelji na poročilu o izvajanju člena 325 za leto 2010.

Komisija spoštovane poslanke vabi, da upoštevajo njena sporočila o strategiji za boj proti goljufijam (120), o boju proti korupciji v EU (121) in o strategiji notranje varnosti EU (122).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008812/12

to the Commission

Tanja Fajon (S&D), Barbara Weiler (S&D) and Rita Borsellino (S&D)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Extent and quantification of fraud (and misuse) of EU funds

A study published by Parliament in December 2011 entitled ‘How does organised crime misuse EU funds?’ states that ‘[t]he conclusion is that little information on how and to what extent organised crime misuse EU funds is available from OLAF, Europol, Eurojust and ECA’ and that ‘[t]he question of the extent of the misuse of EU funds — including VAT fraud — by organised crime is, based on the available information, impossible to answer’. The issue was confirmed and highlighted by Wim Wensink, from Price Waterhouse Coopers, at a recent hearing organised by Parliament’s CRIM committee on 24 September 2012.

Furthermore, the extent of fraud in general, whether committed by organised crime or not, seems to be open to different interpretations. The proposal for a directive on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (2012/0193(COD)) states that suspected fraud amounts to EUR 600 million annually, while the report on the protection of the European Union’s financial interests-Fight against fraud-Annual (2010), which the directive refers to, estimates that fraud amounts to EUR 478 million for the same year. Furthermore, at the CRIM committee meeting mentioned above, an OLAF representative estimated costs of fraud in 2011 at EUR 404 million.

In light of the proposal for a directive (2012/0193(COD)), which is about to be discussed in the Parliament, the following questions and appropriate responses bear significance:

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

The figures to which the Honourable Members refer represent different years and different sectors (123).

The Annual Report on the Protection of EU's financial interests (‘Article 325 Report’) is established on the basis of Member States' reports on fraudulent and non-fraudulent irregularities detected in a given year. Member States' reporting duties are set out in sectorial legislation which allows for a distinction between these two types of irregularities (which is reflected in the 2011 Report) but not between fraud committed in the context of organised crime and other. Also, in order to reduce the administrative burden on Member States' authorities the legislation provides that Member States do not have to report all irregularities. However, the Commission is continuously striving to improve the reporting discipline of Member States further.

The article 325 Reports, their annexes and the impact assessments used for new legislative proposals are published on the Commission's website. The impact assessments look at the causes of each problem identified, including types of perpetrators where such a distinction is of relevance for the measures to be proposed.

The proposal for a directive on the fight against fraud by means of criminal law aims at aligning further the definitions of fraud and other offences which were first harmonised in a 1995 Convention (124). The impact assessment for the proposal was concluded before the 2011 figures were published and is therefore based on the 2010 Article 325 Report.

The Commission would invite the Honourable Members to refer to its communications on an anti-fraud strategy (125), on Fighting Corruption in the EU (126) and on an EU Internal Security Strategy (127).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008813/12

aan de Commissie

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(2 oktober 2012)

Betreft: Europese steun ten gunste van de uitbating van de lijn Deurne-Manchester aan BMI Regional

De Britse luchtvaartmaatschappij BMI Regio.a. vliegt vanaf maandag 29 oktober 2012 tweemaal per dag heen en weer tussen Deurne (Antwerpen) en Manchester met een Embraer ERJ 134. Naar verluidt krijgt BMI Regio.a. voor deze nieuwe luchtvaartroute steun uit de Europese begroting. Daardoor moet het bedrijf de eerste drie jaar geen land— en vertrekrechten betalen en is er een korting per vertrekkende passagier. Het bedrijf moet naar verluidt deze steun wel investeren om de route te promoten.

City Jet, de vorige uitbater van de luchtverbinding Antwerpen-Manchester stopte halverwege september met deze verbinding.

Mag ik van de Commissie vernemen:

Antwoord van dhr. Kallas namens de Commissie

(30 november 2012)

De Commissie bevestigt dat geen steun uit de Europese begroting (inclusief het Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling) wordt verleend voor deze luchtvaartactiviteiten. De informatie volgens dewelke BMI Regional steun uit de Europese begroting ontvangt voor deze nieuwe luchtverbinding is onjuist. De Commissie bevestigt voorts ook dat geen van de betrokken lidstaten een openbaredienstverplichting heeft opgelegd voor de route Deurne (Antwerpen)-Manchester.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008813/12

to the Commission

Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: BMI Regional receives European support to operate Deurne-Manchester route

From Monday 29 October 2012, British airline BMI Regional will operate two return flights a day between Deurne (Antwerp) and Manchester using Embraer ERJ 134 jets. It is reported that BMI Regional is receiving funding from the European budget for this new air traffic route. This means that the airline will have to pay no landing or airport departure charges during the first three years and will enjoy a discount per departing passenger. Reportedly, the airline must invest this subsidy in order to promote the route.

CityJet, the previous operator of the Antwerp-Manchester route, discontinued this service in mid-September.

Can the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

The Commission can confirm that the European budget (including European Regional Development Fund) is not providing funding for these air carrier operations. The information according to which BMI Regional is receiving funding from the European budget for this new air traffic route is inaccurate. Furthermore, the Commission can also confirm that the route Deurne-Antwerp is not subject to a public service obligation imposed by any of the Member States involved.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008814/12

to the Commission

Marian Harkin (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Nutrient profiling

Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims established the principle of setting nutrient profiles to determine whether or not claims can be made on foods or certain categories of foods. However, as the nutrient profile list currently stands, ‘meat alternative’ products are currently not included in the draft categories and, as such, will be at a competitive disadvantage in the market place. ‘Meat alternative’ products will be submitted to much stricter nutritional requirements then actual meat products, making it impossible for them to compete on an equal level playing field.

Does the Commission believe that ‘meat alternative’ products will be included in any forthcoming amended category list?

Can the Commission confirm the current timeframe for the proposed work on nutrient profiling? When are the nutrient profiles likely to be introduced and set?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(26 October 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-009510/2010 (128) by Ms McClarkin.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008815/12

to the Commission

Marian Harkin (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Homeopathic medicinal products

With reference to the answer given to my Written Question E‐003839/12 on 7 June 2012 by the Commission, it needs to be clarified that the question concerned was not intended to provide an incentive to the Commission to review ‘the EU rules’ on the authorisation requirements for homeopathic medicinal products.

Firstly, the problems raised in Question E‐003839/12 are not related to the simplified registration procedure. This procedure does not permit therapeutic indication. Secondly, it does not increase the need to review the respective ‘EU rules’ for authorisations: the matter could be resolved promptly and permanently by an amendment to Annex A to Directive 2001/83/EC, e.g. in Part III (3) under Module 5 as follows:

‘The provisions of Module 5 shall apply to the marketing authorisation referred to in Article 16(1) with the following specifications: Any missing information must be justified. If clinical efficacy of whole product can be sufficiently demonstrated, further information (for e. g. pharmaco-dynamic, pharmaco-kinetic studies and contribution of individual active substances to efficacy) is not required.’

This proposal would not compromise the quality, safety or efficacy of these products.

1. Does the Commission acknowledge the necessity to complement the authorisation requirements for homeopathic medicinal products in order to make the authorisation procedure accessible in practice for manufacturers of homeopathic medicinal products?

2. Will the Commission take into consideration the abovementioned amendment to Annex A to Directive 2001/83/EC?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2012)

As explained in the Commission’s answer to Written Question E-003839/2012 (129), the the EU legal framework for medicinal products provides differentiated procedures allowing homeopathic medicinal products to be marketed either on the basis of a marketing authorisation or a simplified registration procedure. These procedures take into account the specificities of these products without compromising the quality, safety and efficacy of these products. The requirements for the marketing authorisation procedure, which apply also to non-homeopathic medicinal products, ensure a level playing field for all applicants under this procedure. In addition, homeopathic medicinal products can also be approved, under specific conditions, by a simplified registration procedure applying only to homeopathic medicinal products.

The Commission considers that these rules provide for the necessary and appropriate flexibility for the approval of homeopathic medicinal products and does not see the need for an amendment to Annex A of Directive 2001/83/EC (130).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008816/12

to the Commission

Marian Harkin (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Civil aviation safety agreement

The ‘Agreement between the United States of America and the European Union on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety’ entered into force on 1 May 2011. The stated purpose of the agreement was ‘to automatically accept certain approvals issued within the other certification system (an approval issued by one party constitutes a valid approval by the other party) and enable the reciprocal acceptance of findings of compliance during validation processes’. In particular, the Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) section provides that American authorities would automatically approve maintenance companies approved already by their European counterparts and vice versa.

However, it appears that while Europe has kept its side of the agreement, the United States has not. Currently, the European Aviation Safety Agency is providing approvals for firms right across the United States, but an equivalent process is not taking place from the US side. In a recent letter, John Benning of the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explained that under the Section 1616 of the ‘9/11 Commission Recommendation Act of 2007’ the FAA is currently not permitted to certify new FAA repair stations outside the United States. This restriction will remain in place until the US Transport Security Administration publishes final repair station security rules. Mr Benning has no estimate as to when this will happen. This results in European firms being at a huge competitive disadvantage over American firms as even European aircraft owners prefer to have certification with dual approval.

What is the Commission’s position on this issue and what action, if any, is it taking to rectify the imbalances in the current agreement?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

The situation as described by the Honourable Member is known to the Commission and has been the subject of several exchanges with the relevant US authorities, notably through the Bilateral Oversight Board of the bilateral aviation safety agreement referred to. The Commission has voiced its continued strong concerns regarding the failure of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to oversee the release of a final rule on Foreign Repair Stations (FRS). The moratorium on the issuance of new FAA repair station certifications resulting from this lack of action by the TSA has been in place since 2008, leading to 32 European companies awaiting approval.

In parallel there are currently around 30 to 50 applications from U.S. companies pending for approval by EASA, the granting of which would create an increased imbalance in the market due to the lack of reciprocity.

Moreover, the Commission has repeatedly expressed its concerns with the security measures for FRS advocated in the TSA's draft rule of 18 November 2009, indicating that they would impose extra-territorial obligations on EU repair stations that may not be legally introduced in EU Member States. Considering that in the case of non-compliance U.S. authorities would revoke maintenance approvals, thus preventing EU repair stations from working on U.S. registered aircraft, the Commission has indicated its willingness to work with the TSA to ensure that these concerns are duly addressed.

The Commission has made it clear to its US counterparts that this is not a tenable situation and that there must be a resolution.The Commission is currently exploring what action could be taken on this matter in the context of the EU/US bilateral aviation safety agreement.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008817/12

à la Commission

Karima Delli (Verts/ALE)

(2 octobre 2012)

Objet: Promotion de l'épargne-retraite privée par la Commission

Dans sa réponse P-007376/2012 à la question avec demande de réponse écrite P-007376/2012, posée par Karima Delli, la Commission considère que «les fonds de pension professionnels sont habituellement des investisseurs à long terme qui utilisent d'autant moins l'effet de levier (consistant à emprunter pour investir) que la directive sur les institutions de retraite professionnelle l'interdit».

La Commission laisse penser que les fonds de pension n'ont pas de rôle déstabilisateur sur les marchés financiers, car elle omet d'évoquer le rôle joué par la privatisation de l'épargne collective dans la financiarisation de l'économie, et la relation des fonds de pension avec les fonds d'investissements. En tant que premiers investisseurs institutionnels par la taille, les fonds de pression exercent pourtant un rôle fondamental lorsque, en contrepartie d'un investissement dans un portefeuille du fonds d'investissement ou d'une compagnie, ils exigent des taux de rentabilité de court terme qui n'ont rien à voir avec la capacité de croissance de l'économie réelle, induisant le recours aux techniques de High Yields (dont l'effet de levier) évoquées dans la question précédente. La croissance de l'endettement privé institutionnel en atteste. Quelle analyse la Commission fait-elle de cette situation?

La Commission se défend d'inciter les États européens à augmenter les dépenses fiscales d'incitation au développement de l'épargne-retraite privée. Par contre, elle reconnaît qu'elle travaille à «optimiser l'efficacité et l'intérêt économique des mesures, fiscales ou autres, d'incitation à l'épargne-retraite privée», ce qui revient exactement au même. En période de réduction des dépenses publiques, pourquoi la Commission continue-t-elle d'encourager des dépenses fiscales socialement injustes, et qui déséquilibrent davantage le budget des États?

Enfin, il est établi que le développement de la retraite privée par capitalisation, même sans manipulation financière, ne constitue pas une réponse au vieillissement démographique, puisque ce sont toujours les jeunes actifs qui payent par le fruit de leur travail les pensions des retraités, soit par des cotisations directes, soit par le prélèvement de remboursement d'emprunt ou de dividendes. Le véritable coût d'un système de retraite réside dans ses frais de gestion. La Commission est-elle en phase avec cette analyse?

Réponse donnée par M. Andor au nom de la Commission

(19 novembre 2012)

La capacité des fonds de pension d'agir en tant qu'investisseurs à long terme est fonction de l'échéance des décisions d'investissement et de la taille des portefeuilles de négociation, l'objectif de ces fonds étant d'obtenir des rendements élevés pour leurs investissements par rapport à leurs portefeuilles «Achat-conservation». Si quelques fonds de pension visent un certain niveau de rendement annuel sur des cycles pluriannuels, il ne s'agit pas d'une exigence prudentielle du point de vue de la directive sur les institutions de retraite professionnelle, laquelle exige que les institutions de retraite professionnelle placent les actifs qu'elles détiennent pour couvrir les engagements de retraite selon des modalités adaptées à la nature et à la durée de ces engagements. La révision dont fait l'objet la directive sur les institutions de retraite professionnelle vise à favoriser l'investissement à long terme en prévoyant une évaluation des engagements plus réaliste et des mesures incitatives pour améliorer la gestion des risques sur de longues périodes.

La Commission n'incite pas à augmenter les dépenses fiscales pour promouvoir les retraites privées, mais elle propose d'examiner si les ressources publiques consacrées à des mesures, fiscales et autres, d'incitation à ce type de retraites sont utilisées selon le meilleur rapport coût/efficacité, ce qui est particulièrement important en période de restrictions budgétaires.

Les régimes de retraite publics mettent en péril la viabilité des finances publiques en raison du vieillissement de la population. Ces risques peuvent être réduits par un relèvement de l'âge de la retraite, une diminution des pensions de retraite ou une augmentation des cotisations. Ces deux dernières possibilités étant hautement indésirables, il ne reste plus que les deux options examinées dans le livre blanc sur les retraites, à savoir trouver un meilleur équilibre entre la durée de la vie professionnelle et celle de la retraite, et développer l'épargne-retraite privée. Les frais de gestion représentent une part très faible des dépenses des régimes de retraite publics. Réduire ces frais ne pourra, au mieux, que contribuer très faiblement à la viabilité de retraites adéquates.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008817/12

to the Commission

Karima Delli (Verts/ALE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Promotion of private pension savings by the Commission

In its answer to written question No P‐007376/2012, by Karima Delli, the Commission said ‘occupational pension funds are typically long term investors and they do not engage in leveraging (borrowing to invest), not least as the IORP Directive outlaws this.’

The Commission implies that pension funds do not have a destabilising effect on the financial markets, since it fails to mention the role played by the privatisation of collective savings in the financialisation of the economy, and the connection between pension funds and investment funds. As the largest institutional investors, pension funds do, however, play a fundamental role when, in exchange for investing in an investment fund or company portfolio, they command short-term rates of return which have nothing to do with the growth capacity of the real economy, thereby leading to the adoption of high yield techniques (including leverage) mentioned in the previous question. The increase in institutional private debt is evidence of this. What does the Commission make of this situation?

The Commission denies encouraging European countries to increase tax expenditure for promoting the development of private pension savings. On the other hand, it recognises that it is working to ‘optimise the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of tax and other incentives for private pension saving’, which is precisely the same. At a time of reduced public expenditure, why does the Commission continue to encourage tax expenditure which is socially unjust and further unbalances the State budgets?

Finally, it has been established that the development of funded private pension schemes, even without financial manipulation, is not an answer to population ageing, as it is always the case that young working people, through their earnings, pay the pensions of those who have retired, whether by means of direct contributions or by means of deductions from loan repayments or dividends. The true cost of a pension system lies in its administrative costs. Does the Commission agree with this analysis of the situation?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The capacity of pension funds to act as long-term investors depends on the time horizon for investment decisions and on the size of their trading book to generate high investment returns in relation to their buy-to-hold portfolio. While some pension funds target a certain level of annual returns during multi-annual cycles, this is not a prudential requirement from the perspective of the IORP Directive (131). The directive requires IORPs to invest the assets held to cover the pension liabilities in a manner appropriate to the nature and duration of those liabilities. The ongoing review of the IORP Directive aims to support long-term investment by making the valuation of liabilities more realistic and by providing incentives for better risk management over long periods of time.

The Commission does not encourage higher tax expenditure to promote private pensions, but proposes to examine whether public resources devoted to tax and other incentives for such pensions are used in a cost-effective way, which is particularly important at times of fiscal constraint.

Public pension systems pose risks to the sustainability of public finances due to population ageing. Such risks can be reduced by raising the retirement age, lowering pensions or increasing contributions. Lower pensions and higher contributions are highly undesirable. This leaves only the two options discussed in the White Paper on pensions (132): achieving a better balance between years in work and years in retirement; and saving more through private schemes. Administration costs represent a very small share of public pension spending. Cutting these costs can at best only make a very small contribution to the sustainability of adequate pensions.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008819/12

to the Commission

Derek Roland Clark (EFD)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Wind farm, Stoke Heights

The electricity company Ecotricity is proposing to develop a wind farm of 15 turbines on a stretch of open land lying between two significant woodlands: Salcey Forest and Stoke Park Wood (planning application reference: 11/01193 Stoke Heights, Stoke Goldington).

Both these woods have significant populations of bats of several species. Various UK acts ensure the legal protection of all bat species and their roosts. Several of these acts directly implement the EU Habitats Directive. Since 2003, various surveys have established that bats have been killed in and around wind farms. The studies were carried out in West Virginia, USA, and in 14 European countries. The numbers of fatalities recorded are so high that there is serious concern about the conservation status of several species.

Can the Commission please tell me why Ecotricity is being allowed to continue to pursue this proposal notwithstanding the documented information available from several sources recording significant fatalities of these EU protected species?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

All bats are protected under the Habitats Directive (133) which requires that in the case of a proposed development, the impact on bats need to be assessed and taken into account in relation to the provisions set out in Articles 12 and 16 of the Habitats Directive.

Under EU legislation, wind farm plans and projects are also subject to an assessment of impacts on wildlife and other environmental areas. In particular, the provisions of the directives on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA (134)) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA (135)) may apply.

It is for the competent authorities in the United Kingdom to ensure that assessments of wind-farms such as the one in Stoke Heights on bats are correctly carried out.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008820/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Attacchi contro i cristiani in Kenya

La comunità cristiana in Kenya è tornata ad essere bersaglio di attacchi terroristici. Dopo i numerosi attentati degli ultimi mesi, l'ennesima retata contro i fedeli si è consumata in una Chiesa di San Policarpo a Nairobi, in cui è rimasto ucciso un bambino di nove anni e altri otto sono rimasti feriti.

Le chiese in Kenya sono finite recentemente nel mirino di numerosi attacchi che non sono mai stati rivendicati, ma che vengono attribuiti a una vendetta dei gruppi qaedisti per l'offensiva dell'esercito keniano in Somalia contro le milizie Shebaab.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

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

(20 novembre 2012)

L’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Asthon è a conoscenza dei violenti episodi recentemente avvenuti in Kenya, tra cui il lancio di una granata sulla chiesa di San Policarpo a Nairobi, l’uccisione di due ufficiali di polizia kenyoti a Garissa lo stesso fine settimana e l’esplosione di due ordigni nella zona residenziale di Nairobi il 12 ottobre scorso. L’AR/VP nutre serie preoccupazioni circa tali attacchi e segue con estrema attenzione l'evolversi della minaccia terroristica nel paese.

Dall’incursione kenyota in territorio somalo dell'ottobre 2011 e da quando il Kenia sostiene l’AMISOM, è cresciuto il rischio di rappresaglie da parte di gruppi militanti. È probabile che almeno alcuni di questi attacchi siano commessi dai sostenitori di Al-Shabab o da gruppi estremisti analoghi, ma non è dimostrato che sia così in tutti i casi.

Nell'ambito del dialogo intrattenuto con le autorità kenyote, l'UE solleva periodicamente la questione della sicurezza di tutti i kenyoti e gli stranieri che si trovano nel paese. Inoltre, per promuovere attivamente la pace e l’armonia in Kenya, l’UE finanzia, attraverso lo Strumento europeo per la democrazia e i diritti umani (EIDHR), progetti volti a ridurre le tensioni in noti focolai di violenza.

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente attribuisce la massima importanza alla libertà di religione o di credo e si adopera con impegno per assicurare la coesistenza pacifica di tutte le comunità religiose in Africa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008820/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Attacks on Christians in Kenya

The Christian community in Kenya has once again become the target of terrorist attacks. After numerous attacks in recent months, another raid took place at St Polycarp Church in Nairobi, in which a nine-year-old child was killed and eight others were injured.

Churches in Kenya have recently been targeted in numerous attacks. As no one has ever claimed responsibility for the attacks, they are believed to be revenge by a group of al-Qa’ida militants for the Kenyan army’s offensive against the Al-Shabaab militia in Somalia.

In view of the above, can the Vice-President/High Representative answer the following:

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

(20 November 2012)

The High Representative/Vice-President Ashton is fully aware of the violent incidents that happened in Kenya recently, including the grenade attack on a St Polycarp Church in Nairobi, the killing of two Kenyan police officers in Garissa the same weekend, and the twin explosions in a Nairobi residential estate on 12 October. She is very concerned about these incidents and follows closely the evolving situation of the terrorist threat in Kenya.

Since Kenya's incursion into Somali terrority in October 2011 and Kenya's contribution to Amisom, there is a risk of retaliatory action by militant groups. It is likely that at least some of these attacks are perpetrated by affiliates of Al-Shabab or similar extremist groups, but this is not proven in the case of all such attacks.

The EU regularly raises security concerns in its dialogue with Kenyan authorities to ensure the safety of all Kenyans and foreigners staying in the country. To actively foster a peaceful and harmonious society in Kenya, the EU also funds, through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), projects aimed at defusing tensions in known hotspots of violence.

The High Representative/Vice-President attaches utmost importance to freedom of religion or beliefs and is fully committed to ensuring peaceful co-existence of religious communities in Africa.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008821/12

an die Kommission

Martin Ehrenhauser (NI)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Illegale Einwanderung

Politische Instabilität in Afrika führt nach Untersuchungen einiger Mitgliedstaaten sowie Europol zu erhöhter illegaler Einwanderung.

1. Kann die Kommission Auskunft darüber geben, inwieweit sich die illegale Einwanderung durch Krisen in anderen Regionen, zum Beispiel im Nahen Osten, verändert hat?

2. Kann die Kommission Auskunft darüber geben, wie sich die illegale Einwanderung durch den Krieg in Afghanistan verändert hat?

3. Kann die Kommission Auskunft darüber geben, wie sich die illegale Einwanderung durch den Krieg im Irak verändert hat?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(4. Dezember 2012)

Zivile und sozioökonomische Unruhen sowie bewaffnete Konflikte führen häufig zu gemischten Migrationsströmen von irregulären Zuwanderern sowie Personen, die aus begründeter Angst vor Verfolgung um internationalen Schutz ansuchen. Die meisten der beispielsweise im Mittleren Osten, im Irak oder in Afghanistan von Krisen betroffenen Menschen bleiben in der Region, insbesondere in den Nachbarländern.

Trotzdem haben sich diese Migrationsbewegungen auch auf die Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union ausgewirkt. Die Kommission weist den Herrn Abgeordneten auf die Statistiken von Eurostat zu Asyl und Durchsetzung der Zuwanderungsgesetzgebung  (136) hin, die nach Staatsangehörigkeit aufgeschlüsselt Zahlen zu Asylbewerbern und aufgefundenen irregulären Zuwanderern enthalten.

Diese Statistiken werden im Einklang mit der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 862/2007 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 11. Juli 2007 zu Gemeinschaftsstatistiken über Wanderung und internationalen Schutz  (137) erhoben und veröffentlicht. So wurden 2011 beispielsweise insgesamt 73 370 afghanische und 27 265 irakische Staatsangehörige (Asylbewerber und irreguläre Zuwanderer zusammen) verzeichnet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008821/12

to the Commission

Martin Ehrenhauser (NI)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Illegal immigration

According to investigations by a number of Member States and Europol, political instability in Africa is leading to a rise in illegal immigration.

1. Can the Commission provide information on the extent to which illegal immigration has changed as a result of crises in other regions, such as the Middle East?

2. Can the Commission provide information on the extent to which illegal immigration has changed as a result of the war in Afghanistan?

3. Can the Commission provide information on the extent to which illegal immigration has changed as a result of the war in Iraq?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

Civil and socioeconomic unrest, as well as armed conflicts have often triggered mixed migratory flows including irregular immigrants and people looking for international protection because of well-founded fear of persecution. Most of the people affected by crises such as the ones in the Middle East, Iraq or Afghanistan have remained in the region, notably in the neighbouring countries.

Nevertheless, the Member States of the European Union have also been affected by such migratory movements. The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the statistics published by Eurostat on Asylum and Enforcement of Immigration Legislation (138) including figures on asylum-seekers as well as of apprehended irregular immigrants by their nationality.

Those statistics are collected and published in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2007 on Community statistics on migration and international protection (139). By way of example, the total for Afghani and Iraqi nationals (asylum-seekers and irregular migrants taken together) were 73370 and 27265 respectively in 2011.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008822/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(2 de octubre de 2012)

Asunto: Desaparición de mecanismos de apoyo a los productores fotovoltaicos

La Directiva europea 2001/77/CE estableció medidas para la promoción de la electricidad a partir de fuentes de energía renovables. Dicha Directiva europea expone claramente en su considerando 14 que los Estados miembros deben aplicar diferentes mecanismos de apoyo a las fuentes de energía renovables a escala nacional y garantizar el correcto funcionamiento de esos mecanismos de apoyo (a la espera de que entre en funcionamiento un marco comunitario).

En el caso español, el mecanismo de apoyo a la energía fotovoltaica es manifiestamente insuficiente, la mayoría de las inversiones realizadas bajo el amparo de la mencionada Directiva europea y en el marco legal del Real Decreto 661/2007 sufren un recorte retroactivo del 30 % como consecuencia de las normas dictadas con posterioridad, estas inversiones tienen un apalancamiento medio del 80 % y precisan refinanciación, puesto que en su mayoría fueron financiadas en base a las condiciones iniciales.

La volatilidad regulatoria provocada por las normas retroactivas (1565/2010 y RDL14/2010) junto con la perspectiva de una nueva imposición fiscal del 6 %, sumada a la gran inestabilidad de los mercados hace que la refinanciación de los proyectos fotovoltaicos por parte de la banca tradicional sea imposible. Al no tener acceso al mercado de capital, la mayoría de productores de energía fotovoltaica se enfrentan a una situación de default.

Esta situación ha provocado que se solicitase al Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) la cantidad de 110 millones de euros para paliar las necesidades de tesorería de los proyectos fotovoltaicos. Estas peticiones de crédito han sido todas denegadas, a pesar que el Real Decreto-Ley 14/2010 establece claramente la obligación del ICO a habilitar una línea especial de crédito para proyectos fotovoltaicos.

Dado que los mecanismos de apoyo a los proyectos fotovoltaicos en España no funcionan correctamente, ¿está dispuesta la Comisión, mediante el European Renewable Energy Fund del Banco Europeo de Inversión o mediante el mecanismo que considere conveniente, a habilitar una línea de crédito de emergencia para los proyectos fotovoltaicos que sufren los recortes retroactivos en España?

Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(27 de noviembre de 2012)

Según la Directiva en materia de energías renovables (140), los Estados miembros tienen la responsabilidad de adoptar medidas que permitan alcanzar o superar los objetivos nacionales que fija en esta materia esa misma Directiva.

El papel principal del Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI) es facilitar financiación a largo plazo para la realización de nuevas inversiones o, lo que es lo mismo, ayudar a los promotores para que destinen nuevas inversiones a iniciativas que vengan a apoyar los objetivos de la UE. Siendo así, los proyectos que ya han sido terminados no pueden normalmente recibir la financiación del BEI y es por tanto imposible para este intervenir de la forma que sugiere Su Señoría. Es importante también observar que el BEI tendría que verificar que ningún prestatario fue capaz de devolver los préstamos que se le concedieron.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008822/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Disappearance of the support mechanisms for photovoltaic producers

Directive 2001/77/EC lays down measures for the promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources. Recital 14 of that EU Directive clearly explains that the Member States must operate different mechanisms of support for renewable energy sources at the national level and guarantee the proper functioning of these support mechanisms (until a Community framework is put into operation).

In the case of Spain, the support mechanism for photovoltaic energy is clearly inadequate, most investments made under the aforementioned EU Directive and within the legal framework of Royal Decree No 661/2007 are being cut retroactively by 30 % as a result of rules laid down at a later date. These investments have an average leverage of 80 % and they require refinancing, since most of them were financed on the basis of the initial conditions.

The regulatory volatility caused by the retroactive rules (1565/2010 and Royal Decree-Law No 14/2010) together with the prospect of a new tax rate of 6 %, added to the great instability of the markets makes refinancing of photovoltaic projects through traditional banking impossible. Not having access to the capital market, most photovoltaic energy producers are facing default.

This situation has led to the Official Credit Institute (ICO) being asked for EUR 110 million to meet the cash requirements of photovoltaic projects. These requests for credit have all been declined, despite Royal Decree-Law No 14/2010 clearly imposing an obligation on the ICO to provide a special line of credit for photovoltaic projects.

Given that the support mechanisms for photovoltaic projects in Spain are not functioning properly, is the Commission prepared, through the European Investment Bank’s European Renewable Energy Fund or through a mechanism it deems appropriate, to provide an emergency line of credit for photovoltaic projects that are undergoing retroactive cuts in Spain?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

According to the Renewable Energy Directive (141), Member States have the responsibility to introduce effective measures to achieve or exceed their national renewable energy targets as laid down in that directive.

The European Investment Bank (EIB)'s primary role is to provide long term finance for new investments — that is, to help promoters implement new investments in projects which support the EU's objectives. Given this, projects which are already complete are not normally eligible for EIB financing hence the EIB would not be in a position to intervene in the way suggested by the Honourable Member. It is also important to note that the EIB would have to confirm that any borrower was able to repay any loan facility made available to it.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008823/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(2 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ενεργειακή αποδοτικότητα κέντρων δεδομένων

Η ραγδαία ανάπτυξη των τεχνολογιών πληροφοριών και επικοινωνιών (ΤΠΕ) έχει οδηγήσει στη δημιουργία χιλιάδων κέντρων δεδομένων για τη στέγαση των διακομιστών των πολυεθνικών κολοσσών πληροφορικής. Η ενέργεια που καταναλώνουν τα κέντρα δεδομένων παγκοσμίως εκτιμάται ότι αντιστοιχεί στην απόδοση 30 πυρηνικών εργοστασίων ή αλλιώς σε 30 δισεκατομμύρια Watts, ενώ το 90 % ή παραπάνω της ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας που προμηθεύονται από το δίκτυο σπαταλιέται, καθώς χρησιμοποιείται για τη διατήρηση των διακομιστών σε κατάσταση αναμονής προκειμένου να ανταποκριθούν σε πιθανή αύξηση των υπολογιστικών αναγκών. Τα κέντρα δεδομένων είναι επίσης υποχρεωμένα να χρησιμοποιούν εφεδρικές γεννήτριες, οι οποίες καταναλώνουν πετρέλαιο και εκπέμπουν επικίνδυνα αέρια στο περιβάλλον. Η Υπηρεσία Περιβαλλοντικής Προστασίας των ΗΠΑ (EPA) υπολογίζει ότι 1,5 % της συνολικής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στις ΗΠΑ καταναλώνεται από εξυπηρετητές και υπολογιστικά κέντρα. Είναι προφανές ότι οι ΤΠΕ μπορούν να συμβάλουν στην εν γένει ενεργειακή αποδοτικότητα (όπως σημειώνει η Επιτροπή με την ανακοίνωσή της COM(2009)0111 τελικό), αλλά αποτελούν και οι ίδιες έναν σημαντικό καταναλωτή ενέργειας.

Με βάση τα παραπάνω ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Tajani εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(12 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Η Επιτροπή γνωρίζει για τον αυξανόμενο αριθμό των νέων κέντρων δεδομένων. Αυτός είναι ένας λόγος για τον οποίο οι διακομιστές επιχειρήσεων θα συμπεριληφθούν στο πρόγραμμα εργασίας για τον οικολογικό σχεδιασμό 2012-2014 (142).

Μια προπαρασκευαστική μελέτη σε σχέση με τους διακομιστές επιχειρήσεων που θα εξετάζει τις διαστάσεις της ενεργειακής απόδοσης θα διενεργηθεί το 2013· το 2014/15 θα εξεταστούν οι απαιτήσεις για την καταλληλότητα του οικολογικού σχεδιασμού και την επισήμανση της ενεργειακής απόδοσης.

Συγκεκριμένες διαστάσεις διακομιστών είναι ήδη νομοθετικά κατοχυρωμένες για το 2013. Η Επιτροπή θα εκδώσει έναν κανονισμό για τον οικολογικό σχεδιασμό σχετικά με τους υπολογιστές και τους διακομιστές και τις απαιτήσεις για την απόδοση της εσωτερικής απόδοσης ενέργειας και έναν κανονισμό για τον οικολογικό σχεδιασμό σχετικά με τη δικτυωμένη κατάσταση αναμονής (δηλαδή την κατανάλωση ενέργειας συνδεδεμένων προϊόντων με το διαδίκτυο που βρίσκονται σε κατάσταση αναμονής).

Μία άλλη πρωτοβουλία της Επιτροπής (143) στοχεύει στη διαφάνεια των αναφορών του τομέα ΤΠΕ (συμπεριλαμβανομένων των κέντρων δεδομένων) σχετικά με την ενέργεια και το αποτύπωμα άνθρακα, καθώς και στη λήψη μετέπειτα ενεργειών (π.χ., ταχεία υιοθέτηση από τη βιομηχανία σχετικών προτύπων).

Το ΣΕΔΕ της ΕΕ εφαρμόζεται για τις διαδικασίες παραγωγής και όχι για τους τελικούς καταναλωτές ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας. Επομένως, τα κέντρα δεδομένων καλύπτονται από το ΣΕΔΕ της ΕΕ για τις άμεσες εκπομπές CO2 που προέρχονται από την αυτοπαραγόμενη ηλεκτρική ενέργεια, δεδομένου ότι η εγκατάσταση παραγωγής έχει ισχύ άνω των 20 MW. Ωστόσο, οποιαδήποτε ηλεκτρική ενέργεια η οποία αγοράζεται από εξωτερικούς προμηθευτές και καταναλώνεται από τα κέντρα δεδομένων περιλαμβάνει, επίσης, την ενδεικτική τιμή του ΣΕΔΕ, καθώς οι παραγωγοί ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας καλύπτονται συνήθως από το ΣΕΔΕ της ΕΕ.

Σύμφωνα με το έργο της οδηγίας για τον οικολογικό σχεδιασμό (144), η κατανάλωση ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας των κέντρων δεδομένων εκτιμάται ότι είναι περίπου 56 TWh/έτος (ΕΕ-27 το 2010), δηλαδή σχεδόν 28 Mt CO2/έτος (υπόθεση: ένταση του άνθρακα 0,5 t CO2/MWh για την παραγωγή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στην ΕΕ).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008823/12

to the Commission

Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Data centre energy efficiency

The rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) has led to the creation of thousands of data centres housing the servers of multinational computer giants. The energy consumed by these data centres worldwide is estimated to be the same as the output of 30 nuclear power plants or 30 billion watts. However, 90 % or more of the electrical energy supplied by the network is wasted, as it is used to keep the servers on standby, so that they can respond to a likely increase in computer needs. The data centres also have to use standby generators, which consume fuel and emit dangerous gases into the atmosphere. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 1.5 % of total electrical energy in the USA is consumed by server and computer rooms. It is clear that the ICT sector could contribute to overall energy efficiency (as stated by the Commission in Communication COM(2009)0111 final). However, the sector itself is also a large energy consumer.

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

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2012)

The Commission is aware of the increasing number of new data centres. This is one reason why enterprise servers will be included in the Ecodesign Working Plan 2012-2014 (145).

A preparatory study on enterprise servers looking at energy efficiency aspects will be launched in 2013; in 2014/15, the appropriateness of ecodesign and energy labelling requirements will be examined.

Certain aspects of servers will be regulated already in 2013. The Commission will adopt an Ecodesign Regulation on computers and servers with requirements on internal power supply efficiency and an Ecodesign Regulation on networked standby (i.e. energy consumption of network connected products in standby mode).

Another Commission initiative (146) aims at transparency in the energy and carbon footprint reporting of the ICT sector (incl. data centres) and follow-up actions (e.g. fast uptake by industry of relevant standards).

The EU ETS applies to production processes and not to final electricity consumers. Data centres are hence covered by the EU ETS for direct CO2 emissions from auto-produced electricity, provided the generation installation has a capacity of >20MW. However, any electricity externally purchased and consumed by data centres also includes the ETS price signal as electricity producers are usually covered by the EU ETS.

Based on work on the Ecodesign Directive (147), the electricity consumption of data centres is estimated to be around 56 TWh/y (EU-27 in 2010), i.e. roughly 28 Mt CO2/y (assumption: carbon intensity of 0,5 t CO2/MWh for EU electricity production).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008824/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Steigende Arbeitslosigkeit insbesondere bei älteren Menschen

Die jüngsten Statistiken zeigen, dass die Arbeitslosigkeit EU-weit zunimmt (11,4 %) und ganz offensichtlich von den Mitgliedstaaten nicht gebremst werden kann. Waren in Österreich im August dieses Jahres noch 289 223 Menschen ohne Arbeit, waren es im September schon 294 922; gegenüber dem Vorjahr bedeutet dies einen Anstieg um 6,4 %. Allerdings sind die älteren Menschen unter den Arbeitslosen (Personen über 50) besonders betroffen; in dieser Gruppe stieg die Arbeitslosigkeit um 9,4 %.

1. Kennt die Kommission diese Entwicklung in der Altersgruppe der über 50‐Jährigen in Österreich? Wie sieht die Entwicklung EU-weit aus? Wie sieht die entsprechende Entwicklung insbesondere in Problemländern wie Griechenland, Spanien, Italien und Portugal aus?

(Bitte um Erläuterung.)

2. Welche Vorschläge gedenkt die Kommission zu unterbreiten, und welche Initiativen will sie einleiten, damit dieser Entwicklung, bei der wertvolles Potenzial am Arbeitsmarkt verloren geht, EU-weit erfolgreich entgegengewirkt werden kann?

Antwort von Herrn Andor im Namen der Kommission

(19. November 2012)

Äußerst besorgniserregend ist allerdings die sehr hohe Langzeitarbeitslosigkeit bei dieser Arbeitnehmergruppe. Im zweiten Quartal 2012 waren in der Europäischen Union insgesamt 56 % der arbeitslosen älteren Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer zwischen 50 und 64 Jahren seit mindestens 12 Monaten ohne Arbeit, gegenüber 44,4 % im Durchschnitt aller Altersgruppen. In Österreich beträgt dieser Anteil 42,1 %.

Der Kommission ist bewusst, dass die Ankurbelung der Nachfrage nach Arbeitskräften eine notwendige, aber keineswegs ausreichende Bedingung darstellt, um die Arbeitslosigkeit bei älteren Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmern zu verringern. Ergänzt werden sollte dies durch Initiativen, die die Work-Life-Balance vor allem bei älteren Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmern verbessern, die Weiterbildung fördern, die Arbeitsbedingungen an die Bedürfnisse älterer Arbeitnehmer anpassen und Betreuungsangebote für ältere Menschen schaffen.

In den länderspezifischen Empfehlungen wurde besonderes Augenmerk auf das aktive Altern und Maßnahmen zur Verlängerung der Erwerbstätigkeit gelegt. Im Beschäftigungspaket wird den Mitgliedstaaten allgemein auch vorgeschlagen, die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen durch Senkung der Steuern auf Arbeit und stärkeren Rückgriff auf Einstellungszuschüsse für Neueinstellungen sowie Stärkung beschäftigungsintensiver Wirtschaftsbereiche wie IKT, grüne Wirtschaft und Gesundheit zu fördern.

Die Kommission führt derzeit das Europäische Jahr für aktives Altern und Solidarität zwischen den Generationen 2012 durch, das unter anderem darauf abzielt, die Möglichkeiten und Bedingungen für ältere Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer zu verbessern.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008824/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Rising unemployment among older people in particular

The latest statistics show that unemployment is rising throughout the European Union (11.4 %) and that the Member States are obviously unable to halt it. While there were 289 223 people out of work in Austria in August of this year, this figure rose to 294 922 in September, representing an increase of 6.4 % on the previous year. The fact is, however, that older people (those over 50) are hit particularly hard by unemployment; in this group, unemployment levels rose by 9.4 %.

1. Is the Commission aware of this development in the over-50 age bracket in Austria? What is the trend throughout Europe? How are things developing in problematic countries in particular, for example Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal?

(Please provide an explanation)

2. What proposals does the Commission intend to make and what initiatives does it plan to take to combat this development throughout Europe, helping to stem the loss of valuable potential in the labour market?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

What is even more worrying are the very high long-term unemployment rates for this group of workers. For the European Union as a whole 56% of the unemployed older workers aged between 50 and 64 years was unemployed for 12 months or more unemployed in the second quarter of 2012, compared to 44.4% considering all age groups. In Austria the figure is 42.1%.

The Commission is well aware that boosting demand for labour is a necessary but not sufficient condition to reduce unemployment of older workers. It should also be complemented by initiatives that improve work-life balance especially of older workers, stimulate training, adapt working conditions to the needs of older workers and provide care for the elderly.

The Country Specific Recommendations have paid attention to active ageing and to the measures that support workers staying longer in employment. In more general terms, the Employment Package (148) also proposes Member States to support job creation by reducing taxes on labour and making more use of hiring subsidies targeted to new jobs as well as fostering job rich sectors such as ICT, green economy and healthcare.

The Commission is currently implementing the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 which aims, among other things, to improve the opportunities and conditions for senior workers.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008825/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nirj Deva (ECR)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Imprisonment of Pakistani doctor alleged to have assisted US authorities in finding Osama bin Laden

In May 2012 a Pakistani doctor, Shakil Afridi, was jailed for at least thirty years by a court in Pakistan. He was convicted of treason for having allegedly assisted US authorities to run a vaccination programme in Abbottabad, Pakistan, with the ultimate intention of gathering information about the suspected presence of Osama bin Laden in the town.

1. What is the Vice-President/High Representative’s opinion of the sentence handed down to Dr Afridi?

2. To what extent does the Vice-President/High Representative agree with the comments of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Dr Afridi should be released because his work, regardless of whether he was aware of its ultimate purpose, served US and Pakistani interests?

3. To what extent does the Vice-President/High Representative agree that Dr Afridi’s work, regardless of whether he was aware of its ultimate purpose, served EU interests as well?

4. To what extent is the Vice-President/High Representative concerned that most of the people detained in Pakistan over the circumstances of Osama bin Laden’s killing have been those who were contributing — purposefully or not — to his capture, rather than those who helped shield him?

5. What concerns does the Vice-President/High Representative have about the safety of the conviction of Dr Afridi and the rigour of the system of tribal justice under which he was tried and convicted?

6. What representations have the Vice-President/High Representative and EU officials made to the Pakistani authorities with regard to this case, and in particular with regard to securing a reduced sentence or the release from prison of Dr Afridi?

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

(26 November 2012)

The special operation carried out on 2 May in Pakistan directed against Osama Bin Laden’s hideout represented a major blow against both al Qaeda and terrorist activities worldwide.

We are concerned about the trial of Dr Afridi even if the EU cannot intervene directly in the internal affairs of a partner country. The EU engages in regular political dialogue with Pakistan and the matter will be raised.

Following adoption of the EU-Pakistan Engagement Plan, the dialogue will be reinforced by regular sector dialogues on security, including counter-terrorism. Law enforcement and strengthening the criminal justice system — including more effective prosecutions in terrorist trials — as well as countering violent extremism are expected to be part of the dialogue.

After the June 2012 Foreign Affairs Council approved the EU Counter Terrorism/Security Strategy for Pakistan, it is expected that EU activities in support of security and counter-terrorism in Pakistan will be reinforced.

The EU is already supporting projects which are intended to improve access to justice and also to improve the quality of law enforcement in Pakistan, not least with the police and prosecution services.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008826/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nirj Deva (ECR)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — India-Pakistan visa liberalisation

With regard to the recent moves by India and Pakistan to liberalise visa arrangements between the two countries:

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

(22 November 2012)

The HR/VP very much welcomes the dialogue process between India and Pakistan. Keeping this dialogue on track and making progress on confidence building measures will be essential for peace and stability in the South Asia region. In this context steps taken to facilitate people-to-people contacts and trade and transit are of particular importance.

The HR/VP believes that liberalisation of visa arrangements will help to boost the confidence of the business community and thereby contribute towards fostering trade relations between the two countries, especially as trade liberalisation efforts are being pursued in parallel.

Following the adaption of a new political framework with Pakistan, the EU-Pakistan Engagement Plan, and the launch of the strategic dialogue in Islamabad by the HR/VP on 5 June, a reinforced sector dialogue on security will start. This will enable the EU to raise issues of security concerns including counter-terrorism. In as far as the Mumbai incident of November 2008 is concerned, the EU has encouraged Pakistan to cooperate with India to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008827/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nirj Deva (ECR)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Murder of British citizen Malik Iqbal in Pakistan

British citizen Malik Iqbal was murdered in Pakistan in September 2012. He had returned to the country to give evidence against several men accused of kidnapping him and demanding a ransom during an earlier visit to Pakistan.

1. What representations has the Vice-President/High Representative made, and what representations will she make, to the Pakistani authorities to express her disgust at the murder of Mr Iqbal, an EU citizen, and the abject failure of Pakistani officials to offer him adequate protection, despite the obvious threat to his life?

2. What safety and security advice does the Vice-President/High Representative wish to offer to other EU citizens contemplating a visit to Pakistan?

3. What does the Vice-President/High Representative believe that this incident says about the deficiency of law and order in Pakistan, and what efforts are her services making to assist the Pakistani authorities in addressing this deficiency?

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

(26 November 2012)

The HR/VP thanks the Honourable Member for drawing her attention to the case of Mr Malik Iqbal. Representations to the Pakistani authorities in this case are the consular responsibility of the Member State concerned — in this case the UK. The provision of safety and security advice for EU citizens travelling abroad, including to Pakistan, is the responsibility of EU Member State authorities. For example, in the case of the UK, the FCO provides comprehensive advice.

The EU is concerned about the law and order situation in many areas of Pakistan, not least Karachi, the country’s major business hub. The EU already engages in regular dialogue with Pakistan and has regularly conveyed its concern at the security situation in the country. At the same time the EU is funding projects which are intended to improve access to justice and also to improve the quality of law enforcement in Pakistan, not least with the police and prosecution services. After the adoption of the EU CT/Security Strategy for Pakistan by the June 2012 Foreign Affairs Council, it is expected that EU activities in support of security and counter-terrorism in Pakistan will be reinforced.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008828/12

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(2 octobre 2012)

Objet: Interdiction des acides gras trans d'origine industrielle

Le Conseil supérieur de la santé, organe officiel belge, vient de recommander l'interdiction de la vente d'aliments contenant plus de 2 g d'acides gras trans industriels par 100 g d'huile ou de graisse. En effet, ces acides qui sont très répandus dans la composition des margarines, pâtisseries, confiseries, biscuits ont des effets pervers sur la santé: cholestérol, effets pro-inflammatoires et pro-coagulants, etc.

Certains États membres, notamment le Danemark, ont banni totalement toutes les graisses trans de l'alimentation.

La Commission peut-elle faire savoir:

Réponse donnée par M. Šefčovič au nom de la Commission

(15 novembre 2012)

L'article 30, paragraphe 7, du règlement (UE) n° 1169/2011 du Parlement européen et du Conseil (149) prévoit que la Commission rédige un rapport sur la présence de graisses trans dans les denrées alimentaires et, de manière générale, dans le régime alimentaire de la population de l'Union, pour le 13 décembre 2014. Le but de ce rapport est d'évaluer les effets de mesures appropriées qui pourraient aider les consommateurs à opérer des choix alimentaires plus sains en général. La Commission doit assortir ce rapport d'une proposition législative en tant que de besoin.

Elle encourage par ailleurs les initiatives d'autorégulation en vue de réduire encore la teneur en acides gras trans dans les produits alimentaires. Des engagements ont été pris dans le cadre de la plate-forme de l'Union européenne relative à l'alimentation, l'activité physique et la santé en faveur d'une modification de la composition des produits, afin de réduire leur teneur en acides gras trans (150).

Pour ce qui est de l'étiquetage des graisses hydrogénées, l'annexe VII du règlement (UE) n° 1169/2011 du Parlement européen et du Conseil (UE) impose que les huiles et graisses hydrogénées soient qualifiées par les expressions «totalement hydrogénées» ou «partiellement hydrogénées».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008828/12

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Ban on industrially-processed trans-fatty acids

The Belgian Board of Health recently recommended a ban on the sale of foodstuffs containing more than 2 g of industrially processed trans-fatty acids per 100 g of oil or fat. These acids, which are commonly used in margarines, pastries, confectionery and biscuits, have adverse effects on health and can cause high cholesterol, inflammation and blood clotting, etc.

Some Member States, including Denmark, have completely banned the use of all trans-fatty acids in foodstuffs.

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

Article 30 para. 7 of Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) No1169/2011 (151) requires the Commission to submit by 13 December 2014 a report on the presence of trans‐fats in foods and in the overall diet of the Union population. The aim of the report is to assess the impact of appropriate means that could enable consumers to make healthier overall dietary choices. The Commission is also asked to accompany this report with a legislative proposal, if appropriate.

The Commission is also encouraging self-regulatory action in order to further decrease the content of trans-fats in food products. There are commitments in the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health that concern the reformulation of products to reduce the content of trans-fats (152).

Regarding the labelling of hydrogenated fat, Annex VII of European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) No 1169/20011 requires hydrogenated oils and fats to be designated with the expression ‘fully hydrogenated’ or ‘partly hydrogenated’.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008831/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Berlato (PPE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Utilizzo da parte della Regione Veneto dei fondi comunitari in materia di istruzione e formazione

Nei giorni scorsi, a seguito di un esposto dettagliato inoltrato alle Procure di Padova, Vicenza e Venezia da un cittadino, la stampa locale ha sollevato questioni inerenti alla gestione dei fondi comunitari in materia di formazione.

I fondi comunitari vengono erogati al fine di raggiungere degli obiettivi conformi ad una programmazione approvata dalla Commissione.

Occorre, in un momento di grave crisi economica come quello che stiamo affrontando, avere la certezza dell'effettiva efficacia delle risorse utilizzate.

Non deve esserci alcuna opacità nella gestione delle risorse pubbliche e nemmeno l'ombra di un possibile errore nel loro utilizzo.

Ritenendo altresì doveroso garantire trasparenza di informazione ai cittadini su come i loro amministratori utilizzano i fondi pubblici, può la Commissione riferire:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(21 novembre 2012)

«capitale umano», che concerne azioni volte a migliorare le abilità e le competenze delle persone, ha una dotazione di 85 763 209 euro.

La Commissione prende nota del caso menzionato dall'onorevole deputato. Essa scriverà alle autorità regionali del Veneto per chiedere loro ulteriori informazioni sulla fattispecie menzionata e terrà informato l'Onorevole deputato.

La Commissione fa presente inoltre all'onorevole deputato che egli ha la possibilità di contattare direttamente l'autorità di gestione della regione Veneto (http://www.regione.veneto.it) per ottenere ulteriori informazioni.

Risposta complementare di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(11 gennaio 2013)

La regione Veneto ha risposto alla richiesta della Commissione di ulteriori informazioni sui risultati delle attività finanziate dal Fondo sociale europeo (FSE). Essa indica che i partecipanti sono stati estremamente soddisfatti della formazione erogata da diverse università in Veneto. Entro dodici mesi dal completamento della loro laurea magistrale, il 64 % aveva trovato un lavoro e tale percentuale sale a circa 81,4 % nel caso di quanti hanno ricevuto borse di ricerca.

Le attività accademiche finanziate dal FSE comprendono:

L'FSE finanzia anche la vocazione professionale per 11 000 giovani in possesso del diploma di scuola media. Nell'ultimo triennio le persone che hanno seguito tali corsi hanno registrato risultati positivi in termini di collocamento: entro dodici mesi dal completamento del corso la metà (49 %) aveva trovato un lavoro, mentre il 16 % è passato a corsi di formazione avanzata.

La Cassa Integrazione in deroga, le cui politiche attive del mercato del lavoro sono finanziate dal FSE, ha versato prestazioni di disoccupazione a 44 000 lavoratori in Veneto nel periodo 2009-11. Il numero dei lavoratori interessati è aumentato nel periodo passando dal 37,1 % nel 2009 al 73,5 %.

Le misure attive del mercato del lavoro finanziate dal FSE hanno interessato il 36,8 % della popolazione, tra cui anche persone disponibili sul mercato del lavoro e persone in cerca di lavoro nonché lavoratori a rischio di disoccupazione.

Per quanto concerne il livello di impegni e di pagamenti, la regione sta facendo il suo dovere: entro ottobre la regione aveva impegnato quasi il 70 % e speso circa il 50 % del bilancio del PO.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008831/12

to the Commission

Sergio Berlato (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: The use of EU funds for education and training in the Veneto region

Following a detailed complaint sent by a citizen to the prosecuting authorities of Padua, Vicenza and Venice, the local press has recently raised issues related to the management of EU funds for training.

EU funds are disbursed in order to achieve objectives which comply with a schedule approved by the Commission.

At a time of severe economic crisis such as the one we are facing, we need to be sure of the actual effectiveness of the resources used.

We cannot allow any lack of transparency in the management of public resources, nor even the slightest possible error in how they are put to use.

Furthermore, considering that the administrators of public funds have a duty to ensure transparency of information to citizens on how these public funds are used, can the Commission state:

Preliminary answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

‘human capital’ axis, which focuses on actions to improve people’s skills and competencies, amounts to EUR 85 763 209.

2 and 3. As the Honourable Member may know, any EU funding of this kind is managed via the National Authorities. According to the subsidiarity principle, the operational programmes co-financed by the ESF are implemented by the Member States and their regions. The Commission does not intervene in the selection, monitoring and evaluation of projects.

The Commission takes note of the case referred by the Honourable Member. It will write to the Veneto regional authorities to ask for further information on the alleged facts and keep the Honourable Member informed.

The Commission also suggests to the Honourable Member that he has the possibility to contact directly the Managing Authority of the Veneto Region (http://www.regione.veneto.it) in order to obtain further information

Supplementary answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2013)

The Veneto Region has responded to the Commission’s request for further information on the results of activities financed by the European Social Fund (ESF). It reports that participants were very satisfied with training provided by various universities in Veneto. Within 12 months of completing their master’s degrees, 64% had found jobs, and that percentage rises to about 81.4% in the case of those receiving research grants.

The ESF-funded academic activities involve:

The ESF also finances vocational training for 11 000 young people with a middle-school certificate. In the last three years those following the courses have had good success in terms of placement: within 12 months of completing the course, half (49%) were in employment, while 16% went on to further vocational training.

The Cassa Integrazione in deroga, whose active labour market policies are financed by the ESF, paid unemployment benefit to 44 000 workers in Veneto in 2009-11, the number of workers involved rose over the period from 37.1% in 2009 to 73.5%.

ESF-financed active labour market measures involved 36.8% of the population, comprising persons available and looking for work and workers at risk of becoming unemployed.

Regarding the level of commitments and payments the region is doing well: by October, the region had committed close to 70% and spent about 50% of the OP's budget.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008832/12

à la Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(2 octobre 2012)

Objet: Stratégie européenne d'adaptation au changement climatique: l'importance du bassin méditerranéen

Depuis avril 2009, la Commission européenne met en œuvre les orientations du Livre blanc sur l'adaptation au changement climatique. La première phase de ce travail sera achevée en 2012 et jettera les bases de l'élaboration d'une stratégie d'adaptation communautaire globale à mettre en place à partir de 2013.

Cependant, les effets du changement climatique diffèrent d'une région à l'autre, les zones de montagne, les plaines inondables et les zones côtières étant particulièrement vulnérables. Des mesures d'adaptation devraient donc être mises en œuvre au niveau national ou régional pour répondre aux besoins spécifiques de certains territoires.

1. En matière d'impact du changement climatique, le bassin méditerranéen apparaît indubitablement comme une zone d'intérêt stratégique. Quel traitement particulier la Commission compte-t-elle accorder aux zones côtières méditerranéennes dans la future stratégie européenne d'adaptation au changement climatique?

2. Quel soutien financier la Commission compte-t-elle apporter à l'amélioration des connaissances en matière de météorologie, de climatologie et d'océanographie en Méditerranée?

3. Conformément à l'objectif d'intégration de la politique d'adaptation au changement climatique dans les autres politiques communautaires (fonds structurels, cadre pour la recherche et le développement, politique agricole commune, instrument LIFE), comment la Commission envisage-t-elle l'articulation avec la politique extérieure de l'Union européenne en Méditerranée?

Réponse donnée par Mme Hedegaard au nom de la Commission

(4 décembre 2012)

«stratégie pour le milieu marin» qui cible, entre autres, la capacité de résistance au changement climatique; la réforme en cours de la politique commune de pêche qui vise à garantir l'adaptation au changement climatique; la recommandation sur la gestion intégrée des zones côtières, en cours de révision, qui place la notion d'adaptation en tête des priorités.

«sans regrets» pour adapter le secteur de l'eau. En 2013, un projet de la Commission européenne entend aider les pays PEV à accroître leur résistance au changement climatique, grâce à des mesures de coopération, de partage d'informations et de renforcement des capacités. Une prochaine communication conjointe du Service européen pour l'action extérieure et de la Commission européenne, consacrée aux relations entre l'Union européenne et le Maghreb, portera également sur le changement climatique.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008832/12

to the Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: European strategy for adapting to climate change: importance of the Mediterranean Basin

Since April 2009, the European Commission has been implementing the guidelines of the White Paper entitled ‘Adapting to climate change: towards a European framework for action’. The first phase of this work will be completed in 2012 and will lay the foundations for a comprehensive EU adaptation strategy from 2013 onwards.

However, the effects of climate change vary from one region to another; mountain areas, floodplains and coastal areas are particularly vulnerable. Adaptation measures should be implemented at national or regional level to meet the specific needs of certain territories.

1. In terms of the impact of climate change, the Mediterranean Basin is undoubtedly an area of strategic interest. In what specific way is the Commission planning to treat Mediterranean coastal areas in the future European strategy for adapting to climate change?

2. What financial support does the Commission plan to provide for the purpose of improving knowledge regarding the meteorology, climatology and oceanography of the Mediterranean?

3. In accordance with the objective of integrating the policy of adapting to climate change with other EU policies, such as the Structural Funds, the seventh framework programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities, the common agricultural policy and the LIFE instrument, how does the Commission plan to integrate it with the EU’s external policy in the Mediterranean?

Answer given by Ms Hedegaard on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2012)

, mainstreaming adaptation in sectoral policies including: Integrated Maritime Policy implemented at sea basin level, with the Mediterranean strategy; the Marine Strategy Framework Directive which targets,

, climate change resilience; the ongoing reform of Common Fisheries Policy seeking support to adaptation; the recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zones Management under revision prioritises adaptation.

assisting countries in developing climate change policies. Existing projects include CLIM-RUN, on climate local information; SWIM-Support, dealing with no-regrets water sector adaptation. In 2013, an EC project supports the transition of ENP countries to climate resilience, through cooperation, information sharing and capacity. A forthcoming EEAS-EC Communication on EU-Maghreb relations will also address climate change.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008833/12

aan de Commissie

Laurence J. A. J. Stassen (NI)

(2 oktober 2012)

Betreft: Hamas: „Erdoğan is leider van moslimwereld”

Op een partijcongres in Ankara heeft de Turkse premier Erdoğan van de AKP gezegd dat zijn partij een „voorbeeld voor moslimstaten” is. Onder andere de presidenten van Egypte en Kirgizstan waren aanwezig.

Ter gelegenheid van het congres heeft Meshal, leider van de terroristische organisatie Hamas, gesteld dat de AKP het „ware gezicht van de islam” laat zien. Hij zei: „Erdoğan, je bent niet alleen leider in Turkije; je bent leider in de moslimwereld”.

„leider in de moslimwereld” wordt gezien? Verwerpt de Commissie dit, aangezien Hamas een terroristische organisatie is (genoemd op de EU-terreurlijst)? Zo neen, hoe verdedigt de Commissie de vermeende banden tussen de AKP, regeringspartij van een kandidaat-lidstaat, en Hamas, een terroristische organisatie?

Antwoord van de heer Füle namens de Commissie

(14 november 2012)

De Turkse regeringspartij Partij voor Rechtvaardigheid en Ontwikkeling (AKP) heeft op 30 september 2012 in Ankara haar vierde algemeen congres gehouden. Er waren meer dan 100 buitenlandse gasten aanwezig. Verschillende buitenlandse gasten namen het woord.

Het strategisch document genaamd „Politieke visie van AKP-2023” dat op het congres werd bekendgemaakt, bevestigt duidelijk dat volledig EU-lidmaatschap een strategisch doel is voor Turkije, een proces dat de universele normen van de democratie tot stand zal brengen.

Tezelfdertijd wil de Commissie benadrukken dat Turkije een actief buitenlands beleid voert in de ruime regio en dat het een belangrijke regionale speler blijft in het Midden-Oosten. Turkije steunt het standpunt en de inspanningen van de EU inzake het vredesproces in het Midden-Oosten. Turkije wil Palestijnse verzoening en nationale eenheid blijven aanmoedigen. De Commissie heeft geen opmerkingen bij de verklaringen afgelegd door gasten van het congres.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008833/12

to the Commission

Laurence J.A.J. Stassen (NI)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Hamas: ‘Erdoğan is a leader of the Muslim world’

At an AKP party conference in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister and the party’s leader Erdoğan said that his party was an ‘example for Muslim countries’. The presidents of Egypt and Kyrgyzstan were among the guests at the conference.

On the occasion of the conference, Meshal, leader of the terrorist organisation Hamas, stated that the AKP shows the ‘true face of Islam’. He said: ‘Erdoğan, you are not only a leader in Turkey; you are a leader in the Muslim world as well.’

‘a leader in the Muslim world’, at least by Hamas? Does the Commission reject this, given that Hamas is a terrorist organisation (designated as such by the EU)? If not, how does the Commission defend the alleged links between the AKP, a candidate Member State’s ruling party, and Hamas, a terrorist organisation?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) held its fourth general Congress on 30 September 2012 in Ankara. More than 100 foreign guests attended. Several of the foreign guests took the floor.

The strategic document released during the congress, named ‘Political vision of AKP-2023’, clearly reaffirms Turkey's ‘full membership in the EU’ as a ‘strategic goal’, a process which will ‘achieve the universal standards of democracy’.

At the same time, the Commission would like to stress that Turkey continues to be active in its wider neighbourhood, and remains an important regional player in the Middle East. Turkey supports the EU position and the EU efforts on the Middle East Peace Process. Turkey sees a continuing role for itself in encouraging Palestinian reconciliation and national unity. The Commission has no comments to offer on statements made by invitees at this congress.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008834/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Opt-out-Lösung im deutschen Meldegesetz

Am 28. Juni 2012 verabschiedete der Deutsche Bundestag eine Neuauflage des sogenannten Meldegesetzes. Der verabschiedete Gesetzestext erlaubt es deutschen Behörden, Meldedaten der Bürger an private Unternehmen (z. B. sogenannte „Adressenhändler“) weiterzugeben, wenn der Bürger dem nicht ausdrücklich widerspricht („Opt-out“-Lösung). Als Alternativen kämen entweder ein absolutes Verbot einer solchen Datenweitergabe oder eine „Opt-in“-Lösung, bei der eine explizite Genehmigung des Bürgers für die Weitergabe personenbezogener Daten erforderlich ist, infrage.

1. Ist die vom Deutschen Bundestag beschlossene Form der Regulierung, und insbesondere die „Opt-out“-Lösung, nach Ansicht der Kommission mit bestehenden EU-Datenschutzrichtlinien vereinbar?

2. Falls ja, sehen die Pläne der Kommission eine Änderung bestehender EU-Richtlinien vor, oder überlegt sie, Änderungen vorzuschlagen, um „Opt-out“-Systeme für EU-Melderegister vorzuschreiben?

3. Falls nein, wird die Kommission ein Verfahren gegen Deutschland einleiten, wenn das Gesetz in Kraft tritt?

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(7. Dezember 2012)

Der vom Deutschen Bundestag am 28. Juni 2012 verabschiedete Entwurf des Gesetzes zur Fortentwicklung des Meldewesens (Bundesmeldegesetz) hat nicht die Zustimmung des Bundesrates erhalten und ist daher nicht in Kraft getreten.

Gemäß der Richtlinie 95/46/EG ist die Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten nur dann rechtmäßig, wenn eine der in Artikel 7 genannten Voraussetzungen erfüllt ist; dazu gehört, dass die betroffene Person ihre Einwilligung zu der fraglichen Verarbeitung gegeben hat oder die Verarbeitung für die Wahrnehmung einer Aufgabe erforderlich ist, die im öffentlichen Interesse liegt. Wie in Artikel 14 der Richtlinie geregelt, hat die betroffene Person das Recht, auf Antrag kostenfrei gegen eine vom für die Verarbeitung Verantwortlichen beabsichtigte Verarbeitung sie betreffender personenbezogener Daten für Zwecke der Direktwerbung Widerspruch einzulegen.

Erfolgt die Verarbeitung aufgrund der Einwilligung im Sinne von Artikel 7 Buchstabe a der Richtlinie 95/46/EG, muss diese explizit und rechtsgültig sein: eine stillschweigende Einwilligung ohne Zutun der betroffenen Person reicht nicht aus. Der Reformvorschlag der Kommission für eine Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (161) hält daran fest und präzisiert diesen Sachverhalt.

Das Grundrecht auf den Schutz personenbezogener Daten gilt sowohl für die Verarbeitung im privaten als auch im öffentlichen Sektor: grundsätzlich ist in beiden Bereichen dasselbe Schutzniveau zu gewährleisten. Daher erstreckt sich der Reformvorschlag der Kommission für eine Datenschutz-Grundverordnung auch auf beide Bereiche und sieht für beide dieselben Datenschutzprinzipien vor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008834/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Opt-out solution in the German Registration of Persons Act

On 28 June 2012, the German Bundestag adopted a revision of the so-called Registration of Persons Act. The agreed wording allows the German authorities to shares citizens’ registration data with private enterprises (such as the so-called ‘address brokers’) unless the citizen expressly forbids this (the ‘opt-out’ solution). The alternatives were either an absolute ban on such data sharing or an ‘opt-in’ solution in which the citizen’s explicit approval is required before personal data can be shared.

1. Does the Commission believe the form of regulation agreed on by the German Bundestag, in particular the ‘opt-out’ solution, is reconcilable with existing EU data protection directives?

2. If so, do the Commission’s plans foresee a change to the existing EU directives, or is the Commission considering proposing changes to regulate ‘opt-out’ systems for EU registers of persons?

3. If not, will the Commission take legal action against Germany when the act comes into force?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 2012)

The ‘Draft Law on the Development of the Registration of Persons Act’ (162) has not been approved by the German Bundesrat and did therefore not enter into force yet.

Directive 95/46/EC provides that the processing of personal data is only lawful when one of the grounds for processing contained in Article 7 are present, such as when the data subject consents to the processing in question or when processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. A data subject has the right to object, on request and free of charge, to the processing of personal data relating to him which the controller anticipates being processed for the purposes of direct marketing (163).

A consent as a ground for processing (164) has to be a real and valid consent: it cannot be presumed when the person remains silent or does not act. The Commission’s reform proposal for a General Data Protection Regulation maintains and clarifies that situation.

In order to remove the obstacles to flows of personal data, the level of protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals with regard to the processing of such data must be equivalent in all Member States and has to be ensured in both the public and the private sectors. For this reason, the competence resulting from Article 16 (2) TFEU to lay down rules concerning the free movement of personal data includes the competence to establish rules for the processing of such data both by public authorities and by private individuals. Hence, the scope of the Commission’s reform proposal for a General Data Protection Regulation includes both the private and the public sector, and provides for the same principles of data protection.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008835/12

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Bugiardi digitali

Sempre più spesso capita di leggere che agenzie private pagano falsi internauti allo scopo di far loro pubblicare in Rete giudizi positivi su prodotti d'ogni tipo. Questo tipo d'operazione viene definita dagli esperti «crowdturfing» e viene affidata in genere a stagisti di agenzie di comunicazione e pubblicitarie oppure a studenti. Nel caso di Belkin, un produttore americano di elettronica di consumo, gli utenti venivano reclutati con un annuncio (65 cent per ogni commento positivo fasullo pubblicato su Amazon). Tra i nomi più noti colti in flagrante figurano Lifelift Style, Wal-mart, Orangina, Samsung, Tripadvisor, Expedia e Booking.com.

L'Unione europea giudica illegale il «crowdturfing», ma ciò nonostante esso continua a manifestarsi sul web.

Oltre alla formulazione della dichiarazione d'illegalità, può la Commissione precisare:

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(14 novembre 2012)

La Commissione conviene con l’onorevole parlamentare che le pratiche commerciali sleali minano il funzionamento del mercato interno e che è opportuno combatterle con efficacia.

La direttiva 2005/29/CE (165) vieta già le false recensioni sui siti Internet e, a tale riguardo, la Commissione invita l'onorevole parlamentare a consultare la risposta fornita alle interrogazioni scritte P-008065/2011 ed E-009539/2011 (166).

Spetta principalmente alle autorità e ai giudici nazionali indagare sulle pratiche adottate da determinate società che operano sul loro territorio. Soltanto le autorità nazionali competenti possono infatti valutare se, prendendo in considerazione tutti i fatti e le circostanze del caso, una società abbia messo in atto pratiche commerciali sleali o di pubblicità ingannevole.

Il regolamento (CE) n. 2006/2004 (167) invita le autorità nazionali responsabili dell'esecuzione della normativa che tutela i consumatori a collaborare le une con le altre, avvalendosi della rete di cooperazione europea per la tutela dei consumatori presente in tutta l'UE, al fine di garantire il miglior coordinamento possibile delle attività volte a porre fine alle pratiche sleali transfrontaliere.

Dall’esperienza acquisita è emersa tuttavia la necessità di coordinare in modo migliore l’applicazione delle norme, in particolare laddove si tratti di un problema ricorrente in diversi Stati membri. Per tale ragione, nell’agenda europea dei consumatori (COM(2012)225) la Commissione annovera tra le priorità per i prossimi anni proprio l’applicazione effettiva della legislazione dell’UE in materia di consumatori.

Entro la fine dell'anno la Commissione presenterà una relazione sull’applicazione della direttiva 2005/29/CE, in cui tratterà dell'efficacia della cooperazione in materia di applicazione delle norme.

L’esperienza insegna infatti che tale coordinamento deve essere rafforzato qualora un problema ricorrente coinvolga diversi Stati membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008835/12

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Digital liars

We are increasingly being informed that private agencies are paying fake Internet users to write positive feedback comments on a range of different products on the Internet. This type of operation is known to experts as ‘crowdturfing’ and is usually entrusted to interns at advertising agencies or to students. In the case of Belkin, an American consumer electronics manufacturer, users were recruited through an advert (USD 0.65 for every bogus positive comment published on Amazon). Among the most well-known names caught red-handed were Lifelift Style, Walmart, Orangina, Samsung, Tripadvisor, Expedia and Booking.com.

The European Union considers ‘crowdturfing’ to be illegal, despite the fact that it continues to occur on the web.

In addition to formulating a declaration of illegality, can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that unfair commercial practices jeopardise the functioning of the internal market and should be effectively combatted.

Directive 2005/29/EC (168) already prohibits the use of fake reviews on websites and in this connection the Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to its answers to written questions P-008065/2011 and E-009539/2011 (169).

It is primarily the competence of the national authorities and courts to investigate the practices of particular companies operating on their territories. Only national enforcement authorities are in a position to assess whether, taking into account all facts and circumstances of a case, a company has engaged in an unfair commercial practice or misleading advertising.

National enforcers are encouraged by Regulation EC No 2006/2004 (170) to cooperate with each other via the EU-wide European Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network, in order to ensure the best possible coordination of action to stop to unfair practices across borders.

However, experience has shown a need for improving coordinated enforcement, in particular where a recurring problem arises in different Member States. The Commission has therefore in its Consumer Agenda (COM(2012) 225) made effective enforcement of EU consumer law a priority issue for the next years.

The Commission will present a report on the application of Directive 2005/29/EC by the end of the year. In this report the effectiveness of enforcement cooperation will be addressed.

Experience has shown a need for better coordinated enforcement where a recurring problem arises in different Member States.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008836/12

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Nuova terapia sperimentale

Una nuova terapia sperimentale viene praticata all'Università di Ottawa, dove i primi 23 pazienti trattati con iniezioni endovenose di virus che annientano il tumore stanno bene e hanno presentato solo qualche sintomo simil-influenzale per un solo giorno. La terapia infatti si basa sul fatto che alcuni virus vanno a cercare nell'organismo le cellule che proliferano e quando le raggiungono le annientano, riproducendosi. I dati dimostrano — come afferma il virologo John Bell su «Nature» — che la cura non presenta, almeno inizialmente, alcun problema di tossicità e il fatto che i virus vengano somministrati in modo sistemico in endovena e non nella sede del tumore renderebbe la terapia molto praticabile.

Può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2012)

«Migliorare la formazione per rendere più sicuri gli alimenti» (

—

). I suoi compiti non prevedono interventi su problematiche connesse alla politica del settore.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008836/12

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: New experimental treatment

A new experimental treatment is being trialled at the University of Ottawa in which the first 23 patients who were treated with intravenous injections of viruses that destroy cancerous tumours are in good health, having only presented a few flu-like symptoms for no more than a day. The treatment is based on the fact that some viruses will go round the body looking for proliferating cells in which they can replicate, thus destroying the tumour cells. The data shows — as stated by virologist John Bell in the journal Nature — that, at least initially, the treatment presents no toxicity problems, as well as the fact that the viruses are administered intravenously and systemically, not at the tumour site, which would make the treatment very practical.

Can the Commission answer the following:

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

(26 November 2012)

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008837/12

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE) y Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE)

(2 de octubre de 2012)

Asunto: Privatización del agua por parte de la Troika

El 15 de mayo de 2012, un grupo de ONG envió una carta a Olli Rehn sobre las recomendaciones de la Troika de que los servicios públicos como el agua deben ser privatizados (181).

La respuesta de la Comisión, que tardó cuatro meses en llegar, declara que «la Comisión considera que la privatización de los servicios públicos, incluidas las empresas de abastecimiento de agua, puede ofrecer beneficios a la sociedad cuando se lleva a cabo cuidadosamente. Con este fin, la privatización debe llevarse a cabo una vez que se ha preparado un marco regulatorio adecuado para evitar los abusos de los monopolios privados. (…)». Esta declaración reafirma el objetivo de privatización y parece contradecir la supuesta neutralidad de la UE sobre la cuestión de la propiedad pública o privada y la gestión de los servicios de agua colectivos (artículo 345 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea Unión y artículo 17, apartado 1, de la Directiva 2006/123/CE relativa a los servicios en el mercado interior).

El Parlamento Europeo dejó claro en sus resoluciones de 14 de enero de 2004, 10 de marzo de 2004 y 31 de mayo de 2006, que el sector del agua no debe ser liberalizado sino modernizado. Por lo tanto, el sector del agua no debe estar incluido en el ámbito de aplicación de la Directiva relativa a las concesiones de servicios. La Resolución del Parlamento Europeo de 3 de julio de 2012 relativa a la aplicación de la legislación de la UE sobre el agua (182), establece que «el acceso al agua debe constituir un derecho fundamental y universal». La Iniciativa ciudadana europea «Derecho al agua» (183) pide a la UE que intensifique sus esfuerzos para lograr el acceso universal al agua y al saneamiento.

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(14 de enero de 2013)

No hay ninguna obligación, en virtud de los Tratados de la UE, de que los Estados miembros, incluidos los países del programa, privaticen el sector del agua.

Habida cuenta de las limitaciones presupuestarias generales y la necesidad de estabilizar y reducir el nivel de deuda pública, algunos Gobiernos de la UE disponen de recursos públicos limitados para la financiación de proyectos de inversión a medio plazo de modernización del sector del agua.

El proceso de modernización se puede llevar a cabo tanto en un régimen de propiedad pública como privada de los servicios del agua y la amplia experiencia de la UE ofrece varios modelos diferentes. La posición de la Comisión a este respecto es neutral, de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 345 del TFUE. En este contexto, y en el caso de que los Gobiernos decidan pasar a un régimen de propiedad privada, la Comisión considera que la creación de una autoridad reguladora y el funcionamiento adecuado de un entorno de mercado son indispensables para garantizar el éxito del proceso de privatización y la protección de los intereses de los consumidores.

La Comisión desearía también declarar que su propuesta de Directiva sobre la adjudicación de contratos de concesión no afecta en modo alguno a la discreción de las autoridades nacionales, regionales y locales para decidir sobre los medios más adecuados para prestar servicios a la población, incluidos los del agua. Estos pueden ser prestados directamente por las propias autoridades públicas o bien subcontratados a terceros. Sin embargo, la adjudicación de un contrato de concesión a un tercero para la provisión de servicios del agua tendrá que cumplir las normas propuestas, así como con los principios de igualdad de trato, de no discriminación y de transparencia del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008837/12

an die Kommission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE) und Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Privatisierung von Wasser durch die Troika

Am 15. Mai sandte eine Gruppe von Nichtregierungsorganisationen ein Schreiben an Herrn Olli Rehn, das sich auf die Empfehlungen der Troika zur Privatisierung öffentlicher Dienste bezog, unter anderem im Zusammenhang mit der Wasserversorgung  (184).

Die Kommission antwortete mit einer Verzögerung von vier Monaten Folgendes: „Die Kommission ist der Auffassung, dass die Privatisierung öffentlicher Versorgungsunternehmen, darunter auch Wasserversorger, Vorteile für die Gesellschaft bringen kann, wenn sie umsichtig erfolgt. Daher sollte die Privatisierung erst nach Einführung eines geeigneten Regelungsrahmens erfolgen, um einen Missbrauch durch private Monopole zu vermeiden (…)“. Diese Erklärung bestätigt das Ziel von Privatisierungen und scheint gegen die eigentlich vorgegebene Neutralität der EU bezüglich der Frage öffentlichen oder privaten Eigentums der gemeinschaftlichen Wasserversorgung und ihrer Verwaltung zu verstoßen (Artikel 345 AEUV und Artikel 17 Absatz 1 der Richtlinie 2006/123/EG über Dienstleistungen im Binnenmarkt).

Entsprechend den Entschließungen des Europäischen Parlaments vom 14. Januar 2004, 10. März 2004 und 31. Mai 2006 sollte der Wassersektor nicht liberalisiert, sondern modernisiert werden. Der Wassersektor sollte daher nicht in den Anwendungsbereich der Richtlinie über Dienstleistungskonzessionen fallen. Die Entschließung des Europäischen Parlaments vom 3. Juli 2012 besagt, dass der Zugang zu Wasser ein universelles Grundrecht sein sollte. Die Europäische Bürgerinitiative „Recht auf Wasser“  (185) fordert von der EU stärkere Bemühungen, um zu einem allgemeinen Zugang zu Wasser und sanitärer Versorgung zu gelangen.

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(14. Januar 2013)

Nach den EU-Verträgen besteht weder für die Mitgliedstaaten noch für die Programmländer eine Verpflichtung zur Privatisierung der Wasserversorgung.

Wegen der angespannten Haushaltslage und des Erfordernisses einer Stabilisierung und Verringerung der Staatsverschuldung fehlen einigen EU-Mitgliedstaaten die Mittel für Investitionen in Projekte zur mittelfristigen Modernisierung des Wassersektors.

Eine Modernisierung kann unabhängig davon erfolgen, ob die Wasserversorgungsbetriebe in öffentlichem oder privatem Besitz sind. EU-weit sind viele verschiedene Modelle vorhanden. Der Standpunkt der Kommission hierzu ist gemäß Artikel 345 AEUV neutral. Die Kommission vertritt die Auffassung, dass — sollte sich ein Land für die Privatisierung entscheiden — die Schaffung einer Wasserbehörde und eines geeigneten Marktumfelds wesentliche Voraussetzungen für eine erfolgreiche Privatisierung ist, bei der auch die Verbraucherinteressen geschützt sind.

Die Kommission weist außerdem darauf hin, dass ihr Vorschlag für eine Richtlinie über die Vergabe von Konzessionsverträgen den Ermessensspielraum der nationalen, regionalen und lokalen Behörden in keiner Weise bei der Wahl der am besten geeigneten Dienste, darunter der Wasserversorgungsdienste, für die Öffentlichkeit einschränkt. Diese können entweder direkt von den Behörden selbst angeboten werden oder an einen Dritten vergeben werden. Allerdings sind bei der Vergabe eines Konzessionsvertrags an einen Dritten für die Erbringung von Dienstleistungen im Bereich Wasser die vorgeschlagenen Vorschriften sowie die Grundsätze der Gleichbehandlung, der Nichtdiskriminierung und der Transparenz des Vertrags über die Arbeitsweise der Europäischen Union zu beachten.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008837/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE) και Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE)

(2 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ιδιωτικοποίηση του νερού από την Τρόικα

Στις 15 Μαΐου ομάδα από ΜΚΟ απέστειλε στον κ. Olli Rehn επιστολή σχετικά με τις συστάσεις εκ μέρους της Τρόικας να ιδιωτικοποιηθούν οι δημόσιες υπηρεσίες, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του νερού (186).

Στην απάντησή της η Επιτροπή, μετά από καθυστέρηση 4 μηνών, δηλώνει ότι «η Επιτροπή πιστεύει ότι η ιδιωτικοποίηση των δημόσιων υπηρεσιών, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των εταιρειών παροχής ύδατος, μπορεί να αποδώσει οφέλη στην κοινωνία, όταν γίνεται προσεκτικά. Γι’ αυτό τον σκοπό η ιδιωτικοποίηση πρέπει να πραγματοποιείται από τη στιγμή που έχει καταρτιστεί το κατάλληλο ρυθμιστικό πλαίσιο, για να αποφεύγονται καταχρήσεις από ιδιωτικά μονοπώλια. (…)». Η δήλωση αυτή βεβαιώνει εκ νέου ότι υπάρχει στόχος ιδιωτικοποίησης και φαίνεται να παραβιάζει την υποτιθέμενη ουδετερότητα της ΕΕ σε ζητήματα δημόσιας ή ιδιωτικής κατοχής και διαχείρισης συλλογικών υπηρεσιών παροχής ύδατος (άρθρο 345 ΣΛΕΕ και άρθρο 17, παράγραφος 1, της οδηγίας 2006/123/ΕΚ σχετικά με τις υπηρεσίες στην εσωτερική αγορά).

Σύμφωνα με τα ψηφίσματα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου, με ημερομηνίες 14.1.2004, 10.3.2004 και 31.5.2006, ο τομέας ύδατος δεν πρέπει να ελευθερωθεί αλλά να εκσυγχρονιστεί. Ο τομέας ύδατος δεν πρέπει επομένως να εμπίπτει στο πεδίο εφαρμογής της οδηγίας σχετικά με τις συμβάσεις παραχώρησης υπηρεσιών. Το ψήφισμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου (3.7.2012) δηλώνει ότι η πρόσβαση στο νερό πρέπει να είναι θεμελιώδες και καθολικό δικαίωμα. Η πρωτοβουλία Ευρωπαίων πολιτών Right to Water (187) ζητεί από την ΕΕ να αυξήσει τις προσπάθειές της να επιτευχθεί καθολική πρόσβαση στο νερό και στην αποχέτευση.

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(14 Ιανουαρίου 2013)

Βάσει των συνθηκών της ΕΕ, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των χωρών του προγράμματος, δεν προκύπτει υποχρέωση ιδιωτικοποίησης του τομέα των υδάτων όσον αφορά τα κράτη μέλη.

Δεδομένων των συνολικών δημοσιονομικών περιορισμών και της ανάγκης για σταθεροποίηση και μείωση του ποσοστού του δημόσιου χρέους, οι κυβερνήσεις ορισμένων κρατών μελών διαθέτουν περιορισμένους δημόσιους πόρους για τη στήριξη μεσοπρόθεσμων επενδυτικών έργων που στοχεύουν στον εκσυγχρονισμό του τομέα των υδάτων.

Η διαδικασία εκσυγχρονισμού μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθεί στα πλαίσια δημόσιου ή ιδιωτικού ιδιοκτησιακού καθεστώτος των υποδομών υδάτων και η εκτενής πείρα της ΕΕ παρέχει ένα φάσμα διαφορετικών μοντέλων. Δυνάμει του άρθρου 345 της ΣΛΕΕ, η θέση της Επιτροπής στο ζήτημα αυτό είναι ουδέτερη. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, η Επιτροπή θεωρεί ότι η δημιουργία μίας κανονιστικής αρχής και κατάλληλου περιβάλλοντος με επίκεντρο την αγορά αποτελούν απαραίτητες προϋποθέσεις που εγγυώνται μία επιτυχημένη διαδικασία ιδιωτικοποίησης, προστατεύοντας παράλληλα τα συμφέροντα των καταναλωτών σε περίπτωση που οι κυβερνήσεις επιλέξουν να μεταβούν σε ιδιωτικό ιδιοκτησιακό καθεστώς.

Η Επιτροπή θέλει επίσης να δηλώσει ότι η πρότασή της για οδηγία σχετικά με την ανάθεση συμβάσεων παραχώρησης δεν επηρεάζει με κανέναν τρόπο τη διακριτική ευχέρεια των εθνικών, περιφερειακών και τοπικών αρχών να καθορίζουν τους καταλληλότερους τρόπους παροχής υπηρεσιών στο κοινό, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των υπηρεσιών ύδατος. Οι εν λόγω υπηρεσίες μπορεί να παρέχονται απευθείας από τις ίδιες τις δημόσιες αρχές ή να ανατίθενται σε τρίτους. Εντούτοις, η ανάθεση μίας σύμβασης παραχώρησης σε τρίτα μέρη για την παροχή υπηρεσιών ύδατος θα πρέπει να συμμορφώνεται με τους προτεινόμενους κανόνες, καθώς και με τις αρχές της ίσης μεταχείρισης, της μη διάκρισης και της διαφάνειας βάσει της Συνθήκης για τη Λειτουργία της ΕΕ.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008837/12

à Comissão

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE) e Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE)

(2 de outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Privatização da água pela Tróica

Em 15 maio de 2012, um grupo de ONG enviou uma carta ao Comissário Olli Rehn sobre as recomendações da Tróica no sentido de que os serviços públicos, incluindo a água, devem ser privatizados (188).

A resposta da Comissão, que chegou após quatro meses, afirmava que «a Comissão considera que a privatização dos serviços públicos, incluindo as empresas de abastecimento de água, pode trazer benefícios para a sociedade, quando é feito cuidadosamente. Assim, a privatização deve ter lugar quando estiver preparado o quadro regulamentar adequado de molde a evitar abusos por parte de monopólios privados. (…)» Esta declaração confirma o objetivo da privatização e parece ir ao arrepio da suposta neutralidade da UE relativamente à questão da propriedade pública ou privada e à gestão dos serviços de água coletivos (artigo 345.° do Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia União e artigo 17.°, n.° 1, da Diretiva 2006/123/CE relativa aos serviços no mercado interno).

O Parlamento Europeu tinha deixado claro nas suas resoluções de 14 de janeiro de 2004, 10 março de 2004 e 31 de maio de 2006, que o setor da água não deve ser liberalizado, mas sim modernizado. Por conseguinte, o setor da água não deve recair no âmbito de aplicação da Diretiva relativa à concessão de serviços. A Resolução do Parlamento Europeu de 3 de julho de 2012 sobre a aplicação da legislação da UE no domínio da água (189) afirma que «o acesso à água deveria constituir um direito fundamental e universal». A Iniciativa Europeia de Cidadãos intitulada «Right to Water» (190) insta a UE a redobrar os seus esforços para alcançar o acesso universal à água e ao saneamento.

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(14 de janeiro de 2013)

Nos termos dos Tratados da UE, os Estados-Membros, incluindo os países que estão a receber ajuda financeira, não são obrigados a privatizar o setor da água.

Dadas as restrições orçamentais gerais e a necessidade de estabilizar e de reduzir o nível da dívida pública, alguns governos da UE dispõem de recursos públicos limitados para apoiar projetos de investimento a médio, destinados a modernizar o setor da água.

O processo de modernização pode ocorrer tanto no quadro de um regime de propriedade pública ou privada dos serviços de abastecimento de água, e a vasta experiência da UE oferece uma variedade de modelos para este efeito. Em conformidade com o artigo 345.° do TFUE, a Comissão mantém uma posição neutra nesta matéria. Neste contexto, a Comissão considera que a criação de uma autoridade regulamentar e um ambiente adequado para o funcionamento do mercado são condições essenciais para garantir o êxito de um processo de privatização, ao mesmo tempo que protege os interesses dos consumidores, no caso de os governos optarem pela passagem a um regime de propriedade privada.

A Comissão gostaria igualmente de referir que a sua proposta de Diretiva relativa à adjudicação de contratos de concessão não afeta de modo algum o poder de decisão das autoridades nacionais, regionais e locais sobre as formas mais adequadas de fornecimento de serviços, incluindo os de abastecimento de água, ao público em geral. Estes serviços podem ser fornecidos quer diretamente por autoridades públicas ou por subcontratação a terceiros. Contudo, a adjudicação de um contrato de concessão a terceiros para prestação de serviços de abastecimento de água terá de cumprir as regras propostas, bem como com os princípios da igualdade de tratamento, da não-discriminação e da transparência consagrados no Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008837/12

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE), Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE) and Heide Rühle (Verts/ALE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Privatisation of water by the Troika

On15 May 2012, a group of NGOs sent a letter to Olli Rehn about the Troika’s recommendations that public services, including water, should be privatised (191).

The Commission’s answer, which took four months to arrive, stated that ‘the Commission believes that the privatisation of public utilities, including water supply firms, can deliver benefits to the society when carefully made. To this end, privatisation should take place once the appropriate regulatory framework has been prepared to avoid abuses by private monopolies. (…)’. This declaration reaffirms the goal of privatisation and appears to be in violation of the EU’s supposed neutrality on the question of public or private ownership and management of collective water services (Article 345 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 17(1) of Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market).

As the European Parliament made clear in its resolutions of 14 January 2004, 10 March 2004 and 31 May 2006, the water sector should not be liberalised but modernised. The water sector should therefore not fall under the scope of the directive on service concessions. Parliament’s resolution of 3 July 2012 on the implementation of EU water legislation (192) states that ‘access to water should constitute a fundamental and universal right’. The European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Right to Water’ (193) calls on the EU to step up its efforts to achieve universal access to water and sanitation.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 2013)

There is no obligation under the EU Treaties for Member States, including the programme countries, to privatise the water sector.

Given the overall budgetary constraints and the need to stabilise and reduce the level of public debt, some EU governments have available limited public resources for sustaining medium term oriented investment projects aiming to modernize the water sector.

The process of modernisation can happen both in a regime of public or private property of water utilities and EU wide experience offers a variety of different models. The Commission position on this is neutral in accordance with Article 345 of the TFEU. In this context, the Commission considers that the creation of a regulatory authority and an appropriate market functioning environment are crucial prerequisites for guaranteeing the success of a privatisation process while protecting consumers' interests, should governments choose to move to a regime of private property.

The Commission would also like to state that its proposal for a directive on the award of concession contracts does not affect in any way the discretion of national, regional and local authorities to decide on the most appropriate means of providing services, including water, to the public. These can either be provided directly by the public authorities themselves or outsourced to a third party. However, the award of a concession contract to a third party for the provision of water services will have to comply with the proposed rules as well as with the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008838/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(2 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Ανησυχητική αύξηση των ποσοστών παιδικής φτώχειας στην Ελλάδα: η ευρωπαϊκή κοινωνία σε κατάσταση εκτάκτου ανάγκης

Σύμφωνα με την «Τριμηνιαία Επισκόπηση της Επιτροπής» αναφορικά με την απασχόληση και την κοινωνία διαφαίνεται ξεκάθαρα ότι η κοινωνική κατάσταση στην Ευρώπη επιδεινώνεται ολοένα και περισσότερο. Είναι, πλέον, σαφές ότι η «ευρωπαϊκή οικογένεια» αποτελείται από κοινωνίες πολλών ταχυτήτων με αποκλίσεις τόσο στις ανάγκες, όσο και τα προβλήματα. Ο Ευρωπαϊκός Νότος τίθεται στο επίκεντρο των δυσμενών εξελίξεων με «δραματικές πρωτιές» αφενός στην ανεργία και την ανεργία των νέων και αφετέρου στις καταγεγραμμένες απώλειες εισοδημάτων και στα ποσοστά παιδικής φτώχειας. Ενδεικτικά αναφέρεται ότι στην Ελλάδα σημειώνεται ένα από τα μεγαλύτερα ποσοστά παιδικής φτώχειας (άνω του 20 %), καθώς επίσης και η μεγαλύτερη απώλεια εισοδήματος, την ώρα που οι Έλληνες εργαζόμενοι πλήρους απασχόλησης κατέχουν τον υψηλότερο αριθμό ωρών εργασίας μαζί με τους Αυστριακούς. Σε αυτήν την κατεύθυνση ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(17 Δεκεμβρίου 2012)

Η διόρθωση μη διατηρήσιμων εξωτερικών και δημοσιονομικών ανισορροπιών συνεπάγεται δύσκολη διαδικασία προσαρμογής. Είναι σημαντικό το βάρος της εν λόγω προσαρμογής να επιμερίζεται δίκαια στο σύνολο της κοινωνίας. Για τον σχεδιασμό και την υλοποίηση του ελληνικού προγράμματος προσαρμογής έχουν ληφθεί δεόντως υπόψη οι κοινωνικές παράμετροι.

Η μέριμνα για την ελαχιστοποίηση του αντίκτυπου των μέτρων στις πλέον ευάλωτες πληθυσμιακές ομάδες αντικατοπτρίζεται σε συγκεκριμένα ληφθέντα μέτρα. Οι συνταξιοδοτικές μεταρρυθμίσεις αποβλέπουν στην προστασία των συνταξιούχων με τα χαμηλότερα εισοδήματα. Η τρέχουσα επανεξέταση των κοινωνικών προγραμμάτων αποσκοπεί στην καλύτερη στοχοθέτηση και την αποτελεσματικότερη προστασία των ευάλωτων πληθυσμιακών ομάδων. Οι αλλαγές στην πολιτική για την αγορά εργασίας έχουν σχεδιαστεί ώστε να βελτιώσουν τις προοπτικές απασχόλησης για τους νέους και εκείνους με χαμηλότερη κατάρτιση.

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για το ζήτημα της παιδικής φτώχειας στην Ελλάδα. Το ποσοστό του κινδύνου φτώχειας για τα παιδιά (κάτω των 18 ετών) αυξήθηκε από 23% το 2010 σε 23,7% το 2011. Το εν λόγω ποσοστό υπερβαίνει τον μέσο όρο του 20,6% για το 2011 στην ΕΕ των 27 (194). Το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο στηρίζει τις παρεμβάσεις στην ενεργό αγορά εργασίας στην Ελλάδα και αντιμετωπίζει έμμεσα την παιδική φτώχεια με την προώθηση μέτρων για τη διευκόλυνση της πρόσβασης των γονέων στην απασχόληση και την καταπολέμηση της ανεργίας. Για τον σκοπό αυτό, το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο διαθέτει περίπου 2,26 εκατ. ευρώ στο επιχειρησιακό πρόγραμμα «Ανάπτυξη Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού» 2007-2013 για την Ελλάδα, το οποίο αποσκοπεί, μεταξύ άλλων, στη διευκόλυνση της πρόσβασης στην απασχόληση και τη στήριξη της απασχολησιμότητας του εργατικού δυναμικού.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008838/12

to the Commission

Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Alarming increase in child poverty in Greece: extreme hardship in Europe

From the Commission’s three-month survey on social affairs and employment it emerges clearly that, in social terms, the situation in Europe is growing steadily worse. It is also clear that the ‘European family’ is made up of multi-speed societies with substantial disparities regarding the needs and problems of their members. Southern Europe, which is bearing the brunt of these difficulties, finds itself dismally leading the field with the highest unemployment and youth unemployment figures, compounded by falling incomes and child poverty. Greece, for example, is characterised by one of the highest rates of child poverty (over 20 %) and the steepest fall in incomes, while at the same time Greeks in full employment are, together with Austrians, working the longest hours. In view of this:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(17 December 2012)

Correcting unsustainable external and fiscal imbalances implies difficult adjustment process. It is important that the burden of this adjustment is borne fairly by the entire society. Social considerations have been prominent in the design and implementation of the Greek adjustment programme.

Concerns to minimise the impact of the measures on the most vulnerable strata of the population are reflected by concrete steps. Pension reforms aim at protecting the lowest income pensioners. The ongoing review of social programmes aims at better targeting and more effectively protecting the vulnerable. Labour market policy changes are designed to improve job prospects for young people and the lower-skilled.

The Commission is aware of the issue of child poverty in Greece. The rate of children (below 18 years old) at-risk of poverty has increased from 23% in 2010 to 23.7% in 2011. This rate is above the EU-27 average of 20.6% in 2011 (195). The European Social Fund is supporting Active Labour Market interventions in Greece and is tackling the child poverty indirectly by promoting measures to facilitate the access of parents to employment and to combat unemployment. To this end, the European Social Fund has earmarked around EUR 2.26 billion in the 2007-2013 Human Resources Development Operational Programme for Greece which aims, among others, at facilitating access to employment and support the employability of the workforce.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008839/12

alla Commissione

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Studio sulla salute mentale

A seguito dell'interrogazione scritta in materia di tutela della salute e dell'incolumità degli insegnanti presentata dal sottoscritto il 4 novembre 2011, la Commissione aveva risposto che si sarebbe impegnata: «a condurre uno studio sulla salute mentale sul luogo di lavoro nel 2012-2013».

A un anno da questa risposta il problema, che affligge in particolare la categoria degli educatori, non trova ancora risposta — perlomeno in Italia — se non grazie al contributo di associazioni private che si fanno carico di organizzare corsi formativi diretti ai datori di lavoro.

Date queste premesse:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(21 novembre 2012)

La Commissione ha pubblicato nel 2012 un bando di gara pubblico (196) per selezionare un contraente al quale affidare l'esecuzione dello studio citato nella risposta all'interrogazione E‐010378/2011 (197). Si prevede che la procedura sarà completata entro la fine del 2012 con la selezione di un contraente. Lo studio si protrarrà per un anno e mezzo.

La portata dello studio imporrà consultazioni con la società civile e le organizzazioni professionali in tutti gli Stati membri e i paesi SEE. Spetterà al contraente definire le modalità di svolgimento delle consultazioni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008839/12

to the Commission

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Study on mental health

Further to my written question of 4 November 2011, concerning the protection of teachers' health and safety, the Commission replied that it had undertaken ‘to carry out a study on mental health at the workplace in 2012/13’.

One year on from that answer, the problem, which affects the category of teachers in particular, has still not been resolved — at least in Italy — if not with the help of private associations which have taken on the task of organising training courses for employers.

1. Can the Commission therefore say whether it has begun carrying out this study?

2. If it has, can it say whether consultations with civil society and with professional organisations have begun? If so, how can people participate in them?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The Commission published in 2012 a public call for tenders (198) with a view to choose a contractor for carrying out the study mentioned in its answer to E-010378/2011 (199). It is envisaged that the procedure be finalised by the end of 2012 and a contractor selected. The study will have duration of one and a half years.

The scope of the study will require consultations with the civil society and professional organisations across all the EU Member States and EEA countries. It is up for the contractor to define the modalities under which the consultations will be undertaken.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008840/12

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente / Alta Representante)

Ana Gomes (S&D) e Elisa Ferreira (S&D)

(2 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: VP/HR — Detenção sem acusação de Zakaria Zubeidi

Zakaria Zubeidi, cofundador do «Freedom Theatre» do campo de refugiados de Jenin e ex-militante da Fatah que abandonou a luta armada em 2006, está preso em Jericó sem acusação ou julgamento desde 13 de maio de 2012. Foi detido durante uma vaga de prisões na sua cidade natal, na sequência de um ataque levado a cabo por homens armados à residência do governador de Jenin, que morreu pouco depois, vitimado por um ataque cardíaco. O seu advogado, Farid Hawwash, foi igualmente detido após ter criticado as forças de segurança palestinianas.

De acordo com a Human Rights Watch, «há mais de quatro meses que a Autoridade Palestiniana viola os direitos processuais básicos de Zubeidi a acusação e julgamento, e continua a ignorar as suas declarações no sentido de que os interrogadores o torturaram».

Em 9 de setembro, Zakaria iniciou uma greve de fome. Mais tarde, recebeu garantias de que seria libertado. No entanto, numa audiência que teve lugar em 17 de setembro, a sua detenção foi prorrogada por mais 19 dias. A detenção de Zubeidi é mais um golpe desferido ao «Freedom Theatre», que tem antagonizado as autoridades quer israelitas quer palestinianas, criticando os seus atos. Segundo o The Guardian, o teatro tem sido criticado por elementos conservadores do campo de refugiados de Jenin devido aos seus workshops de representação para ambos os sexos e às suas ideias progressistas.

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

(13 de dezembro de 2012)

A Alta Representante/Vice-Presidente e os seus serviços têm acompanhado o caso de Zakaria Zubeidi, preso pelas forças de segurança palestinianas em 13 de maio de 2012. Z. Zubeidi foi posto em liberdade provisória em 1 de outubro, após várias greves de fome.

Z. Zubeidi é acusado de participar num ataque à residência do Governador de Jenin, Qaddura Musa, que faleceu devido a um ataque cardíaco pouco tempo depois, em 2 de maio de 2012, bem como da posse de uma arma utilizada durante o incidente. Z. Zubeidi nega qualquer envolvimento.

A audiência inicial de Z. Zubeidi foi adiada para 6 de dezembro de 2012. O Gabinete do Representante da UE em Jerusalém continuará a acompanhar a evolução deste caso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008840/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Ana Gomes (S&D) and Elisa Ferreira (S&D)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Detention without charge of Zakaria Zubeidi

Zakaria Zubeidi, co-founder of the Jenin refugee camp’s Freedom Theatre and a former Fatah militant who renounced armed struggle in 2006, has been held in prison in Jericho without charge or trial since 13 May 2012. He was detained in a wave of arrests in his home city following an attack by gunmen on the home of Jenin’s governor, who shortly afterwards died of a heart attack. His lawyer, Farid Hawwash, was also arrested after criticising the Palestinian security forces.

According to Human Rights Watch, ‘for more than four months, the Palestinian Authority has violated Zubeidi’s basic due process rights to be charged and tried, and continues to ignore his statements that interrogators tortured him’.

On 9 September, Zakaria went on hunger strike. Later on he received assurances that he would be released, but at a court hearing on 17 September his detention was extended by a further 19 days. Zubeidi’s detention is another blow to the Freedom Theatre, which has antagonised both Israeli and Palestinian authorities by criticising their actions. According to The Guardian, the theatre has been criticised by conservative elements in Jenin refugee camp over its mixed-gender acting workshops and progressive outlook.

1. Will the Vice-President/High Representative make all necessary demarches with the Palestinian authorities to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Mr Zakaria Zubeidi?

2. Will the Vice-President/High Representative demand his immediate release in the absence of valid legal charges or, if such charges exist, ensure that he is given a prompt and fair trial?

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

(13 December 2012)

The HR/VP and her services have been following the case of Mr Zakaria Zubeidi who was arrested by Palestinian Security forces on 13 May 2012. Mr Zubeidi was released on bail on 1 October following a series of hunger strikes.

Mr Zubeidi is facing charges of participating in an attack on the home of Jenin governor Qaddura Musa, who died of a heart attack shortly afterwards, on 2 May 2012, as well as possession of a weapon used in the incident. Mr Zubeidi denies any involvement.

Mr Zubeidi’s initial court hearing has been postponed to 6 December 2012. The Office of the EU Representative in Jerusalem will continue to monitor developments on this case.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008841/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Phil Bennion (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Ship dismantling in South Asian countries

Today ships full of toxic substances are dismantled on Asian beaches without respect for environmental, human health or safety concerns. Most ship-breaking yards are located in developing countries not only because of lower workforce costs but also because of less stringent environmental regulations; however, European responsibility remains clear in this respect given the significant number of European end-of-life ships, with 17 % of world tonnage registered under an EU flag.

Being aware of the Commission’s recent proposals with regard to ship recycling, can the HR/VP answer the following questions in light of this:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

In discussions with Asian countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan the Commission has on several occasions stressed the importance of sustainable ship recycling and, in particular, the key role of the Hong Kong Convention in that regard.

The Commission currently has no plans to develop joint projects with Pakistan and Bangladesh on ship recycling.

The European Maritime Safety Agency is not currently engaged in joint projects with South Asian countries and is not planning any form of cooperation in the near future.

The Commission proposal for a regulation on Ship Recycling (200) encompasses measures for the whole lifecycle of ships sailing under EU flag, including the option to recycle such ships according to EU rules in facilities that have been included in a future EU list of sustainable ship recycling facilities worldwide. Should this proposal be adopted, the dismantling of EU ships in facilities not on this list, regardless of their status as hazardous waste or not, would be considered illegal and handled accordingly, in line with the respective articles of the regulation.

No arrangements for awareness-raising campaigns on hazardous materials in the context of ship recycling currently exist.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008842/12

to the Commission

Phil Bennion (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: EU‐Pakistan civil aviation agreement

On 24 February 2009, the EU and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed a civil aviation agreement in order to bring the 18 bilateral agreements between Member States and Pakistan into conformity with European law, and to remove nationality restrictions in bilateral air services agreements between Member States and Pakistan.

Can the Commission answer the following questions in light of this:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(30 November 2012)

The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that the Horizontal Agreement between the EU and Pakistan (HA) does neither intend to increase traffic possibilities between the two Parties concerned, nor allow new competitors to enter the market. Its mere purpose is actually to bring the existing bilateral agreements between EU Member States and Pakistan in line with EC law, in particular to allow an airline of an EU Member State to operate to Pakistan from any other EU Member State (provided there are unused traffic rights under the relevant bilateral agreement), in keeping with the right of establishment that is enshrined by the Treaty.

Hence, while traffic rights have been established by only 18 Member States of the EU by means of the bilateral Agreements with Pakistan, this does not affect in any way the positive impact of the HA that is precisely to align any bilateral agreement with EC law, in accordance with ECJ ‘open skies’ judgment on 5 November 2002.

With regard to the intentions of the Commission for deepening further aviation relations with non-EU partners, the Commission draws the attention of the Honourable Member to its recent Communication on the EU's External Aviation Policy, which was adopted on 27 September 2012 (201). In this document, the Commission stresses inter alia the various objectives and means for fostering aviation relations with the neighbouring countries and key partners.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008843/12

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(2 de octubre de 2012)

Asunto: VP/HR — Caso del Bajo Aguán en Honduras

El conflicto agrario del Bajo Aguán es el más grave, en términos del grado de violencia en contra de los campesinos en Centroamérica, en los últimos 15 años. El 21 de septiembre de 2012, en Tegucigalpa, la policía dispersó violentamente una manifestación pacífica de centenares de campesinos del Bajo Aguán que exigían que se juzgue con imparcialidad el caso de las tres fincas en posesión del MARCA, y se ponga fin a la criminalización de la lucha campesina. La intervención policial dejó tres heridos hospitalizados y 27 detenidos. El día 22 de septiembre se manifestaron contra la reacción policial y, como respuesta, se volvió a hacer un uso excesivo de la fuerza, lo que resultó en varios campesinos heridos y la detención de 19 personas, entre ellas varios defensores de los derechos humanos. El 23 de septiembre fueron puestos en libertad condicional los 27 detenidos de Tegucigalpa y los 19 detenidos en Planes.

El 26 de septiembre uno de los detenidos, Leonel Acosta Avilés, volcó con su vehículo cuando unos desconocidos le dispararon en la carretera. El 27 de septiembre José Braulio Díaz López fue asesinado por desconocidos con armas de fuego. Esto demuestra que las autoridades de Honduras aún son imparciales contra las comunidades campesinas envueltas en un conflicto agrario para el que no se encuentra solución integral, justa, pacífica y sostenible. Persiste la violencia, las violaciones de los derechos humanos y la impunidad de los atentados.

Recordamos que la República de Honduras es Estado parte del Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales, por lo que está obligada ante la comunidad internacional a respetar, proteger y garantizar estos derechos cuyos titulares también son los campesinos hondureños.

1. ¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante estos hechos?

2. ¿Es el caso del Bajo Aguán un tema particular en los diálogos de cooperación UE-Latinoamérica?

3. ¿Piensa exigirle al gobierno hondureño el cese inmediato de la represión, el hostigamiento y la violencia contra los integrantes de las comunidades campesinas y el pleno respeto de los derechos humanos?

4. ¿Procura ya que la cooperación internacional bilateral y multilateral que se brinda al Estado hondureño y a las compañías privadas esté condicionada al respeto irrestricto de los mismos?

5. ¿Promueve la UE un marco de cooperación, un concepto de seguridad basada en la promoción de la justicia y del pleno respeto de los derechos humanos?

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

(16 de noviembre de 2012)

La UE está al corriente y se preocupa de la situación de los derechos humanos en Honduras, en concreto en el Bajo Aguán, un conflicto histórico en el que la combinación de violaciones de los derechos humanos, los procesos de la reforma agraria, los intereses económicos, la presencia de tráfico de estupefacientes y la fragmentación del movimiento campesino hacen que la situación sea compleja y difícil.

La UE aboga por un marco de cooperación y un concepto de seguridad basado en la promoción de la justicia y el pleno respeto de los derechos humanos en Honduras. Las acciones de la UE a nivel local en este sentido son continuas y se han puesto en práctica a través del diálogo con las organizaciones de derechos humanos, de reuniones con los defensores de los derechos humanos en situación de riesgo, de visitas, y de declaraciones locales emitidas en casos específicos. En esta línea, la Delegación de la UE en Honduras ha visitado en dos ocasiones la región del Bajo Aguán y ha mantenido conversaciones con todas las partes implicadas en el conflicto.

La promoción y la protección de los derechos humanos son elementos clave de la cooperación bilateral de la UE en Honduras, con proyectos como el Programa de Apoyo a los Derechos Humanos, cuyo objetivo es contribuir a la instauración de una política nacional de derechos humanos, que establezca el respeto de los derechos humanos como principio rector de todas las intervenciones y de todos los servicios prestados por los organismos públicos. Además, la UE sigue apoyando a la sociedad civil hondureña y a los defensores de los derechos humanos a través del IEDDH (202).

Cabe señalar que el Gobierno de Honduras firmó en agosto de 2012 una declaración conjunta con el grupo de donantes de Honduras, del que la UE es miembro activo. Mediante esta declaración, el Ejecutivo adoptó varios objetivos en materia de derechos humanos, incluido un compromiso para investigar y castigar violaciones de los derechos humanos. El Gobierno de Honduras también reconoció que el Estado es responsable de garantizar la seguridad de los ciudadanos de acuerdo con el Estado de Derecho, y reconoce el importante papel de la sociedad civil en este ámbito.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008843/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Events in Bajo Aguan (Honduras)

The agrarian conflict in Bajo Aguán is the most serious, in terms of the level of violence against Central American peasants, to have arisen in the last 15 years. On 21 September 2012, police violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration in Tegucigalpa by hundreds of peasants from Bajo Aguán who were calling for an impartial trial in the case of three farms occupied by the peasants’ rights group MARCA (Movimiento Auténtico Reivindicador Campesino del Aguan) and an end to the criminalisation of the land rights struggle. The police intervention resulted in three people being hospitalised and 27 arrested. On 22 September 2012, a demonstration was held to protest at the police retaliation, which was again met with excessive force. A number of people were injured and 19 were arrested, among them several human rights defenders. On 23 September the 27 people arrested in Tegucigalpa and the 19 held in Planes were provisionally released.

On 26 September 2012, one of the released detainees, Leonel Costa Avilés, was shot at by unknown persons while driving, causing his car to roll over. On 27 September, José Braulio Díaz López was shot dead by unidentified persons. This shows that the Honduran authorities are still biased against the peasant communities embroiled in this agrarian conflict, to which an integral, just, peaceful and sustainable solution has yet to be found, in an ongoing situation of violence, human rights violations and unpunished attacks.

It should be recalled that the Republic of Honduras is a signatory State of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and as such has an obligation before the international community to respect, protect and guarantee these rights, which also apply to Honduran peasants.

1. Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of this situation?

2. Has the case of Bajo Aguán been specifically addressed in the context of EU‐Latin America cooperation dialogue?

3. Does the VP/HR intend to call on the Honduran Government to immediately put an end to the repression, harassment and violence against members of peasant communities and fully respect human rights?

4. Is the VP/HR already making efforts to ensure that international bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Honduran State and private companies is strictly subject to unlimited respect for such rights?

5. Does the EU advocate a framework for cooperation and a concept of security based on the promotion of justice and full respect for human rights?

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

(16 November 2012)

The EU is aware and concerned with the human rights situation in Honduras, specifically Bajo Aguán, a historical conflict where a combination of human rights violations, land reform processes, economic interests, presence of drug trafficking and a fragmented peasant movement make for a complex and difficult situation.

The EU advocates a cooperation framework and a concept of security based on the promotion of justice and full respect of human rights (HR) in Honduras. EU local actions in this sense are continuous and have been implemented through a dialogue with HR organisations, meetings with HR defenders at risk, visits, and local statements issued in specific cases. In this line the EU delegation in Honduras has visited twice the Bajo Aguán region where it spoke to all stakeholders involved in this conflict.

Human rights promotion and protection represent a key part of EU bilateral cooperation in Honduras, including projects such as the Programa de Apoyo a los Derechos Humanos which aims at contributing to the creation of a National HR Policy expected to establish human rights as a core principle to all government actions and service delivery. In addition, the EU continues to support Honduran civil society and HR defenders through the EIDHR (203).

It is worth noting that the Honduran Government signed in August 2012 a joint declaration with the Honduras Group of Donors, of which the EU is an active member. Through it, the Executive adopted several HR objectives, including a commitment to investigate and punish HR violations. The Government of Honduras also recognised that the state is responsible for ensuring citizen security according to the rule of law, and acknowledged the important role of civil society in this field.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008845/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Iva Zanicchi (PPE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Trattamento inadeguato dei rifugiati birmani in Thailandia

Le politiche thailandesi nei confronti dei rifugiati sono ad oggi frammentarie, incerte e per lo più inadeguate. Tali lacune legislative pongono i rifugiati in condizioni di vulnerabilità rispetto a trattamenti arbitrari e abusivi.

La Thailandia non rientra tra gli Stati aderenti alla Convenzione di Ginevra del 1951 e nemmeno al Protocollo del 1967. Il Paese non si è dotato di leggi a protezione dei rifugiati, né di procedure di asilo formalizzate. Mancando un solido contesto legale, rifugiati e richiedenti asilo vivono in condizioni di forte precarietà.

Il numero di rifugiati Birmani presenti nel Paese è molto alto e tutti si trovano costretti a una scelta: vivere nei campi profughi, ed essere relativamente tutelati rispetto ad arresti e trasferimenti forzati, ma totalmente avulsi dalla realtà, o vivere e lavorare fuori dai campi, senza riconoscimento di status giuridico alcuno e con il rischio costante di arresti e deportazioni.

All'interno dei campi vivono circa 140 000 profughi. Il governo thailandese impone dure restrizioni alla libertà di movimento dei rifugiati, proibendo loro di spostarsi dalla zona in cui vivono, di avere un reddito o di garantire ai propri figli un buon livello di istruzione scolastica.

Al di fuori dei campi, si calcola vi siano tra 1,8 e 3 milioni di birmani. Qui i rifugiati non sono autorizzati a lavorare, loro unica chance è di presentarsi alle autorità non come rifugiati, ma come lavoratori migranti, spesso costretti a pagare tangenti per trovare un lavoro.

La situazione ha visto un parziale miglioramento nel 2011, quando è emersa la prospettiva di possibili rimpatri, ma gli ostacoli sono ancora molti.

Date le premesse, come intende dunque la Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante assistere i Comitati dei campi profughi, le ONG attive in loco e l'UNHCR nell'avviare un processo di transizione da un modello di assistenza umanitaria a campo chiuso a un modello di accoglienza aperta che renda i rifugiati autosufficienti e capaci di reinserirsi nel proprio tessuto sociale una volta rimpatriati volontariamente e in sicurezza?

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

(14 novembre 2012)

Per quanto concerne la questione dei rifugiati in Thailandia, l'Unione europea ha uno stretto rapporto di collaborazione con tutti i portatori di interesse e ha partecipato attivamente a iniziative volte a promuovere soluzioni sostenibili a favore dei rifugiati e alternative alla situazione di accampamento prolungato, quali il rimpatrio volontario a Myanmar, la sistemazione in paesi terzi e l'integrazione in Thailandia.

L'UE appoggia l'UNCHR (204) e il ruolo fondamentale che l'Agenzia svolge in questo processo in qualità di coordinatore degli attori internazionali che collaborano con le autorità di Birmania/Myanmar e della Thailandia per preparare, quando le condizioni lo permetteranno, l'eventuale ritorno dei rifugiati. È essenziale che il rimpatrio avvenga conformemente alle norme riconosciute a livello internazionale (rimpatrio volontario e sicuro).

Attraverso i suoi programmi di cooperazione allo sviluppo e di aiuto umanitario, l'UE finanzia un serie di progetti insieme all'UNHCR.

Nel 2012 il programma di aiuti alle popolazioni sradicate dell'UE avrà ancora una volta l'obiettivo diretto di finanziare l'attuazione di progetti simili e sarà integrato da iniziative di assistenza umanitaria per garantire servizi sanitari di base, la sicurezza alimentare e la sicurezza nei campi. Per preparare i rifugiati al loro futuro ritorno in Myanmar, il sostegno dell'UE per il 2011-2012 si è concentrato anche su attività legate alla sussistenza e sulla formazione.

L'UE sostiene inoltre le sinergie e la cooperazione tra le agenzie che operano nei campi e quelle che lavorano nelle regioni sudorientali di Birmania/Myanmar, luogo d'origine della maggior parte dei rifugiati.

Complessivamente, l'UE ha fornito ai campi oltre 150 milioni di euro e, insieme ad altri donatori, chiede che venga adottato un approccio più sostenibile per gestire la situazione dei rifugiati in Thailandia: ciò è importante soprattutto a causa dell'evolversi della situazione in Birmania/Myanmar.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008845/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Iva Zanicchi (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Inadequate provision for Burmese refugees in Thailand

The policy followed by the Thai authorities with regard to refugees has to date been piecemeal, uncertain and generally inadequate. Legal loopholes in this area are leaving refugees vulnerable to arbitrary and inadmissible treatment.

Thailand has signed neither the 1951 Geneva Convention nor the 1967 Protocol thereto. It has neither refugee protection laws nor official asylum procedures. In the absence of any binding legal framework, refugees and asylum‐seekers have absolutely no guarantees.

The numerous Burmese refugees in Thailand are all faced with the choice of either remaining in refugee camps, where they are relatively safe from arrest and forced removal but at the same time totally cut off from the world around them, or living and working outside the camps with absolutely no legal status and at constant risk of arrest and deportation.

The camps currently accommodate around 140 000 refugees. The Thai Government imposes harsh restrictions on them as a result of which their freedom of movement is limited, they are unable to leave the area in which they live, have any form of income or provide decent education for their children.

It is estimated that between 1.8 and 3 million Burmese are living outside the camps. Here their only chance is to declare themselves to the authorities, not as refugees who are not entitled to work, but as migrant workers, in which case they are frequently obliged to hand over bribes in order to find employment.

In 2011 matters seemed to improve slightly with the prospect of possible repatriation arrangements. However, many obstacles remain to be overcome.

In view of this:

What measures does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to take to help the refugee camp committees, locally involved NGOs and the UNHCR to launch a transition from humanitarian assistance in closed off camps towards open arrangements allowing refugees to become self-sufficient and able to reintegrate within their own societies following their safe and voluntary repatriation?

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

(14 November 2012)

The EU cooperates very closely with all stakeholders on the issue of the refugees in Thailand. The EU has been actively involved in advocating sustainable solutions for the refugees and alternatives to protracted encampment, such as voluntary repatriation to Myanmar, third country resettlement and integration in Thailand.

The EU supports UNHCR (205) in its central role in this process as coordinator among international actors working with authorities of both Burma/Myanmar and Thailand to prepare the possible return of the refugees, once conditions allow. It is fundamental that return takes place in accordance with internationally recognised standards (voluntary and safe return).

The EU, both through its development cooperation and humanitarian aid, has been funding a number of projects with UNHCR.

In 2012, the EU’s Aid to Uprooted People Programme will once again be directly aimed at funding the implementation of similar projects. This is complemented by humanitarian assistance to ensure basic health services, food security and protection in the camps. To prepare the refugees for future return to Myanmar, EU support in 2011-2012 has also focused on livelihood activities and training.

The EU is also supporting synergies and cooperation between agencies working in the camps and those working in the South-eastern regions of Burma/Myanmar, the place of origin of the majority of the refugees.

In total, the EU has provided camps with over EUR 150 million and is together with other donors, advocating for a more sustainable approach to the refugee situation in Thailand. This is even more important given the changing context in Burma/Myanmar.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita P-008847/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(2 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Novas medidas acordadas entre a Troika e o Governo Português

Foi ontem anunciado pelo porta-voz dos Assuntos Económicos da Comissão Europeia que teriam sido acordadas com a Troika no final da semana passada «medidas alternativas introduzidas no programa de ajustamento português para compensar o recuo na Taxa Social Única (TSU)». Durão Barroso, Presidente da Comissão Europeia, revelou que essas medidas apresentadas pelo Governo Português teriam sido já aprovadas pela Comissão Europeia. Tais medidas não são, todavia, do conhecimento público.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que responda às seguintes perguntas:

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(9 de novembro de 2012)

No contexto da 5.a revisão do programa de ajustamento económico para Portugal, a Comissão, juntamente com o FMI e o BCE, debateu com o Governo português um novo pacote de medidas de consolidação correspondentes a cerca de 3 % do PIB. Estas medidas refletem a nova estratégia de consolidação orçamental e visam a realização do objetivo de défice revisto de 4,5 % do PIB em 2013, ao mesmo tempo que dão resposta ao acórdão do Tribunal Constitucional que determinou a inconstitucionalidade da suspensão do subsídio de férias e de natal dos funcionários públicos e pensionistas a partir de 2013.

As novas medidas visam uma repartição mais justa do esforço orçamental entre os setores público e privado e entre tributação do trabalho, do capital e das mais-valias. Incluem, designadamente, do lado das despesas, a instituição de uma sobretaxa para os funcionários públicos, uma redução dos seus efetivos, uma redução do consumo intermédio e das transferências sociais e uma maior racionalização no setor da saúde. Do lado das receitas, as medidas em questão incluem uma reforma estrutural do imposto sobre os rendimentos das pessoas singulares através de uma redução do número de escalões de imposto e a introdução de uma sobretaxa especial, bem como aumentos dos impostos sobre os rendimentos de capital. Também haverá aumentos dos impostos especiais de consumo e sobre os bens imobiliários.

O ME foi revisto, a fim de ter em conta os recentes desenvolvimentos, nomeadamente as novas medidas orçamentais. Tal como sempre acontece, todas as medidas incluídas no ME são adotadas depois de reunidos os devidos requisitos jurídicos e constitucionais. Em 15 de outubro, no quadro do orçamento para 2013, o Governo português apresentou à Assembleia da República, para análise e aprovação, o novo pacote de medidas de consolidação.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008847/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: New measures agreed between the Troika and the Portuguese Government

The Commission's spokesperson on economic affairs yesterday announced that ‘alternative measures to be included in the Portuguese austerity programme to offset the fall in the single social tax (TSU)’ had been agreed with the Troika in the past week. The Commission President José Manuel Barroso has revealed that these measures put forward by the Portuguese Government had already been approved by the Commission. Nevertheless, these measures have not yet been publicly announced.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

In the context of the 5th Review of the Economic Adjustment Programme for Portugal, the Commission, together with IMF and ECB, discussed with the Portuguese Government a new package of consolidation measures amounting to about 3% of GDP. These measures reflect the new fiscal consolidation strategy and aim at achieving the revised deficit target of 4.5% of GDP in 2013 while responding to the Constitutional Court ruling annulling on equity grounds the suspension of the holiday and Christmas bonuses for public sector employees and pensioners from 2013 on.

The new measures seek a fairer sharing of the fiscal effort between the public and private sectors and between labour, capital and wealth taxation. They include, inter alia, on the expenditure side, the reinstatement of one extra payment for public sector employees (206), a reduction in number of public employees, cuts in intermediate consumption and in social transfers and a further rationalisation in the health sector. On the revenue side, the measures include a structural reform of the personal income tax through a reduction in the number of tax brackets and the introduction of a special surcharge, as well as increases in capital income taxation. Excise duties and property taxation are also set to rise.

The MoU (207) has been revised to take account of new developments, including the new fiscal measures. As is always the case, all measures included in the MoU are subject to adoption following the necessary legal and constitutional requirements. The new package of consolidation measures was presented by the Portuguese Government to Parliament on 15 October, in the context of the 2013 budget proposal, for its Parliamentary scrutiny and approval.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-008848/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(2. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Haushaltslinie 22 02 07 03 für 2013

Die Kommission hat eine „finanzielle Unterstützung der wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung der türkisch-zypriotischen Gemeinschaft“ für 2013 in Höhe von 28 Millionen Euro vorgesehen.

Welchen Betrag gedenkt die Kommission dem Ausschuss für die Vermissten in Zypern und dem Technischen Ausschuss für das kulturelle Erbe, in dem beide Volksgruppen vertreten sind, tatsächlich zuzuweisen?

Wie sehen die künftigen Pläne der Kommission in den oben genannten Bereichen im Einzelnen aus?

Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(30. Oktober 2012)

Dank des starken Interesses und der großen Unterstützung des Europäischen Parlaments für Vertrauensbildungsmaßnahmen, die die beiden zyprischen Gemeinschaften einander näherbringen sollen, ist die EU inzwischen der größte einzelne Geber für den Ausschuss für die Vermissten, dem sie insgesamt 7,5 Mio. EUR zur Verfügung gestellt hat (Betrag für 2012 eingerechnet).

Im Rahmen des Hilfsprogramms für die türkisch-zyprische Gemeinschaft 2011 und 2012 hat die Kommission für die Unterstützung des unter UN‐Schirmherrschaft tätigen Technischen Ausschusses für das kulturelle Erbe, in dem beide Volksgruppen vertreten sind, weitere EU‐Mittel im Umfang von 4 Mio. EUR bereitgestellt.

Die Kommission begrüßt die kontinuierliche Unterstützung des Europäischen Parlaments für Maßnahmen zur Aussöhnung und Vertrauensbildung und ist sehr erfreut über den Vorschlag des Parlaments, dafür 2013 weitere 3 Mio. EUR zur Verfügung zu stellen. Die Programmierungsphase für 2013 kann erst nach endgültiger Feststellung des Haushalts für 2013 beginnen. Die genaue Mittelzuweisung wird sich nach den Wünschen der Gemeinschaften und dem Bedarf im Rahmen der jeweiligen Projekte richten.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008848/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Budget line 22 02 07 03 for 2013

The Commission has allocated EUR 28 million in commitments for 2013 for ‘financial support for encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community’.

How much does the Commission intend to actually allocate to the Committee on Missing Persons and the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage?

Please give a detailed outline of future plans in the abovementioned areas.

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2012)

With the strong interest and support from the European Parliament for confidence building measures aiming at bringing the two Cypriot communities closer together, the EU has become the single biggest donor to the activities of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) with a total of EUR 7.5 million funding, including the 2012 allocation.

Under the 2011 and 2012 Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the Commission also allocated EUR 4 million in EU funding to support the activities of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage operating under UN auspices.

The Commission appreciates the European Parliament's continuing support for the reconciliation and confidence building measures and is very pleased that the EP has proposed an additional EUR 3 million for this in 2013. The programming phase for 2013 will only be able to begin after the final decision on the 2013 budget. The detailed allocation will be agreed according to the wishes of the communities and the needs of the respective projects.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης P-008849/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE)

(2 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Σχολιασμός ανυπόστατης είδησης που μετέδωσαν τα κρατικά μέσα ενημέρωσης της πΓΔΜ από τον αρμόδιο για θέματα διεύρυνσης Επίτροπο

Στις 30 Σεπτεμβρίου, η κρατική τηλεόραση της πΓΔΜ μετέδωσε ως πραγματικό γεγονός ανυπόστατη είδηση περί δήθεν δολοφονίας πολίτη της πΓΔΜ από εξτρεμιστική οργάνωση στη Θεσσαλονίκη. Αυτήν τη δήθεν είδηση αναπαρήγαγε το σχεδόν σύνολο των ΜΜΕ και του Τύπου στην πΓΔΜ, με αποτέλεσμα να δημιουργηθεί ιδιαίτερα αρνητική ατμόσφαιρα για ένα εξαιρετικά ευαίσθητο θέμα. Ο εκπρόσωπος Τύπου του Ελληνικού Υπουργείου Εξωτερικών προχώρησε αμέσως σε κατηγορηματική διάψευση, καλώντας την κυβέρνηση της γειτονικής χώρας να μην αφήνει περιθώρια καλλιέργειας και ενίσχυσης εθνικισμού και μισαλλοδοξίας. Όμως, την ίδια ημέρα, ο αρμόδιος Επίτροπος για τη διεύρυνση, υιοθετώντας απολύτως την αβάσιμη πληροφορία που μετέδιδαν τα μέσα ενημέρωσης της πΓΔΜ, σχολίασε ο ίδιος σε μέσο κοινωνικής δικτύωσης (twitter) το ανύπαρκτο περιστατικό, παραπέμποντας μάλιστα και στην ιστοσελίδα του ημι-κρατικού ειδησεογραφικού πρακτορείου ειδήσεων της πΓΔΜ το οποίο ανέφερε την «είδηση».

Κατόπιν αυτών, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(12 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

O σκοπός του tweet του αρμόδιου Επιτρόπου για τη Διεύρυνση και την Ευρωπαϊκή Πολιτική Γειτονίας ήταν να συστήσει συγκράτηση μετά από διάφορα δημοσιεύματα όσον αφορά υποτιθέμενο γεγονός και σχόλια σε τόπους κοινωνικής δικτύωσης.

Οι πληροφορίες και τα συμπεράσματα στις εκθέσεις προόδου της Επιτροπής σχετικά με τις χώρες διεύρυνσης βασίζονται σε πληροφορίες από πολλαπλές πηγές. Η αντιπροσωπεία της ΕΕ στην ενδιαφερόμενη χώρα παρακολουθεί στενά τις εξελίξεις και παρέχει στοιχεία για τις εκθέσεις. Εκτεταμένες διαβουλεύσεις διεξάγονται με μεγάλο αριθμό διεθνών οργανισμών, ΜΚΟ και άλλων ενδιαφερόμενων φορέων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των κρατών μελών, με σκοπό την επαλήθευση των πληροφοριών.

Στην έκθεση προόδου που δημοσιεύθηκε στις 10 Οκτωβρίου 2012, η Επιτροπή αξιολογεί τις εξελίξεις που σημειώθηκαν στον τομέα της ελευθερίας έκφρασης, αναφέρει τις επιφυλάξεις όσον αφορά την αυτολογοκρισία και την έλλειψη πολυφωνίας στα μέσα ενημέρωσης και τονίζει την ανάγκη ενίσχυσης των επαγγελματικών προτύπων στον δημοσιογραφικό τομέα.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008849/12

to the Commission

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Comments by the Commissioner responsible for enlargement concerning an unfounded media report circulating in FYROM

On 30 September, the FYROM State television reported as a fact an unfounded allegation that a FYROM citizen had been murdered by an extremist organisation in Thessaloniki. Almost all the mass media and newspapers in FYROM picked up on this highly sensitive story, greatly exacerbating the situation. The Greek Foreign Ministry Press Officer hastened to issue a disclaimer, calling on the neighbouring government to allow no room for chauvinism and intolerance to take root. However, on the same day, the Commissioner responsible for enlargement himself lent credibility to this unfounded allegation by posting his own comments on the social network (Twitter) and referring to the ‘news report’ on the webpage of the semi-State FYROM news agency.

1. Was the public response of the Commissioner prompted by the Commission’s own information? Was the FYROM media report cross-checked and verified?

2. If in fact the information came from the Commission, this gives rise to serious questions regarding the assessment and processing of data and the reliability of its sources. It is partly on the basis of such information that progress reports are drawn up regarding relations between the EU and FYROM. What measures must be taken and what changes made in order to prevent such a situation arising in future?

3. Will the next progress report refer to this inadmissible distortion of the facts and the propagation of unfounded allegations by the FYROM media, thereby misleading the public and also the Commissioner responsible for enlargement?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

The purpose of the tweet by the Member of the Commission for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy was to urge restraint following several reports of an alleged incident and comments on social network sites.

The information and conclusions in the Commission's Progress Reports on the enlargement countries are based on information from multiple sources. The EU Delegation in the country closely follows developments and provides input for the reports. Extensive consultations are held with a large number of international organisations, NGOs and other stakeholders, including Members States, to verify information.

In the progress report published on 10 October 2012, the Commission assesses developments in the area of freedom of expression and refers to concerns about self-censorship and lack of pluralism in the media and stresses the need to strengthen professional standards in journalism.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-008850/12

à la Commission

Tokia Saïfi (PPE) et Nora Berra (PPE)

(2 octobre 2012)

Objet: Accord UE-Chine sur les indications géographiques

Conformément à la volonté exprimée conjointement par l'UE et la Chine lors du sommet bilatéral de 2009, le Conseil a autorisé la Commission à ouvrir des négociations en vue d'un accord sur la protection des indications géographiques des vins, spiritueux, produits agricoles et denrées alimentaires.

Le projet pilote «10 + 10» prévoit déjà la protection de dix produits agricoles européens et de dix produits agricoles chinois, les négociations de l'accord bilatéral se poursuivant en parallèle.

— Comment les produits concernés par le projet pilote «10 + 10» ont-ils été sélectionnés?

— Compte tenu de la forte exposition des indications géographiques de vins et spiritueux à la contrefaçon et des risques sanitaires inhérents, ainsi que de l'objectif d'aboutir à un accord sur la protection des indications géographiques des produits agricoles et des denrées alimentaires, y compris les vins et spiritueux, la Commission compte-t-elle intégrer des vins et spiritueux à cette phase pilote avant la conclusion d'un éventuel accord?

— Quelles ont été les avancées réalisées au cours du dernier cycle de négociations sur l'accord bilatéral et dans quel délai la Commission pense-t-elle pouvoir les finaliser?

Réponse donnée par M. Cioloş au nom de la Commission

(20 novembre 2012)

Le projet pilote 10 + 10 est aujourd'hui en voie d'achèvement. Pour suivre les progrès, sélectionner «Chine» dans la base de données DOOR de la DG Agriculture et développement rural: (http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/list.html).

Les dix indications géographiques de l'Union européenne (IG) sont en attente de signature avant de pouvoir être officiellement enregistrées. Ces dix IG ont été proposées par les États membres en 2007 dans le cadre du comité AOP/IGP. Les vins et les spiritueux ne figuraient pas parmi elles.

Les Honorables Parlementaires soulèvent à juste titre la question de la contrefaçon. Dans le cadre de l'accord bilatéral actuellement en cours de négociation, les deux parties cherchent à atteindre un niveau de protection et de contrôle du respect des règles qui assurerait à l'une et l'autre la protection d'office des IG.

En outre, la question de la contrefaçon des vins et spiritueux a été abordée séparément avec la Chine lors de la visite que le membre de la Commission en charge de l'agriculture et du développement rural a effectuée à Pékin en juin. En effet, le récent communiqué du sommet Union européenne-Chine invite les deux parties à intensifier leur action contre la contrefaçon.

Un cinquième cycle de négociations visant à la conclusion d'un accord bilatéral relatif à la protection des IG s'est tenu les 13 et 14 septembre à Bruxelles. Le 26 septembre, la Commission a transmis au Parlement un rapport sur cette question. Le prochain cycle de négociations devrait avoir lieu début 2013. Les deux parties ont réaffirmé leur engagement à œuvrer en faveur d'un accord avantageux pour l'une et l'autre dans le courant de l'année 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008850/12

to the Commission

Tokia Saïfi (PPE) and Nora Berra (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: EU‐China agreement on geographical indications

In accordance with the wish expressed jointly by the EU and China at the 2009 bilateral summit, the Council has authorised the Commission to open negotiations on an agreement on the protection of geographical indications for wines, spirits, agricultural products and foodstuffs.

The ‘10+10’ pilot project already provides for the protection of 10 European agricultural products and 10 Chinese agricultural products, and negotiations on the bilateral agreement are continuing in parallel.

How were the products covered by the ‘10+10’ pilot project selected?

Given that geographical indications for wines and spirits are highly vulnerable to counterfeiting, and given the health risks this poses, and in the light of the objective of reaching an agreement on the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs, including wines and spirits, does the Commission intend to include wines and spirits in the pilot phase prior to the possible conclusion of an agreement?

What progress has been made in the latest round of negotiations on the bilateral agreement, and when does the Commission expect to be able to complete the negotiations?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

The 10+10 pilot project is currently nearing its completion. Progress can be tracked by selecting ‘China’ on DG Agriculture and Rural Development's DOOR database: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/list.html

The ten EU geographical indications (GI's) are awaiting signature before official registration. The ten GI's were proposed by Member States in the framework of the PDO/PGI Committee in 2007. Wines and spirits did not feature among the ten.

The Honourable Members justly raise the issue of counterfeiting. Under the bilateral agreement currently being negotiated, a level of protection and enforcement is being sought that would ensure ex officio protection for both sides' GI's.

In addition, the issue of counterfeiting in wines and spirits has been raised separately with China during the visit of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development to Beijing in June. Indeed, the recent EU-China Summit Communique calls on the two sides to step up action against counterfeiting.

A fifth round of negotiations towards a bilateral agreement on the protection of GI's was held on 13 and 14 September in Brussels. The Commission has on 26 September forwarded to the Parliament a report thereon. The next round is likely to take place early in 2013. Both Parties reaffirmed their continued commitment to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement in the course of 2013.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008851/12

aan de Commissie

Marietje Schaake (ALDE) en Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE)

(2 oktober 2012)

Betreft: Het project Clean IT

Het project Clean IT is een publiek-privaat initiatief gericht op het reduceren van de impact van het gebruik van het internet voor  terroristische doeleinden. Het project wordt medegefinancierd met middelen van het programma betreffende het voorkomen en bestrijden van criminaliteit van het directoraat-generaal Justitie.

Op de website van het project Clean IT staat dat de belangrijkste doelstelling van het project het ontwikkelen van een niet-wetgevingskader is en dat het niet de bedoeling is te tornen aan de onlinevrijheid. De eerste voorlopige aanbevelingen van het project hebben echter wel degelijk betrekking op de tenuitvoerlegging van wetgeving, waarbij ook de onlinevrijheid zou worden beïnvloed.

1. Wat is het standpunt van de Commissie ten aanzien van het monitoren en in de gaten houden van het internet voor wethandhavings— en veiligheidsdoeleinden door tussenpersonen, zoals privé-ondernemingen, namens overheden?

2. Zijn de maatregelen die in de conclusies van het project Clean IT worden voorgesteld in de optiek van de Commissie in overeenstemming met de grondrechten van de EU, de vrijheid van meningsuiting de onlinevrijheid en de wetgeving inzake het recht op privacy en inzake gegevensbescherming?

3. Is de Commissie voornemens voorstellen voor wetgeving te presenteren op basis van de uitkomsten van het project Clean IT en zo ja, wanneer?

4. Hoe controleert de Commissie dat door de EU (mede)gefinancierde projecten in overeenstemming zijn met de grondrechten en de wetgeving van de EU? Welke mechanismen zijn er voor het monitoren en beoordelen van de onderzoekprogramma's van het directoraat-generaal Justitie, met name het programma betreffende het voorkomen en bestrijden van criminaliteit?

Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie

(29 november 2012)

De Commissie is bezorgd over  terroristische propaganda op het internet. De lidstaten hebben er bij de Commissie al vaker op aangedrongen om dit probleem aan te pakken (208). Bovendien legt artikel 16 van de Richtlijn inzake elektronische handel (209) de lidstaten en de Commissie op te stimuleren dat bedrijfsorganisaties, beroepsverenigingen en consumentenverenigingen gedragscodes opstellen die bijdragen tot de goede toepassing van de Richtlijn, bv. illegale activiteit of informatie verwijderen of de toegang daartoe onmogelijk maken (artikel 14). Om misdaden aan te pakken op het internet, een infrastructuur die voornamelijk privaat is, is een dialoog tussen publieke en particuliere partners essentieel.

Het project Clean IT heeft geen wetgevingsdoelstellingen en de Commissie plant geen wetsvoorstellen op basis van het resultaat.

Aanvragen die zijn ingediend in het kader van ISEC (210) worden beoordeeld aan de hand van gunningscriteria die gespecificeerd zijn in haar jaarlijks werkprogramma en zijn aangenomen na beraadslaging met de lidstaten. Een van de gunningscriteria is de mate waarin aanvragen overeenkomen met de prioritaire gebieden die worden genoemd in de oproep tot het indienen van voorstellen en in de toepasselijke strategie documenten/actieplannen van de EU. De aanvragen worden beoordeeld door externe en/of interne deskundigen; de resultaten worden dan nauwkeurig geanalyseerd door een evaluatiecomité van ambtenaren van de Commissie dat een ontwerp voor een gunningslijst opstelt. Het comité van het ISEC(bestaande uit vertegenwoordigers van de lidstaten) wordt geraadpleegd inzake dit ontwerp voordat het wordt afgerond. Dit mechanisme garandeert dat de projecten overeenkomstig de ISEC-prioriteiten en de EU-wetgeving zijn.

Verder worden de geachte Parlementsleden verwezen naar het gezamenlijke antwoord van de Commissie op de schriftelijke vragen 8738/12, P-9024/12 en P-8386/12, P-8569/12 en P-8906/12 (211).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008851/12

to the Commission

Marietje Schaake (ALDE) and Sophia in ’t Veld (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: The Clean IT project

The Clean IT project is a public-private initiative that aims to reduce the impact of terrorist use of the Internet. The project is funded in part by the Commission’s EU Programme on Prevention of and Fight against Crime spearheaded by the Directorate-General for Justice.

The Clean IT website states that the project’s main objective is to develop a non-legislative framework and that online freedom should not be affected. However, the project’s preliminary recommendations do concern the implementation of legislation, which would also affect online freedom.

1. What is the Commission’s position with regard to the monitoring and policing of the Internet for law enforcement and security purposes, by intermediaries such as private companies, on behalf of public authorities?

2. Does the Commission consider that the measures proposed in the Clean IT conclusions are in line with EU fundamental rights, the freedom of speech, online freedom and legislation with regard to privacy and data protection?

3. Does the Commission intend to propose legislation on the basis of the outcome of the Clean IT project, and if so, when?

4. How does the Commission verify that EU (co-)funded research projects are in line with EU fundamental rights and legislation? What mechanisms are in place to scrutinise and evaluate the research programmes in DG Justice, in particularly the ‘Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme’?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2012)

The Commission is concerned about terrorist propaganda on the Internet. Member States on numerous occasions have called upon the Commission to address this issue (212). Furthermore, Art. 16 of the E-Commerce Directive (213) mandates Member States and the Commission to encourage drawing up codes of conduct by trade, professional and consumer associations or organisations designed to contribute to the proper implementation of the directive, e.g. removing or disabling access to illegal activity or information (Art. 14). To tackle crimes committed using the Internet, the infrastructure of which is overwhelmingly private, public-private dialogue is essential.

The Clean IT project has no legislative aims and the Commission does not plan any legislative proposals on the basis of its outcome.

Applications submitted under the ISEC (214) are assessed against award criteria specified in its Annual Work Programme, adopted following consultations with Member States. One award criterion is the extent to which applications match priority areas identified in the call for proposals and in the relevant EU strategic documents/action plans. Applications are assessed by external and/or internal experts; the results are then scrutinised by an Evaluation Committee of Commission officials, which draws up a draft award list. The ISECcommittee, (of Member States' representatives) is consulted on this draft before it is finalised. This mechanism ensures that projects are in line with ISECpriorities and EU legislation.

Furthermore, the Honourable Members are referred to the Commission's joint reply to written questions P-8738/12, P-9024/12 as well as P-8386/12, P-8569/12, and P-8906/12 (215).

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008852/12

til Kommissionen

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(2. oktober 2012)

Om: Bakterier i importeret frugt og grønt i Danmark

Vi har i Danmark set en stigning i antallet af danskere, der bliver syge af at spise frugt og grønt fra udlandet på grund af bakterier med mere. I Danmark har vi i øvrigt også set et generelt forhøjet niveau af pesticider i importeret frugt og grønt sammenlignet dansk frugt og grønt. Det danske dagblad Berlingske Tidende har igennem den sidste uge dokumenteret dette ganske klart.

Efter min mening er det ikke kun op til myndighederne i importørernes og distributørernes hjemland. Forbrugerne i EU skal kunne stole på, at kvaliteten og sundheden af frugt og grønt er i orden — ellers er der ingen pointe i at have et indre marked. Den tryghed har borgerne desværre ikke i dag.

Mit spørgsmål er derfor: Hvornår vil Kommissionen kunne garantere danske forbrugere, at de trygt kan spise frugt og grønt fra hele EU? Hvordan vil Kommissionen sikre, at producenterne af frugt og grønt i hele EU overholder helt almindelige hygiejneregler og i øvrigt overholder reglerne om pesticider med mere?

Såfremt Kommissionen ikke kan garantere EU‐borgerne, at sundheden er i orden, vil den så tillade, at Danmarks fødevaremyndigheder for eksempel laver kampagner, der anbefaler danske forbrugere kun at købe danskproduceret frugt og grønt, idet forekomsten af bakterier og pesticider er betydeligt mindre i de danske produkter?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Maroš Šefčovič

(26. november 2012)

EU's fødevarelovgivning fastlægger en harmoniseret retlig ramme, som sikrer et højt beskyttelsesniveau for alle forbrugere i EU. Desuden er det hensigten med lovgivningen at sikre fri bevægelighed for fødevarer i hele EU. De samme regler finder derfor anvendelse i alle medlemsstater og på fødevarer, som importeres til EU.

Hvis de danske myndigheder udpeger en sundhedsrisiko for forbrugerne, som er forbundet med tilstedeværelsen af visse bakterier eller tilstedeværelsen af pesticidrester, som overstiger det tilladte niveau, der er fastlagt i EU-lovgivningen, bør de omgående underrette Kommissionen om disse risici og træffe passende foranstaltninger til at underrette offentligheden. Alle krav til fødevaresikkerheden fremgår tydeligt af artikel 14 i forordning (EF) nr. 178/2002 (216), og i den specifikke lovgivning om pesticidrester (forordning (EF) nr. 396/2005 (217)) og om mikrobiologiske kriterier for fødevarer (Kommissionens forordning (EF) nr. 2073/2005 (218)) fastlægges de specifikke grænseværdier, som er tilladte i EU.

Ved udpegning af en fødevaresikkerhedsrisiko skal der træffes passende risikostyringsforanstaltninger og foranstaltninger, som mindsker risikoen, med henblik på at beskytte alle forbrugere i EU. Kampagner, som anbefaler fødevarer af en bestemt oprindelse, er ikke en hensigtsmæssig reaktion på en fødevaresikkerhedsrisiko, og de ville være i strid med artikel 34 i traktaten om Den Europæiske Unions funktionsmåde og anerkendt retspraksis (se især sag 249/81, Kommissionen mod Irland, Sml. 1982, 4005).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008852/12

to the Commission

Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Bacteria in fruits and vegetables imported into Denmark

Denmark has seen an increase in the number of citizens falling ill after eating fruit and vegetables imported from abroad, due to bacteria and suchlike. It has also been noted that there is generally a higher level of pesticides in imported fruit and vegetables than in Danish fruit and vegetables. The Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende has documented this quite clearly over the last week.

In my opinion, this is not just a matter for the authorities in the importer or distributor’s home country. EU consumers must have confidence in the quality and health of fruit and vegetables — otherwise there is no point in having a single market. Unfortunately, citizens do not have that confidence at the moment.

When will the Commission be able to guarantee Danish consumers that they can safely eat fruit and vegetables from all across the EU? How will the Commission ensure that producers of fruit and vegetables throughout the EU comply with general rules on hygiene and those on pesticides etc.?

If the Commission cannot guarantee EU citizens that there are no health problems with fruit and vegetables, will it allow the Danish food authorities, for example, to run campaigns recommending that Danish consumers only buy Danish-produced fruits and vegetables, since the presence of bacteria and pesticides is significantly lower in Danish products?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

European food legislation establishes a harmonised legal framework which provides a high level of protection to all EU consumers. Its aims also at ensuring the free movement of foodstuffs throughout the EU. The same rules are therefore applicable in all Member States as well as to food imported into the EU.

Should the Danish authorities identify a health risk for consumers linked to the presence of certain bacteria or to the presence of pesticide residues above the permitted levels set in EU legislation, they should immediately alert the Commission of such risk and take the appropriate steps to inform the public. Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (219) clearly states all the food safety requirements and specific legislation on pesticide residues (Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 (220)) and on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs (Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 (221)) set the respective specific limits allowed in the EU.

The identification of a food safety risk requires taking the appropriate risk control and risk mitigating measures to protect all EU consumers. Campaigns promoting foodstuffs of a specific origin would not be an appropriate answer to a food safety risk and not be in compliance with Article 34 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and with the well-established Court cases (see notably Case 249/81, Commission / Ireland, ECR 1982, 4005).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008853/12

alla Commissione

Sonia Alfano (ALDE)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Violazione dei diritti umani presso il Centro di identificazione ed espulsione di Lamezia Terme

Il 24 settembre 2012, l'organizzazione non governativa «Medici per i diritti umani» (MEDU) ha pubblicato un reportage fotografico che restituisce un quadro piuttosto preoccupante della situazione del Centro di identificazione ed espulsione di Lamezia Terme.

L'organizzazione ha rilevato l'utilizzo di metodi lesivi della dignità umana e irrispettosi della vita privata — principi garantiti all'articolo 1 e all'articolo 7 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea — quale l'uso di gabbie metalliche atte ad accogliere i detenuti durante le operazioni di rasatura.

Le testimonianze raccolte dagli operatori MEDU destano altresì preoccupazione quanto all'effettiva tutela del diritto alla salute. L'organizzazione riporta il caso di un trattenuto cui sono negate sedute fisioterapiche e controlli ortopedici, nonostante sia affetto da una grave forma di osteomielite che lo costringe a vivere con una protesi all'anca: una situazione che nega di fatto la garanzia di quel «livello elevato di protezione della salute umana», evocato all'articolo 35 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE, nonché la garanzia di un «trattamento essenziale delle malattie», prevista dall'articolo 16, paragrafo 3 della direttiva 2008/115 CE.

Gli operatori MEDU hanno, inoltre, costatato che i trattenuti non hanno ricevuto alcuna informazione per quanto riguarda i loro diritti e doveri, le modalità per presentare richiesta d'asilo e la possibilità di accesso al servizio di orientamento, contrariamente a quanto stabilito dall'articolo 16, paragrafo 5 della direttiva 2008/115 CE. Un tale scenario implicherebbe il non rispetto del principio di non-refoulement, sancito dalla Convenzione di Ginevra e difeso dai cataloghi giuridici europei, cfr. articolo 18 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea sul diritto d'asilo.

Può dire la Commissione se è a conoscenza di questi fatti? Quali sono le misure concrete che intende adottare affinché centri come quello di Lamezia Terme chiudano definitivamente? Non ritiene la Commissione che sia necessario stabilire norme minime che obblighino i gestori di tali centri a sottostare a regole chiare volte a tutelare la dignità umana e i diritti sanciti dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea? Qual è il piano di azione che intende predisporre per perseguire tali obiettivi?

Risposta di Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(31 ottobre 2012)

La direttiva 2008/115/CE recante norme e procedure comuni applicabili negli Stati membri al rimpatrio di cittadini di paesi terzi il cui soggiorno è irregolare prevede importanti garanzie direttamente applicabili in materia di condizioni di trattenimento umane e dignitose negli Stati membri, tra cui l'obbligo di assicurare prestazioni sanitarie d'urgenza e il trattamento essenziale delle malattie. La Commissione si aspetta che tutti gli Stati membri, inclusa l'Italia, rispettino gli impegni presi nell'ambito di detta direttiva e garantiscano condizioni umane e dignitose in tutti i centri di permanenza presenti sul loro territorio.

L'Italia ha notificato il completo recepimento della direttiva rimpatri nel 2011. Sulla base dei risultati di uno studio sul corretto recepimento della direttiva nelle legislazioni nazionali, la Commissione sta portando avanti un programma di lavoro strutturato in quest'ambito. Nel 2013 la Commissione prevede inoltre di far realizzare uno studio sull'attuazione pratica della direttiva rimpatri negli Stati membri che si concentri in particolar modo sulla situazione reale nei centri di permanenza, incluso il centro di identificazione ed espulsione di Lamezia Terme cui fa riferimento l'onorevole parlamentare.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008853/12

to the Commission

Sonia Alfano (ALDE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Infringement of human rights at the centre for identification and expulsion of Lamezia Terme

On 24 September 2012, the Italian non-governmental organisation ‘Doctors for Human Rights’ (MEDU) published a photographic reportage that paints a rather worrying picture of the situation in the Centre for Identification and Expulsion of Lamezia Terme.

The organisation noted the use of methods that were offensive to human dignity and failed to respect privacy — principles that are enshrined in Article 1 and Article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union — such as the use of metal cages in which to hold inmates during shaving.

The evidence collected by the MEDU operators also arouses concern as to whether or not the right to health is actually being protected. The organisation reports the case of a detainee who was denied physiotherapy sessions and orthopaedic check-ups, despite suffering from a severe form of osteomyelitis that forces him to live with a hip replacement — a situation which, in actual fact, negates the guarantee of a ‘high level of human health protection’ set out in Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the assurance of ‘essential treatment of illness’ provided for in Article 16(3) of Directive 2008/115 EC.

MEDU operators have also found that the detainees have not received any information regarding their rights and responsibilities, how to submit an application for asylum and the possibility of access to guidance, contrary to the provisions of Article 16(5) of Directive 2008/115 EC. This would appear to run counter to the principle of non-refoulement, as enshrined in the Geneva Convention and upheld by European law, for instance in Article 18 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union on the right of asylum.

Is the Commission aware of these facts? What specific measures does it intend to take to ensure that centres such as that of Lamezia Terme close down permanently? Should the Commission not establish minimum standards that require the operators of such centres to comply with clear rules in order to protect the human dignity and human rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union? What plan of action does it intend to draw up in order to achieve these objectives?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

Directive 2008/115/EC on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals contains important directly applicable safeguards relating to humane and dignified detention conditions in Member States, including the obligation to provide for emergency healthcare and essential treatment of illness. The Commission expects all Member States, including Italy, to live up to the commitments under this directive and to ensure humane and dignified conditions in all detention facilities on their territory.

Italy notified the full transposition of the Return Directive in 2011. The Commission is currently carrying out an organised programme of work on the transposition of this directive, based on the results of a study concerning its correct legal transposition. In addition, a study relating to the practical application of the Return Directive in Member States will be carried out in 2013. The Commission will ask the contractor who will carry out this study to pay specific attention to the practical situation in detention centres, including the Lamezia Terme identification and expulsion centre referred to by the Honourable Member.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008854/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(2 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Finanziamenti europei diretti a favore dell'Italia

Circa il 22 % dei contributi finanziari europei viene gestito a livello centrale, cioè direttamente dalla Commissione europea o dalle agenzie esecutive. I fondi diretti sono un altro mezzo con cui l'UE distribuisce risorse finanziarie agli Stati membri per la realizzazione di progetti innovativi che contribuiscano allo sviluppo europeo.

Per quanto riguarda la totalità dei fondi diretti che gestisce centralmente, si chiede alla Commissione di fornire le seguenti informazioni:

Risposta di Janusz Lewandowski a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2012)

La Commissione rimanda l'on. parlamentare alle seguenti fonti:

Tranne che per la politica regionale, non sono facilmente disponibili dati scorporati relativi alla spesa per progetto e per regione. La preparazione della serie completa dei dati richiesti comporterebbe un lavoro di ricerca lungo e oneroso. La Commissione è tuttavia pronta a rispondere a domande più mirate relative ad esempio a uno specifico programma dell'UE.

In termini generali, i fondi gestiti direttamente dalla Commissione non vengono assegnati ai singoli Stati membri nello stesso modo dei fondi nell'ambito della gestione concorrente. Infatti, questi ultimi vengono assegnati ai progetti risultati migliori in esito a inviti competitivi a presentare proposte. L'allegato 3 della summenzionata relazione «Operating budgetary balances, 2000-11» (Saldi finanziari operativi 2000-11) riporta i dati relativi alla spesa del bilancio 2011 scorporati per Stato membro e per rubrica del quadro finanziario pluriennale e consente di vedere come l'Italia si rapporta agli altri Stati membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008854/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Direct EU financing allocated to Italy

Around 22 % of all European tax contributions are managed centrally — or in other words directly by the Commission or its executive agencies. Direct financing is just one way in which the EU allocates financial resources to Member States for innovative projects that contribute to European development.

Can the Commission supply the following information in respect of the overall financing it manages centrally:

Answer given by Mr Lewandowski on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to:

Apart from cohesion policy, there is no easily available breakdown of expenditure by project and region. Preparing a full set of requested data would entail a lengthy and costly research. However, the Commission would be willing to answer more focused questions relating for instance to a specific EU programme.

Broadly speaking, funds directly managed by the Commission are not allocated to individual Member States in the way funds under shared management are. Instead, the Commission awards them to the best projects selected through competitive calls for proposals. Annex A in the abovementioned report, ‘Operating budgetary balances, 2000-11’, provides a breakdown of expenditure by Member States and by heading of the multiannual financial framework for the budget 2011 and allows to see how Italy compares with other Member States.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008856/12

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(2 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Prazo médio de pagamentos das empresas públicas e privadas

Considerando que:

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(28 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão está plenamente consciente dos problemas causados pelos atrasos de pagamento que enfrentam os operadores económicos, especialmente as pequenas e médias empresas (PME), a que o Senhor Deputado se refere. Apesar da transposição correta da Diretiva 2000/35/CE que estabelece medidas de luta contra os atrasos de pagamento nas transações comerciais, os atrasos de pagamento continuam, infelizmente, a constituir uma prática comum em toda a Europa. Este é o caso, em particular, das autoridades públicas e afeta principalmente os Estados-Membros do Sul.

De acordo com as informações disponíveis (226), ao nível da UE, o prazo médio de pagamento de uma fatura em transações comerciais entre autoridades públicas e empresas é de 65 dias. Entre empresas, a média é de 52 dias. Porém, a situação varia bastante de país para país.

Para resolver este fenómeno, a Comissão apresentou uma proposta de reformulação da Diretiva 2000/35/CE. A nova Diretiva 2011/7/UE foi adotada pelo Conselho e pelo Parlamento em fevereiro de 2011 e deve ser transposta pelos Estados-Membros no máximo até 16 de março de 2013.

As novas regras mais rigorosas da Diretiva 2011/7/UE (isto é, a harmonização do período de pagamento para as autoridades públicas) devem motivar as autoridades públicas a melhorar os seus sistemas de gestão.

Os Estados-Membros estão atualmente a trabalhar na transposição da diretiva para a sua legislação nacional. Nesta fase ainda é demasiado cedo para avaliar o impacto da sua aplicação.

A Comissão acompanhará a transposição e a aplicação da diretiva nos Estados-Membros e, consoante o seu desenvolvimento, irá considerar a necessidade ou a utilidade de mais ações para abordar a questão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008856/12

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Average payment delays by public and private companies

Portugal is in the midst of an extremely difficult economic and financial situation which is made worse by the fact that public and private businesses are finding it hard to pay their suppliers on time. Local authorities and social institutions find themselves in the same situation. This has exacerbated the financial problems facing many small and medium-sized enterprises, as they must deal with a chronic shortage of cash-flow.

According to the newspaper Publico, ‘payment delays by the State enterprise sector surged again in the first half of this year. By the end of June, state enterprises and public sector hospitals were settling suppliers’ invoices with an average delay of 189 days, a 40 % increase on the same period in 2011’.

The most serious case is that of Setúbal Hospital, where the average delay in payment is 679 days. As far as public enterprises are concerned, Lisbon Metro takes 165 days to pay its suppliers, whereas the Porto Port Authority does so within 24 hours.

If payments could be made within an acceptable 30-day period, small and medium-scale enterprises could become more financially sustainable and be better able to protect their own position vis-à-vis other services and payments.

1. Does the Commission know what the average invoice settlement time is in the State business sector of the different EU countries?

2. What measures can be adopted by the Member States to cut this delay in payment?

3. Is the Commission preparing a guide to best practices with which to address this issue?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

The Commission is very much aware of the problems caused by late payments that face economic operators, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to which the Honourable Member refers. Despite the correct transposition of Directive 2000/35/EC on combating late payment in commercial transactions, late payment is unfortunately still a common practice across Europe. In particular this is the case for public authorities and mainly affects southern Member States.

According to the information available (227), at EU level the average amount of days for payment of an invoice in commercial transactions between public authorities and businesses is 65. Between businesses the average amounts to 52 days. However, the situation varies heavily from country to country.

In order to tackle this phenomenon, the Commission made a proposal for the recast of Directive 2000/35/EC. The new Directive 2011/7/EU was adopted by the Council and the Parliament in February 2011 and has to be transposed by Member States by 16 March 2013 at the latest.

The new more stringent rules of Directive 2011/7/EU (i.e. harmonisation of payment period for public authorities) should motivate public authorities to upgrade their management systems.

The Member States are now working on the transposition of the directive into their national law. At this stage it is too early to assess the impact of its implementation.

The Commission will monitor the transposition and implementation of the directive in the Member States and, depending on the development, will consider whether any further actions will be necessary or useful to address the issue.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008857/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Dichiarazioni del Presidente egiziano

Omar Abdel Rahman è il leader spirituale del movimento Gama'a al-Islamiyya. Tale movimento è riconosciuto come terrorista dal regolamento di esecuzione (UE) n. 542/2012 del Consiglio, del 25 giugno 2012, che attua l'articolo 2, paragrafo 3, del regolamento (CE) n. 2580/2001, relativo a misure restrittive specifiche, contro determinate persone e entità, destinate a combattere il terrorismo.

Il movimento è ritenuto responsabile di centinaia di morti mietuti nella campagna terroristica che ha imperversato in Egitto per tutti gli anni Novanta, tra cui il massacro di 56 turisti nella Valle dei Re nel 1997.

Omar Abdel Rahman è attualmente detenuto in un carcere degli Stati Uniti d'America, dove è stato condannato all'ergastolo come organizzatore degli attentati del 1993 al World Trade Center.

Il 29 giugno 2012 Muhammad Morsi, attuale Presidente dell'Egitto, ha dichiarato pubblicamente che farà il possibile affinché Omar Abdel Rahman venga liberato.

1. Può la Commissione far sapere come valuta la presa di posizione del Presidente egiziano nei confronti di Omar Abdel Rahman, riconosciuto terrorista e leader spirituale di un altrettanto noto gruppo terroristico?

2. Ritiene che con essa il nuovo Presidente egiziano violi gli impegni internazionali assunti dell'Egitto in materia di terrorismo, inclusi quelli contratti con l'UE all'articolo 59 dell'Accordo di associazione?

3. In che modo ritiene che questi sviluppi influiranno sulle future relazioni tra l'UE e l'Egitto?

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

(26 novembre 2012)

In un discorso davanti ai suoi sostenitori, Mohamed Morsi ha fatto brevemente riferimento alla sua intenzione di adoperarsi per liberare lo sceicco Omar Abdel-Rahman e i numerosi altri egiziani arrestati durante la rivoluzione. Successivamente, a margine dell'Assemblea generale delle Nazioni Unite, il presidente Morsi ha precisato che la sua dichiarazione era stata dettata esclusivamente da motivi umanitari e che non era sua intenzione interferire con una sentenza del tribunale né tantomeno rovesciare le condanne a carico di Abdel Rahman. Il presidente si riferiva infatti alla possibilità di riavvicinare Abdel Rahman alla sua famiglia permettendogli di scontare la pena in Egitto, nell'ambito di uno scambio di prigionieri con gli Stati Uniti. L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente non ritiene pertanto che tale richiesta violi gli impegni dell'Egitto in materia di lotta al terrorismo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008857/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Statements by the Egyptian President

Omar Abdel Rahman is the spiritual leader of the movement al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya. This movement has been recognised as a terrorist movement by Implementing Regulation (EU) No 542/2012 of the Council of 25 June 2012 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism.

The movement is held responsible for hundreds of deaths in the terror campaign that raged in Egypt throughout the Nineties, including the massacre of 56 tourists in the Valley of the Kings in 1997.

Omar Abdel Rahman is currently being held in a prison in the United States of America, where he has been sentenced to life imprisonment as an organiser of the 1993 attacks on the World Trade Center.

On 29 June 2012, Muhammad Morsi, current President of Egypt, publicly stated that he would do his utmost to ensure that Omar Abdel Rahman was released.

1. Can the Commission give its view of the stance taken by the Egyptian President with regard to Omar Abdel Rahman, a recognised terrorist and spiritual leader of an equally notorious terrorist group?

2. Does it not consider that in issuing this statement the new Egyptian President is violating the international commitments made by Egypt in relation to terrorism, including those agreed with the EU under Article 59 of the Association Agreement?

3. How does it think these developments will affect future relations between the EU and Egypt?

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

(26 November 2012)

In a speech to supporters, Mohamed Morsi briefly mentioned that he would work to free Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman along with the countless other Egyptians who were arrested during the revolution. Later on, in the margins of the UN General Assembly, President Morsi explained that his call was solely motivated by humanitarian reasons and that he was not seeking to interfere with a court ruling and trying to overturn Mr Abdel Rahman's criminal convictions. The President said that his intention was to allow the Sheikh to serve his sentence in Egypt as part of a prisoner swap with the United States in order to bring him closer to his family. Accordingly, the HR/VP does not consider that this request violates Egypt's commitments with respect to the fight against terrorism.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008858/12

til Kommissionen

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(3. oktober 2012)

Om: Håndtering af BSE (bovin spongiform encephalopati)

Risikoen for BSE, også kendt som kogalskab, anses på grund af effektiv overvågning og kontrol i dag for at være ubetydelig i Belgien, Danmark, Finland, Sverige og Østrig. Et antal ikke‐EU‐lande, herunder store oksekødsproducenter som Brasilien og Argentina, anerkendes også som lande med ubetydelig BSE‐risiko af Verdensorganisationen for Dyresundhed (OIE).

Ifølge Lis Alban, chefforsker inden for risikoanalyse og epidemiologi ved Landbrug & Fødevarer samt professor ved Københavns Universitet, er der ingen grund til at operere med SRM (specificeret risikomateriale) i lande med ubetydelig BSE‐risiko (228).

I henhold til den gældende EU‐forordning gælder SRM-reglerne imidlertid stadig for EU‐medlemsstater med ubetydelig BSE‐risiko. Ifølge bilag V til forordning (EF) nr. 999/2001 skal SRM-væv, som stammer fra en medlemsstat med ubetydelig BSE‐risiko stadig klassificeres som SRM. Dette er overraskende nok kun tilfældet for EU’s medlemsstater. Tredjelande med samme status, såsom Brasilien, kan frit producere og eksportere eksempelvis oksetarme til EU’s marked, forudsat at andre EU‐krav til import af tarme også opfyldes (f.eks. at tarme skal fremstilles af EU‐godkendte virksomheder).

»Fjernelsen af SRM gælder derfor også for alle former for importeret oksekød«?

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008859/12

til Kommissionen

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(3. oktober 2012)

Om: Revisionsklausul for TSE‐køreplan 2

Kommissionen har udsat evalueringen af definitionen og håndteringen af specificeret risikomateriale (SRM) for medlemsstater med en ubetydelig BSE‐risiko. Kommissionen fastslog i TSE‐køreplan 2 fra juli 2010 imidlertid, at medlemsstater, hvis BSE‐risiko er ubetydelig i henhold til OIE's kodeks for øjeblikket er forpligtet til at fjerne SRM fra fødevare‐ og foderkæden, men at dette kunne tages op til fornyet overvejelse, hvis et stigende antal medlemsstater opnår den status for ubetydelig BSE‐risiko, hvor der ikke er udarbejdet nogen SRM-liste (229).

I juli 2010 var det kun Finland og Sverige, som havde ubetydelig BSE‐risiko. Siden juli 2010 har yderligere tre medlemsstater opnået denne status: Belgien, Danmark og Østrig.

Er Kommissionen enig i, at den nuværende EU‐lovgivning ser ud til at være konkurrenceforvridende, eftersom den tilgodeser producenter fra tredjelande på bekostning af producenter, der opererer i EU?

Samlet svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Maroš Šefčovič

(15. november 2012)

Inden for EU er Belgien, Danmark, Finland, Sverige og Østrig officielt klassificeret som lande med en ubetydelig BSE-risiko, mens de øvrige medlemsstater har en kontrolleret BSE-risiko. For at sikre et velfungerende indre marked og strømline gennemførelsen af offentlig kontrol af medlemsstaterne i denne uensartede forbindelse er EU-reglerne om bortskaffelse af specificeret risikomateriale (SRM) fuldt harmoniserede. De medlemsstater, der er klassificeret som lande med en ubetydelig BSE-risiko, skal derfor stadig bortskaffe og destruere af SRM på deres eget område og må ikke eksportere SRM til tredjelande.

Når der er tale om import fra tredjelande, som har tilladelse til at eksportere kødprodukter til EU, gælder tilbagetrækning af SRM for lande med en kontrolleret BSE-risiko og med en ikke-fastsat BSE-risiko, men ikke for lande med en ubetydelig BSE-risiko i overensstemmelse med den internationale standard, der er fastsat i de terrestriske dyrs sundhedskodeks fra Verdensorganisationen for Dyresundhed (OIE).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008858/12

to the Commission

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Management of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy)

As a result of effective monitoring and control, the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad-cow disease, is today considered negligible in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. A number of non-EU countries, including major beef producers such as Brazil and Argentina, have also been recognised as having ‘negligible BSE risk’ status by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

According to Lis Alban, chief researcher in risk assessment and epidemiology at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council and professor at the University of Copenhagen, ‘there is no reason to operate with SRM [Specified Risk Material] in countries with the status of negligible BSE risk’ (230).

However, according to the current EU regulation, SRM rules still apply to EU Member States with negligible risk of BSE. According to Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, SRM tissues which originate from a Member State with a negligible BSE risk remain classified as Specified Risk Material. Surprisingly, this is only the case for EU Member States. Third countries with the same status, such as Brazil, are freely able to produce and export, for example, beef casings for the EU market, providing that other EU requirements for casings imports are also met (e.g. the casings must be produced in EU‐approved establishments).

‘The removal of SRM therefore applies also to any imported beef’?

‘BSE-negligible risk countries’ (and even export products such as casings to the EU that would have been considered SRM if produced in any EU Member State), whereas EU Member States with the same status still have to destroy edible parts of slaughtered animals at considerable cost?

Question for written answer E-008859/12

to the Commission

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Review clause for ‘TSE roadmap 2’

The Commission has put on hold the evaluation of the definition and handling of specified risk material (SRM) for Member States with a negligible BSE risk status. However, in the ‘TSE Roadmap 2’ of July 2010, the Commission stated that ‘Member States benefiting from a negligible risk status according to the OIE Code to remove SRM from the food and feed chain could be reviewed if an increasing number of Member States reaches the negligible status for which no SRM list has been established’ (231).

Joint answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

In the EU, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Sweden are officially classified as negligible BSE risk countries, the other Member States are controlled BSE risk. In order to allow the functioning of the internal market and to streamline the implementation of official controls by Member States in this heterogeneous context, the Union rules regarding the removal of specific risk material (SRM) are fully harmonised. Consequently, Member States classified as negligible BSE risk countries are still required to continue to remove and destroy SRM on their own territory and cannot export SRM to third countries.

When it comes to imports from third countries authorised to export meat products to the Union, in accordance with the international standard laid down in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the withdrawal of SRM does apply to the countries with a controlled BSE risk and with an undetermined BSE risk, but not to the countries with a negligible BSE risk.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008860/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(3 oktober 2012)

Betreft: Kopen van een EU-paspoort

In het artikel „How to buy EU citizenship” van 2 oktober 2012, uit de "State of the union", een nieuwsbrief van ALDE, wordt beschreven hoe valse Roemeense paspoorten worden gekocht in Moldavië. Ik citeer officier van justitie Marian Gherman: „Everybody knows it”„They ask for Romanian citizenship only because it gives them freedom to travel and work within the EU”. De prijs van een Roemeens paspoort varieert van EUR 700 tot EUR 1500, afhankelijk van de snelheid waarin een aanvraag wordt behandeld. Opmerkelijk is dat het artikel is geschreven met steun van het Europees Fonds voor Onderzoeksjournalistiek (232).

Antwoord van mevrouw Malmström namens de Commissie

(22 november 2012)

De Commissie behandelt onregelmatige migratie met Moldavië in verschillende kaders, zoals de visumdialoog, het partnerschap voor mobiliteit tussen de EU en Moldavië, het Gemengd Comité Visumversoepeling en het Gemengd Comité Overname.

In het kader van de visumdialoog werd in januari 2011 een actieplan voor visumliberalisering voorgesteld aan de autoriteiten van Moldavië met benchmarks op verschillende vlakken inzake binnenlandse zaken en justitie, waaronder documentbeveiliging, grensbeheer, onregelmatige migratie en overname, alsook corruptiebestrijding. Drie verslagen inzake de uitvoering zijn in september 2011, februari 2012 en juni 2012 voorgelegd aan het Europees Parlement en de Raad. Het derde verslag van de Commissie werd aangenomen op 22 juni 2012 en concludeerde dat de benchmarks van de eerste fase (het wetgevings‐ en beleidskader) van het actieplan voor visumliberalisering waren bereikt (233). De Commissie nam op 3 augustus 2012 ook een verslag aan het Europees Parlement en de Raad aan over de mogelijke effecten van toekomstige visumliberalisering voor de republiek Moldavië (234) op de Europese Unie inzake migratie en veiligheid. Dit verslag behandelde gedetailleerd de mogelijke gevolgen van migratie, met inbegrip van onregelmatige migratie en gaf aan welke maatregelen door de republiek Moldavië, de EU dienden te worden overwogen.

Wat betreft de algemene strategie nam de Raad op 26 april 2012 het „EU-optreden inzake de migratiedruk — een strategische reactie” aan, een routekaart die concrete activiteiten bevat om migratiedruk op EU-niveau tegen te gaan en om onregelmatige migratie te bestrijden.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008860/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Buying an EU passport

The article ‘How to buy EU citizenship’ published on 2 October 2012 in the ‘State of the union’, an ALDE newsletter, describes how false Romanian passports are being sold in Moldova. To quote Public Prosecutor Marian Gherman, ‘Everybody knows it’. ‘They ask for Romanian citizenship only because it gives them freedom to travel and work within the EU’. The price of a Romanian passport ranges from EUR 700 to EUR 1 500, depending how fast a request is handled. It is worth noting that the article was written with the support of the European Fund for Investigative Journalism (235).

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Commission addresses irregular migration with Moldova in various frameworks, such as the visa dialogue, the EU-Moldova Mobility Partnership, the Joint Visa Facilitation Committee and the Joint Readmission Committee.

In the context of the visa dialogue, an Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation was presented to the Moldovan authorities in January 2011, containing benchmarks in many home affairs and justice areas, including document security, border management, irregular migration and readmission as well as the fight against corruption. Three reports on its implementation were presented to the European Parliament and to the Council, in September 2011, February 2012 and June 2012. The Commission’s Third Report adopted on 22 June 2012 concluded that the benchmarks of the first phase (legislative and policy framework) of the action plan on Visa Liberalisation were met (236). The Commission also adopted on 3 August 2012 a Report to the European Parliament and to the Council on possible migratory and security impacts on the European Union of future visa liberalisation for the Republic of Moldova (237). This Report addressed in detail possible migratory impacts, including irregular migration, and identified several measures to be considered by the Republic of Moldova, by the EU and its Member States.

Regarding the comprehensive strategy, on 26 April 2012 the Council adopted the ‘EU Action on Migratory Pressures — A strategic Response’, a Roadmap containing concrete activities to combat migratory pressure at EU level and fight against irregular migration.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008861/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Jihâd in Siria

Il 28 settembre 2012 il quotidiano britannico The Times ha riportato la notizia dell'arrivo di uomini dal Golfo Persico e dal Caucaso in città della Siria, fra cui Aleppo, per combattere una jihâd o guerra santa. Secondo The Times, il conflitto sta assumendo sempre più una connotazione islamica tra gli oppositori del regime. Elementi jihadisti provenienti da altri paesi si stanno unendo a gruppi come Jabhat al-Nusra, considerato il ramo siriano di Al-Qaida. L'organizzazione ha impegnato centinaia di militanti ad Aleppo.

L'Esercito siriano libero dispone attualmente di un consiglio formato da 15 anziani di religione sunnita, che consigliano i membri al comando su tematiche quali questioni operative, la distribuzione delle armi e il trattamento dei prigionieri. L'esercito possiede anche un proprio tribunale shariatico che ha il compito di verificare il rispetto dei principi islamici. I lealisti di Assad, conosciuti come shabiha, possono essere giustiziati se giudicati colpevoli di stupro o di omicidio. La tendenza islamica si sta rafforzando e anche il precedente capo del Consiglio nazionale siriano, Burhan Ghalioun, afferma che si profila un fenomeno di «jihâd internazionale» a Damasco e nella Siria settentrionale. Inoltre, il 1o ottobre 2012 la rivista Foreign Policy ha riferito che nel 2008 sia il generale David Patraeus sia il generale Stanley McChrystal avevano avvertito il presidente Assad del rischio a cui il suo paese era esposto a causa dei militanti di Al-Qaida provenienti dall'Iraq. Nel 2007 Abu Amar al-Baghadi, un leader iracheno di Al-Quaida, aveva addirittura definito la Siria come un «regime apostata». Attualmente, alcuni funzionari negli Stati Uniti e in Iraq ritengono che una cellula irachena di Al-Qaida sia attiva in Siria.

1. Alla luce delle relazioni secondo le quali la Siria sta diventando un punto d'incontro per jihadisti e militanti di Al-Qaida provenienti da altri paesi, prevede la Vicepresidente/Alto rappresentante di discutere la questione con il Segretario generale delle Nazioni Unite Ban Ki-moon e con il Segretario di Stato USA Hillary Clinton?

2. Come valuta la Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante l'estensione del movimento jihadista e di Al-Qaida dall'Iraq? Era al corrente dei moniti lanciati cinque anni fa relativi ai piani di Al-Qaida di incrementare le operazioni jihadiste all'interno della Siria?

3. Intende la Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante contattare i funzionari di Stati Uniti e Iraq per valutare la natura delle cellule irachene di Al-Qaida all'interno della Siria?

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

(14 dicembre 2012)

L’Unione europea è a conoscenza della presenza di gruppi salafiti e jihadisti in Siria. Attualmente, l’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente mantiene regolari contatti in merito alla Siria con i principali partner internazionali, compresi il Segretario generale delle Nazioni Unite Ban Ki Moon e il Segretario di Stato USA Hillary Clinton, per valutare la natura, l’impatto e i rischi della presenza di elementi jihadisti nel paese, inclusa l’eventuale presenza di cellule irachene di Al Qaeda.

L’intensificarsi delle violenze e la recente serie di attentati terroristici dimostrano quanto sia necessaria una transizione politica che risponda alle aspirazioni democratiche del popolo siriano e porti stabilità nel paese. A questo proposito, l’Unione europea invita tutte le parti ad adoperarsi per trovare una soluzione politica al conflitto e mette in guardia contro un’ulteriore militarizzazione e radicalizzazione del conflitto e contro la violenza settaria, che possono soltanto procurare altre sofferenze in Siria e rischiano di avere ripercussioni catastrofiche sulla regione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008861/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Jihad in Syria

On 28 September 2012, the UK’s The Times reported that men from the Persian Gulf and the Caucasus were coming to Syrian towns, including Aleppo, to fight a jihad, or holy war. According to The Times, the conflict is becoming increasingly Islamicised among anti-regime fighters. Foreign Jihadist elements are linking up with groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra, which is alleged to be the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. The organisation has hundreds of fighters deployed in Aleppo.

The Free Syrian Army now has a council of 15 Sunni religious elders, who advise its leadership on issues such as operational matters, distribution of weapons and the treatment of prisoners. It even has its own sharia court to ascertain compliance with Islamic principles. Assad loyalists known as shabiha can be executed if found guilty of rape or murder. The Islamist trend is growing, and even the former head of the Syrian National Council, Burhan Ghalioun, says that an ‘international jihadist’ phenomenon is emerging in Damascus and northern Syria. Furthermore, on 1 October 2012 Foreign Policy magazine reported that in 2008 both General David Petraeus and General Stanley McChrystal warned President Assad about the risk his country faced at the hands of al-Qaeda operatives from Iraq. In 2007, an al-Qaeda leader in Iraq named Abu Amar al-Baghdadi had even singled out Syria as an ‘apostate regime’. Now, officials in the US and in Iraq believe that al-Qaeda’s Iraq franchise is active in Syria.

1. In view of the reports that Syria is becoming a haven for foreign jihadists and al-Qaeda operatives, does the Vice-President/High Representative plan to discuss this issue with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton?

2. What is the assessment of the Vice-President/High Representative regarding the spillover of jihadists and al-Qaeda from Iraq? Was the Vice-President/High Representative aware of warnings made five years ago that al-Qaeda had plans to foment Jihadist operations inside Syria?

3. Does the Vice-President/High Representative plan to liaise with US and Iraqi officials in order to assess the nature of Iraq’s al-Qaeda franchise inside Syria?

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

(14 December 2012)

The EU is aware of the presence of salafists and jihadists groups in Syria. Currently, the HR/VP is in regular contact with key international partners on Syria, including UNSG Ban Ki Moon and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in order to assess the nature, impact and risks of the presence of Jihadist elements in Syria including a possible presence of al-Qaeda’s Iraq franchise.

The intensification of violence and the recent series of terrorist attacks demonstrate the urgent need for a political transition that would meet the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people and bring stability to Syria. In this regard, the EU calls on all parties to work towards a political settlement to the conflict and is warning against further militarisation and radicalisation of the conflict and sectarian violence which can only bring further suffering to Syria and risks having a tragic impact in the region.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-008863/12

a la Comisión

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(3 de octubre de 2012)

Asunto: Propuesta para eliminar las ayudas a las regiones en transición

En el pasado Consejo de Asuntos Generales celebrado el pasado 24 de septiembre, la Presidencia chipriota presentó una propuesta para el Marco Financiero Plurianual que concentra gran parte del esfuerzo de reducción del nivel de gasto propuesto por la Comisión en las partidas destinadas a la Política de Cohesión. Esto supondría eliminar la red de seguridad para todas las regiones que abandonan en el período 2014-2020 el objetivo de convergencia, con un mínimo de 2/3 de los fondos recibidos en el anterior Marco Financiero Plurianual 2007-2013.

La Presidencia Chipriota apuesta por un porcentaje degresivo con un intervalo a la baja, lo que va en contra de la propuesta inicial de la Comisión. ¿Qué opinión le merece la nueva propuesta? ¿No cree la Comisión que la nueva propuesta es inaceptable y pone, además, en peligro el nivel actual de competitividad de las regiones afectadas? ¿Considera oportuna la Comisión la propuesta de la Presidencia chipriota de reducir la prima por desempleo en las regiones en transición, atendiendo a los alarmantes índices de desempleo existentes en algunos Estados miembros como España?

Respuesta del Sr. Hahn en nombre de la Comisión

(12 de noviembre de 2012)

El 24 de septiembre de 2012, el Consejo de Asuntos Generales prosiguió su debate sobre el marco financiero plurianual (MFP) 2014-2020. La Comisión acoge con satisfacción los esfuerzos de la Presidencia chipriota para avanzar en ese debate a fin de llegar a un acuerdo sobre el próximo marco financiero plurianual en el Consejo Europeo de los días 22 y 23 de noviembre de 2012.

Por lo que se refiere al marco de negociación del MFP presentado por la Presidencia chipriota, cabe señalar que en él hay una serie de elementos que la Comisión acoge con satisfacción y apoya, pero hay otros que no puede aceptar, ya que son contrarios a la propuesta de MFP presentado por la Comisión. En particular, cualquier sugerencia de ajustar a la baja el nivel de gastos debe examinarse con gran cautela. Si fuera necesario, la Comisión seguirá defendiendo el nivel global del MFP que ha propuesto.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008863/12

to the Commission

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Proposal to remove aid for transition regions

At the most recent General Affairs Council, held on 24 September 2012, the Cyprus Presidency presented a draft multiannual financial framework that aimed to make savings chiefly by cutting Commission spending allocated to the Cohesion Policy . This would entail doing away with the safety net for all regions no longer eligible for aid under the convergence objective for 2014-2020, thus depriving them of at least two-thirds of such aid provided under the previous multiannual financial framework (2007-2013).

The Cyprus Presidency advocated a gradual reduction in the proportion of spending on such aid, which contradicted the Commission’s original proposal. What view does the Commission take of the new proposal? Does the Commission not think that it is unacceptable and risks causing further harm to the affected regions’ competitiveness? Does the Commission think the Cyprus Presidency’s proposal to reduce unemployment benefit in the transition regions to be appropriate in view of the alarming rate of unemployment in some Member States such as Spain?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

On 24 September 2012 the General Affairs Council continued its discussion on the 2014-20 Mutltiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Commission welcomes the efforts of the Cyprus Presidency to advance this discussion with a view to reach an agreement on the next MFF at the European Council on 22/23 November 2012.

With regard to the MFF negotiating box tabled by the Cyprus Presidency, there are a number of elements that the Commission welcomes and supports, but there are other elements that it cannot accept as they go against the MFF proposal that the Commission has tabled. In particular, any suggestion to adjust the level of expenditure downwards must be considered very cautiously. The Commission will continue to defend the overall level of the MFF that it has proposed as necessary.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-008864/12

alla Commissione

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Reati d'opinione e pene detentive per chi esercita la professione di giornalista

La Corte di Cassazione italiana ha recentemente confermato la condanna a 14 mesi di reclusione, per diffamazione aggravata, nei confronti di Alessandro Sallusti, attuale direttore de «il Giornale », un quotidiano a diffusione nazionale.

La sentenza, pronunciata dalla Corte d'Appello di Milano il 17 giugno 2011, e che diede torto al giornalista, è stata, infatti, confermata dalla V Sezione Penale della Corte di Cassazione.

Alessandro Sallusti è stato, perciò, condannato in via definitiva alla pena detentiva di mesi 14 di reclusione, oltre al risarcimento di 4 500 euro alla controparte, e alle spese del giudizio.

È stato contestato al giornalista di aver pubblicato, nel giornale in cui all'epoca dei fatti era direttore responsabile («Libero»), due articoli relativi alla vicenda di una giovane tredicenne che, in stato di gravidanza, era stata costretta ad abortire. Il contenuto di questi articoli è stato ritenuto diffamatorio dal giudice che prese, su questo caso, una decisione molto contestata. Da qui nacque la vicenda giudiziaria a carico di Sallusti.

In democrazia manifestare un'opinione non dovrebbe essere considerato un crimine, bensì espressione di quella libertà di pensiero e di azione che solo le dittature non riconoscono.

Ed infatti, la legge che impone il processo penale e la pena della reclusione per la diffamazione a mezzo stampa è stata introdotta in Italia da un regime dittatoriale ed è ancora, incredibilmente, in vigore.

Inoltre, l'Italia è l'unico Paese occidentale in cui la diffamazione a mezzo stampa è giudicata con sanzioni di tipo penale, anziché secondo il diritto civile, impedendo, di fatto, l'esercizio di una libertà d'opinione piena e consapevole.

Ciò considerato, si intende chiedere alla Commissione in quali Stati membri, attualmente, sono previste sanzioni di tipo penale per i reati d'opinione; inoltre, se le pene detentive, previste in Italia per chi esercita la professione di giornalista, siano conformi con i principi inseriti nei Trattati e con la Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea.

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(16 novembre 2012)

La libertà di espressione, uno dei cardini delle società democratiche, è sancita dall'articolo 11 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE. A tal proposito, la libertà dei media e il loro pluralismo godono di particolare considerazione e sono menzionati in modo specifico all'articolo 11, paragrafo 1, della Carta. La Commissione si adopera per garantire che gli Stati membri rispettino pienamente questa libertà quando attuano il diritto dell'Unione.

La Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea si applica agli Stati membri esclusivamente nell'attuazione del diritto dell’Unione. Per quanto concerne la questione menzionata dall'onorevole parlamentare, lo Stato membro interessato non ha agito in fase di attuazione del diritto dell'Unione.

Laddove gli Stati membri agiscano al di fuori dell'attuazione del diritto dell'UE, spetta unicamente allo autorità nazionali garantire il rispetto dei propri obblighi in materia di diritti fondamentali derivanti da accordi internazionali e dalla legislazione nazionale.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008864/12

to the Commission

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Crimes of opinion and imprisonment of journalists

The Italian Supreme Court has recently confirmed the sentence of 14 months' imprisonment for aggravated defamation, against Alessandro Sallusti, current editor of Il Giornale, a national daily newspaper.

The initial judgment, delivered by the Court of Appeal of Milan on 17 June 2011, which had ruled against the journalist, was, in fact, confirmed by the Fifth Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court.

Alessandro Sallusti was, therefore, definitively sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment, and was ordered to pay compensation of EUR 4 500 to the opposing party, in addition to legal costs.

The journalist was charged with having published — in the newspaper Libero of which he was editorial director at the time — two articles concerning the story of a thirteen-year-old pregnant girl who had been forced to have an abortion. The content of these articles was considered to be defamatory by the judge, who delivered a hotly contested judgment, giving rise to the court case against Sallusti.

In a democracy, expressing an opinion should not be considered a crime, but rather an expression of the freedom of thought and action that only dictatorships do not recognise.

Indeed, the law that imposes criminal prosecution and a prison sentence for libel by a newspaper article was introduced by a dictatorial regime in Italy. That law is still, incredibly, in force.

Moreover, Italy is the only Western country in which libel by a newspaper article is punished as a criminal offence, rather than under civil law. This, in actual fact, prevents a full and aware freedom of opinion from being exercised.

That being the case, can the Commission say which Member States currently provide for criminal penalties for crimes of opinion? Can it also say whether the sentence of imprisonment provided for in Italy for journalists complies with the principles enshrined in the Treaties and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 2012)

The freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic societies, enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. The freedom of the press and the pluralism of the media hold a special place in this respect and are specifically mentioned in Article 11(2) of the Charter. The Commission is committed to ensure that this freedom is fully respected by Member States when they implement Union law.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union only applies to Member Stateswhen they are implementing Union law. In the matter referred to by the Honourable Member, the Member State concerned did not act in the course of implementation of Union law.

Where Member States act outside the implementation of Union law, it is for the national authorities to ensure that their obligations regarding fundamental rights — as resulting from international agreements and from internal legislation — are respected.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008865/12

alla Commissione

Iva Zanicchi (PPE) e Marco Scurria (PPE)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Problemi occupazionali tra gli ex-atleti e sostegno alla «dual career» (dopo carriera)

Una ricerca effettuata recentemente in Italia ha dimostrato che su 3 mila calciatori italiani a fine carriera, oltre il 60 % non riesce a trovare un nuovo impiego: ciò dipenderebbe in gran parte da una scarsa preparazione culturale e scolastica.

Secondo la ricerca il 50,2 % dei calciatori della stagione '88-'89 ha conseguito solo la licenza media; il 45,6 % una maturità; il 3 % ha frequentato l'Isef e solamente 1,1 % si è laureato. E negli ultimi anni la situazione è solo parzialmente migliorata. Tra i problemi che molti ex calciatori si trovano ad affrontare vi sarebbero la mancanza di soldi dovuta ad una cattiva amministrazione del proprio patrimonio, la depressione postritiro e la mancanza di opportunità per «riciclarsi» in una nuova dimensione professionale.

Se si guarda in particolare alla terza divisione, meno pagata e prestigiosa delle Serie A e B, emergono altri dati impressionanti: il 25 % dei calciatori dopo un anno dal ritiro finisce in bancarotta; il 50 % dei divorzi di ex giocatori professionisti avviene proprio nell'anno del ritiro; il 65 % non ha un background universitario o una qualsiasi nozione economica o di marketing.

Per ovviare a questa situazione l'Associazione Italiana Calciatori ha avviato dei corsi di formazione rivolti agli ex-calciatori con l'obiettivo di approfondire diverse materie (dalla comunicazione al marketing, dalla psicologia alla gestione delle risorse, dall'economia all'organizzazione di eventi) e sviluppare eventuali competenze manageriali che diano la possibilità di ricollocarsi anche in un'altra sfera professionale.

La situazione analizzata in Italia è purtroppo comune a molti altri paesi dell'Unione e non riguarda solamente il calcio ma il mondo dello sport in generale. Infatti, per intraprendere uno sport a livello agonistico molto spesso si abbandonano gli studi e si arriva a fine carriera senza altre competenze al di fuori di quelle legate alla propria attività sportiva.

Alla luce di quanto suddetto, quali azioni intende intraprendere la Commissione, già attenta in passato allo sviluppo della cosiddetta «dual career» per valorizzare le capacità professionali degli atleti al di fuori del campo di gioco e garantire loro maggiori possibilità lavorative una volta conclusa l'attività agonistica?

Risposta di Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione

(3 dicembre 2012)

La situazione descritta dagli onorevoli parlamentari è seguita con preoccupazione dall'UE in riferimento non solo al calcio ma allo sport in generale. Per questo motivo la comunicazione della Commissione intitolata «Sviluppare la dimensione europea dello sport» del gennaio 2011 sottolineava l'importanza di garantire che ai giovani atleti di alto livello fosse offerta un'istruzione di qualità parallelamente all'allenamento sportivo.

Su iniziativa della Commissione la problematica «dual careers» («carriere duplici» o «dopo carriera») è stata inclusa nel piano di lavoro per lo sport 2010-2013 del Consiglio. In base al lavoro del gruppo d'esperti ad hoc su «dual careers» è in corso la formulazione di linee guida in merito per gli atleti, che saranno presentate al Consiglio a dicembre 2012.

Tali linee guida terranno in debito conto i risultati di quattro progetti pilota su «dual careers» finanziati dalle Azioni preparatorie 2009 sullo sport. Uno dei progetti, sotto l'egida della Federazione internazionale dei calciatori professionisti (Fifpro), ha avuto come esito l'istituzione di una «Accademia on line» per calciatori professionisti, che consente di seguire un percorso di formazione anche in caso di trasferimento in un altro paese. Altri progetti in fatto di «dual careers» hanno ispirato la formulazione di raccomandazioni concrete rivolte alle organizzazioni sportive, agli istituti di istruzione e al mondo economico. La Commissione ha inoltre inserito la problematica «dual careers» nel capitolo dedicato allo sport della proposta di nuovo programma per l'istruzione, la gioventù e lo sport «Erasmus per tutti» (2014-2020).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008865/12

to the Commission

Iva Zanicchi (PPE) and Marco Scurria (PPE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Former athletes' employment problems: support for ‘dual career’ training

Research carried out recently in Italy indicates that 60 % of 3 000 Italian footballers included in the study failed to find a new job on reaching the end of their career, apparently mainly due to low levels of educational achievement.

According to the research, 50.2 % of footballers playing in the 1988-89 season had only the ‘ licenza media ’ (certificate awarded on completion of three years’ secondary school education); 45.6 % had the ‘maturità ’ (awarded on completion of eight years’ secondary school education); 3 % had attended physical education colleges and only 1.1 % had a bachelor’s degree. The situation has improved only to a limited extent in recent years. The problems faced by many former footballers reportedly include lack of money due to failure to manage their finances properly, post-retirement depression and the lack of opportunities for players to switch to a new field of employment.

Closer inspection of the third division, which is less well-paid and prestigious than ‘Serie A’ and ‘Serie B’ football, yields the following startling figures: 25 % of former players go bankrupt within a year of retiring; 50 % of former professional footballers’ divorces occur in the year in which they retire; 65 % have not studied at university level and have no knowledge of economics or marketing.

To remedy this situation, the Italian Football Association has introduced training courses for retired footballers covering a number of subjects (communications, marketing, psychology, money management, economics, events management) and aimed at developing managerial skills to give former players the possibility of finding employment in another field.

The situation studied in Italy is, unfortunately, the same in many other Union countries, and applies not only to football but to sport in general. Young people often abandon their studies in order to be able to take part in competitive sport, so when the time comes to retire they have no qualifications apart from their athletic skills.

This being so, what action does the Commission intend to take, given that it has previously taken an interest in the development of ‘dual career’ training with a view to enhancing athletes’ professional skills off the pitch and improving their prospects of employment after they have retired from competitive sport?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2012)

The situation described by the Honourable Members is a matter of concern at the EU level not only for football specifically but for sport in general. For this reason, the Commission Communication ‘Developing the European Dimension in Sport’ of January 2001 emphasised the importance of ensuring that young high-level athletes are offered quality education in parallel to their sport training.

On the iniative of the Commission, the topic of dual careers was included in the Council Work Plan for Sport 2010-2013. Based on the work of the ad-hoc Group of Experts on Dual Careers, guidelines on dual careers for athletes are currently under preparation and will be submitted to the Council in December 2012.

These guidelines will take into due account the results of four pilot projects on dual careers which were financed under the 2009 Preparatory Actions in Sport. One of the projects led by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) has resulted in the set-up of an Online Academy for professional football players allowing them to follow an educational path even if they move to another country. Other projects on the subject of dual careers have resulted in concrete recommendations for sport organisations, educational institutes and the bussiness world. Furthermore, the Commission has included Dual Careers in the Sport chapter of its proposal for the new programme for Education, Youth and Sport ‘Erasmus for All’ (2014‐2020).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008866/12

al Consiglio

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Brevetto unico europeo

La Commissione Affari giuridici del Parlamento europeo ha approvato lo scorso 20 dicembre il compromesso sul regime linguistico del brevetto unico europeo che esclude italiano e spagnolo a vantaggio di inglese, francese e tedesco.

Una tale soluzione discriminatoria nei confronti della lingua italiana risulterebbe dannosa per le piccole e medie imprese, incompatibile con i principi del mercato interno e contraddittoria rispetto all'obiettivo generale di una riduzione dei costi.

Inoltre, la decisione del Consiglio del 10 marzo 2011 con cui sono stati autorizzati a proseguire sulla strada di un brevetto unico trilingue 25 Stati membri su 27, è stata avallata dal Consiglio al di fuori dei limiti previsti dal trattato di Lisbona, in quanto la cooperazione rafforzata è ammessa unicamente nel quadro delle competenze non esclusive dell'Unione mentre la competenza a creare un titolo europeo di proprietà intellettuale appartiene esclusivamente all'Unione.

Ciò considerato e visto l'articolo 118 del TFUE, può il Consiglio far sapere se le procedure con le quali si è giunti alla creazione di un titolo europeo di proprietà intellettuale, garantiscono una protezione uniforme in tutto il territorio dell'Unione europea?

Risposta

(7 gennaio 2013)

Il Consiglio attira l'attenzione dell'onorevole parlamentare sul fatto che due Stati membri hanno adito la Corte di giustizia dell'Unione europea contestando la validità della decisione del Consiglio che autorizza una cooperazione rafforzata nel settore dell’istituzione di una tutela brevettuale unitaria (238). I suddetti due Stati membri non partecipano alla cooperazione rafforzata.

Spetta adesso alla Corte di giustizia statuire sulla validità della decisione del Consiglio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008866/12

to the Council

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Single European patent

On 20 December 2011 the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs adopted a compromise on the language regime for the single European patent which excludes Italian and Spanish in favour of English, French and German.

Such a discriminatory solution in respect of the Italian language would be detrimental to small and medium-sized enterprises, is incompatible with the principles of the internal market and runs counter to the general objective of reducing costs.

In addition, the Council Decision of 10 March 2011 authorising 25 out of 27 Member States to continue along the path of a single trilingual patent, was endorsed by the Council over and beyond the limits laid down by the Treaty of Lisbon, as enhanced cooperation is only permitted within the framework of the Union's non-exclusive competences while the Union has exclusive competence for establishing a European intellectual property act.

Accordingly, having regard to Article 118 of the TFEU, can the Council say whether the procedures that led to the establishment of a European intellectual property act ensure that there is uniform protection throughout the European Union?

Reply

(7 January 2013)

The Council draws the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that the validity of the Council's decision authorising enhanced cooperation in the area of the creation of unitary patent protection (239) has been challenged by two Member States before the Court of Justice of the European Union.These two Member States do not participate in the enhanced cooperation.

It is now up to the Court of Justice to rule on the validity of the Council's Decision.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008868/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Incidenti domestici in Gran Bretagna

Negli ultimi mesi, in Gran Bretagna, si sono susseguiti una serie di incidenti domestici in cui sono scoppiate decine di lavatrici. Le macchine coinvolte sono delle marche più disparate e tutte considerate ugualmente affidabili. La Gran Bretagna ha aperto un'inchiesta per chiarire la causa di tutti gli incidenti domestici legati alle lavatrici, in seguito alla quale le lavatrici causa degli incidenti sono state esaminate e non sono state registrate anomalie.

Il caso è ancora senza soluzione, l'unica ipotesi avanzata finora è stata quella legata allo spessore del vetro dell'oblò, più sottile del dovuto.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può la Commissione comunicare quanto segue:

Risposta di Antonio Tajani a nome della Commissione

(21 novembre 2012)

La sicurezza delle lavatrici per uso domestico è disciplinata dalla direttiva «Basse tensioni» 2006/95/CE (240) . Per tale motivo, a livello unionale esiste una legislazione che copre pienamente gli aspetti di sicurezza delle lavatrici per uso domestico e, in generale, delle apparecchiature elettriche destinate a essere usate entro certi limiti di voltaggio.

Gli Stati membri devono assicurare che tali apparecchiature siano conformi, vale a dire sicure, allorché sono immesse sul mercato.

La Commissione entra in gioco soltanto laddove vi siano prove sostanziali del fatto che gli Stati membri non hanno svolto tale ruolo o qualora si riceva la notifica che un prodotto è stato ritirato dal mercato.

La questione delle lavatrici «che scoppiano» è stata sollevata il 17 ottobre 2011 in una riunione dei punti di contatti nazionali di RAPEX (il sistema unionale di scambio rapido di informazioni sui pericoli connessi con l'uso di prodotti di consumo). A tutt'oggi gli Stati membri non hanno inoltrato nessuna notifica RAPEX.

La Commissione ha inoltre l'intenzione di discutere la questione, di far opera di sensibilizzazione e, se del caso, di decidere un'azione di follow-up nella prossima riunione consacrata alla direttiva «Basse tensioni» del gruppo di cooperazione amministrativa composto dalle autorità preposte alla sorveglianza del mercato, nonché nella prossima riunione del gruppo di lavoro cui partecipano gli Stati membri, gli organismi di normazione, gli organismi notificati, i rappresentanti dell'industria e altre parti interessate.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008868/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Household accidents in Great Britain

In recent months, in Great Britain, there has been a series of household accidents in which dozens of washing machines have exploded. The machines involved are of many different brands and were all considered to be equally reliable. Britain has opened an investigation to clarify the cause of all these washing-machines-related domestic accidents, following which the machines in question were examined, without any abnormality being detected.

The case is still unsolved, the only theory so far being that it is due to the thickness of the glass of the washing machine doors, which is thinner than it should be.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The safety of washing machines for domestic use is regulated by the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC (241) (LVD). Therefore, at EU level there is legislation covering, fully, the safety aspects of domestic washing machines and, in general, of electrical equipment destined to be used within certain voltage limits.

Member States shall ensure that this equipment is compliant, i.e. safe, when it is placed on the market.

The Commission is only involved where there is substantive evidence to the effect that this role is not being fulfilled, or when a notification is received that a product has been removed from the market.

The issue of ‘exploding’ washing machines was raised at a meeting of the national contact points for RAPEX (the EU rapid alert system for dangerous products) on 17 October 2011. To date, no RAPEX notifications have been submitted by the Member States.

Furthermore, the Commission has the intention to discuss the issue, raise awareness and if needed decide for follow up action in the next Low Voltage Directive meeting of the Administrative Cooperation group, composed of market surveillance authorities, as well as in the next meeting of the Working Party, involving Member States, Standardisers, Notified Bodies, Industry and other interested parties.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008869/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Scooter elettrici ad Amsterdam

Amsterdam, a partire da questo autunno, dà il via all'ultima svolta ecologica attraverso la promozione di un nuovo servizio di taxi cittadino costituito da scooter elettrici. Questo nuovo mezzo di trasporto, che mira a sostituire, il bike sharing è ecologico e a basso consumo. Il nuovo trasporto alternativo è pronto per essere esportato in altre città, infatti dal 2013 sarà attivo anche all'Aia.

Si tratta di un servizio economico che consente di conciliare le esigenze degli abitanti delle grandi città con la coscienza ambientale.

Alla luce di quanto precede, può la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta di Siim Kallas a nome della Commissione

(27 novembre 2012)

La Commissione è a conoscenza dell'iniziativa in corso ad Amsterdam. Secondo quanto dichiarato dall'amministrazione cittadina si tratta di un'iniziativa privata.

Il progetto Green eMotion, che rientra nell'iniziativa Green Cars del 7° programma quadro di ricerca, è un progetto europeo di dimostrazione dell'elettromobilità inteso a facilitare la diffusione sul mercato europeo dei veicoli elettrici. Nel quadro del progetto verrà organizzata una dimostrazione di scooter elettrici a Barcellona.

L'iniziativa Civitas, rientrante anch'essa nel 7° programma quadro di ricerca, consente alle città europee di effettuare test e dimostrazioni di misure di mobilità urbana sostenibile. Le dimostrazioni di veicoli puliti, tra cui gli scooter elettrici, rientrano tra le misure ammissibili.

La Commissione rinvia inoltre l'onorevole parlamentare alle risposte date alle interrogazioni scritte E-008744/2011, E-000021/2012, E-000671/2012, E-000870/2012, E-004505/2012 e E‐006724/2012 , rispettivamente degli onorevoli Jim Higgins (PPE), Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), Andreas Mölzer (NI), Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D), Graham Watson (ALDE), Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE) e Corien Wortmann-Kool (PPE) (242).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008869/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Electric scooters in Amsterdam

This autumn, Amsterdam is breaking new ground by promoting a ‘green’ taxi service using electric scooters. This new form of transport aims to provide an environmentally sustainable and low-energy alternative to bike-sharing. This new transport option is ready to be exported to other cities, and in fact will be in operation in The Hague as of 2013.

This low-cost transport service is designed to meet the needs of people living in big cities in an environmentally sustainable way.

In view of the foregoing:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of this initiative in Amsterdam. According to the city of Amsterdam this is a private initiative not a public one.

The Green eMotion project, part of the Green Car Initiative of the 7th Research Framework programme, is a European electromobility demonstration project which will facilitate market uptake of electric vehicles in Europe. Electric motorcycles will be demonstrated in Barcelona within this project.

The Civitas initiative, part also of the 7th Research framework programme, is helping European cities to test and demonstrate sustainable urban mobility measures. Clean vehicles demonstrations, including electric scooters are amoung the eligible measures.

In addition, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written questions E-008744/2011, E-000021/2012, E-000671/2012, E-000870/2012, E-004505/2012 and E-006724/2012 by respectively Mr Jim Higgins (PPE), Ms Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D), Mr Andreas Mölzer (NI) , Mr Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D), Sir Graham Watson (ALDE) , Lambert van Nistelrooij (PPE) and Corien Wortmann-Kool (PPE) (243).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008871/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Desemprego em Portugal e na Europa

O Eurostat divulgou hoje os dados do desemprego nos países da UE. Estes dados confirmam o agravamento do desemprego na esmagadora maioria dos países, atingindo hoje, em sentido restrito, na UE os 25 466 milhões de trabalhadores, dos quais 18 196 milhões se encontram em países da zona euro. Só no último ano, mais de 2,1 milhões de trabalhadores foram para o desemprego em toda a UE.

Portugal é um dos países da UE onde a taxa de desemprego mais cresceu nos últimos 12 meses (de 12,7 % para 15,9 %), sendo, igualmente, um dos países em que a taxa de desemprego jovem é mais elevada, ou seja, 35,9 %.

Perante esta dramática situação, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(18 de dezembro de 2012)

Um objetivo fundamental do programa de assistência económica e financeira a Portugal é aumentar a competitividade e o potencial de crescimento do país. O programa contempla, por isso, uma vasta gama de reformas estruturais destinadas a aumentar a concorrência nos mercados dos produtos e dos serviços, a flexibilizar o mercado de trabalho, a eliminar as rendas excessivas nos setores protegidos, a melhorar o funcionamento do sistema judicial e a reduzir a burocracia e os custos de transação da economia.

Ao evitar o colapso financeiro em Portugal, o programa deu um contributo da maior importância para evitar que o desemprego aumentasse muito mais rapidamente do que está a aumentar. É possível que algumas medidas do programa, necessárias para que possam voltar a ser colocados no mercado financeiro títulos de dívida pública, façam diminuir o consumo interno e, em consequência disso, o emprego. Todavia, essas medidas são essenciais para corrigir os desequilíbrios económicos e para criar as condições adequadas para que Portugal possa entrar numa fase de crescimento sustentável do produto e do emprego.

O crescimento económico sustentável é, provavelmente, a principal condição para a consecução dos objetivos Europa 2020. Para isso, são essenciais a consolidação orçamental e a correção dos desequilíbrios com o exterior, metas fundamentais do programa.

Concomitantemente, o programa tenta proteger os grupos mais vulneráveis da sociedade. Foram concebidas várias medidas destinadas a limitar as consequências da consolidação orçamental nos grupos com menores rendimentos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008871/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Unemployment in Portugal and in Europe

Eurostat has today published the unemployment figures for the Member States, which show that unemployment has worsened almost everywhere. There are now 25 466 million workers in the EU who are unemployed in the narrow sense of the word; out of that total, 18.196 million are in euro area countries. The increase in the EU as a whole within the last year alone is as much as 2.1 million.

Portugal is one of the Member States where unemployment has risen most sharply in the last 12 months (from 12.7 % to 15.9 %) and also has one of the highest youth unemployment rates (35.9 %).

Given this emergency:

2.Does it believe that the programmes are serving directly to speed up the rate of increase in unemployment in general and youth unemployment in particular?

3.Does it consider that the programmes are helping to achieve the aims of the Europe 2020 strategy, in other words a ‘smart, sustainable, and inclusive’ economy enabling Member States to deliver high levels of employment, productivity, and social cohesion?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(18 December 2012)

An overreaching objective of the economic and financial assistance programme for Portugal is to raise competitiveness and the potential growth of the country. This is why the Programme contains a wide set of structural reforms aimed at increasing competition in product and services markets, increasing flexibility of the labour market, eliminating excessive rents in sheltered sectors, improving the functioning of the judiciary system and reducing the administrative burden and the transaction costs of the economy.

Insofar as the programme has been instrumental in avoiding a financial meltdown in Portugal, it has greatly helped to avoid unemployment from rising at a much higher speed than what is currently the case. Arguably, some of the measures in the programme that are necessary for the sovereign to regain financial market access act to dampen domestic demand and hence employment. However, these measures are essential to correct the economic imbalances and to set the right conditions to make the country able to achieve sustainable output and employment growth.

Sustainable economic growth is probably the major condition for the achievement of the Europe 2020 targets. Fiscal consolidation and the correction of the external imbalances, which are major goals of the programme, are essential to reach that objective.

At the same time the programme tries to protect the most vulnerable groups in the society. Several measures have been designed in a way so as to limit the impact of fiscal consolidation on the lower income groups.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008872/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Desenvolver o crescimento e o emprego no setor da cultura

O atual panorama da cultura é de destruição e perversão do princípio de serviço público através do estrangulamento financeiro, desmantelamento, redução e desqualificação de serviços, centralização e agregação burocrática de instituições e mercantilização, como se tem vindo a verificar em Portugal, onde o Orçamento de Estado para a cultura tem vindo a diminuir em resultado das medidas impostas a Portugal pela Troika FMI/BCE/CE. De referir que mais de 33 mil milhões de euros é o valor correspondente aos juros que Portugal terá que pagar pelo «empréstimo» concedido pela Troika e que este valor corresponde ao orçamento de 241 anos de política cultural em Portugal.

Tendo tido conhecimento da comunicação da Comissão sobre «Promover os setores da cultura e da criatividade para favorecer o crescimento e emprego na UE», nomeadamente nas artes do espetáculo, audiovisuais, arquitetura, artesanato, património cultural, design, festivais de cinema e música e também rádio, setor cujo peso no PIB da UE representa 4,5 %, solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre o seguinte:

Resposta dada por Androulla Vassiliou em nome da Comissão

(9 de novembro de 2012)

Nos termos do artigo 167.° do Tratado sobre o Funcionamento da União Europeia, a ação da União no domínio da cultura está limitada a «incentivar a cooperação entre Estados‐Membros e, se necessário, apoiar e completar a sua ação» em certos domínios.

A Comunicação da Comissão sobre os setores culturais e criativos (COM(2012)537) convida os Estados‐Membros da UE e as regiões a avaliar exaustivamente o potencial dos setores culturais e criativos para o crescimento económico e a criação de emprego e a tirar partido das enormes oportunidades apresentadas, nomeadamente através dos fundos da política de coesão. É de sublinhar que, entre 2007 e 2013, foram atribuídos às regiões europeias mais de 6 mil milhões de euros para infraestruturas culturais, património cultural e serviços culturais, através dos fundos estruturais da UE.

A Comunicação convida a comunidade cultural a tirar o máximo partido de um vasto conjunto de programas e instrumentos da UE que estão à sua disposição para suprir algumas das suas necessidades, por exemplo, em termos de reforço de capacidades, desenvolvimento de competências ou presença nos mercados estrangeiros.

Não existe um orçamento anexo à Comunicação. No entanto, apresenta uma síntese coerente de todas as iniciativas políticas e todos os instrumentos a nível da UE — já em execução ou em preparação para o período de 2014‐2020 — que contribuem para uma estratégia da UE para os setores cultural e criativo. A título de exemplo, o novo programa Europa Criativa, que substituirá os atuais programas MEDIA e Cultura, prevê um aumento significativo do financiamento para os artistas, as atividades culturais e o cinema europeus. Em caso de adoção pelo Parlamento Europeu e pelo Conselho de Ministros, o programa irá afetar um montante de 1,8 mil milhões de euros para estes setores entre 2014 e 2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008872/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Creating growth and employment in the cultural sector

The current outlook in the cultural sector is one of destruction and distortion of the principle of public service through financial strangulation, dismantling, reduction and disqualification of services, centralisation and increased bureaucratisation of institutions and the commodification of culture. This is particularly so in Portugal, where the national budget for culture has been reduced as a result of the measures imposed by the IMF/ECB/Commission Troika. It is worth noting that Portugal will have to pay over EUR 33 billion in interest on the loan granted by the Troika, and that this is equivalent to the country’s budget for cultural policy for the next 241 years.

In light of the Commission communication ‘Promoting cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the EU’, and with particular reference to the performing and audiovisual arts, architecture, crafts, cultural heritage, design, cinema and music festivals and radio, which account for 4.5 % of the European Union’s GDP, could the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

In accordance with Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Union action in the field of culture is limited to ‘encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, supporting and supplementing their action’ in certain areas.

The Commission Communication on cultural and creative sectors (COM(2012)527) calls on EU Member States and regions to fully assess the potential of the cultural and creative sectors for economic growth and job creation, and to harness the ample opportunities provided in particular by the Cohesion Policy Funds. It is to be noted that between 2007 and 2013 more than EUR 6 billion has been given to European regions for cultural infrastructure, cultural heritage and cultural services through the EU Structural Funds.

The communication invites the cultural community to make the most of a wide range of EU programmes and instruments that are at their disposal to cover some of their needs, for example, in terms of capacity building, skills development or presence on foreign markets.

There is no budget attached to the communication. However, it provides a coherent summary of all the policy initiatives and instruments at EU level — already ongoing or in the pipeline for the period 2014-2020 — that contribute to an EU strategy for the cultural and creative sectors. By way of illustration, the new Creative Europe programme, which will replace the current MEDIA and Culture Programmes, envisages a significant increase in funding for artists, cultural activities and European cinema. If adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, the programme would allocate EUR 1.8 billion for the sectors between 2014 and 2020.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008873/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Despedimentos de trabalhadores na Edifer

Tomei conhecimento que o Grupo Edifer, uma das maiores empresas de construção nacionais, com sede em Alfragide, Amadora, avançou com o processo de despedimento coletivo de 200 trabalhadores, medida que a construtora justifica com a quebra nas encomendas.

Os problemas financeiros, de atrasos nos pagamentos a fornecedores e a subempreiteiros, já eram habituais, tendo-se acentuado na última década. No entanto, o cancelamento de grandes investimentos, como é exemplo o projeto da Alta Velocidade entre Lisboa e Porto, precipitou a crise da Edifer, tendo sido neste quadro que os bancos tomaram conta da empresa e a passaram para o Fundo Vallis, que está a praticar a atual política de despedimentos.

A suspensão da ligação Lisboa-Porto do TGV, tal como outros projetos de infraestruturas de obras públicas em regime de parcerias público-privadas (PPP), ocorreu no âmbito do acordo do Governo com a «troika», tendo como consequência o aumento dos despedimentos coletivos no setor da construção, estando em eminência o desaparecimento de 40 mil postos de trabalho no setor.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Resposta dada por Olli Rehn em nome da Comissão

(28 de novembro de 2012)

A sobredependência da economia portuguesa relativamente aos setores dos bens não‐transacionáveis (244) foi uma das causas profundas do elevado défice da balança de transações correntes, considerado insustentável. O sobreinvestimento em obras públicas (245) também contribuiu para a dívida excessiva que forçou Portugal a solicitar assistência financeira internacional. A utilização reduzida da capacidade de algumas infraestruturas de transporte dificulta agora o financiamento dos operadores dessas infraestruturas. Por esse motivo, foi necessário rever diversos projetos de infraestruturas, sobretudo aqueles cuja probabilidade de atingirem níveis elevados de utilização da capacidade e de serem viáveis do ponto de vista financeiro era reduzida.

Está a fazer-se uma reforma do quadro do investimento público. Em especial, só se constituirão novas parcerias público-privadas depois de o novo regime estar plenamente operacional, para pôr cobro às más práticas e à incerteza jurídica nos convénios destas parcerias, que redundaram em encargos financeiros substanciais para os contribuintes. Elaborar-se-á um plano estratégico pormenorizado de renegociação, cujos objetivos são obter ganhos apreciáveis em termos orçamentais, minimizar os encargos da dívida e garantir uma redução substancial dos passivos das administrações públicas (246).

Os objetivos centrais do programa são a melhoria da competitividade da economia portuguesa e a criação de emprego com sustentabilidade. O Memorando de Entendimento subordina o desembolso da assistência financeira à realização de muitas reformas estruturais orientadas para o fomento do crescimento. Os primeiros resultados dessas reformas já são visíveis, pois o défice da balança de transações correntes está a diminuir mais rapidamente do que previsto (será cerca de 3 % do PIB em 2012, quando atingia quase 10 % do PIB há apenas dois anos). Este ajustamento também se deve às exportações, cuja evolução tem sido melhor do que o esperado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008873/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Lay-offs at Edifer

I recently learned that the Edifer Group, which is one of Portugal’s largest construction companies and is located in Alfragide (Amadora), has decided to lay off 200 employees on the grounds that orders have plummeted.

The company’s chronic financial problems, involving late payments to suppliers and subcontractors, have gone from bad to worse over the last decade. However, the cancellation of major projects such as the high-speed link between Lisbon and Oporto has plunged Edifer into crisis, resulting in its takeover by the banks and subsequent handover to the Vallis holding company, which is now carrying out the lay-off policy.

The suspension of the Lisbon-Oporto high-speed train link, and of other public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects for public works, is a consequence of the Portuguese Government’s agreement with the Troika and has led to an increase in lay-offs in the construction sector, in which 40 000 jobs are at risk or have already been lost.

1. Is the Commission aware of this situation?

2. Does is consider these public disinvestment policies conducive to job creation?

3. What steps does it intend to take to support the construction sector in Portugal?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

Overreliance of the PT economy on non-tradable sectors (247) was one of the root causes of unsustainably high current account deficit. Overinvestment in public construction infrastructure (248), has also contributed to the current debt overhang which forced Portugal to seek external financial assistance. The low capacity utilisation of some the existing transport infrastructure now causes financing difficulties for the existing infrastructures operators. For this reason, it was necessary to review a number of infrastructure projects, especially when they had little chance of reaching high capacity utilisation and becoming financially viable.

The framework for the public investment is being reformed. Particularly, any new PPPs will only be launched after the new regime is fully effective in order to end malpractices and legal uncertainties in PPP arrangements which have led to a substantial financial burden for the taxpayer. A detailed strategic plan for renegotiations will be developed, aiming to obtain substantial fiscal gains, while minimising the debt burden, and ensuring a sustainable reduction in government liabilities (249).

Improvement of the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and long-term job creation is the key objective of the Programme. The MoU (250) makes the disbursement of financial assistance conditional on the implementation of many structural reforms geared towards boosting growth. The first outcomes of these reforms are already visible as the current account deficit is declining more rapidly than anticipated, falling to around 3% of GDP in 2012 from nearly 10% just two years ago. This adjustment is due also to exports that have consistently outperformed projections.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008874/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Direito dos trabalhadores portugueses nas plataformas petrolíferas no Mar do Norte

Na sequência da resposta enviada pela Comissão à pergunta escrita do deputado Nuno Melo (E-4362/2010), fomos informados, pelos trabalhadores portugueses que trabalham nas plataformas petrolíferas no Mar do Norte, na área holandesa, que já se encontra regularizada a situação relacionada com o alargamento à proteção social a estes trabalhadores.

No entanto, a entidade patronal só começou a efetuar os pagamentos à Segurança Social aquando da entrada em vigor da nova legislação.

Sabemos que há longo tempo estes trabalhadores reivindicam os seus direitos à Segurança Social e que muitos destes trabalhadores trabalham há cerca de 30 anos nas plataformas petrolíferas no Mar do Norte e se encontram a poucos anos de entrada na reforma. Assim, em muitos casos, vários destes trabalhadores poderão ter direito a não mais do que 5 anos de contribuições, sinónimo de uma reforma baixa, que não reflete as décadas de trabalho.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe que medidas já foram ou vão ser tomadas para resolver este problema, tendo em conta que os trabalhadores referidos irão ser prejudicados em relação à reforma que auferirão.

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(26 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão intentou uma ação por incumprimento contra os Países Baixos (251) em que solicitava ao Tribunal que constatasse que, ao recusar conceder certas prestações de segurança social a cidadãos de outros Estados-Membros da União Europeia que trabalhavam em plataformas petrolíferas nos Países Baixos, este último Estado não cumpria as obrigações que lhe incumbem por força das disposições relativas à livre circulação dos trabalhadores e à coordenação dos regimes de segurança social. No seu acórdão de 19 de abril de 2012, o Tribunal de Justiça considerou esta ação inadmissível, uma vez que a Comissão não precisou quais as prestações de segurança social exatamente visadas e não forneceu nenhuma informação sobre o enquadramento jurídico nacional que regula essas prestações.

Contudo, num acórdão (252) de 17 de janeiro de 2012, Tribunal de Justiça decidiu que o direito da União Europeia relativo à livre circulação dos trabalhadores e à segurança social dos trabalhadores migrantes é aplicável a um trabalhador empregado numa plataforma de extração de gás situada na plataforma continental adjacente aos Países Baixos.

Na sequência desse acórdão, a Comissão incentiva os interessados que reúnam as condições em matéria de seguro a prosseguir a sua ação, em conformidade com os procedimentos e prazos previstos pelo direito nacional, perante as autoridades administrativas e judiciárias dos Países Baixos. Essas autoridades devem respeitar o direito da União, tal como interpretado pelo Tribunal de Justiça. Além disso, a Comissão tem a intenção de solicitar às autoridades neerlandesas informações sobre o tratamento dos pedidos eventualmente apresentados para uma inscrição retroativa das pessoas que trabalharam no passado nas plataformas do Mar do Norte.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008874/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Rights of Portuguese workers employed on North Sea oil rigs

Following up on the Commission’s answer to Written Question E‐4362/2010, by Nuno Melo, we have been informed by Portuguese nationals employed on oil rigs in the Dutch area of the North Sea that the situation has now been corrected, with the extension of social protection rights to these workers.

However, their employer only began paying their social security contributions from the date when the new law came into force.

These workers have been campaigning for their rights to social security for many years, and many of them are close to retirement, after having spent almost 30 years on North Sea oil rigs. As a result, a number of these workers could find they have a right to no more than five years of contributions, giving them only a minimum pension despite having spent decades in the job

Can the Commission tell me what steps will be or have already been taken to address this problem, bearing in mind the prejudice to the pension rights of the workers involved?

(Version française)

La Commission a introduit un recours en manquement contre les Pays-Bas (253) par lequel elle demandait à la Cour de constater qu'en refusant d'octroyer certaines prestations de sécurité sociale à des ressortissants d'autres États membres de l'Union européenne employés sur des plateformes pétrolières aux Pays-Bas, cet État-membre a manqué aux obligations qui lui incombent en vertu des dispositions relatives à la libre circulation des travailleurs et à la coordination des régimes de sécurité sociale. Dans son arrêt du 19 avril 2012, la Cour de justice a rejeté ce recours comme irrecevable au motif que la Commission ne précise pas quelles prestations de sécurité sociale elle vise exactement et ne fournit aucun renseignement au sujet du cadre juridique national régissant ces prestations.

Néanmoins, dans un arrêt (254), du 17 janvier 2012, la Cour de justice a dit que le droit de l'Union européenne relatif à la libre circulation des travailleurs et à la sécurité sociale des travailleurs migrants s'applique à un travailleur employé sur une plateforme gazière située sur le plateau continental adjacent aux Pays-Bas.

Suite à cet arrêt, la Commission encourage les intéressés qui remplissent les conditions pour être assurés à poursuivre leur action, conformément aux procédures et aux délais prévus par le droit national, devant les autorités administratives et judiciaires des Pays-Bas. Ces autorités sont tenues de respecter le droit de l'Union, tel qu'interprété par la Cour. En outre, la Commission a l'intention de demander aux autorités néerlandaises des renseignements sur le traitement des demandes qui seront éventuellement présentées pour une affiliation rétroactive des personnes qui ont travaillé dans le passé sur les plateformes de la mer du Nord.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008875/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Cortes nos apoios à Fenacerci

Os alunos com deficiências e incapacidades várias que frequentam as escolas de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo estão sem apoio dos técnicos dos Centros de Recursos para a Inclusão, desde o início do ano letivo. A suspensão do apoio, que afeta centenas de alunos, foi decidida pela Federação Nacional de Cooperativas de Solidariedade Nacional (Fenacerci) tendo em conta os cortes impostos pelo Ministério da Educação e Ciência, cortes que decorrem da aplicação das medidas impostas a Portugal pela troika FMI/BCE/CE.

Solicito à Comissão as seguintes informações:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(27 de novembro de 2012)

O Memorando de Entendimento estabelece que Portugal tem de dar seguimento às suas ações para superar os baixos níveis de escolaridade e o abandono escolar precoce, assim como melhorar a qualidade da educação secundária e do ensino e da formação profissional de forma a aumentar a eficácia do setor da educação, promover a qualidade do capital humano e facilitar a adaptação do mercado de trabalho. Não são feitas recomendações em relação aos cortes orçamentais neste domínio.

A Comissão gostaria de salientar que os fundos estruturais, o Feader e o FEAMP são fontes importantes de apoio para instituições que trabalham com pessoas portadoras de deficiência e incapacidades. Os fundos não podem cobrir as despesas de manutenção, mas podem ser usados para financiar atividades de formação ou a construção/melhoramento de infraestruturas, incluindo infraestruturas dos setores da educação e da saúde, a acessibilidade dessas pessoas e a criação de serviços baseados nas comunidades em conformidade com as obrigações da Convenção da ONU sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência.

Em conformidade com o princípio de gestão partilhada, a decisão acerca das medidas que devem ser apoiadas no âmbito da educação e da inclusão social, é da responsabilidade do Estado-Membro competente.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008875/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Cuts in funding for FENACERCI

Since the beginning of this academic year, pupils with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties who attend schools in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley area have been unable to receive support from the specialised staff of the Inclusion Resource Centres. The suspension of this service, which affects hundreds of pupils, was decided by the Portuguese National Federation of Social Solidarity Cooperatives (FENACERCI) as a result of cuts imposed by the Ministry of Education and Science. These cuts stem from the application of measures imposed on Portugal by the Troika (IMF/ECB/Commission).

Can the Commission provide the following information:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes that Portugal needs to continue action to tackle low education attainment and early school leaving and to improve the quality of secondary education and vocational education and training, with a view to increase efficiency in the education sector, raise the quality of human capital and facilitate labour market matching. No recommendation is made regarding budget cuts in this area.

The Commission would like to point out that Structural Funds, EAFRD and EMFF are important sources to support institutions working with people with disabilities. The funds cannot cover the running costs, but they can be used to funding training activities or the construction/improvement of infrastructure, including education and health infrastructure, accessibility for persons with disabilities and the establishment of community-based services in line with the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In accordance with the principle of shared management, the decision on what measures to support addressing education and social inclusion issues are a Member State competence.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008876/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Despedimentos no Grupo Têxtil Manuel Gonçalves

A TMG SA, (Grupo Têxtil Manuel Gonçalves), em Vila Nova de Famalicão, procedeu ao despedimento coletivo de cerca de meia centena de trabalhadores.

Com mais este despedimento na região do Vale do Ave, distrito de Braga, aumenta vertiginosamente o desemprego nesta região, na qual milhares de trabalhadores se encontram numa situação de incerteza e de falta de perspetivas. Só no distrito de Braga, entre julho de 2011 e julho de 2012, o desemprego registado nos Centros de Emprego aumentou 23,3 %, registando o concelho de Vila Nova de Famalicão o número dramático de cerca de 11 mil trabalhadores no desemprego.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(21 de novembro de 2012)

Segundo informações recebidas das autoridades portuguesas, o grupo TMG, SA recebeu 1 712 603,88 euros de apoio financeiro do Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) nos períodos de programação de 1994-1999 e 2000-2006. Este financiamento teve como objetivo a realização de ações de formação para desenvolver o potencial dos trabalhadores.

Além disso, o grupo TMG, SA juntamente com uma dezena de entidades da área da tecnologia médica e centros de saúde recebeu apoios do Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) no âmbito de um projeto de mobilização de I&D com um investimento total de 7,8 mil milhões de euros e um investimento do FEDER de 5 milhões de euros.

Em conformidade com o princípio da subsidiariedade, a política de emprego, incluindo as medidas destinadas a lutar contra o desemprego, é da competência dos Estados-Membros. No entanto, o Memorando de Entendimento assinado pelo Governo português prevê reformas estruturais para melhorar as condições sociais e a taxa de emprego em todo o país, a médio e longo prazo, o que significa que todas as regiões são abrangidas pelas reformas. Portugal recebeu igualmente apoio financeiro da União Europeia e do Fundo Monetário Internacional para combater a crise económica. Além disso, a Comissão está a ultimar a análise do pedido de reprogramação do QREN enviado pelas autoridades portuguesas que confere especial atenção à reafetação de fundos para medidas contra o desemprego e fomento da atividade económica das PME.

A Comissão salienta que os trabalhadores suscetíveis de serem afetados pela reestruturação podem candidatar-se ao apoio do FSE e, se reunirem as condições necessárias para tal, do Fundo Europeu de Ajustamento à Globalização.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008876/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Lay-offs in the Manuel Gonçalves Textile Group

The textile company TMG SA (Grupo Têxtil Manuel Gonçalves), located in Vila Nova de Famalicão, has laid off around 50 of its employees.

This new round of lay-offs dramatically increases unemployment in the Vale do Ave region (Braga district), where thousands of workers face an uncertain situation with few opportunities on the horizon. In the district of Braga alone, the number of people registered at unemployment centres increased by 23 % between July 2011 and July 2012, with the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão recording the alarming figure of 11 000 unemployed workers.

1. What Community funding has the abovementioned company received in the last 10 years? For what purposes was the funding granted and what commitments did the firm make on receiving it?

2. What steps does the Commission intend to take in response to the serious social and economic problems prevailing in Portugal, and particularly in northern Portugal, where unemployment is constantly increasing?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

According to information received from the Portuguese authorities, TMG, SA has received financial support amounting to EUR 1.712.603,88 from the European Social Fund (ESF) in the programming periods 1994-1999 and 2000-2006. The funding concerned training activities which aim to enhance the employees' potential.

Furthermore the TMG, SA together with a dozen entities in the area of Medical Technology and Health Centers has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the framework of a project mobilising R R&D D involving a total investment of EUR 7,8 million EUR and an ERDF investment of EUR 5 million.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, employment policy, including measures to combat unemployment, is a Member State competence. However, the memorandum of understanding signed by the Portuguese Government provides for structural reforms to improve social conditions and the employment rate across the country in the medium-to-long term, which means that all regions are covered by the reforms. Portugal has also received financial support to tackle the economic crisis from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. In addition, the Commission is finalising the analysis of the request for reprogramming of the NSRF submitted by the Portuguese authorities that gives particular attention to the reallocation of funding for measures addressing unemployment and economic activity of SMEs.

The Commission would point out that workers likely to be affected by restructuring may qualify for support from the ESF and, provided that the necessary conditions are met, from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008877/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 de Outubro de 2012)

Assunto: Possível despedimento na FITOR

A FITOR, Companhia Portuguesa de Têxteis, SA, em Vila Nova de Famalicão, notificou 51 dos seus trabalhadores da intenção de proceder ao despedimento coletivo, por necessidade de encerramento de algumas secções.

Com mais este despedimento, a região do Vale do Ave, no distrito de Braga, continua a aumentar vertiginosamente o desemprego, atirando trabalhadores, alguns com mais de três dezenas de anos de trabalho nesta empresa, para uma situação de incerteza e de falta de perspetivas. Só no concelho de Vila Nova de Famalicão, o número de desempregados é de cerca de 11 mil trabalhadores.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(27 de novembro de 2012)

De acordo com as informações recebidas das autoridades portuguesas, a FITOR — Companhia Portuguesa de Têxteis, SA — recebeu um apoio financeiro no valor total de 27 685,74 euros do Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) no anterior e no atual período de programação. Este financiamento teve como objetivo a realização de ações de formação para desenvolver o potencial dos trabalhadores. As operações selecionadas para financiamento cumpriram as regras da UE e nacionais durante o período de implementação.

Em conformidade com o princípio da subsidiariedade, a política de emprego, incluindo as medidas destinadas a lutar contra o desemprego, constitui um domínio principalmente da competência dos Estados-Membros.

Porém, gostaríamos de sublinhar que os fundos da Política de Coesão, assim como o Feader e o FEAMP são fontes importantes de investimento que estimulam o crescimento sustentável e o emprego. O FSE e o FEDER podem ser utilizados para apoiar políticas ativas do mercado de trabalho e para financiar mecanismos de apoio às PME com vista à manutenção e à criação de emprego.

A Comissão também salienta que os trabalhadores suscetíveis de serem afetados pela reestruturação podem candidatar-se ao apoio do FSE e, se reunirem as condições necessárias para tal, do Fundo Europeu de Ajustamento à Globalização.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008877/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Possible lay-offs at FITOR

The textile company FITOR-Companhia Portuguesa de Têxteis, SA, which is based in Vila Nova de Famalicão, has informed 51 of its employees that they are to be laid off as a result of the closure of several sections of the company.

These new lay-offs exacerbate the already dramatic and continuous increase in unemployment in the Vale do Ave region (Braga district), and casts these workers, some of whom have spent over 30 years working for this company, into an uncertain situation with few opportunities in sight. In the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão alone, some 11 000 workers are currently unemployed.

Could the Commission provide the following information:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2012)

According to information received from the Portuguese authorities, FITOR — Companhia Portuguesa de Têxteis, SA has received a total financial support amounting to EUR 27 685,74 from the European Social Fund (ESF) in the previous and the current programming period. The funding concerned training activities which aim to enhance the employees' potential. The operations selected for funding complied with EU and national rules throughout the implementation period.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, employment policy, including measures to combat unemployment, is primarily a Member State competence.

However, we would like to underline that the funds of the Cohesion Policy as well as EAFRD and EMFF are important sources of investment stimulating sustainable growth and employment. ESF and ERDF can be used to support active labour market policy and to fund SME support mechanisms aiming at maintaining and creating jobs.

The Commission would also point out that workers likely to be affected by restructuring may qualify for support from the ESF and, provided that the necessary conditions are met, from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008878/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Attacco a templi buddisti in Bangladesh

Il 30 settembre 2012 svariati media hanno riferito la notizia secondo cui un gruppo di musulmani bangladesi avrebbe dato alle fiamme dieci templi buddisti e quaranta abitazioni, dopo la pubblicazione della foto di una copia del Corano bruciata sul profilo Facebook di un uomo buddista. Resta da chiarire se a pubblicare la foto sia stato l'uomo in questione. Almeno venti persone sono rimaste ferite. I fatti hanno avuto luogo nel distretto di Cox's Bazar, nel Bangladesh meridionale. Un gruppo di buddisti ha organizzato una protesta contenuta nella capitale Dacca, mentre nel sud del paese centinaia di buddisti sono fuggiti dalle proprie case.

Le tensioni religiose si sono acuite a seguito delle recenti proteste provocate dall'uscita di un film considerato offensivo nei confronti del Profeta Maometto. Il ministro bangladese dell'Interno ha descritto gli attacchi ai templi come «un tentativo premeditato e deliberato» di perturbare l'armonia comune. Almeno 166 persone sono state arrestate nell'area di Cox's Bazar e si è reso necessario l'intervento di soldati, agenti di frontiera paramilitari e agenti di polizia. Stando al Washington Post, il primo ministro Sheikh Hasina attribuirebbe la responsabilità degli attacchi ai radicali islamici e agli attivisti dell'opposizione. In Bangladesh i buddisti rappresentano l'uno per cento della popolazione e vivono in prossimità del confine con la Birmania/Myanmar.

1. È il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante al corrente degli attacchi orchestrati contro i templi buddisti e le abitazioni in Bangladesh?

2. Qual è la valutazione del Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante in merito alle azioni promosse dalle autorità bangladesi per offrire protezione ai buddisti nel distretto di Cox's Bazar?

3. Secondo i funzionari del SEAE a Dacca, quali sforzi sta compiendo il governo del Bangladesh per garantire la libertà e il pluralismo religiosi?

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

(29 novembre 2012)

L’Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente è al corrente degli attacchi che hanno avuto luogo il 29 e il 30 settembre nei sottodistretti di Ramu e Ukhia (Cox’s Bazar). Rappresentanti della delegazione dell’UE e degli Stati membri dell’UE si sono messi tra l’altro in contatto con il Ministro degli affari esteri, i dirigenti dell’opposizione e le organizzazioni della società civile al fine di ottenere maggiori informazioni sugli incidenti. Per quanto differiscano su diversi punti le indagini iniziali finora condotte hanno tutte rivelato che gli attacchi siano stati orchestrati piuttosto che condotti sull’impulso del momento.

La HR/VP incoraggia la visita del Primo ministro alla zona colpita e la distribuzione di materiali di soccorso alle vittime. Approva inoltre l’avvio di un’indagine ufficiale e l’impegno assunto dal Governo di ricostruire i templi buddisti, risarcire le vittime le cui case sono state distrutte e consegnare i responsabili alla giustizia. Gli sforzi compiuti dall’opposizione e dalle organizzazioni della società civile per avviare una loro indagine approfondita dimostrano la preoccupazione che gli incidenti hanno generato in Bangladesh.

Il SEAE presterà particolare attenzione ai risultati dell’indagine ufficiale relativi alla risposta delle forze di sicurezza. Il SEAE prende nota dell’ordinanza della Corte suprema del Bangladesh riguardante le responsabilità delle forze dell’ordine di proteggere le vittime coinvolte negli attacchi e la sospensione di un funzionario superiore di polizia della zona.

Il Governo ha ribadito il proprio impegno di garantire libertà di religione e pluralismo nel paese e trattare tali avvenimenti «in maniera esemplare, nel rispetto della sua politica di tolleranza zero in risposta ad ogni tentativo di perturbare l’armonia della vita di comunità in Bangladesh».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008878/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Buddhist temples attacked in Bangladesh

On 30 September 2012, various media sources reported that Bangladeshi Muslims burnt down 10 Buddhist temples and forty homes, after a photo of a burned copy of the Koran appeared on Facebook tagged beside a local Buddhist man; however it is not clear whether this man posted the picture. At least twenty people were injured. The incidents took place in the Cox’s Bazar area of southern Bangladesh. A group of Buddhists held a small protest in the capital Dhaka, and hundreds of Buddhists have fled their homes in the south of the country.

Religious tensions have been high due to the recent protests stemming from the release of a film which was deemed offensive to the Prophet Muhammad. The country’s home affairs minister described the attacks on the temple as a ‘premeditated and deliberate attempt’ to disrupt communal harmony. At least 166 people were detained in Cox Bazar and soldiers, paramilitary border guards and police have been deployed. According to the Washington Post, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is blaming Islamic radicals and opposition activists for the attacks. In Bangladesh Buddhists make up one per cent of the population and they live close to the Burmese border.

1. Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of attacks orchestrated against Buddhist temples and homes in Bangladesh?

2. What is the assessment of the VP/HR regarding the response of the Bangladeshi authorities in providing protection to Buddhists in Cox’s Bazar?

3. In the view of EEAS officials in Dhaka, what efforts is the Bangladeshi Government making to ensure religious freedom and pluralism?

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

(29 November 2012)

The HR/VP is aware of the attacks that took place on 29-30 September in the Ramu and Ukhia sub-districts (Cox’s Bazar). Representatives of the EU Delegation as well as of EU Member States have held contacts with inter alia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, opposition leaders and civil society organisations with a view to gathering more information about the incidents. While differing on other points, all the initial inquiries conducted so far suggest that the attacks were orchestrated rather than spontaneous.

The HR/VP welcomes the Prime Minister’s visit to the affected area and the distribution of relief materials to the victims. It also welcomes the opening of an official investigation and the commitment made by the Government to rebuild the Buddhist monasteries, compensate the victims whose houses were destroyed and bring those responsible to justice. The efforts made by the opposition and by civil society organisations to undertake their own detailed inquiries demonstrate the seriousness with which the incidents are taken in Bangladesh.

The EEAS will pay particular attention to the official investigation's findings concerning the response by security forces. The EEAS notes the order of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh regarding the responsibility of law-enforcement agencies to protect the victims of the attacks, and the withdrawal of a senior police officer in the area from his post.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring religious freedom and pluralism in the country and to dealing with such incidents ‘in an exemplary manner, in keeping with its “zero tolerance” policy towards any attempt to destabilise Bangladesh’s communal harmony.’

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-008879/12

Komisijai

Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE)

(2012 m. spalio 3 d.)

Tema: Tuniso konstitucijos projektas

2012 m. rugpjūčio 8 d. pateiktas svarstyti Tuniso nacionalinės steigiamosios asamblėjos komitetų parengtas konstitucijos projektas. Žmogaus teisių grupės, JT darbo grupė moterų diskriminacijos klausimais ir Tuniso moterų teisių gynėjai atkreipia dėmesį į kai kuriuos konstitucijos projekto straipsnius ir reiškia susirūpinimą dėl žodžio laisvės, lygybės, moterų teisių ir tarptautinių žmogaus teisių konvencijų, kurias Tunisas yra pasirašęs, vykdymo užtikrinimo. Pavyzdžiui, 17 straipsnio projekte nustatyta, kad „privalu laikytis tarptautinių konvencijų, jei jos nepažeidžia šios konstitucijos“, 28 straipsnio projekte nurodoma, kad moters vaidmuo „papildo vyrų vaidmenį šeimoje“ (nesilaikoma abipusiškumo principo), 27 straipsnio projekte bet koks santykių su sionizmu ir sionistais normalizavimas laikomas nusikaltimu, už kurį baudžiama pagal įstatymą.

Tunisas buvo Arabų pavasario lyderis. Svarbu pasinaudoti šia galimybe ir sukurti perspektyvius teisinius demokratinės ir taikios valstybės, atitinkančios gyventojų lūkesčius, pamatus. ES yra įsipareigojusi teikti paramą šiuo pereinamuoju laikotarpiu pagal Europos ir Viduržemio jūros regiono valstybių partnerystę, programą SPRING (Paramos partnerystei, reformoms ir integraciniam augimui programa) ir atskiras programas, laikydamasi požiūrio „parama pagal pažangą“.

Jeigu būtų priimta konstitucija, neatitinkanti tarptautinių įsipareigojimų ir visuotinių vertybių, kaip tai paveiktų ES paramą?

Sąjungos vyriausiosios įgaliotinės ir Komisijos pirmininko pavaduotojos Catherine Ashton atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. lapkričio 20 d.)

Šiuo metu Tunise ir Tuniso Steigiamajame Susirinkime vyksta viešos diskusijos dėl Tuniso Konstitucijos projekto.

Vyriausioji įgaliotinė ir Komisijos pirmininko pavaduotoja yra susipažinusi su įvairiais gerbiamosios EP narės minėtais Konstitucijos projekto straipsniais ir žino, kokių nuogąstavimų dėl jų kyla. Dėl šių nuostatų vis dar diskutuojama ir kol kas nenuspręsta, už kokią galutinę projekto redakciją bus siūloma balsuoti Steigiamajam Susirinkimui.

Besąlygiškai pripažindama Tuniso teisę savarankiškai spręsti šį klausimą, Vyriausioji įgaliotinė ir Komisijos pirmininko pavaduotoja viliasi, kad Tunisas priims Konstituciją, puoselėjančią Tuniso revoliucijos įkvėpimo šaltiniu tapusias vertybes, kaip antai teisingumas, tolerancija ir pagarba žmogaus teisėms. Visi šie klausimai aptarti nuolatiniame ES ir Tuniso politiniame dialoge. Vis dėlto kol kas per anksti svarstyti, kaip ES turėtų reaguoti į naująją Tuniso Konstituciją, nes galime remtis tik projektu, dėl kurio tebevyksta vidaus diskusijos.

Komisija Tunisui teikia didelę finansinę ir techninę paramą. Parama daugiausiai skiriama Tuniso Vyriausybės vykdomoms politinėms ir socialinėms bei ekonominės reformoms.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008879/12

to the Commission

Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Draft Tunisian Constitution

On 8 August 2012, a draft Constitution prepared by the committees of the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly was made public. Human rights groups, the UN Working Group on discrimination against women, and Tunisian women’s rights activists have drawn attention to some articles of the draft Constitution that raise concerns regarding the freedom of expression, equality, women’s rights and the enforcement of international conventions on human rights signed by Tunisia. By way of example, draft Article 17 stipulates that ‘respect for international conventions is compulsory if they do not contravene this constitution’, draft Article 28 delineates the role of women as ‘complementary to the one of the men in the family’ without reciprocity, whereas draft Article 27 considers all forms of normalisation with Zionism and ‘the Zionist entity’ a crime punishable by law.

Tunisia stood at the forefront of the Arab Spring. It is important to build on this momentum and to create viable legal foundations for a democratic and peaceful state that meets the expectations of its people. The EU has committed itself to supporting this transition by means of assistance, under the ‘more for more’ principle, channelled through EuroMed, SPRING and other programmes.

How would the adoption of a Constitution that does not correspond to international obligations and universal values affect the EU’s support?

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

(20 November 2012)

The draft Tunisian constitution is currently the subject of extensive public debate in Tunisia and in the Tunisian Constituent Assembly.

The HR/VP is aware of the various articles in the draft of the Constitution mentioned by the Honourable Member and the concerns that they raise. These provisions are still being discussed and the final form of the draft to be submitted to the Constituent Assembly for vote has yet to be determined.

While fully respecting Tunisian sovereignty on this issue, the HR/VP looks to Tunisia to adopt a Constitution which reflects the commitment to values that inspired the Tunisian Revolution including justice, tolerance and respect for human rights. All of these issues have been discussed in the course of the regular political dialogue between the EU and Tunisia. Nonetheless, it is premature at this stage to discuss possible reactions by the EU to a new Tunisian Constitution on the basis of a draft which is still the subject of internal debate.

The Commission is providing extensive financial and technical assistance to Tunisia. Support is focused on political and socioeconomic reforms undertaken by the Tunisian government.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-008880/12

Komisijai

Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE)

(2012 m. spalio 3 d.)

Tema: Situacija Nemuno upėje ir tarpvalstybinio susitarimo eiga

Pasak Baltarusijos žiniasklaidos, apie 2012 m. liepos 18 d. Baltarusijoje Nemuno upės vandeniu buvo pradėtas pildyti 45 km ilgio, 2 km pločio Gardino hidroelektrinės vandens rezervuaras. Liepos 29 d..–rugpjūčio 14 d. upės debitas Lietuvos teritorijoje krito žemiau gamtosauginės ribos. Kilo pavojus ekosistemoms, florai ir faunai ir laivybai Nemuno upe.

Lietuvos institucijos nedelsdamos kreipėsi į Baltarusijos institucijas dėl vandens lygio kritimo Nemune stabilizavimo, informacijos apie susidariusios situacijos priežastis ir Lietuvos ekspertų vizito į Baltarusiją. O Baltarusija ne tik iš anksto neinformavo Lietuvos apie Gardino HE vykstančius darbus, bet, atsakydama į oficialią Lietuvos notą, nepripažino jų įtakos Nemuno debitui. Tai kelia didžiulį susirūpinimą, nes pastačius atomines elektrines šalia Lietuvos sienos Baltarusijoje ir RF Kaliningrado srityje jų reaktoriams aušinti taip pat ketinama naudoti abiejų didžiausių Lietuvos upių (Nemuno ir Neries) vandenį.

2003 m. Lietuva, Rusija ir Baltarusija pradėjo derybas dėl Nemuno upės apsaugos susitarimo pasirašymo. Nuo 2006 metų Europos Komisija yra įpareigota įsitraukti į susitarimą, tačiau iki šios dienos šis susitarimas dar nepasirašytas.

Ar Komisija yra išsiuntusi pritarimo susitarimo tekstui raštus Baltarusijos užsienio reikalų ir aplinkos ministerijoms?

Ar svarstoma galimybė perkelti šio klausimo sprendimą į aukštesnį politinį lygmenį, atsižvelgiant į sunkią dabartinę derybų dėl susitarimo eigą ir kylantį nerimą dėl tarpvalstybinių vandens išteklių apsaugos?

J. Potočniko atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. lapkričio 9 d.)

Remdamasi Tarybos įgaliojimais, Komisija nuo 2006 m. siekia užtikrinti, kad būtų pritarta ES dalyvavimui tarptautiniuose Nemuno ir Dauguvos upių baseinų valdymo susitarimuose; su tuo turi sutikti visos susijusios šalys (Rusija, Baltarusija, Latvija ir Lietuva).

Komisija siekia gauti Rusijos valdžios pritarimą šiuo klausimu; be kita ko, Rusijai buvo nusiųstas buvusio Komisijos nario S. Dimaso raštas. Atsakydama į tai Rusija neseniai paprašė, kad visos šalys raštu patvirtintų, kad jos pritaria ES dalyvavimui. Lietuva ir Latvija pritarimo raštus Rusijai jau nusiuntė. Neseniai Komisija paprašė, kad tokį pat raštišką patvirtinimą pateiktų ir Baltarusija.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008880/12

to the Commission

Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė (PPE)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Situation of the River Nemunas and the cross-border agreement process

According to the Belarus media, filling of a reservoir, 45 km long and 2 km wide, belonging to the Grodno hydroelectric power station in Belarus with water from the River Nemunas began around 18 July 2012. From 29 July to 14 August, the discharge from the river in Lithuania fell below the stipulated minimum. Ecosystems, flora and fauna, and navigation on the River Nemunas were threatened.

The Lithuanian authorities immediately asked their Belarus counterparts to stabilise the falling water level of the river, provide information on the reasons behind the situation and agree to a visit by Lithuanian experts to Belarus. Belarus did not inform Lithuania in advance about the work being done at the Grodno hydroelectric power station, nor did it recognise its impact on the Nemunas discharge in its response to the formal letter from Lithuania. This is a source of serious concern as, after the construction of nuclear power plants close to the Lithuanian border in Belarus and the Kaliningrad Region of the Russian Federation, their reactors are planned to be cooled with water from the two largest Lithuanian rivers (the Nemunas and the Neris).

In 2003 Lithuania, Russia and Belarus began negotiations to sign an agreement on the protection of the River Nemunas. Since 2006, the European Commission has been committed to this agreement, but it has yet not been signed.

Has the Commission sent a letter endorsing the text of the agreement to the Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection?

Is any consideration being given to the possibility of settling the issue at a higher political level, given the slow progress of negotiations on the agreement and a growing sense of unease at the protection of cross-border water resources?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

Since 2006, on the basis of a mandate from the Council, the Commission has been working on the endorsement of EU participation in the international river basin management agreements for the Nemunas and Daugava rivers, for which all parties involved (Russia, Belarus, Latvia and Lithuania) need to agree.

The Commission has sought the agreement of the Russian authorities on this matter, including through a letter by former Commissioner Dimas. In response, Russia has recently requested a written confirmation by all Parties that they agree to the participation of the EU. Lithuania and Latvia have already sent to Russia letters to express their support. Recently, the Commission has requested the same written confirmation from Belarus.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008881/12

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(3 ottobre 2012)

Oggetto: Crisi del settore termale euganeo (Padova)

Le Terme Euganee sono la più grande stazione termale d'Europa specializzata in fango-balneo-terapia, grazie alle loro acque meteoriche, che sono le più calde al mondo (sgorgano ad una temperatura costante di 87°C) e sono cariche di energia geotermica. Le Terme di Abano e Montegrotto (entrambi in provincia di Padova) sono la più grande stazione specializzata in fangoterapia: ad esse è stato, infatti, assegnato il marchio «Fango DOC», e grazie ad un brevetto esclusivo viene tutelato il processo di produzione di questo composto naturale. Agli stabilimenti del Bacino Termale Euganeo è stato riconosciuto dal Ministero della Sanità italiano il livello di qualificazione «I° Super» che indica il rispetto delle risorse naturali del bacino. Inoltre, le stazioni termali euganee si avvalgono del Centro Studi Termali Veneto, «Pietro d’Abano» quale centro di ricerca all'avanguardia per gli studi sui componenti primi della risorsa termale e di monitoraggio della qualità di tutti i trattamenti e terapie offerti dalle numerosissime sedi nel Padovano. L'attività costante di ricerca del Centro padovano (cui partecipano diversi enti pubblici e privati) garantisce la valenza scientifica e terapeutica delle cure termali, riconosciute presidi medici a livello internazionale. A causa dell'aumento del costo del lavoro per gli operatori termali, della concorrenza straniera e del venir meno della copertura dei costi delle cure termali da parte dei sistemi sanitari europei, questo settore di eccellenza veneta, che conta 120 aziende e 4 mila addetti, sta attraversando una pesante crisi occupazionale dovuta allo spostamento dei flussi del turismo termale verso paesi dove i costi sono inferiori.

È la Commissione a conoscenza della situazione delle terme padovane? Può far sapere se sono stati destinati fondi UE a favore di strutture termali in Italia o negli altri paesi membri che versano in situazione di crisi, come nel caso delle Terme Euganee? Quali azioni prevede di avviare per sostenere il settore termale veneto, eccellenza a livello UE e da sempre fonte di sviluppo turistico e commerciale per tutto il territorio padovano?

Risposta di Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(14 novembre 2012)

La Commissione è a conoscenza della situazione del settore termale padovano.

Anche se non vi sono programmi di finanziamento UE specificamente indirizzati ai centri termali, un sostegno può essere disponibile per il tramite dei programmi della politica di coesione, a condizione che le azioni da sostenersi siano in linea con lo sviluppo economico di lungo periodo della regione interessata, possano dimostrare di contribuire a promuovere la crescita e l'occupazione e siano in linea con le priorità stabilite nel pertinente programma della politica di coesione.

Nel contesto della Regione Veneto, e poiché gli Stati membri sono responsabili per l'attuazione dei programmi della politica di coesione, La invito a chiedere ulteriori dettagli direttamente all'autorità di gestione del programma in questione, al seguente indirizzo:

Direzione Programmi Comunitari

Dorsoduro 3494/A

30123 Venezia

+39 041 279 1469

programmazione@regione.veneto.it

www.regione.veneto.it/Economia/Programmi+Comunitari/

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008881/12

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Crisis in the Terme Euganee spa sector (Padua)

Terme Euganee is the biggest spa resort in Europe specialising in fango-balneotherapy, thanks to its meteoric waters which are the hottest in the world (at a constant temperature of 87°C) and loaded with geothermal energy. The Abano and Montegrotto spas (both in Padua province) together make up the biggest resort specialising in fangotherapy and have been granted ‘Fango DOC’ protected denomination of origin status, while the production process for the mud is protected by an exclusive patent licence. The Italian Ministry of Health has placed establishments in the Bacino Termale Euganeo area in the ‘I° Super’ category, in recognition of their care of the area’s natural resources. Terme Euganee resorts also benefit from the presence of the ‘Pietro d’Abano’ Centro Studi Termali Veneto, which is at the cutting edge of research into the raw components of spa resources and monitors the quality of all treatments and therapies on offer at the many establishments in the Padua area. The tireless research conducted by the Pietro d’Abano Centre (which both public and private bodies are involved in) guarantees the scientific and therapeutic value of the spa treatments, which are recognised internationally for their medical qualities. The spa operators’ rising labour costs, foreign competition and cuts by European health authorities to the amount that can be claimed for spa treatments under social security cover all mean that this sector of excellence in Veneto province, with its 120 businesses and 4 000 employees, is suffering a serious employment crisis as spa tourism moves away towards countries where costs are lower.

Is the Commission aware of the situation in the Paduan spa resorts? Are any EU funds being directed to spa facilities in Italy, or in other Member States, which like Terme Euganee are experiencing a crisis? What steps will the Commission take to support the Veneto’s spa sector, a sector of excellence in the EU which has always been a source of tourism and business for the whole of the Padua region?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of the situation in the Paduan spa resorts.

While there are no EU funding programmes specifically targeted at spa facilities, support may be available through cohesion policy programmes, provided that the actions being supported are in line with the longer-term economic development of the region concerned, can demonstrate a contribution to boosting growth and jobs and are in line with the priorities established in the relevant cohesion policy programme.

In the context of Veneto, and as Member States are responsible for the implementation of cohesion policy programmes, further details should be obtained directly from the managing authority of the relevant programme, at the following address:

Direzione Programmi Comunitari

Dorsoduro 3494/A

30123 Venezia

+39 041 279 1469 programmazione@regione.veneto.it

www.regione.veneto.it/Economia/Programmi+Comunitari/

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008882/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(3. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Literarische Übersetzungsprojekte im Rahmen des Programms „Kultur 2007‐2013“ je Sprache

Eine wichtige Zielsetzung des Förderbereiches 1 des EU-Kulturförderprogramms „Kultur 2007‐2013“ ist die Förderung von literarischen Übersetzungen. Im Jahr 2012 wurde die Übersetzung von 531 Werken genehmigt.

1. Kann die Kommission eine Übersicht darüber geben, wie viele literarische Übersetzungsprojekte seit 2007 pro Ausgangssprache gefördert wurden?

2. Kann die Kommission eine Übersicht darüber geben, wie viele literarische Übersetzungsprojekte seit 2007 pro Zielsprache gefördert wurden?

3. Kann die Kommission Auskunft darüber geben, aus welchen Ursprungsländern die literarischen Werke jeweils stammen? Wenn ja, kann die Kommission eine Übersicht darüber geben, wie viele Übersetzungsprojekte seit 2007 pro Ursprungsland gefördert wurden?

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008934/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(4. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Erfolg literarischer Übersetzungsprojekte in „Kultur 2007‐2013“

Eine wichtige Zielsetzung des Förderbereiches 1 des EU-Kulturförderungsprogramms „Kultur 2007‐2013“ ist die Förderung von literarischen Übersetzungen. Allein im Jahr 2012 wurde die Übersetzung von 531 Werken genehmigt  (255).

Die Förderprojekte werden von Verlegern und Verlagshäusern beantragt.

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008964/12

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(5. Oktober 2012)

Betrifft: Förderung von Sachbuchübersetzungen in „Kultur 2007‐2013“

Eine wichtige Zielsetzung des Förderbereiches 1 des EU-Kulturförderungsprogramms „Kultur 2007‐2013“ ist die Förderung von literarischen Übersetzungen.

Dem Programmleitfaden für „Kultur 2007‐2013“ zufolge ist ausschließlich die Übersetzung belletristischer Werke förderfähig. Sachbücher wie Biografien oder Werke der Human— und Naturwissenschaften sind explizit von der Förderung ausgenommen.

Aus welchem Grund sind Sachbücher, zum Beispiel solche die das kulturelle Denken, das politische System oder geistige Entwicklungen in der EU beeinflussten, von der Förderung ausgenommen?

Gemeinsame Antwort von Frau Vassiliou im Namen der Kommission

(26. November 2012)

Das Programm „Kultur“ soll eine möglichst weite Verbreitung der Literatur innerhalb Europas auf unterschiedliche Art und Weise fördern und den Zugang zu Kulturen anderer Länder erleichtern, u. a. durch die Förderung der literarischen Übersetzung. Das für diese Form der Unterstützung bereitgestellte Jahresbudget beläuft sich auf etwa 3 Mio. EUR.

Die Vergabe von Fördermitteln für Literaturübersetzungen ist unter anderem an die Bedingung geknüpft, dass die Verlagshäuser, die eine Finanzhilfe beantragen, Inhaber der Rechte an den für die Übersetzung vorgeschlagenen literarischen Werken sind bzw. diese Rechte vor Unterzeichnung der Finanzhilfevereinbarung erwerben. Die Antragsteller, deren Projekte ausgewählt worden sind, müssen einen diesbezüglichen Nachweis erbringen. Verlagshäuser, die finanziell unterstützt werden, sind außerdem dazu verpflichtet, ihrem Abschlussbericht eine Kopie der veröffentlichten Übersetzung unter Angabe der ISBN beizulegen.

Der Kommission liegen keine Informationen über Projekte vor, für die ein Herausgeber einen über den Betrag der Finanzhilfe hinausgehenden Gewinn erzielte. Die Finanzhilfebeträge werden nach einer umfassenden Kostenanalyse in einer Höhe festgelegt, die die Möglichkeit der Gewinnerzielung von vornherein ausschließt. Sie unterscheiden sich je nach Zielsprache, um besonderen Umständen Rechnung zu tragen, und werden gemäß den Bestimmungen der EU-Haushaltsordnung alle zwei Jahre aktualisiert.

Der relativ geringe Finanzrahmen für das Programm „Kultur“ im Allgemeinen und für diesen Zweig im Besonderen lässt keine breit gefächerte Ausrichtung der Unterstützung zu. Finanzhilfen werden daher ausschließlich für belletristische Werke vergeben.

Die angeforderten Informationen zu den Literaturübersetzungsprojekten, die seit 2007 eine Förderung erhielten, sind dem Anhang zu entnehmen, der dem Herrn Abgeordneten und dem Sekretariat des Parlaments direkt übermittelt wurde.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008882/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(3 October 2012)

Subject: Literary translation projects supported by the Culture programme 2007‐13, broken down by language

An important objective of the first strand of the Culture programme 2007‐13 is to provide financial support for literary translations. In 2012, approval was given for the translation of 531 works.

1. Can the Commission provide an overview of how many literary translation projects per source language have received support since 2007?

2. Can the Commission provide an overview of how many literary translation projects per target language have received support since 2007?

3. Can the Commission supply information about the countries of origin of the literary works in question? If so, can it provide an overview of how many literary translation projects per country of origin have received support since 2007?

Question for written answer E-008934/12

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(4 October 2012)

Subject: Success of literary translation projects supported by the Culture programme 2007‐13

An important objective of the first strand of the Culture programme 2007‐13 is to provide financial support for literary translations. In 2012 alone, approval was given for the translation of 531 works (256).

Applications for support for literary translation projects are submitted by publishers and publishing firms.