Slovakia

and EGTC Euregio Tirolo-Alto Adige-Trentino, with regional partners from Italy and Austria.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000614/12

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Violazione della direttiva uccelli da parte della Regione Sardegna per approvazione del calendario venatorio 2011/2012 senza il parere obbligatorio dell'I.S.P.R.A.

In Sardegna (Italia), su ricorso di varie associazioni ambientaliste come Gruppo d'intervento giuridico, Lega per l'abolizione della caccia e Amici della terra, il Consiglio di Stato il 21 dicembre 2011 (67) ha disposto la sospensiva del calendario venatorio regionale sardo, riformando l'ordinanza cautelare del T.A.R. Sardegna del 14 novembre 2011 (68) .

Nonostante tale decisione, la Regione autonoma ha fissato ugualmente il calendario della stagione venatoria 2011-2012, con decreto dell'Assessore difesa ambiente del 23 dicembre 2011 (69) e con decreto dell'Assessore difesa ambiente del 4 gennaio 2012 (70) , senza il previsto parere vincolante dell' I.S.P.R.A. (l'Istituto superiore per la protezione e la ricerca ambientale) e senza procedere al censimento faunistico alternativo validato scientificamente, in violazione della direttiva uccelli, n. 2009/147/CE e degli articoli 7 e 18 della legge italiana sulla tutela della fauna selvatica, la n. 157/1992.

Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(5 marzo 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000614/12

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Violation of the Birds Directive by the Region of Sardinia in approving the 2011/2012 hunting calendar without the obligatory opinion of I.S.P.R.A (Institute for Environmental Protection and Research)

In Sardinia, Italy, following appeals by various environmental associations such as the Gruppo d'intervento giuridico (Italian Legal Intervention Group), the Italian League for the Abolition of Hunting and Friends of the Earth, on 21 December 2011 the Italian Council of State (72) ordered the suspension of the Sardinian regional hunting calendar, amending the precautionary order by the Regional Administrative Court of Sardinia of 14 November 2011 (73)

Despite this decision, the Sardinia Region set its calendar for the 2011‐12 hunting season all the same, by an executive order of the environmental protection councillor of 23 December 2011 (74) and by a further order of 4 January 2012 (75) from the same councillor, without the required binding opinion of I.S.P.R.A. (Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) and without conducting a scientifically validated alternative faunal census. This is in breach of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and of Articles 7 and 18 of Italian Law No 157/1992 on the protection of wildlife.

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2012)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000615/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(26. Januar 2012)

Betrifft: Schiffsunglück der „Costa Concordia“ am 13.1.2012 vor der toskanischen Küste

Das tragische Schiffsunglück dieser Tage vor der toskanischen Küste (Italien) indiziert, dass trotz modernster Technologie nach wie vor menschliches Versagen derartige Katastrophen verursachen kann. Die Frage ist, inwieweit verbesserte Trainings-, Qualifikations‐ und Schulungsmaßnahmen (Zertifizierungen) einen Beitrag zu mehr Sicherheit für Passagiere, Seeverkehr und Umwelt leisten können.

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(24. Februar 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000615/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (NI)

(26 January 2012)

Subject: The ‘Costa Concordia ’ shipwreck on 13 January 2012 off the Tuscan coast.

The recent tragic shipwreck off the coast of Tuscany (Italy) goes to show that despite the latest technology, human error can still cause disasters of this sort. The question is to what extent improved training, qualification and educational measures (certification) can contribute to greater safety for passengers, maritime transport and the environment.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(24 February 2012)

2 and 3. Regarding further measures in this area, the Commission wishes to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to its 2011 proposal (80) to update the above directive in order to bring this into line with the latest amendment to the STCW Convention (the 2009 Manila Amendment). This proposal is currently under consideration by the European Parliament. In addition to certification and training, the Commission has started work on a review of the rules on passenger safety which may lead to appropriate proposals.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000617/12

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Il segreto bancario

Dopo la pubblicazione — avvenuta l'estate scorsa — di un'inchiesta del New York Time nella quale si denuncia che nelle more della ₫War on Terror₻ il governo americano acquisisce ormai da anni la totalità dei dati del consorzio interbancario SWIFT, ci si interroga su che cosa è accaduto al segreto bancario degli europei. Dall'inchiesta risulta infatti che non solo vengono acquisiti i dati bancari dei cittadini americani, ma che anche quelli dei cittadini europei che usufruiscono del sistema SWIFT vengono intercettati. Già il governo del Belgio, dove ha sede il consorzio SWIFT, ha dichiarato illegale il trasferimento di questi dati all'amministrazione americano. La Svizzera, a quanto pare, ha riconosciuto la morte del segreto bancario e la stessa UE ha chiesto di discutere la cosa con urgenza.

₫burocrati₻, americani od europei, possano violare il segreto bancario senza essere autorizzati da un magistrato nell'ambito di una ipotesi di reato?

Risposta data da Cecilia Malmström a nome della Commissione

(8 marzo 2012)

In generale, la Commissione riconosce l’importanza della riservatezza delle informazioni finanziarie personali dei clienti delle banche; tuttavia ciò non deve ostacolare la lotta a reati gravi quali il riciclaggio di denaro o il finanziamento del terrorismo. La raccomandazione 9 del Gruppo di azione finanziaria, l’organismo che definisce gli standard globali nell’ambito del contrasto al riciclaggio di denaro e al finanziamento del terrorismo, chiede infatti esplicitamente agli Stati di assicurare che la legislazione sul segreto bancario non ostacoli l’attuazione di tali standard. Inoltre, l’articolo 26 della terza direttiva antiriciclaggio (direttiva 60/2005/CE) stabilisce che la comunicazione in buona fede, conformemente all’obbligo di segnalare le operazioni sospette, non costituisce una violazione di eventuali restrizioni alla comunicazione di informazioni.

I dati bancari delle persone fisiche costituiscono dati personali e pertanto sono tutelati dal diritto fondamentale alla protezione dei dati di carattere personale, sancito dall’articolo 8 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell’Unione europea. Tuttavia, ai sensi dell’articolo 52 della Carta, e nel rispetto del principio di proporzionalità, possono essere apportate limitazioni a tale diritto fondamentale laddove ciò sia necessario per combattere il riciclaggio di denaro o il finanziamento del terrorismo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000617/12

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Banking secrecy

Following the publication last summer of an investigation by the New York Times in which it reported that as part of its ‘War on Terror’, the US Government had for many years had access to the entire database of the interbank consortium SWIFT, we question what has happened to the banking secrecy of Europeans. The investigation showed that not only had the banking details of US citizens been acquired, but that those of EU citizens using the SWIFT system were also being intercepted. The government of Belgium, where the headquarters of the SWIFT consortium are located, has already declared the transfer of these data to the US administration to be illegal. Switzerland, it would appear, has acknowledged the death of banking secrecy and the EU itself has asked for the matter to be discussed with urgency.

‘bureaucrats’ are able to contravene banking secrecy without the authorisation of a magistrate in the context of an alleged offence?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

While the Commission is in no doubt of the importance of bank customers' wish for confidentiality of personal financial information in general, this must not thwart efforts to effectively fight serious crime such as money laundering or the financing of terrorism. Consequently Recommendation 9 of the Financial Action Task Force, the global standard setter in the context of anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing, explicitly asks countries to ensure that financial institution secrecy laws do not inhibit the implementation of these global standards. In addition, Article 26 of the 3rd Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Directive 2005/60/EC) stipulates that a disclosure in good faith to comply with the obligation to report suspicious transactions shall not constitute the breach of any restriction on disclosure of information.

Banking details of natural persons constitute personal data, and are protected by the fundamental right to the protection of personal data enshrined in Article 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. However, in accordance with Article 52 of the Charter, and subject to the principle of proportionality, this fundamental right may be restricted when this is necessary to fight money laundering and terrorist financing.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000618/12

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(26 de enero de 2012)

Asunto: Modificación de la Ley de costas española

El Informe sobre el impacto de la urbanización extensiva en España en los derechos individuales de los ciudadanos europeos, el medio ambiente y la aplicación del Derecho comunitario, con fundamento en determinadas peticiones recibidas —conocido como Informe Auken—, aprobado la pasada legislatura en el Parlamento Europeo, hizo una precisa descripción de las graves consecuencias sociales y ambientales de la presión urbanística en las costas del Estado español, especialmente en la mediterránea. Sin lugar a dudas, algunos aspectos de la Ley de costas se han aplicado con arbitrariedad y de forma caótica, afectando a centenares de propietarios que adquirieron sus viviendas legalmente, tal y como reconoce el citado informe.

Es decir, una reforma parcial de la Ley podría estar justificada. Sin embargo, la reforma anunciada por el nuevo ministro de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente del Estado Español, plantea una reforma integral de la Ley, desprotegiendo al litoral y permitiendo la urbanización sin restricciones. Esta reforma, además, se integra dentro de una estrategia gubernamental de potenciación del sector de la construcción para contribuir a la salida de la crisis económica.

¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión respecto a la anunciada reforma de la Ley de costas, que podría desproteger el litoral español?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(16 de marzo de 2012)

La Comisión está preocupada por el aumento en el litoral mediterráneo de presiones medioambientales que amenazan los ecosistemas costeros.

La UE ha establecido varios instrumentos legislativos para preservar los recursos costeros. Entre esos instrumentos se cuentan la Directiva marco sobre la Estrategia Marina (81), las Directivas de Aves y de Hábitats (82) y la Directiva marco del Agua (83). La Comisión, además, adoptó en 2011 la Estrategia de Biodiversidad 2020, que reviste particular importancia para el litoral de la UE, ya que sólo el 8 % de los hábitats costeros presenta un estado de conservación favorable y que únicamente el 11 % de las especies que habitan esas zonas se encuentra en buenas condiciones.

Habida cuenta de la importancia de las zonas costeras como fuente de recursos ecológicos, económicos y sociales y con el fin de impulsar una respuesta integrada, la Unión Europea adoptó en 2002 la Recomendación sobre la gestión integrada de las zonas costeras (ICZM) (84) y ratificó en 2010 el Protocolo ICZM (85) del Convenio de Barcelona para el Mar Mediterráneo.

El Gobierno español no ha publicado todavía los textos legales para la anunciada reforma de la Ley de Costas. Hasta que tenga acceso a ellos, la Comisión no podrá evaluar los cambios que se han anunciado. En esa evaluación, la Comisión tendrá presentes las obligaciones internacionales que incumben a España en virtud del Convenio de Barcelona, así como el acervo existente en materia de ecosistemas costeros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000618/12

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(26 January 2012)

Subject: Amendment to Spanish Coastal Law

The report on the impact of extensive urbanisation in Spain on individual rights of European citizens, on the environment and on the application of EC law, based upon petitions received — the Auken Report — approved in Parliament’s last parliamentary term, gave a detailed description of the serious social and environmental consequences of urban planning pressure on coasts in Spain, and especially on the Mediterranean coast. It is certainly the case that some aspects of the Coastal Law have been applied arbitrarily and chaotically, affecting hundreds of owners of legally acquired homes, as the aforementioned report acknowledges.

Partial reform of the law could therefore be justified. However, the reform announced by the new Spanish Government Minister for Agriculture, Food and Environment envisages a complete reform of the law, leaving the coast unprotected and allowing unrestricted urbanisation. This reform, moreover, is part of a government strategy to strengthen the construction sector to help with recovery from the economic crisis.

What is the Commission’s opinion of the proposed reform of the Coastal Law, which could leave the Spanish coast unprotected?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 2012)

The Commission is concerned about the increase in environmental pressures on the Mediterranean Sea Coast which is threatening coastal ecosystems.

In order to preserve coastal resources, the EU has established several legislative instruments, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (86), the Birds and Habitat Directives (87) and the Water Framework Directive (88). In 2011, the Commission adopted the Biodiversity Strategy 2020, particularly relevant for coastal areas as only 8 % of EU coastal habitats have a favourable conservation status, and only 11 % of EU coastal species are in a favourable condition.

Given the importance of coastal zones as ecological, economic and social resources, and in order to support an integrated response, the European Union has adopted the recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (89) (ICZM) in 2002, and ratified the ICZM Protocol (90) to the Barcelona Convention for the Mediterranean in 2010.

The Spanish Government has not yet published the legal texts relating to the announced reform of the Coastal law. The Commission will only be in a position to assess the announced changes once the legal texts become available. The Commission's assessment will take into account the international obligations of Spain resulting from the Barcelona Convention as well as the existing acquis relating to coastal ecosystems.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-000619/12

à Comissão

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(19 de janeiro de 2012)

Assunto: Privatização da REN

No quadro do Programa de Assistência Financeira UE/FMI/BCE a Portugal, o Governo português vendeu a sua participação na empresa EDP (Energias de Portugal) à Three Gorges Corporation, empresa do Estado chinês, e já anunciou a venda de 25 % do capital da REN (Rede Elétrica Nacional, S.A.) à State Grid, que é igualmente uma empresa controlada pelo Estado chinês.

Ao poder controlar as duas empresas, o Estado chinês adquire uma capacidade de acesso e de interferência num setor de tecnologia avançada e de importância estratégica para Portugal e, consequentemente, para a Europa. Assume, assim, uma posição que pode pôr em causa a autonomia estratégica da UE e, portanto, de vantagem no que respeita às necessidades e interesses energéticos da UE e às relações UE/China.

Tendo em atenção o facto de a China ser uma potência mundial cujo Governo despreza os direitos humanos básicos do seu povo, assim como a proteção do ambiente no seu próprio território, e ser obviamente guiada por interesses estratégicos e não apenas procurando retorno financeiro de curto prazo no investimento que escolhe fazer na rede de distribuição energética europeia, em vez de o fazer na rede chinesa, muito apreciaria saber se a Comissão não tem qualquer recomendação, objeção ou prevenção a fazer ao Governo de Portugal no que respeita a estas ₫privatizações₻ em favor do Partido comunista chinês, nomeadamente face às implicações para a política externa e a segurança energética da UE.

Resposta dada por Karel De Gucht em nome da Comissão

(27 de abril de 2012)

O Tratado da União Europeia define claramente o compromisso da UE de abertura ao investimento direto estrangeiro (IDE), inclusive de países terceiros. Estabelece igualmente a competência exclusiva da UE pelo IDE, no âmbito da política comercial comum, e pela supressão progressiva das restrições ao IDE. Na sua qualidade de maior fonte e destino mundial de investimento estrangeiro direto, a União Europeia é um dos grandes beneficiários de um sistema económico mundial aberto e está empenhada em garantir que os seus mercados se mantenham abertos. Esta abertura deve ser sustentada pelo esforço de cooperação das empresas estatais, a fim de melhorar o seu nível de governação e a qualidade das informações que facultam aos mercados. Qualquer empresa estrangeira que adquira uma sociedade europeia ou uma participação numa sociedade europeia tem de agir em conformidade com as regras em matéria de concorrência e de transparência aplicáveis na UE e no Estado-Membro em questão, incluindo, neste caso, as regras específicas aplicáveis ao setor da energia.

Tem vindo a verificar‐se um aumento dos investimentos por parte de investidores controlados pelo Estado, como sejam fundos soberanos ou empresas públicas, mas a União Europeia congratula‐se com o investimento desses investidores com fins comerciais e assinala a importância da transparência das políticas de investimento. Se esses investimentos tiverem sido motivados por objetivos não comerciais, mas políticos, poderão ser fonte de preocupações legítimas de segurança nacional. No entanto, as medidas nacionais em caso de preocupações de segurança devem ser transparentes, previsíveis e proporcionais ao problema de segurança nacional identificado e circunscrito de forma precisa, a fim de evitar a perturbação indevida do fluxo de investimento e de maneira a manter o forte empenho da UE num enquadramento de abertura ao investimento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000619/12

to the Commission

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(19 January 2012)

Subject: Privatisation of REN

Within the framework of the EU/IMF/ECB Assistance Programme to Portugal, the Portuguese Government sold its stake in the EDP (Energias de Portugal) to the Three Gorges Corporation, a state-owned Chinese company, and has just announced the sale of a 25 % stake in REN (Rede Elétrica Nacional, S.A.) to State Grid, which is also a state-owned Chinese company.

In gaining control of these two companies, the Chinese State has acquired the potential to access and control an advanced technology sector of strategic importance to Portugal and hence to Europe. It is thereby in a position which might jeopardise the European Union’s strategic autonomy, and put it in an advantageous position as regards the EU’s energy needs and interests, and EU‐China relations. 

China is a world power whose Government has no respect for its people’s basic human rights, or for protecting the environment within its territory, and which is clearly guided by strategic interests, not just by the short-term financial return on the investment it has chosen to make in the European energy distribution network rather than in its domestic network. Given the above, will the Commission state whether it intends to make any recommendations, raise any objections or issue any warnings to the Portuguese Government as regards these ‘privatisations’ in favour of the Chinese Communist Party, particularly given the implications for the EU’s foreign policy and energy security.

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 2012)

The Treaty on the European Union sets out clearly the EU's commitment to openness towards foreign direct investment (FDI) including from third countries. It also establishes the EU's exclusive competence for FDI under the Common Commercial Policy and to progressively abolish restrictions to FDI. As the world's largest source and destination of FDI, the EU is a major beneficiary of an open world economic system and is committed to ensuring that its markets remain open. The case for openness must be sustained by engaging state controlled companies in a cooperative effort to enhance their governance standards and the quality of information they provide to markets. Any foreign company that acquires a European company or a stake in it has to act in accordance with the rules on competition and transparency applicable in the EU and the Member State in question, including in this case specific rules applicable to the energy sector.

There has been a growth of investments by government-controlled investors such as sovereign wealth funds or state-owned enterprises but the EU welcomes commercially-driven investment from these investors and notes the importance of transparent investment policies. If such investments were motivated by political rather than commercial objectives, they could be a source of legitimate national security concerns. However, measures that address national security concerns should be transparent, predictable and proportionate to the national security issue identified, and precisely circumscribed so as to avoid unduly disrupting the flow of investment and maintaing the EU's strong commitment to an open investment environment.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-000620/12

à Comissão

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(26 de janeiro de 2012)

Assunto: Privatização da REN

No quadro do Programa de Assistência Financeira UE/FMI a Portugal, o Governo português vendeu a sua participação na empresa EDP à Three Gorges Corporation, empresa do Estado chinês.

Uma das companhias concorrentes à privatização da portuguesa REN — Rede Elétrica Nacional — é também uma empresa estatal chinesa, a State Grid.

Tendo em atenção que, ao controlar como principal acionista a EDP e a REN, o Estado chinês adquirirá uma capacidade de acesso e de interferência num setor de tecnologia avançada e de importância estratégica, incluindo para a segurança e defesa, de Portugal e da UE, muito apreciaria saber se a Comissão não tem qualquer recomendação, objeção ou prevenção a fazer ao Governo de Portugal no que respeita a estas ₫privatizações₻.

Resposta dada por Günther Oettinger em nome da Comissão

(12 de março de 2012)

A liberdade de circulação de capitais na UE permite que os investimentos de capital estrangeiro se realizem sem entraves em toda a UE. Quando os Estados-Membros decidem vender ações em empresas estatais, cabe aos Estados-Membros avaliar as propostas e escolher o investidor. Do ponto de vista da legislação da UE relativa ao mercado interno da energia, é possível a aquisição de operadores de redes de transporte, desde que sejam respeitadas as regras em matéria de dissociação, nomeadamente o artigo 9.° das Diretivas Eletricidade e Gás (91). O modelo aplicável a REN, em conformidade com a legislação da UE e a legislação portuguesa, é a plena dissociação da propriedade. Nesse modelo, os acionistas que exercem direitos nos operadores de redes de transporte não podem exercer, ao mesmo tempo, direitos sobre uma empresa que exerça quaisquer atividades de produção ou de abastecimento no domínio da eletricidade ou do gás. A situação de independência efetiva entre as duas empresas chinesas em causa terá de ser avaliada em pormenor pela entidade reguladora portuguesa no contexto do procedimento de certificação previsto para a REN.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000620/12

to the Commission

Ana Gomes (S&D)

(26 January 2012)

Subject: Privatisation of REN

In the framework of the EU‐IMF Financial Assistance Programme for Portugal, the Portuguese Government sold its shareholding in EDP to Three Gorges Corporation, a company of the Chinese State.

One of the companies tendering for the privatisation of the Portuguese REN — Réde Electrica Nacional — is also a state-owned Chinese company, State Grid.

Given that, by taking control of EDP and REN as the majority shareholder, the Chinese State will acquire the ability to access and interfere with a sector which is technologically advanced and strategically important, not least for Portuguese and EU security and defence, would the Commission state whether it intends to make any recommendations, raise any objections or issue any warnings to the Portuguese Government as regards these ‘privatisations’?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

Freedom of movement of capital within the EU enables unhindered foreign capital investments across the EU. When Member States decide to sell shares in state owned companies it is up to the Member States to assess the bids and chose the investor. From the perspective of the EU internal energy market legislation, the acquisition of transmission system operators is possible, provided that the rules on unbundling, in particular Article 9 of the Electricity Directive and Gas Directives (92), are respected. The unbundling model applicable to REN, in accordance with EU and Portuguese law, is full ownership unbundling. In this model, shareholders exercising rights in the Transmission System Operators cannot at the same time exercise any rights over an undertaking performing any production or supply activities in the electricity or gas field. The effective independence between the two Chinese companies concerned will have to be assessed in detail by the Portuguese Regulator in the context of the certification procedure foreseen for REN.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000624/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Interventi per favorire l'utilizzo dei pagamenti elettronici

Il governo italiano, presieduto da Mario Monti, nella lotta all'evasione fiscale sta cercando di diffondere l'utilizzo di bancomat e pagamenti elettronici, facendo diminuire nella popolazione il ricorso all'utilizzo del contante, come nel caso delle pensioni superiori ai mille euro che non potranno più essere riscosse in contanti. A questa misura, però, non corrispondono incentivi alla diffusione della moneta elettronica, che addirittura ha dei costi maggiori per la popolazione.

Ad esempio, per pagare il bollo auto e il canone della televisione pubblica se si opta per il pagamento elettronico con carta di credito si spenderà una commissione superiore a quella applicata da Poste Italiane con il contante.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, si chiede quindi alla Commissione quanto segue:

quali misure intende adottare per calmierare i costi dei pagamenti elettronici ed uguagliarli in tutta Europa, portandoli sui livelli del contante, e quindi per favorire l'utilizzo di strumenti alternativi alle banconote, considerato che anche un recente studio della Banca centrale europea (BCE) ha certificato una tendenza per gli italiani all'utilizzo di denaro contante che evidenzia come gli abitanti del nostro paese fatichino ad acquisire confidenza e fiducia con i pagamenti elettronici?

Risposta data da Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(13 marzo 2012)

Nell'area dei pagamenti elettronici, la Commissione si sta attualmente impegnando a creare un quadro giuridico che stimoli la crescita, la competitività e l'innovazione, e promuova l'uso di norme e infrastrutture tecniche comuni. Tali sforzi dovrebbero contribuire alla creazione di un mercato unico dei pagamenti che sia moderno, rispettoso dei consumatori e delle imprese e che possa offrire il miglior rapporto qualità/prezzo. Sono già stati compiuti passi importanti nel cammino verso questo obiettivo, il più recente dei quali consiste nell'adozione del regolamento che fissa i requisiti tecnici e operativi per i bonifici e gli addebiti diretti in euro (93) e l'avvio di una consultazione pubblica sul Libro verde ₫Verso un mercato europeo integrato dei pagamenti tramite carte, internet e telefono mobile₻ (94).

La Commissione è del parere che i pagamenti elettronici possano offrire molti vantaggi per i consumatori, le imprese e gli Stati membri, grazie al fatto che tali operazioni posso essere registrate. L'uso dei mezzi di pagamento elettronici comporta una protezione globale dei diritti degli utenti dei servizi di pagamento in caso di errore nell’operazione e, diversamente dai contanti, in caso di frodi o furti. Se dal punto di vista di un consumatore i pagamenti con carta di credito sono in alcune situazioni più costosi da usare rispetto ai contanti, altre forme di pagamento, quali i bonifici e gli addebiti diretti, sono pienamente equiparabili. In alcuni Stati membri, è ancora più vantaggioso usare bonifici e addebiti diretti rispetto ai contanti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000624/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Measures to promote the use of electronic payments

In the fight against tax evasion, the Italian Government — headed by Mario Monti — is working to increase the use of cash dispensers and of electronic payments so as to reduce the need for cash; for example, pensions worth more than EUR 1 000 will no longer be able to be drawn in cash. However, this measure is not coupled with incentives for using electronic currency, which actually costs people more.

For example, if a person to pay his or her road tax and television licence fee by electronic means, using a credit card, he will pay a higher fee than that charged by the Italian post office for cash payments.

In the light of the above, can the Commission say what steps it intends to take to contain the cost of electronic payments and harmonise it across the EU by bringing into line with the cost of cash payments, thereby promoting the use of alternatives to cash? It should be borne in mind that, among other things, a recent study by the European Central Bank (ECB) highlighted a tendency among Italians to use cash, demonstrating the extent to which they find it difficult to accept that electronic payments are reliable?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2012)

In the area of electronic payments, the Commission concentrates its current efforts on the creation of a legal environment that stimulates growth, competitiveness, innovation and promotes the use of common standards and technical infrastructures. These efforts should contribute to the creation of a single market for payments which is modern, consumer and business‐friendly, and which offers the best value for money. Several important steps have been already taken on the way toward this aim, the most recent being the adoption of Regulation establishing technical and business requirements for credit transfers and direct debits in euros (95) and the launch of a public consultation on a Green Paper ‘Towards an integrated European market for card, Internet and mobile payments’ (96).

The Commission is of the opinion that electronic payments may offer many advantages to consumers, businesses and Member States thanks to the registered nature of such transactions. The use of electronic payment means entails a comprehensive protection of rights of payment services users in case of any transaction error and, unlike cash, in case of fraud or theft. While from the perspective of a consumer credit card payments are in some situations more expensive to use than cash, other forms of payment, such as credit transfers and direct debits, are fully comparable. In some Member States it is even more advantageous to use credit transfers and direct debits than cash.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000625/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Esplosione di una condotta del metano a Massa Carrara

Una condotta del metano saldata male, il gas che fuoriesce, la scintilla e poi il boato. E così il borgo di Barbaresco, nel comune di Tresana in provincia di Massa Carrara, è diventato un inferno. Fiamme alte fino a cento metri, case e fienili sventrati, auto in fiamme, una colonna di fumo sopra al cielo della Lunigiana e un cratere largo fino a 25 metri e profondo quasi 10.

Questione di secondi, poi il boato con una lingua di fuoco che ha aggredito i tecnici al lavoro in subappalto. Il bilancio è tragico: quattro feriti con ustioni gravissime in tutto il corpo, altri sei ricoverati in ospedale e poi dimessi in serata, mucche stecchite dentro le stalle saltate in aria. Cinque operai stavano lavorando per sostituire un tubo del metanodotto che serve la linea La Spezia-Parma e alcuni comuni abbarbicati tra le Alpi Apuane e il mare. Ma qualcosa è andato drammaticamente storto. Con la ruspa la squadra stava posizionando la nuova conduttura quando questa si è tranciata, cadendo a terra e provocando la scintilla che ha causato l’esplosione. In poco tempo la fuoriuscita del gas è stata letale.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, può la Commissione far sapere:

Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(5 marzo 2012)

Non vi è alcuna normativa UE che disciplini la sicurezza dei metanodotti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000625/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Methane pipeline explosion in Massa Carrara

A poorly welded methane pipeline, leaking gas, a spark and then an explosion — and the village of Barbaresco, in Tresana, province of Massa Carrara, became an inferno. Flames shot up to nearly a hundred metres, houses and barns were gutted, cars set ablaze, a column of smoke reached up to the skies above Lunigiana and a 25-metre wide, 10-metre deep crater was formed.

All of this took place within a matter of seconds, followed by the explosion and a tongue of flame that reached the subcontractor engineers at work. The toll was tragic: four people were injured, with very serious burns all over their bodies; six others were hospitalised and later discharged, and cows were blown up instantly inside their cowsheds. Five labourers had been working to replace a section of the methane pipeline that serves the line between La Spezia and Parma and some hillside municipalities between the Apuan Alps and the sea, when something went dramatically wrong. The team had been using an excavator to position the new pipeline when it broke in two, falling to the ground and creating the spark that caused the explosion. The amount of gas that leaked in just a short time was lethal.

In the light of the above, can the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2012)

There is no EU legislation that addresses the safety of methane pipelines.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000626/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δράσεις για την στήριξη της νεολαίας και Ελλάδα

Η Επιτροπή χρηματοδοτεί άμεσα δράσεις για την στήριξη των νέων ανθρώπων. Μεταξύ αυτών, παρέχει 4 εκατομμύρια μέσω του πλαισίου των εγγυήσεων για την νεολαία (Youth guarantee), και 3 εκατομμύρια ευρώ για την ενίσχυση των νέων που αποφασίζουν να ιδρύσουν την δική τους επιχείρηση.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Έχει αξιοποιήσει η Ελλάδα πόρους από τα συγκεκριμένα προγράμματα; Ποιο είναι το ύψος τους και ποια η θέση της χώρας σε σχέση με τον ευρωπαϊκό μέσο όρο;

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(12 Μαρτίου 2012)

Όπως αναφέρεται στην ανακοίνωση της Επιτροπής Πρωτοβουλία ₫ Ευκαιρίες για τους νέους ₻  (101), η Επιτροπή θα παράσχει στα κράτη μέλη τεχνική βοήθεια για τη χρήση των κονδυλίων της ΕΕ, έτσι ώστε να υποστηριχτούν τα προγράμματα μαθητείας και το επιχειρηματικό πνεύμα. Η Επιτροπή διαχειρίζεται την εν λόγω τεχνική βοήθεια και οι χώρες που θα αποτελέσουν τον στόχο της πρωτοβουλίας θα καθοριστούν ανάλογα με τις πιο επείγουσες ανάγκες.

Κατά τη διάρκεια του 2012 η Επιτροπή θα εφαρμόσει επίσης την προπαρασκευαστική δράση, την οποία πρότεινε το Κοινοβούλιο σχετικά με την ₫Εγγύηση για τους νέους₻. Η δράση αυτή έγκειται σε μια έννοια πολιτικής που έχει σκοπό να διασφαλίσει ότι οι νέοι, το αργότερο τέσσερις μήνες αφότου εγκαταλείψουν το σχολείο, είτε κατέχουν μια θέση απασχόλησης είτε συμμετέχουν σε πρόγραμμα εκπαίδευσης ή (εκ νέου) κατάρτισης. Στο πλαίσιο της εν λόγω δράσης θα υποστηριχτεί περιορισμένος αριθμός πιλοτικών μέτρων στα κράτη μέλη, έτσι ώστε να υλοποιηθεί η ₫Εγγύηση για τους νέους₻ σε τοπικό επίπεδο. Ιδίως τα κράτη μέλη και οι περιφέρειες όπου η ανεργία των νέων είναι πολύ υψηλή, όπως είναι η Ελλάδα, θα ενθαρρυνθούν να συμμετάσχουν στη δράση αυτή.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000626/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Action to support young people in Greece

The Commission is providing funding for immediate action to support young people, EUR 4 million being earmarked for the youth guarantee scheme and EUR 3 million for measures to support young people who decide to start up their own businesses, for example.

I would like to ask the Commission:

Has Greece utilised funding from the programmes in question? What has been the take-up of funding by Greece and what is its ranking in this respect compared to the compared to the European average?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2012)

As the Commission communication on the Youth Opportunities Initiative (102) states, the Commission will provide the Member States with technical assistance for the use of EU funds to support apprenticeship schemes and entrepreneurship. Such technical assistance is managed directly by the Commission and the target countries will be identified depending on the most urgent needs.

In the course of 2012 the Commission will also implement the preparatory action which Parliament has proposed on the ‘Youth Guarantee’, which is a policy concept to ensure that young people are either in a job, education or (re-)training within four months of leaving school. As part of this action support will be provided to a limited number of pilot measures in Member States to establish a ‘Youth Guarantee’ locally. In particular Member States and regions where unemployment among young people is very high, as is the case for Greece, will be encouraged to participate in the action.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000627/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Αναξιοποίητοι πόροι από το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο για την απασχόληση των νέων στην ΕΕ και στην Ελλάδα

Στην πρόσφατη έκθεση πρωτοβουλίας της Επιτροπής σχετικά με τις ευκαιρίες για την νεολαία, τα κράτη μέλη καλούνται να αντιμετωπίσουν, μεταξύ άλλων, την ανεργία των νέων και ιδίως να βοηθήσουν τους νεοεισελθόντες στην αγορά εργασίας προκειμένου να βρουν την πρώτη τους δουλειά. Σημειώνεται ότι το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο διαθέτει ακόμα 30 δις ευρώ γι’ αυτούς τους σκοπούς, πόροι που δεν έχουν ακόμα αξιοποιηθεί από τα κράτη μέλη.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(8 Μαρτίου 2012)

₫Ανάπτυξη ανθρώπινου δυναμικού₻ (2,26 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ από το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο (ΕΚΤ)) παρέχει βοήθεια, μεταξύ άλλων, για την προώθηση της απασχόλησης των νέων. Η συνολική δημόσια δαπάνη που προβλέπεται για τα ειδικά μέτρα με σκοπό την προώθηση της απασχόλησης των νέων ανέρχεται περίπου σε 295 εκατ. ευρώ. Επιπλέον, οι νέοι (κάτω των 25 ετών) είναι ομάδα προτεραιότητας που πρέπει να επωφεληθεί από τα γενικά μέτρα προώθησης της απασχόλησης που εφαρμόζονται από την Ελληνική Δημόσια Υπηρεσία Απασχόλησης.

Σε πολλά προγράμματα του ΕΚΤ περιλαμβάνονται πρωτοβουλίες για τους νέους μεταξύ των μέτρων στο πλαίσιο ευρύτερων προτεραιοτήτων και επομένως είναι δύσκολο να δοθούν ακριβή στοιχεία για τις δαπάνες ή τη συμμετοχή των νέων. Σύμφωνα με την ετήσια έκθεση εκτέλεσης οι συμμετέχοντες κάτω των 25 ετών αντιπροσωπεύουν σχεδόν το 30 % του συνολικού αριθμού των συμμετεχόντων το 2010 (όμως μερικά σχέδια δεν αναφέρονται σε ηλικιακές ομάδες). Επιπλέον, το Ευρωπαϊκό Ταμείο Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης (ΕΤΠΑ) κατά τα έτη 2007-2013 υποστήριξε μια ειδική ενέργεια για την προώθηση της Επιχειρηματικότητας των Νέων στην Ελλάδα· για την ενέργεια αυτή προκηρύχθηκε διαγωνισμός με προϋπολογισμό ύψους 39,2 εκατομμυρίων ευρώ ο οποίος ολοκληρώθηκε με την έγκριση δράσεων και τη σύναψη συμβάσεων ύψους 44,11 εκατ. (εκ των οποίων 6,6 εκατ. ευρώ για πιστοποιημένες δαπάνες έχουν ήδη εκταμιευθεί). Η Επιτροπή θα υποστηρίξει τις ελληνικές αρχές στην περαιτέρω εκτέλεση αυτού του μέτρου.

₫Ανάπτυξη Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού₻ ξεκίνησε με βραδύ ρυθμό, επίσης διότι έπρεπε να εγκριθεί κατά τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε να συμβάλλει καλύτερα στην αντιμετώπιση των επιπτώσεων της κρίσης. Ωστόσο, η εκτέλεση των προγραμμάτων του ΕΚΤ βελτιώθηκε σημαντικά το 2011.

Πρέπει να σημειωθεί ότι είναι συνηθισμένο σ’ αυτό το στάδιο της περιόδου προγραμματισμού το ύψος των πόρων που δεν έχουν ακόμη διατεθεί για σχέδια να αντιπροσωπεύει το 30 % περίπου της συνολικής χορήγησης του ΕΚΤ για το σύνολο της περιόδου προγραμματισμού.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000627/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Unused European Social Fund appropriations earmarked for youth employment in the EU and in Greece

In its recent own-initiative report on youth opportunities, the Commission calls on Member States to confront issues such as youth unemployment and in particular measures to help newcomers to the job market in finding their first job. The European Social Fund still has 30 billion euros earmarked for these purposes, which has not yet been utilised by the Member States.

Will the Commission answer the following:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

for the promotion of youth employment. The total foreseen public expenditure for the specific measures dedicated to the promotion of youth employment stands approximately at EUR 295 million. Moreover, young people (below 25 years of age) are a priority group to benefit from the general employment promotion measures implemented by the Greek Public Employment Service.

In many ESF programmes initiatives to help young people are included in measures under wider priorities so it is difficult to give exact figures on spending or participation of young people. The Annual Implementation Report on participants below 25 years shows that they represent nearly 30 % of total participants in 2010 (but some projects do not report on age groups). In addition, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-2013 supported a specific operation to promote Youth Entrepreneurship in Greece, for which a call published with a budget of EUR 39.2 million was concluded with actions approved and contracted for EUR 44.11 million (of which EUR 6.6 million of certified expenditure has already been disbursed). The Commission will support the Greek authorities in increasing this measure further.

It is to be noted that the amount of resources that are yet to be allocated to projects standing at around 30 % of the total ESF allocation for the whole programming period is not exceptional at this stage of the programming period.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000628/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Eγκατάσταση και αναβάθμιση πληροφοριακών συστημάτων στις υπηρεσίες του δημοσίου στην Ελλάδα

Σύμφωνα με τις αρμοδιότητες που έχουν ανατεθεί στην ομάδα δράσης για την Ελλάδα (Task Force) επιχειρείται, μεταξύ άλλων, ο περιορισμός της γραφειοκρατίας και ταυτόχρονα η βελτίωση των ελεγκτικών μηχανισμών του κράτους.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(21 Μαρτίου 2012)

Για την αναβάθμιση των πληροφοριακών συστημάτων του δημόσιου τομέα από το 2011 απαιτήθηκαν τα εξής:

Πληροφορίες σχετικά με την ηλεκτρονική διακυβέρνηση και τις υπηρεσίες ΤΠΕ διατίθενται από το διαδίκτυο στη διεύθυνση http://epractice.eu. Οι τελευταίες εξελίξεις των υπηρεσιών ηλεκτρονικής διακυβέρνησης στην ΕΕ-27+ παρουσιάζονται στο διαδίκτυο στη διεύθυνση http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/scoreboard/pillars/societalbenefits/index_en.htm

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000628/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Installation and upgrading of IT systems in Greek Government departments

Under the powers granted to the Task Force for Greece, an undertaking has been made to restrict bureaucracy while at the same time improving the government monitoring mechanisms.

In view of this:

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(21 March 2012)

 % (EU average: 33.5 %). In addition, total payments for the ERDF programme ‘Digital Convergence’ amounted to about EUR 250 million of which EUR 79 million was declared in 2010 and EUR 104 million in 2011.

The upgrading of public sector IT systems since 2011 has involved:

 % (2010) (13 % in 2008; EU average 41 %). The percentage of citizens that submitted electronic files to the public administration (e.g. income declaration) stands at 7 % (2010) (5 % in 2008; EU average 21 %).

Information on e-Government and ICT services is online at http://epractice.eu. The latest progress of e-Government services in the EU‐27+ is online at http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/scoreboard/pillars/societalbenefits/index_en.htm

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000629/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Oικονομική στήριξη νέων που αναζητούν εργασία σε άλλο κράτος μέλος

Στην πρόσφατη έκθεση — πρωτοβουλία της Επιτροπής σχετικά με τις ευκαιρίες για την νεολαία, η Επιτροπή αναφέρει ότι κατά την περίοδο 2012-2013 θα προσφέρει οικονομική υποστήριξη σε 5 000 νέους προκειμένου να βρουν εργασία σε άλλο κράτος μέλος της ΕΕ.

EURES; Πώς διασφαλίζεται η αντικειμενικότητα της επιλογής;

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(2 Μαρτίου 2012)

₫Η πρώτη σας θέση εργασίας μέσω του EURES₻ είναι ένα νέο στοχοθετημένο πρόγραμμα επαγγελματικής κινητικότητας (με τη μορφή προπαρασκευαστικής δράσης), το οποίο έχει ως στόχο να βελτιώσει τις ευκαιρίες απασχόλησης για τους νέους στις ευρωπαϊκές αγορές εργασίας και να ενθαρρύνει τους εργοδότες να καλύψουν κρίσιμες ελλείψεις προσωπικού με νέους μετακινούμενους εργαζομένους. Είναι μία από τις καίριας σημασίας δράσεις της εμβληματικής πρωτοβουλίας ₫Νεολαία σε κίνηση₻ της στρατηγικής ₫Ευρώπη 2020₻ (103) και της πρωτοβουλίας ₫Ευκαιρίες για τους νέους₻ (104).

Αυτό το πρόγραμμα θα παρέχει πληροφόρηση, στήριξη στην αναζήτηση εργασίας, στήριξη στην αντιστοίχιση προσφοράς και ζήτησης εργασίας και οικονομική στήριξη τόσο σε νέους ηλικίας 18-30 ετών που αναζητούν εργασία και οι οποίοι επιθυμούν να εργαστούν σε άλλο κράτος μέλος της ΕΕ όσο και σε επιχειρήσεις (ιδίως ΜΜΕ) που προσλαμβάνουν νέους ευρωπαίους μετακινούμενους εργαζόμενους και προσφέρουν προγράμματα επαγγελματικής ένταξης. Οι θέσεις εργασίας πρέπει να είναι ελάχιστης συμβατικής διάρκειας 6 μηνών. Οι νέοι και οι ΜΜΕ είναι οι τελικοί αποδέκτες της κατ' αποκοπήν χρηματοδοτικής στήριξης. Τα ποσά κυμαίνονται από 500 έως 1 200 ευρώ σύμφωνα με τη χώρα προορισμού. Αυτό αντιπροσωπεύει τη συνεισφορά στα έξοδα ταξιδίου για συνέντευξη στο εξωτερικό και/ή τη μετακίνηση σε άλλη χώρα της ΕΕ για την ανάληψη της θέσης εργασίας, καθώς και τη συνεισφορά στα έξοδα που βαρύνουν τις ΜΜΕ για το πρόγραμμα ένταξης μετακινούμενων εργαζομένων (π.χ. μαθήματα γλώσσας, κατάρτιση σε ήπιες δεξιότητες κ.λπ.).

Το πρόγραμμα αυτό αποσκοπεί στην αντιμετώπιση των ανισορροπιών της αγοράς εργασίας της ΕΕ, με τη διευκόλυνση της προσφοράς και της ζήτησης εργατικού δυναμικού. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι οι προσλήψεις δεν θα διέπονται από προκαθορισμένες εθνικές ποσοστώσεις, αλλά θα είναι το αποτέλεσμα των αναγκών και της προσφοράς των αγορών εργασίας της ΕΕ. Το πρόγραμμα θα υλοποιηθεί από ευρωπαϊκές υπηρεσίες απασχόλησης που επιλέγονται βάσει προσκλήσεων υποβολής προτάσεων. Ένα ευρύ φάσμα υπηρεσιών με προσανατολισμό τον πελάτη θα παρέχεται επιπλέον των επιγραμμικών (online) υπηρεσιών, όπως για παράδειγμα η δικτυακή πύλη EURES. Όπως συμβαίνει με άλλα προγράμματα κινητικότητας που συγχρηματοδοτούνται από την Επιτροπή, οι όροι πρόσβασης για τις ομάδες στόχους θα δημοσιευτούν.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000629/12

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Financial support for young people looking for work in another Member State

In its recent initiative report on opportunities for young people, the Commission states that over the period 2012‐13 it intends to provide financial assistance for 5 000 young people seeking work in another EU Member State.

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2012)

‘Your first EURES job’ is a new targeted job mobility scheme (in the form of a preparatory action) which aims to enhance job opportunities for young people in the European labour markets and to encourage employers to fill bottleneck vacancies with young mobile workers. It is one of the key actions of the Europe 2020 flagship initiative ‘Youth on the Move’ (105) and of the ‘Youth Opportunities Initiative’ (106).

This scheme will provide information, job search, job matching and financial support to both young jobseekers aged 18-30 willing to work in another EU Member State and businesses (SME in particular) recruiting young European mobile workers and providing them with an integration programme. Jobs must have a minimum contractual duration of 6 months. Young people and SMEs are the end-recipients of flat-rate financing support. The rates vary from 500 to 1200 EUR according to the country of destination. This represents a contribution to the costs of an interview trip abroad and/or of moving to another EU country to take up the job as well as to the costs borne by SMEs for the mobile worker's integration programme (e.g. language course, soft skills training, etc.).

This scheme is designed to address EU labour market imbalances by facilitating supply and demand of labour. This means that job placements will not be governed by pre-established country quotas but will be the result of EU labour markets' needs and vacancy offers. It will be implemented by European employment services selected through calls for proposals. A broad range of customer-oriented services will be provided in addition to online services e.g. EURES portal. As is the case with other mobility schemes co-financed by the Commission, access conditions for target groups will be made widely known.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000630/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Rilancio del progetto FAST sulla fusione nucleare

La fusione nucleare è considerata una delle opzioni utili a garantire una fonte di energia di larga scala, sicura, sostenibile e inesauribile. L'Unione europea si è impegnata nella costruzione di ITER, reattore sperimentale a fusione, frutto di una collaborazione internazionale che ha coinvolto Cina, India, USA, Giappone e Corea del Sud.

ITER costituisce un passo deciso verso la dimostrazione della fattibilità scientifica e tecnologica della produzione di energia da fusione termonucleare controllata, mentre il progetto FAST nasce dalla creatività e competenza delle industrie italiane e si pone come obiettivo quello di accompagnare ITER nella sua fase operativa.

In vista del nuovo programma quadro 2014-2018, intende la Commissione destinare risorse alla realizzazione di impianti sperimentali, esistenti o in fase di costruzione come FAST, garantendo un impegno a livello europeo nel rispetto del programma quadro dell'Euratom?

Risposta data da Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(27 febbraio 2012)

Il 30 novembre 2011 la Commissione ha adottato una proposta di ₫regolamento del Consiglio sul programma di ricerca e formazione della Comunità europea dell'energia atomica (2014-2018) che integra il programma quadro di ricerca e innovazione Orizzonte 2020₻ (107) concernente le attività di ricerca in campo nucleare (fusione e fissione) e in materia di radioprotezione. Uno degli obiettivi del programma è ₫avanzare verso la dimostrazione di fattibilità della fusione quale fonte di energia sfruttando impianti di fusione esistenti e futuri₻ (titolo I, articolo 3, paragrafo 2, lettera e)).

La Commissione sta coinvolgendo esperti esterni e le principali parti interessate nella pianificazione strategica del futuro programma di ricerca europeo sulla fusione. Nel 2011 un panel indipendente è stato incaricato di riesaminare ₫l'orientamento strategico del programma dell'Unione europea sulla fusione₻, un documento che illustra l'evoluzione futura del programma sulla fusione al fine di collaborare alla preparazione della proposta della Commissione relativa a Orizzonte 2020. Conformemente alle conclusioni del panel in questione, la Commissione avvierà un dibattito con i suoi partner internazionali sull'eventuale cooperazione in vista dell'avvio di ITER, considerando anche la gestione di JET (108), JT60-SA (109) (nell'ambito dell'accordo sull'approccio allargato con il Giappone) e eventualmente di altri impianti futuri tra cui FAST, a condizione che possa inserirsi in questa più ampia collaborazione dei dispositivi di fusione. Oggi, tuttavia, non è possibile anticipare le conclusioni di queste deliberazioni.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000630/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Acceleration of the FAST nuclear fusion project

Nuclear fusion is considered to be one of the useful options for ensuring a large-scale, safe, sustainable and inexhaustible source of energy. The European Union is committed to the construction of ITER, the international thermonuclear experimental reactor, which is the result of international collaboration involving China, India, the USA, Japan and South Korea.

ITER is a decisive step towards demonstrating the scientific and technological feasibility of the production of energy using controlled thermonuclear fusion, while the FAST project was born from the creativity and competence of Italian industries and aims to accompany ITER in its operational phase.

In view of the new framework programme 2014-2018, does the Commission intend to allocate resources to the development of existing experimental facilities or those that are under construction, such as FAST, ensuring commitment at European level in compliance with the Euratom framework programme?

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

(27 February 2012)

On 30 November 2011, the Commission adopted a proposal for a ‘Council Regulation on the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing the Horizon 2020 proposals’ (110) concerning research activities in nuclear energy (fusion and fission) and radiation protection. One of the objectives of this programme is to ‘move towards demonstration of feasibility of fusion as a power source by exploiting existing and future fusion facilities’ (Title I, Art. 3.2(e)).

The Commission is involving external experts and principal stakeholders in the strategic planning of the future European fusion research programme. An independent panel was asked, in 2011, to review the proposed ‘strategic orientation of the EU fusion programme’, a document outlining the future directions of the fusion programme to assist in the preparation of the Commission proposal for Horizon 2020. In agreement with the conclusions of this panel, the Commission will initiate discussions with its international partners on possible cooperation to prepare for ITER operation, which will take into consideration the exploitation of JET (111), JT60-SA (112) (under the Broader Approach Agreement with Japan) and possible future facilities, of which FAST may be one option provided it can fit into this wider collaboration of fusion devices. However, it is not possible today to anticipate the conclusions of these deliberations.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000631/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Un nuovo Stato in Sudafrica?

Un recente appello da parte di un attivista sudafricano richiede all'Unione europea di riconoscere l'indipendenza dello Stato Afrikaner in Sudafrica.

A detta dell'attivista, ogni giorno vi sono numerosi abusi e violenze da parte del governo sudafricano nei confronti della popolazione ₫boera₻.

Il gruppo indipendentista Afrikaner propone uno Stato indipendente nella provincia di Gauteng, Sudafrica, che comprenda le città di Heidelberg, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Deneysville, Sasolburg, Parys, Fochville e altre piccole città limitrofe. Inoltre, aziende e industrie situate nella provincia menzionata e operanti in diversi settori formerebbero un primo tessuto economico del neo-Stato.

Considerato quanto sopra e che:

può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante riferire quale siano la strategia e la posizione dell'Unione Europea in merito?

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

(10 aprile 2012)

In merito alla questione degli atti di violenza nei confronti degli agricoltori boeri e del razzismo in Sud Africa, si rimanda cortesemente l'onorevole parlamentare alle risposte dell'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente Catherine Ashton alle interrogazioni scritte E-003506/2010, E-003505/2010 e E-005051/2011. L'AR/VP è a conoscenza della situazione riferita dall'onorevole parlamentare.

L'AR/VP ritiene che la costituzione sudafricana offra solide garanzie per combattere gli abusi dei diritti umani e per la salvaguardia dei diritti delle minoranze e sostiene quindi l'integrità territoriale del Sud Africa.

Il dialogo politico serrato con il Sud Africa, anche sui diritti umani, stabilito nell'ambito del partenariato strategico UE-Sud Africa, fornisce all'Unione la possibilità di trasmettere alle autorità sudafricane, quando ritenuto opportuno, messaggi su varie questioni che suscitano preoccupazione come quelle descritte dall'onorevole parlamentare.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000631/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — A new state in South Africa?

A recent appeal by a South African activist calls on the EU to recognise the independence of the ‘Afrikaner State’ in South Africa.

According to the activist, every day there are many incidents of abuse and violence by the South African government towards the Boer population.

An Afrikaner pro-independence group proposes an independent state in the province of Gauteng, South Africa, which would include the cities of Heidelberg, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Deneysville, Sasolburg, Parys, Fochville and other small neighbouring towns. In addition, companies and businesses located in the aforementioned province and operating across various sectors would make up the initial economic fabric of the new ‘state’.

Considering the above and that:

can the Vice‐President/High Representative report on the EU’s strategy and position on this matter?

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

(10 April 2012)

With regard to the issues of violence against white farmers and racism in South Africa, the Honourable Member is kindly referred to answers provided by HR/VP Ashton to Questions E‐003506/2010, E‐003505/2010, E‐005051/2011. The HR/VP is aware of the issue referred to by the Honourable Member.

The HR/VP considers that the South African Constitution offers strong guarantees against human rights' abuses, and safeguards to minorities' rights, and therefore supports the territorial integrity of South Africa.

Close political dialogue with South Africa, including a dialogue on human rights, established under the framework of the EU‐South Africa Strategic Partnership, provides the EU with the opportunity to convey messages to the South African authorities on various issues of concern such as those described by the Honourable Member whenever appropriate.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000632/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — I residenti di Camp Ashraf potrebbero essere trasferiti a Camp Liberty

Secondo le ultime notizie riportate dal Consiglio nazionale della resistenza iraniana (NCRI), il governo di Al Maliki sta equipaggiando l'area di Camp Liberty con materiale da spionaggio per intercettare e controllare i futuri residenti.

Camp Liberty era stato costruito per ospitare giovani soldati statunitensi per un breve periodo. A detta dell'esercito americano, il campo non è adatto a lunghe permanenze e potrebbe causare disordini psicologici a chi vi risiede per tanto tempo.

Inoltre, il governo iracheno intende trasferire gli abitanti di Camp Ashraf in un'area pari solo all'1,5 % del territorio di Camp Liberty. Oltre a limitare lo spazio fisico e ad installare strumenti di controllo e spionaggio, Al Maliki vuole far costruire dei muri che isolino quella parte del campo da tutto il resto. Il governo iracheno intende trasformare il nuovo campo in una vera e propria prigione per gli abitanti di Ashraf.

Al Maliki ritiene che i residenti di Camp Ashraf siano terroristi e criminali, pertanto non vuole che restino nel suo territorio. Entro aprile, a detta del leader iracheno, Camp Ashraf non esisterà più.

La signora Rajavi e l'NCRI denunciano ormai quasi quotidianamente le provocazioni di Al Maliki e la situazione di disagio in cui versano i residenti di Camp Ashraf. Un trasferimento a Camp Liberty potrebbe arrecare uno shock ai più vulnerabili.

Considerati i numerosi appelli alla comunità internazionale e le recenti azioni intraprese da Al Maliki, chiedo al Vicepresidente / Alto Rappresentante quale sia la posizione dell'Unione europea sul trasferimento a Camp Liberty e sulla chiusura di Camp Ashraf.

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

(7 maggio 2012)

L'Unione europea segue attentamente la questione dei profughi di Camp Ashraf, il cui futuro continua a destare preoccupazione. Trattandosi di una questione di diritti umani, occorre che l'UE e la comunità internazionale facciano tutto il possibile per aiutare le Nazioni Unite e il governo iracheno a trovare una soluzione pacifica e legittima.

Per questo motivo l'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente ha più volte ribadito il suo pieno sostegno al processo in corso guidato dalla Missione di assistenza delle Nazioni Unite per l'Iraq e dall'Alto Commissariato per i rifugiati, poiché è chiaro che questa è l'unica strada da seguire affinché l'evacuazione di Camp Ashraf avvenga in modo legittimo.

È essenziale che tutte le parti interessate, così come ogni singolo o gruppo che possa portare un proprio contributo alla questione, collabori pienamente e costruttivamente con le Nazioni Unite.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000632/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Residents of Camp Ashraf could be transferred to Camp Liberty

According to the latest news reports by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), al-Maliki’s government is equipping the Camp Liberty area with surveillance equipment in order to eavesdrop on and monitor future residents.

Camp Liberty was built to accommodate young American soldiers for a short period of time. According to the American army, the camp is not suitable for long stays and may cause psychological problems in those who reside there for a long time.

In addition, the Iraqi Government intends to transfer the residents of Camp Ashraf to an area equal to just 1.5 % of the area of Camp Liberty. In addition to limiting the physical space and installing monitoring and surveillance equipment, al-Maliki wants to build walls to isolate that part of the camp from the rest. The Iraqi Government intends to transform the new camp into a real prison for the residents of Ashraf.

Al-Maliki maintains that the residents of Camp Ashraf are terrorists and criminals and, as such, does not want them to remain on his territory. According to the Iraqi leader, by April, Camp Ashraf will no longer exist.

Ms Rajavi and the NCRI denounce the provocations by al-Maliki and the situation of hardship faced by the residents of Camp Ashraf almost daily. Transfer to Camp Liberty could cause shock to those who are most vulnerable.

Given the numerous appeals to the international community and the recent actions taken by al-Maliki, I ask the Vice‐President/High Representative, what is the position of the European Union on the transfer to Camp Liberty and the closure of Camp Ashraf?

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

(7 May 2012)

The EU follows the issue of the Camp Ashraf residents very closely. Their future continues to be a cause for concern. As a human rights issue, it requires the EU and the international community to do all we can to help the United Nations and the Government of Iraq to find a peaceful and orderly solution.

This is why the High Representative/Vice-President has repeatedly stressed her full support to the ongoing process led by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees. It is clear that this is the only way forward to bring about an orderly evacuation of Camp Ashraf.

It is essential that all concerned parties, as well as every individual or group who can bring any influence to bear on this matter, now cooperate fully and constructively with the United Nations.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000633/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Maree nere: normativa di prevenzione e protezione contro i disastri ambientali

Al largo di Livorno il 17 dicembre 2011 la nave cargo della Grimaldi Lines ha perso in mare 34 tonnellate di catalizzatori contenenti metalli pesanti utilizzati per la lavorazione del petrolio. Ancora oggi ben 198 fusti di sostanze pericolose sono dispersi davanti alle coste toscane, con rischi non ancora ben identificati.

Le 2 300 tonnellate di olio combustibile contenute nello scafo della Costa Concordia arenatosi il 13 gennaio 2012 davanti all'isola del Giglio tengono sotto scacco un’area naturale marina protetta di interesse internazionale.

Tali vicende mostrano ancora una volta la rilevanza dell'intervento dell'Unione europea per la tutela ambientale marina. L'attuale normativa europea necessita di armonizzazione e applicazione uniforme da parte di tutti gli Stati membri, in particolare sotto il profilo della sicurezza, della dissuasione e delle potenzialità reattive di fronte alle emergenze delle ₫maree nere₻, del miglioramento dei controlli da parte delle autorità pubbliche, del rafforzamento delle potenzialità reattive ai disastri, nonché di una maggiore cooperazione internazionale.

Può la Commissione riferire sul processo di armonizzazione e sull'estensione del campo di applicazione delle principali direttive comunitarie in materia di responsabilità ambientale, in particolare della direttiva 2003/105/CE sul controllo di incidenti connessi con sostanze pericolose, della direttiva 2004/35/CE sulla prevenzione e riparazione dei danni, della direttiva 2005/35/CE (modificata dalla direttiva 2009/23/CE) sull’inquinamento dei mari provocato dalle navi, della direttiva 2008/56/CE sulla strategia marina e della direttiva 2008/99/CE sulla tutela penale dell’ambiente?

Risposta data da Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(28 marzo 2012)

La Commissione non dispone di informazioni in merito all’incidente del 17 dicembre 2011.

All’incidente della Costa Concordia avvenuto il 13 gennaio 2012 non si può applicare, allo stadio attuale, la direttiva sulla responsabilità ambientale (113) poiché tale evento rientra nel campo di applicazione della convenzione sull’inquinamento provocato dal carburante delle navi (114), relativa ai danni provocati dalla fuoriuscita o dallo scarico di carburante dalle navi e ai costi per l’adozione di misure ragionevoli di ripristino e prevenzione. Nel 2013-2014 la Commissione intende tuttavia riesaminare le disposizioni che escludono le convenzioni internazionali dal campo di applicazione della direttiva sulla responsabilità ambientale (115).

L’estensione del campo di applicazione dei danni provocati alle acque marine nell’ambito della direttiva sulla responsabilità ambientale è attualmente sottoposta all’iter della procedura legislativa ordinaria (116).

Si applicano inoltre le seguenti direttive: direttiva 2005/35/CE relativa all’inquinamento provocato dalle navi e all’introduzione di sanzioni per violazioni (117), quale modificata dalla direttiva 2009/123/CE (118), al fine di imporre sanzioni efficaci, proporzionate e dissuasive. In linea di principio il diritto penale può essere applicato in tutti gli Stati membri in caso di scarichi illeciti di sostanze inquinanti in mare, qualora ciò avvenga intenzionalmente, per imprudenza o negligenza grave. La direttiva sui reati contro l’ambiente (119) definisce come reati in tutti gli Stati membri gli atti quelli commessi illecitamente, per negligenza grave e che provochino o possano provocare danni rilevanti alla qualità delle acque, della fauna o della flora.

La direttiva quadro sulla strategia per l’ambiente marino (120) non ha una rilevanza diretta nel caso degli incidenti citati, in quanto definisce il quadro per una strategia marina e contiene disposizioni per conseguire un buono stato ambientale delle acque entro il 2020. La proposta di una direttiva Seveso III (121) presentata dalla Commissione non ha l’obiettivo di ampliarne il campo di applicazione rispetto all’attuale direttiva Seveso II (122), che esclude il trasporto di sostanze pericolose.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000633/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Oil spills: rules for prevention and protection against environmental disasters

On 17 December 2011 off the coast of Livorno, a Grimaldo Lines cargo ship lost 34 tonnes of catalysts containing heavy metals used for the processing of oil. Still today, no fewer than 198 containers of dangerous substances remain dispersed off the Tuscan coast, with risks not yet well identified.The 2 300 tonnes of fuel oil held in the hull of the Costa Concordia, which ran aground on 13 January 2012 off the island of Giglio, pose a threat to a protected natural marine area of international interest.

Such events once again demonstrate the importance of intervention by the European Union to ensure the protection of the marine environment. Current European regulations require harmonisation and uniform application by all Member States, particularly in terms of safety, deterrence and response capabilities in the face of oil spill emergencies, the improvement of checks by public authorities, the strengthening of disaster response capabilities and greater international cooperation.

Can the Commission report on the harmonisation process and on the extension of the scope of the main Community directives on environmental responsibility, in particular of Directive 2003/105/EC on control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances, Directive 2004/35/EC on the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, Directive 2005/35/EC (as amended by Directive 2009/23/EC) on ship-source pollution, Directive 2008/56/EC on marine strategy and Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of the environment through criminal law?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2012)

The Commission is not aware of the incident of 17 December 2011.

As to the Costa Concordia incident of 13 January 2012, the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD) (123) is currently not applicable as this issue is covered by the Bunker Oil Convention (124). The latter Convention applies to damage from the escape or discharge of bunker oil from ships, covering costs of reasonable measures of reinstatement and prevention. The Commission will however review in 2013-2014 inter alia the application of the exclusion of international Conventions from the scope of the ELD (125).

The extension of the scope of marine water damage under the ELD is currently subject to the ordinary legislative procedure (126).

The following directives are also applicable: Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for infringements (127) as amended by Directive 2009/123/EC (128) in order to impose effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions. In principle, criminal law can be imposed in all Member States for all illegal discharges of polluting substances into the sea, when committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence. The Environmental Crime Directive (129) defines such acts in all Member States as criminal offences, when committed with serious negligence, unlawfully and causing or likely to cause substantial damage to the quality of water, animals or plants.

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (130) is not directly relevant to the mentioned incidents as it establishes a framework for a marine strategy and provides for a good environmental status of water in 2020. The Commission Proposal for a Seveso III Directive (131) does not seek to extend its scope beyond that of the current Seveso II Directive (132) which excludes transport of dangerous substances.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000634/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Teleriscaldamento: un monopolio da regolare e monitorare

Il teleriscaldamento è una forma di riscaldamento che consiste nella distribuzione di un fluido termovettore attraverso una rete di tubazioni isolate e interrate. Il fluido, che può essere acqua calda surriscaldata o vapore, proviene da una centrale di produzione e arriva alle utenze per poi tornare alla centrale. Quando arriva a destinazione, riscalda l'acqua dell'impianto di riscaldamento delle utenze attraverso uno scambiatore e può anche produrre acqua di uso sanitario. In pratica, lo scambiatore sostituisce la caldaia.

Tra i vantaggi principali vi sono una maggior sicurezza, maggiori benefici ambientali, risparmio energetico e la possibilità di ricorrere alle energie rinnovabili. Significativi sono gli aiuti che arrivano dalla legislazione comunitaria e dagli incentivi nazionali. Un'ulteriore crescita del teleriscaldamento è prevista nei prossimi anni, nel quadro delle politiche europee per il clima, con la valorizzazione di risorse di vario tipo, quali biomasse, rifiuti, calore di scarto di impianti industriali esistenti.

Si tratta, però, di un esemplare caso di monopolio naturale esercitato a livello locale, sia sul piano della teoria economica, sia nella valutazione da parte delle Autorità di regolazione nazionali (Antitrust o Autorità per l’energia) dei Paesi ove il servizio è maggiormente diffuso. Questo perché l'utente finale, una volta effettuato l'allacciamento, non ha, di fatto, la facoltà di cambiare fornitore e, per di più, si trova spesso a dover pagare un servizio la cui tariffa, oltre a differire da rete a rete, non sempre è calcolata o comunicata in maniera trasparente. Infatti, sono già diversi i casi di ricorsi di utenti contro l’innalzamento delle tariffe da parte degli operatori. Purtroppo, il settore sembra ricevere una scarsa regolamentazione a livello nazionale.

In considerazione di quanto sopra esposto, è necessario un successivo attento monitoraggio del settore per evitare comportamenti opportunistici da parte dei fornitori del servizio ed è, conseguentemente, necessaria una regolamentazione europea per promuovere maggiori trasparenza e protezione degli utenti.

Si chiede, quindi, alla Commissione di riferire in merito alla necessità di regolare il settore, considerando le classiche attività di produzione, trasmissione, distribuzione e consumo, per tutelare l'utente finale. Il compito potrebbe essere assegnato ad un soggetto terzo, come l’Autorità per l'energia elettrica e il gas.

Risposta data da Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione

(5 marzo 2012)

La Commissione è consapevole della necessità di migliorare la trasparenza delle norme per la fornitura di servizi di teleriscaldamento e di rafforzare i diritti dei consumatori, in particolare per quanto concerne chiare e precise misurazioni e fatturazioni del riscaldamento e dell'acqua calda sanitaria forniti dalle imprese di teleriscaldamento. La proposta della Commissione di una nuova direttiva sull'efficienza energetica (133) prevede l'obbligo per gli Stati membri di fornire maggiori informazioni sul consumo e sui prezzi tramite la misurazione e la fatturazione e di introdurre regole trasparenti in materia di ripartizione dei costi legati al consumo di calore nei condomini alimentati da sistemi di riscaldamento centralizzati.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000634/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: District heating: a monopoly to be regulated and monitored

District heating is a form of heating that distributes a heat transfer fluid through a network of insulated, buried pipes. The fluid, which may be superheated water or steam, is sourced from a central power station, from where it reaches the consumers before then returning. When it reaches its destination, it heats the water in the consumer’s heating system by means of a heat exchanger and can also produce water for sanitary use. In practice, the heat exchanger replaces the boiler.

Among the main advantages are increased safety, greater environmental benefits, energy savings and the possibility of using renewable energy. Significant aid is received as a result of Community legislation and national incentives. The district heating industry is expected to undergo further growth in the next few years, within the framework of European policies on climate, by making use of various types of resources, such as biomass, waste and waste heat from existing industrial facilities.

It does, however, serve as an exemplary case of a natural monopoly exercised at a local level, both in terms of economic theory and in terms of the assessment by national regulatory authorities (Antitrust or the Regulatory Authority for Electricity and Gas) in countries where use of the service is most widespread. This is because, once connected, the end user is not in fact able to change supplier and, moreover, often has to pay for a service whose price, in addition to varying from network to network, is not always calculated or communicated in a transparent manner. In fact, several cases already exist of complaints from consumers about the increasing of rates by operators. Unfortunately, the sector appears to be poorly regulated at a national level.

In view of the above, subsequent careful monitoring of the sector is necessary in order to avoid opportunistic behaviour by service providers and European regulation is, therefore, necessary in order to promote greater transparency and consumer protection.

The Commission is therefore asked to report on the need to regulate the sector, with reference to traditional production, transmission, distribution and consumption activities, in order to protect the end user. The task could be assigned to a third party, such as the Regulatory Authority for Electricity and Gas.

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2012)

The Commission is aware of the need to improve the transparency of rules for the provision of district heating services and to strengthen consumers’ rights, especially as regards clear and accurate metering and billing of heating and domestic hot water provided by district heating companies. The Commissions’ proposal for a new Energy Efficiency Directive (134) includes an obligation for Member States to strengthen the provision of information on consumption and prices through metering and billing, and to introduce transparent rules on cost allocation for heat consumption in multi-apartment buildings supplied with centralised heat.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000635/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Impiego di prodotti GM in Europa e finanziamenti «Horizon 2020»

₫Horizon 2020₻ e come propone di assicurare che le esigue risorse economiche rispondano all’orientamento dei cittadini europei sul futuro degli alimenti e dell’agricoltura?

Risposta data da Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(29 marzo 2012)

₫Sicurezza alimentare, agricoltura sostenibile, ricerca marina e marittima e bioeconomia₻. Le attività di ricerca nell’ambito della sfida suddetta riflettono molte delle aspettative contenute nella proposta di riforma della PAC sul futuro dei prodotti alimentari e dell’attività agricola, ad esempio ponendo l’accento su sistemi di coltivazione più sostenibili.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000635/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Use of GM products in Europe and ‘Horizon 2020’ funds

‘Horizon 2020’, and how does it propose to guarantee that the scarce economic resources respond to European citizens’ orientations on the future of food and farming?

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

(29 March 2012)

‘Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Marine and Maritime Research, and the Bio-Economy’. The research activities under this societal challenge will reflect upon many of the aspirations set out in the proposed CAP reform on the future of food and farming. This will include e.g. an emphasis upon more sustainable farming systems.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000636/12

προς το Συμβούλιο

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Συμμετοχή ιδιωτικού τομέα στην αναδιάρθρωση του ελληνικού χρέους

Οι διαπραγματεύσεις μεταξύ της ελληνικής πλευράς και των ιδιωτών ομολογιούχων για το PSI συνεχίζονται και αρκετά hedge funds που έχουν επενδύσει σε ελληνικούς τίτλους, απειλούν ότι θα προσφύγουν σε Ευρωπαϊκά Δικαστήρια, σε περίπτωση που η Ελλάδα εισάγει Ρήτρες Συλλογικής Δράσης (Collective Action Clauses — CAC). Ένα από τα βασικά επιχειρήματα που χρησιμοποιούν, είναι η εξαίρεση από το κούρεμα του 50 % των ελληνικών ομολόγων που έχει στην κατοχή της η Ευρωπαϊκή Κεντρική Τράπεζα. Είναι πράγματι οξύμωρο να ζητείται σήμερα ένα κούρεμα 50 % από τους ιδιώτες επενδυτές και να εξαιρείται η ΕΚΤ, η οποία μάλιστα αν εισπράξει το 100 % της αξίας των ελληνικών ομολόγων που αγόρασε στη δευτερογενή αγορά σε τιμές μάλιστα πολύ χαμηλές, θα αποκομίσει υπεραξίες σκανδαλώδους ύψους.

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω, ερωτάται το Συμβούλιο:

Σκοπεύει να προτείνει άμεσα την υπαγωγή και των ομολόγων που έχει η ΕΚΤ στην κατοχή της, σε ανάλογη διαδικασία, ώστε να μειωθεί το χρέος και να αφαιρεθούν τα ₫νομικά₻ επιχειρήματα όσων προτίθενται να προσφύγουν στα διεθνή δικαστήρια;

Απάντηση

(2 Απριλίου 2012)

Στις 26 Οκτωβρίου 2011, οι αρχηγοί κρατών και κυβερνήσεων της ευρωζώνης δήλωσαν ότι είναι ζωτικός ο ρόλος της συμμετοχής του ιδιωτικού τομέα στην εξασφάλιση της βιωσιμότητας του ελληνικού χρέους. Όσον αφορά τη γενική προσέγγιση ως προς τη συμμετοχή του ιδιωτικού τομέα, επιβεβαίωσαν την απόφαση της 21ης Ιουλίου 2011 σύμφωνα με την οποία η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας απαιτεί έκτακτη και μοναδική λύση. Στις 30 Ιανουαρίου 2012, οι αρχηγοί κρατών και κυβερνήσεων υπενθύμισαν ότι η συμμετοχή του ιδιωτικού τομέα στην Ελλάδα αποτελεί έκτακτη και μοναδική περίπτωση.

H φύση και οι όροι του μηχανισμού στήριξης της οικονομικής σταθερότητας διέπονται από διεθνή συμφωνία μεταξύ ορισμένων κρατών μελών της ευρωζώνης, η οποία δεν εμπίπτει στο πεδίο εφαρμογής των συνθηκών της ΕΕ. Οι προϋποθέσεις εκταμίευσης ορίζονται στο Μνημόνιο Συνεννόησης που επισυνάπτεται στη δανειακή σύμβαση μεταξύ των δανειστών και της Ελλάδας. Κατά συνέπεια, το Συμβούλιο δεν είναι σε θέση να σχολιάσει ή να παράσχει πληροφορίες σχετικά με τους όρους του δανείου που εγκρίθηκε δυνάμει της διεθνούς συμφωνίας.

Επιπλέον, σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 130 της ΣΛΕΕ, η ΕΚΤ, κατά την άσκηση των εξουσιών της και την εκτέλεση των καθηκόντων και υποχρεώσεών της, δεν ζητάει ούτε δέχεται υποδείξεις από τα θεσμικά ή λοιπά όργανα ή οργανισμούς ή από την κυβέρνηση κράτους μέλους· τα θεσμικά και λοιπά όργανα ή οργανισμοί της Ένωσης καθώς και οι κυβερνήσεις των κρατών μελών δεν επιδιώκουν να επηρεάζουν τα μέλη των οργάνων λήψης αποφάσεων της Ευρωπαϊκής Κεντρικής Τράπεζας κατά την άσκηση των καθηκόντων τους.

Δεν είναι επομένως αρμόδιο το Συμβούλιο να καθορίσει ειδική αντιμετώπιση για τα ομόλογα που έχει η ΕΚΤ στην κατοχή της, αν δε το Συμβούλιο ή άλλο θεσμικό όργανο της Ένωσης επεδίωκε να επηρεάσει τα μέλη των οργάνων λήψης αποφάσεων της Ευρωπαϊκής Κεντρικής Τράπεζας κατά την άσκηση των καθηκόντων τους, μεταξύ άλλων όσον αφορά τη διαμόρφωση της στρατηγικής ή πολιτικής της σε σχέση με πράξεις αγοράς, αυτό θα αποτελούσε σαφή και άμεση παράβαση της ΣΛΕΕ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000636/12

to the Council

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Participation by the private sector in restructuring the Greek debt

Negotiations between the Greek Government and private counterparts on the PSI are continuing, and several hedge funds that have invested in Greek bonds are threatening to resort to the European courts if Greece introduces Collective Action Clauses — CAC. One of the basic arguments for this threat is the exemption from the 50 % ‘haircut’ for the Greek bonds held by the European Central Bank. It is really perverse to request a 50 % cut in value from private investors but to exempt the ECB from this measure: if the ECB collects 100 % of the value of bonds sold on the secondary market at what will certainly be very low prices, it will make scandalous levels of gains.

Given the above:

Does the Council intend to immediately classify the bonds the ECB holds under a similar procedure, in order to reduce the debt and remove the ‘legal’ undertakings which have led to this threat to resort to the international courts?

Reply

(2 April 2012)

The Heads of State and Government of the euro area stated on 26 October 2011 that private sector involvement has a vital role in establishing the sustainability of Greek debt. As far as the general approach to private sector involvement is concerned, they reiterated their decision taken on 21 July 2011 that Greece requires an exceptional and unique solution. On 30 January 2012 the Heads of State and Government recalled that private sector involvement in Greece is an exceptional and unique case.

The nature and the conditions of the stability support are governed by an international agreement among certain Member States whose currency is the euro, which does not fall within the scope of the EU Treaties. The conditions for disbursement are stipulated in a memorandum of understanding attached to the loan agreement between the lenders and Greece. The Council is not therefore in a position to comment or provide information on the conditions agreed under the international agreement.

Moreover, according to Article 130 of the TFEU, the ECB, in exercising its powers and carrying out its tasks and duties, shall not seek or take instructions from Union institutions, bodies or agencies or from governments of Member States; Union institutions, bodies or agencies and the governments of Member States shall not seek to influence the members of the decision-making bodies of the ECB in the performance of their tasks.

It is therefore not within the scope of the Council's responsibilities to determine a specific treatment to be applied to holdings of bonds by the ECB, and it would be explicitly and directly contrary to the TFEU for the Council or any other Union institution to seek to influence the members of the decision-making bodies of the ECB in the performance of their tasks, including the definition of its strategy or policy with regard to its market operations.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000637/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(30 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Συμμετοχή ιδιωτικού τομέα στην αναδιάρθρωση του ελληνικού χρέους

Οι διαπραγματεύσεις μεταξύ της ελληνικής πλευράς και των ιδιωτών ομολογιούχων για το PSI συνεχίζονται και αρκετά hedge funds που έχουν επενδύσει σε ελληνικούς τίτλους, απειλούν ότι θα προσφύγουν σε Ευρωπαϊκά Δικαστήρια, σε περίπτωση που η Ελλάδα εισάγει Ρήτρες Συλλογικής Δράσης (Collective Action Clauses — CAC). Ένα από τα βασικά επιχειρήματα που χρησιμοποιούν, είναι η εξαίρεση από το κούρεμα του 50 % των ελληνικών ομολόγων που έχει στην κατοχή της η Ευρωπαϊκή Κεντρική Τράπεζα. Είναι πράγματι οξύμωρο να ζητείται σήμερα ένα κούρεμα 50 % από τους ιδιώτες επενδυτές και να εξαιρείται η ΕΚΤ, η οποία μάλιστα αν εισπράξει το 100 % της αξίας των ελληνικών ομολόγων που αγόρασε στη δευτερογενή αγορά σε τιμές μάλιστα πολύ χαμηλές, θα αποκομίσει υπεραξίες σκανδαλώδους ύψους.

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Σκοπεύει να προτείνει άμεσα την υπαγωγή και των ομολόγων που έχει η ΕΚΤ στην κατοχή της, σε ανάλογη διαδικασία, ώστε να μειωθεί το χρέος και να αφαιρεθούν τα ₫νομικά₻ επιχειρήματα όσων προτίθενται να προσφύγουν στα διεθνή δικαστήρια;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Μαρτίου 2012)

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή δεν είναι σε θέση να σχολιάσει τη διαχείριση των χαρτοφυλακίων ομολόγων της από την Ευρωπαϊκή Κεντρική Τράπεζα (ΕΚΤ), σεβόμενη την ανεξαρτησία της ΕΚΤ όπως κατοχυρώνεται στη Συνθήκη.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000637/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Participation by the private sector in restructuring the Greek debt

Negotiations between the Greek Government and private bondholders regarding the PSI are continuing, and several hedge funds that have invested in Greek bonds are threatening to take the matter to the European courts if Greece introduces Collective Action Clauses — CAC. One of their fundamental objections is the exemption from the 50 % ‘haircut’ for Greek bonds held by the European Central Bank. It is totally unreasonable to expect private investors to accept losses of 50 % while exempting the ECB. If the ECB collects 100 % of the value of the Greek bonds purchased by it on the secondary market at what were certainly very low prices, it will make an outrageous profit.

In view of this:

Does the Commission intend immediately to apply similar procedures with regard to the bonds held by the ECB in order to reduce the debt and remove the ‘legal’ objections of those envisaging proceedings before the international courts?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2012)

The European Commission is not in a position to comment on the European Central Bank (ECB)'s management of its bond portfolios, in respect of the ECB's independence as enshrined in the Treaty.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000638/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(30 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Σχέδιο Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής για μεταρρύθμιση του τραπεζικού συστήματος

Στο Agence Europe στις 16.1.2012 αναφέρθηκε ότι η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή και συγκεκριμένα η Γενική Διεύθυνση Εσωτερικής Αγοράς, σχεδιάζει την εφαρμογή νέων μέτρων και μεταρρυθμίσεων που θα αφορούν την ενδυνάμωση του τραπεζικού τομέα στην ΕΕ, την επίτευξη χρηματοοικονομικής σταθερότητας και την αποφυγή τυχόν αρνητικών συνεπειών σε περιόδους στενότητας και κρίσης. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, στο άρθρο του ειδησεογραφικού πρακτορείου, γίνεται λόγος για ₫προετοιμασία ενός σχεδίου για την επίλυση τραπεζικών κρίσεων, το οποίο περιλαμβάνει μια σειρά μέτρων για την αποφυγή πανικού στις αγορές και οικονομικής κατάρρευσης, σε περίπτωση που μια τράπεζα πτωχεύσει₻.

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω, αλλά και το γεγονός ότι μια τέτοια πρωτοβουλία από την πλευρά της Επιτροπής είναι και ενδιαφέρουσα και σημαντική, ειδικά στην τρέχουσα συγκυρία, όπου το ευρωπαϊκό τραπεζικό και χρηματοπιστωτικό σύστημα αντιμετωπίζει μια πολυεπίπεδη κρίση με άμεσα αποτελέσματα στις οικονομίες και τις κοινωνίες των κρατών μελών, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Ποια είναι τα βασικά σημεία του σχεδίου που έχει προετοιμάσει η Γενική Διεύθυνση Εσωτερικής Αγοράς για τη μελλοντική διαχείριση τραπεζικών κρίσεων; Τι μπορεί να κοινοποιηθεί σήμερα από το συγκεκριμένο σχέδιο;

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Μαρτίου 2012)

Τον καιρό αυτό οι υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής ετοιμάζουν πρωτοβουλία για την ανάκαμψη και εξυγίανση των τραπεζών.

Το νέο πλαίσιο αναμένεται να έχει ευρύ πεδίο εφαρμογής. Στόχος του θα είναι να εφοδιάσει τις αρχές με ευρύ φάσμα κοινών και αποτελεσματικών εξουσιών αντιμετώπισης τραπεζικών κρίσεων σε πρώιμο στάδιο και να αποφύγει, στο μέτρο του δυνατού, τη χρήση χρημάτων των φορολογουμένων για τη διάσωση τραπεζών. Η Επιτροπή αναλύει τη σκοπιμότητα ένταξης στο πλαίσιο αυτό των εξής παραμέτρων:

Όλες οι σχετικές πληροφορίες και έγγραφα δημόσιας διαβούλευσης έχουν αναρτηθεί στον δικτυακό τόπο της Επιτροπής, στη διεύθυνση:

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/bank/crisis_management/index_en.htm

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000638/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: The European Commission's banking system reform plan

Agence Europe reported on 16.1.2012 that the European Commission, specifically the Directorate-General for the internal market, is planning to implement new measures and reforms aimed at strengthening the banking sector in the EU, achieving financial stability and avoiding negative impacts in downturn and crisis periods. More specifically, the news agency’s article refers to the ‘preparation of a plan to solve banking crises, consisting of a series of measures to avoid panic in the markets and economic failure when a bank becomes bankrupt’.

In view of the above points, and considering the fact that such an initiative by the Commission is both interesting and important, especially in the current situation, with the European banking and financial system facing a crisis on many fronts — a crisis which is having immediate impacts on the economies and societies of the Member States:

What are the basic points in the plan prepared by the Directorate-General for the future management of banking crises? What can it announce about this plan today?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2012)

An initiative on Bank Recovery and Resolution is currently being prepared by the Commission services.

The new framework should have a broad scope of application. Its objective will be to equip authorities with a wide range of common and effective powers to deal with banking crises at an early stage and to avoid, as far as possible, the use of taxpayers' money to rescue banks. The Commission is analysing the feasibility that the framework includes:

All related information and public consultation documents can be found on the Commission's website at:

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/bank/crisis_management/index_en.htm

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000639/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(30 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Αδειοδότηση χωρίς Μελέτη Περιβαλλοντικών Επιπτώσεων για έργα ανάκτησης και διάθεσης αποβλήτων

Η Ελληνική Βουλή επεξεργάζεται νομοσχέδιο που ενσωματώνει, μεταξύ άλλων, τις οδηγίες 2008/99/EK και 2008/98/EK. Το άρθρο 47 του νομοσχεδίου, προβλέπει ότι ₫μπορεί σε εξαιρετικές περιπτώσεις όταν 1) τίθεται σε σοβαρό και προφανή κίνδυνο η δημόσια υγεία ή ασφάλεια ή 2) διακυβεύεται ουσιαστικά το γενικότερο δημόσιο συμφέρον, να εξαιρείται με απόφαση του υπουργού περιβάλλοντος και κλιματικής αλλαγής, εν όλω ή εν μέρει, ένα έργο ανάκτησης ή διάθεσης αποβλήτων₻ … ₫από τη διαδικασία περιβαλλοντικής αδειοδότησης έργων και δραστηριοτήτων₻. Σε αυτή την περίπτωση η αρμόδια Υπηρεσία για την περιβαλλοντική αδειοδότηση … ₫α) εξετάζει αν ενδείκνυται άλλη μορφή εκτίμησης των επιπτώσεων στο περιβάλλον, β) θέτει στη διάθεση του ενδιαφερομένου κοινού τις πληροφορίες που έχουν αποκτηθεί στο πλαίσιο άλλων μορφών εκτίμησης … γ) ενημερώνει αμελλητί την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή για τους λόγους που δικαιολογούν την παρεχόμενη εξαίρεση₻.

Δεδομένου ότι, μια τέτοια διάταξη, αν περιληφθεί στον τελικό νόμο, εισάγει εξαιρέσεις από την υποχρέωση πραγματοποίησης Μελέτης Περιβαλλοντικών Επιπτώσεων, για έργα ανάκτησης και διάθεσης αποβλήτων, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Είναι σύμφωνη με το κοινοτικό δίκαιο η αδειοδότηση έργου ανάκτησης ή διάθεσης αποβλήτων χωρίς μελέτη εκτίμησης περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων; Αν ναι, σε ποιες περιπτώσεις; Τι είδους έργα, και σε ποιες περιπτώσεις, θα μπορούσαν να εξαιρεθούν; Ποιες άλλες μορφές εκτίμησης των επιπτώσεων στο περιβάλλον υπάρχουν;

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(7 Μαρτίου 2012)

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 2 παράγραφος 4 της οδηγίας 2011/92/ΕΕ για την εκτίμηση των επιπτώσεων ορισμένων σχεδίων δημοσίων και ιδιωτικών έργων στο περιβάλλον (137), τα κράτη μέλη μπορούν, σε εξαιρετικές περιπτώσεις, να εξαιρούν το σύνολο ή μέρος συγκεκριμένου έργου από τις διατάξεις της οδηγίας. Στην εν λόγω οδηγία καθορίζονται οι διαδικασίες τις οποίες οφείλουν να ακολουθούν τα κράτη μέλη και η Επιτροπή, σε περίπτωση εξαίρεσης από την εκτίμηση περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων με επίκληση των διατάξεων του άρθρου 2 παράγραφος 4.

Η Επιτροπή έχει εκδώσει έγγραφο κατευθύνσεων (138), για να βοηθήσει τις εθνικές αρχές στη λήψη αποφάσεων σχετικά με τον χρόνο και τον τρόπο εφαρμογής της παραγράφου 4 του άρθρου 2 της οδηγίας για την εκτίμηση των περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων.

Η πείρα που έχει αποκτηθεί από την εφαρμογή δείχνει ότι γίνεται χρήση της ανωτέρω εξαίρεσης όταν υπάρχει επείγουσα και ουσιαστική ανάγκη για κάποιο έργο, κυρίως σε περιπτώσεις έκτακτης ανάγκης προστασίας των πολιτών. Στα είδη έργων που εξαιρούν τα κράτη μέλη περιλαμβάνονται κυρίως έργα προστασίας ακτών ή αποκατάστασης ζημιών σε λιμένες μετά από πλημμύρες ή θύελλες, καθώς και η κατασκευή εγκαταστάσεων διαχείρισης αποβλήτων.

Μέχρι σήμερα, η Επιτροπή δεν έχει ενημερωθεί για το νομοσχέδιο. Δεδομένου ότι ο συγκεκριμένος νόμος αποσκοπεί στην ενσωμάτωση της οδηγίας 2008/98/EC (139) στο εθνικό δίκαιο, η Ελλάδα οφείλει να κοινοποιήσει τις διατάξεις του στη Επιτροπή σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 40 της ίδιας οδηγίας. Η Επιτροπή θα τις εξετάσει τότε λεπτομερώς για να κρίνει αν συμβιβάζονται με την ενωσιακή νομοθεσία.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000639/12

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Authorisation for waste recovery and disposal project without an environmental impact assessment

The Greek Parliament is drawing up a bill to incorporate Directives 2008/99/EC and 2008/98/EC, among others. Article 47 of the bill states that ‘in exceptional circumstances, where (1) a serious and clear danger to public health and safety is posed or (2) the general public interest is essentially at stake, a waste recovery and disposal project may be exempted, in whole or in part, by decision of the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change,…..from the procedure to authorise works and activities’. In this situation, the relevant department for environmental planning… ‘(a) shall examine whether another form of environmental impact assessment is advisable, (b) shall make available to the members of the public concerned the information it has obtained using other forms of assessment…(c) shall promptly inform the European Union of the reasons justifying the exemption in question’.

Given that such a provision, if it becomes law, introduces exemptions from the obligation to carry out environmental impact assessments for waste recovery and disposal works:

Does the Commission consider that the authorisation of waste recovery and disposal works without an environmental impact assessment complies with Community law? If so, under what circumstances? What type of project could be exempted and under what circumstances? What other environmental impact assessment procedures are available?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2012)

Article 2(4) of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (140) provides that Member States may, in exceptional cases, exempt specific projects in whole, or in part, from the provisions of the directive. The directive specifies which procedures must be followed by Member States and by the Commission when an exemption from environmental impact assessment is invoked under Article 2(4).

The Commission has issued a guidance document (141), in order to assist national authorities in deciding when and how Article 2(4) of the EIA Directive should be applied.

On the basis of the implementation experience, it appears that this exemption is used when there is an urgent and substantial need for a project, mainly in situations of civil emergency; the types of projects exempted by Member States mainly include works for protecting coasts or rehabilitating ports following flooding or storms, as well as the construction of waste management installations.

The Commission has no information so far on the proposed bill. As this law aims at transposing Directive 2008/98/EC (142), Greece would have to communicate it to the Commission, in accordance with Article 40 of the directive. The Commission would then assess its compatibility with the EU legislation in detail.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000640/12

alla Commissione

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Furto di materiale radioattivo da una centrale nucleare egiziana

Il 19 gennaio, il quotidiano britannico Daily Telegraph ha riportato la notizia secondo cui è stata sottratta una cassa contenente materiale radioattivo dalla centrale nucleare di Dabaa, mentre un'altra cassa è stata invece forzata e ne è stata prelevata una parte del contenuto. La centrale, attualmente in costruzione, si trova lungo la costa nord-occidentale dell’Egitto.

Secondo il quotidiano egiziano al-Ahram, il governo ha allertato le autorità di sicurezza e ha chiesto l’intervento di squadre specializzate nella ricerca del materiale sottratto. Almeno dieci persone sono rimaste ferite la settimana scorsa, quando la polizia militare è intervenuta per cercare di disperdere i manifestanti e gli abitanti della zona, principalmente beduini, secondo i quali, per costruire l’impianto nucleare, è stata confiscata loro la terra. Un agente delle forze di sicurezza ha riferito che vi sono stati lanci di pietre tra la polizia e i manifestati, a cui è seguito uno scontro a fuoco dopo che i manifestanti hanno demolito un muro che circonda il sito.Secondo al-Ahram,il personale dell’impianto si è rifiutato di recarsi sul posto visto il peggioramento delle condizioni di sicurezza.

Risposta data da Andris Piebalgs a nome della Commissione

(13 marzo 2012)

La Commissione è stata informata dell'accaduto dall'Agenzia internazionale dell'energia atomica, secondo la quale, in base alle informazioni in suo possesso, l'incidente riguarda quattro sorgenti di calibrazione a bassa attività. Il tasso di radiazioni emesso da queste sorgenti di piccole dimensioni sarebbe quindi molto ridotto e non rappresenterebbe un pericolo per la sicurezza pubblica, ammesso che i cittadini vengano adeguatamente informati della situazione.

La Commissione non ha ricevuto richieste di assistenza per il caso e al momento non sta valutando azioni da intraprendere.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000640/12

to the Commission

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Radioactive material stolen from Egyptian nuclear power station

On 19 January, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported that a safe containing radioactive material at the Dabaa nuclear power plant had been seized, while another safe containing radioactive material had been broken open and part of its contents taken. The plant, which is currently under construction, is located on Egypt’s North-West coast.

Egypt’s al-Ahram newspaper reported that the government has alerted the security authorities and asked for specialised teams to help search for the stolen material. At least a dozen people were wounded last week when military police tried to disperse residents and protestors who are mainly Bedouin and claim that their land has been confiscated in order to build the nuclear plant. One security force official reported that soldiers and demonstrators hurled stones at each other, and gunfire was exchanged after protestors demolished a wall surrounding the site. Al-Ahram reported that staff at the plant have refused to go to the site because of the worsening security situation.

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2012)

The Commission was informed by the International Atomic Energy Agency that, according to their information, the incident concerns four low activity calibration sources. The dose rates from such small sources would be very low and pose little to no safety risk if the public is properly made aware of the situation.

The Commission was not requested to provide assistance on the case and is not considering taking any action at this stage.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000641/12

alla Commissione

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Persecuzione dei cristiani in Corea del Nord

Si stima che in Corea del Nord vivano diverse centinaia di cristiani. Sebbene la Costituzione del paese garantisca il diritto alla libertà di pratica religiosa, i cristiani sono soggetti a misure restrittive. Chiunque violi le restrizioni religiose imposte dal governo può essere accusato di spionaggio e di attività antigovernative. Secondo la rivista ₫Foreign Policy₻, i dissidenti nordcoreani stabilitisi in Corea del Sud hanno denunciato l'esecuzione di amici o vicini di casa che erano stati trovati in possesso di una Bibbia.

Secondo il rapporto internazionale sulla libertà religiosa 2011 pubblicato dal Dipartimento di Stato degli Stati Uniti, le organizzazioni per la difesa dei diritti umani attive fuori dal paese hanno segnalato l'arresto, il pestaggio, la tortura e l'uccisione di membri di chiese clandestine a causa del loro credo religioso. Si calcola che nei campi di prigionia politica siano recluse tra le 150 000 e le 200 000 persone, molte delle quali detenute per motivi religiosi. I profughi e i dissidenti che sono stati in carcere affermano che i prigionieri detenuti a causa del loro credo religioso subiscono in genere un trattamento peggiore rispetto agli altri detenuti.

Vi sono inoltre diverse segnalazioni relative all'arresto di membri dei gruppi evangelici operanti in Cina, ai quali sono state inflitte aspre punizioni. Le autorità nordcoreane cercano attivamente di limitare le attività religiose lungo i confini con la Cina. Nel maggio 2010 un'ONG sudcoreana ha riferito che nella provincia meridionale di Pyongan 23 cristiani sono stati arrestati con l'accusa di appartenere a una chiesa clandestina. Stando a quanto riferito, tre di loro sono stati giustiziati, mentre gli altri sono stati inviati al campo di prigionia politica di Yoduk. Inoltre, nel giugno 2009 alcuni attivisti sudcoreani impegnati per la difesa dei diritti umani hanno segnalato che una donna di 33 anni è stata giustiziata pubblicamente in una città nei pressi del confine cinese dopo essere stata presumibilmente accusata di spionaggio.

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

(16 marzo 2012)

L'UE è estremamente preoccupata per la situazione dei diritti umani nella Repubblica popolare democratica di Corea (RPDC) caratterizzata, fra l'altro, da gravi e frequenti violazioni della libertà di culto. La risoluzione dell'Assemblea generale delle Nazioni Unite sulla situazione dei diritti umani nella RPDC, adottata nel dicembre 2011 con un numero di voti favorevoli senza precedenti (123) e sostenuta dall'UE, affronta diverse questioni specifiche fra cui le persistenti segnalazioni di violazioni gravi e sistematiche della libertà di culto. Oltre a promuovere questo tipo di risoluzioni sin dal 2004, l'UE solleva regolarmente questioni inerenti ai diritti umani nell'ambito del suo dialogo politico con la RPDC, che continua però a respingere la sua proposta di istituire un dialogo specifico sui diritti umani.

L'accesso all'informazione nella RPDC è estremamente limitato. Il paese preclude totalmente la presenza di osservatori stranieri e rifiuta di riconoscere il mandato del relatore speciale dell'ONU sulla situazione dei diritti umani nella RPDC, di concedergli l'accesso al suo territorio o di includerlo in un qualsiasi tipo di collaborazione.

Nella dichiarazione rilasciata il 20 dicembre 2011 in seguito al decesso di Kim Jong Il, l'AR/VP ha espresso l'auspicio che la nuova leadership si adoperi per migliorare la situazione dei diritti umani nella RPDC, sottolineando che l'UE è pronta ad assistere il paese nella realizzazione di questo obiettivo.

L'UE applica attualmente una vasta gamma di misure restrittive nei confronti della RPDC, in applicazione delle risoluzioni 1718 e 1874 del Consiglio di sicurezza delle Nazioni Unite.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000641/12

to the Commission

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Persecution of Christians in North Korea

There are estimated to be many hundred Christians in North Korea. Although the country’s constitution guarantees the right to practice religion freely, Christians are subject to strict measures. Anyone violating the religious restrictions imposed by the government may be accused of spying and anti-government activities. According to the periodical ‘Foreign Policy’, there are reports from North Korean defectors based in South Korea that friends or neighbours found with a Bible in their possession have been executed.

According to the US State Department’s 2011 International Religious Freedom Report, human rights groups outside the country have provided reports that members of underground churches have been arrested, beaten, tortured and killed because of their religious beliefs. There are an estimated 150 000 to 200 000 people believed to be held in political prison camps, including many detained on religious grounds. Refugees and defectors who have been in prison have stated that prisoners held on the basis of their religious beliefs have generally been treated worse than other inmates.

It is also widely reported that persons who engage with evangelical groups operating in China have been arrested and harshly punished. The North Korean authorities are actively looking to halt religious activities on the Chinese border. In May 2010, a South Korean NGO reported that 23 Christians had been arrested for belonging to an underground church in South Pyongan Province. It is reported that three were executed and the others sent to Yoduk political prison camp. In June 2009, in addition, South Korean human rights activists reported that a 33-year-old woman had been publicly executed in a town close to the Chinese border, having allegedly been accused of spying.

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

(16 March 2012)

The EU is deeply concerned about the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), including the all pervasive and severe restrictions on the freedom of religion. In the EU‐sponsored Resolution of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, adopted in December 2011 with an unprecedented level of support (123 votes in favour), one of the specific issues raised is the persistence of continuing reports of systematic widespread and grave violations of freedom of religion. Such Resolutions have been initiated by the EU since 2004. In addition, the EU regularly raises human rights concerns as part of its political dialogue with the DPRK. However, the DPRK continues to reject the EU proposal to hold a specific human rights dialogue.

Access to information in the DPRK is extremely limited. The country is entirely closed to foreign observers. It also refuses to recognise the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, to grant him access to the country or to extend any form of cooperation to him.

In the HR/VP's statement of 20 December 2011 following the death of Kim Jong Il, she expressed the hope that the new leadership will work to improve the human rights situation in the DPRK and underlined the EU readiness to assist the DPRK in the pursuit of that objective.

The EU currently applies a wide range of restrictive measures on the DPRK, in application of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000642/12

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Attacchi alle chiese sull'isola di Zanzibar (Africa orientale)

Il 13 gennaio, il servizio di informazione cristiano Compass Direct News riferiva la notizia della distruzione di due edifici religiosi avvenuta nel mese di dicembre per opera di un gruppo di estremisti islamici sull’isola semiautonoma di Zanzibar. Il 3 dicembre, una chiesa evangelica a circa 12 km dalla città di Zanzibar è stata distrutta dalle fiamme. Secondo il pastore della chiesa, accorso alla scena, gli aggressori in fuga gridavano ₫non vogliamo chiese in questa zona!₻.

Il vescovo responsabile della chiesa, Daniel Kwilembe, ha affermato che le autorità dell’arcipelago a maggioranza musulmana non adottano in genere alcun provvedimento in risposta ai crimini [sic] contro i cristiani. Secondo il vescovo della chiesa evangelica pentecostale di Zanzibar, Fabian Obedi, ₫gli atti incendiari delle chiese per mano dei musulmani sono piuttosto frequenti a Zanzibar, ma il governo non reprime questo genere di distruzione dei luoghi di culto cristiani.₻.

Prima dell’attacco del 2 dicembre, la chiesa siloe di Kianga, anch’essa poco distante da Zanzibar, è stata distrutta da un gruppo di estremisti islamici. Gli aggressori hanno fatto incursione nel luogo di culto armati di mazze, martelli, torce e spade e l’hanno demolito in tre ore. L’arrivo della polizia non è servito a fermarli e ora i membri della chiesa non hanno un luogo in cui riunirsi.

Questi attacchi alle chiese sono gli ultimi di una lunga serie. Durante l’estate almeno tre edifici religiosi sono stati distrutti dalle fiamme in questa regione dell’Africa orientale.

Zanzibar ha una popolazione di circa 700 000 persone e si contano una sessantina di congregazioni cristiane.

Può il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante chiedere alle autorità dell’isola di aumentare la protezione dei gruppi religiosi che sono presi di mira dagli attacchi orchestrati dai fondamentalisti islamici?

il Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante fornire informazioni sulla natura dei sempre più frequenti attacchi ai cristiani? Esistono per esempio collegamenti con altri gruppi estremisti islamici, come al-Shabaab, attivo nella regione del Corno d’Africa?

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

(27 marzo 2012)

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente (AR/VP) Catherine Ashton è a conoscenza di avvenimenti come quelli descritti nell'interrogazione. Le relazioni della delegazione UE, compresa quella sulla recente Strategia per i diritti umani in Tanzania 2011, forniscono un resoconto sulla libertà di religione e di credo in Tanzania.

L'AR/VP è pienamente consapevole della centralità della libertà di religione nell'agenda dell'Unione europea in materia di diritti umani ed è a conoscenza delle preoccupazioni del Parlamento al riguardo espresse in numerose risoluzioni. Nel 2011 l'AR/VP ha espressamente incaricato la delegazione UE di monitorare attentamente le limitazioni alla libertà di religione e di credo in linea con le recenti conclusioni del Consiglio del 21 febbraio 2011, che invitavano a formulare proposte concrete per rafforzare ulteriormente l'azione dell'UE in tal senso. Ciò consentirà una valutazione più chiara degli sviluppi in atto a livello regionale o globale e aiuterà in modo più efficace l'UE a elaborare strategie per combattere intolleranza e persecuzione.

La delegazione UE ha recentemente effettuato una missione a Zanzibar per comprenderne meglio la situazione politica e anche l'intensificarsi del radicalismo islamico, e ha incontrato i leader delle comunità mussulmane e cristiane per discutere delle tensioni locali.

La delegazione continuerà a monitorare le recenti tendenze del radicalismo islamico a Zanzibar, che pare sia legato all’influenza esercitata sui giovani da studiosi che si sono formati nel Medio Oriente in un ambiente islamico più conservativo, come quello del Wahabismo. A Zanzibar la disoccupazione giovanile, la povertà e i drastici cambiamenti dei modelli socioculturali tradizionali dovuti ai flussi turistici potrebbero indurre al radicalismo giovani ₫vulnerabili e arrabbiati₻. Non sono stati segnalati collegamenti a gruppi radicali specifici come Al-Shabaab.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000642/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Fiorello Provera (EFD)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Attacks on churches on the East African island of Zanzibar

On 13 January, the Christian news service Compass Direct News reported that in December Islamic radicals destroyed two church buildings on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. On 3 December, an Evangelical church about 12 km outside Zanzibar town was torched and burned and, according to the church’s pastor who arrived on the scene, the assailants fled shouting ‘we do not want a church in this area!’

The bishop of the church, Daniel Kwilembe, said that authorities on the predominantly Muslim archipelago tend to take no action on crimes [sic] against Christians. Another bishop, Fabian Obedi of the Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Zanzibar, also noted that ‘Muslims are burning our church buildings quite frequently here in Zanzibar, but the government is not speaking against this kind of destruction of our church premises.’

Prior to the attack on 2 December, the Siloam church in Kianga, which is also close to Zanzibar town, was demolished by a group of Islamic radicals. The group entered the church building with clubs, hammers, torches and swords, and tore it down in three hours. The arrival of the police did not stop them. The church’s congregation was left without anywhere to attend a service.

These attacks are the latest in a string of attacks directed against churches. During the summer, at least three churches were burnt down across this region of East Africa.

Zanzibar has an estimated population of 700 000, with approximately sixty Christian congregations.

Ali Mohamed Shein, with the assistance of EU officials on the ground? Is the High Representative/Vice-President prepared to ask the Zanzibar authorities to improve the protection of church groups vulnerable to attacks orchestrated by Muslim fundamentalists?

High Representative/Vice-President able to provide information on the nature of the increase in anti-Christian attacks? Are there, for example, any links with other radical Islamist groups such as al-Shabaab, which is active across the Horn of Africa?

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

(27 March 2012)

The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) is aware of incidents of the type raised in the question. The EU Delegation reports, including the recent Tanzania Human Rights Strategy 2011, give an account of the situation of the freedom of religion and belief (FORB) in Tanzania.

The HR/VP is fully aware of the centrality of religious freedom to the human rights agenda and is conscious of the Parliament's concerns in this area as expressed in numerous resolutions. The HR/VP has explicitly instructed the EU Delegations in 2011 to monitor more closely restrictions on FORB in line with the most recent Council conclusions of 21 February 2011, which called for proposals to further strengthen the EU action in this regard. This will assist in giving clearer assessment of whether there are regional or global trends and better help the EU to formulate strategies to combat intolerance and persecution.

The EU Delegation has recently carried out a mission to Zanzibar to gain a better understanding of the political situation in Zanzibar including rise in Islamic radicalisation, and met with Muslim and Christian leaders to discuss local tensions.

The Delegation will continue to follow recent trends in Islamic radicalisation in Zanzibar, which is reportedly linked to youth becoming influenced by scholars who received their education in the Middle East in more conservative Islam, such as Wahabism. Youth unemployment and poverty in Zanzibar including drastic changes to traditional social and cultural patterns due to the flow of tourism may push ‘vulnerable and angry’ youth to radicalisation. No links to specific radical groups such as Al-Shabaab have been reported.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-000645/12

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej / Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Piotr Borys (PPE), Jolanta Emilia Hibner (PPE), Danuta Jazłowiecka (PPE), Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE), Paweł Zalewski (PPE), Krzysztof Lisek (PPE), Artur Zasada (PPE) oraz Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE)

(27 stycznia 2012 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – W sprawie wyjaśnień tragicznych wydarzeń w Kazachstanie w grudniu 2011 r.

W związku z tragicznymi wydarzeniami, jakie miały miejsce w dniach 16-18 grudnia 2011 r. w mieście Zhanazoen (Zachodni Kazachstan) zwracamy się do wiceprzewodniczącej/wysokiej przedstawiciel z prośbą o odpowiedź na następujące pytania:

Odpowiedź udzielona przez Wysoką Przedstawiciel i Wiceprzewodniczącą Komisji Catherine Ashton w imieniu Komisji

(19 marca 2012 r.)

Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca oraz podległe jej służby uważnie śledzą sytuację w Kazachstanie. Niezwłocznie po tym, jak doszło do burzliwych wydarzeń w tym kraju, rzecznik Wysokiej Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodniczącej wystosował oświadczenie będące wyrazem niepokoju i wzywające do natychmiastowego śledztwa w sprawie wydarzeń oraz pokojowego rozwiązania problemu strajkujących pracowników sektora naftowego. ESDZ i delegatura UE w Astanie pozostawały w stałym kontakcie z władzami Kazachstanu, nalegając, by przeprowadzono przejrzyste i obiektywne śledztwo w sprawie wydarzeń, oraz wzywając je do wypełnienia obowiązków i zobowiązań międzynarodowych, w szczególności w odniesieniu do nowych przepisów nadzwyczajnych w obszarze wolności wypowiedzi, stowarzyszeń i zgromadzeń. W dniu 2 lutego Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca spotkała się ministrem spraw zagranicznych Kazachstanu Jerżanem Kazychanowem. Podczas spotkania zwróciła się o szczegółowe informacje na temat dochodzenia oraz więzienia działaczy opozycji i dziennikarzy. Wyraziła również poważne zaniepokojenie zaistniałą sytuacją. Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca zaproponowała także pomoc UE w rozwiązaniu problemów społecznych i gospodarczych, jakie dotknęły pracowników sektora naftowego, w drodze trójstronnego dialogu społecznego. W odniesieniu do uwięzionego lidera niezarejestrowanej partii „Alga” Władimira Kozłowa w dniu 9 lutego UE wystosowała démarche, prosząc również o spotkanie z zatrzymanym i o informacje na temat jego stanu zdrowia. Władze Kazachstanu obiecały, że pozwolą pracownikom delegatury UE odwiedzić go w areszcie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000645/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Piotr Borys (PPE), Jolanta Emilia Hibner (PPE), Danuta Jazłowiecka (PPE), Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE), Paweł Zalewski (PPE), Krzysztof Lisek (PPE), Artur Zasada (PPE) and Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Clarification of the tragic events in Kazakhstan in December 2011

Further to the tragic events which occurred in the town of Zhanaozen (western Kazakhstan) between 16 and 18 December 2011:

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

(19 March 2012)

The High Representative/Vice-President and her services closely follow the situation in Kazakhstan. Immediately after the violent events, HR/VP’s spokesperson published a statement expressing concerns and calling for immediate investigation of the events, and peaceful solution to the situation of the striking oil workers. EEAS and the EU Delegation in Astana have been in regular contact with the authorities pressing for a transparent and objective investigation of the events and calling on Kazakhstan to uphold its international obligations and commitments, especially regarding the new ‘extraordinary’ laws, in the fields of freedom of expression, association and assembly. The HR/VP met with the Kazakh FM Kazykhanov on 2 February, where she asked about the details of the investigation, imprisonment of opposition activists and a journalist, expressing serious worry about the situation. HR/VP also offered EU’s help to resolve the social and economic problems faced by oil workers, through social / tripartite dialogue. On the imprisonment of the leader of the unregistered Alga party, Mr Kozlov, the EU carried out a demarche on 9 February, also asking for access to Mr Kozlov and information about his health. Kazakh authorities promised to allow the EU delegation to visit Mr Kozlov in detention.

(Verżjoni Maltija)

Mistoqsija għal tweġiba bil-miktub E-000646/12

lill-Kummissjoni

Louis Grech (S&D)

(27 ta' Jannar 2012)

Suġġett: Implimentazzjoni tal-leġiżlazzjoni dwar l-iskart tal-UE

Skont studju tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea ppubblikat riċentament, l-implimentazzjoni sħiħa tal-leġiżlazzjoni dwar l-iskart tal-UE tista’ tiffranka EUR 72 biljun fis-sena, iżżid il-fatturat annwali tas-settur tal-ġestjoni u r-riċiklaġġ tal-iskart tal-UE bi EUR 42 biljun u toħloq “il fuq minn 400 000 impjieg sal-2020. Barra minn hekk, l-istudju wera li l-attivitajiet illegali konnessi mal-iskart fl-Istati Membri qegħdin jirriżultaw f’opportunitajiet mitlufa ta” tkabbir ekonomiku u li spezzjonijiet nazzjonali aktar effettivi u għarfien akbar dwar il-ġestjoni tal-iskart iġibu magħhom titjib kbir.

Ir-Regolament tal-Istatistika tal-Iskart tal-Unjoni Ewropea (KE) Nru 2150/2002, li daħal fis-seħħ f’Novembru 2002, jesiġi li l-Istati Membri jipprovdu data lill-Kummissjoni Ewropea kull sentejn dwar il-ġenerazzjoni u t-trattament tal-iskart, bl-għan li jkun żgurat monitoraġġ aħjar tal-implimentazzjoni tal-politika tal-Komunità dwar il-ġestjoni tal-iskart permezz ta’ data regolari, komparabbli, aġġornata u rappreżentattiva dwar il-ġenerazzjoni, ir-riċiklaġġ, l-użu mill-ġdid u r-rimi ta’ skart fi kwalunkwe Stat Membru partikolari.

Tweġiba mogħtija mill-Kumissarju Šemeta f'isem il-Kummissjoni

(2 ta' Marzu 2012)

L-aħħar kontribuzzjoni ta’ Malta fil-ġbir tad-dejta bbażat fuq ir-Regolament dwar l-Istatistika tal-Iskart (143) wasal fit-13 ta’ Settembru 2010 u jkopri s-sena ta’ referenza 2008.

Peress li r-Regolament jeżiġi li d-dejta titwassal 18-il xahar wara l-perjodu ta’ referenza, dan ifisser li din id-dejta twasslet xahrejn u nofs tard.

Fl-4 ta’ Novembru 2010 u fid-29 ta’ April 2011, intbagħtu reviżjonijiet ta’ dawn is-settijiet ta’ dejta .

Kien hemm bżonn ta' xi kjarifika dwar id-distinzjoni bejn l-iskart tal-metall u l-vetturi mormija fis-sett ta' dejta dwar il-ġenerazzjoni tal-iskart. Madankollu, il-kwalità ġenerali tad-dejta kienet tajba.

Il-ġenerazzjoni totali tal-iskart (l-attivitajiet ekonomiċi kollha flimkien mad-djar) f’Malta fl-2004 kienet:

3 015 032 tunnellata; 2006: 2 733 875 tunnellata u fl-2008: 1 330 219 tunnellata.

Il-ġenerazzjoni tal-iskart f’Malta hija ddominata l-aktar mill-iskart minerali, b’82,5 % tal-iskart kollu ġġenerat f’Malta ġej mill-attivitajiet ta' bini u demolizzjoni fl-2008. (2006: 91 %, 2004: 93 %)

It-tnaqqis qawwi fil-ġenerazzjoni tal-iskart osservat fl-2008 kien ikkawżat mit-tnaqqis tal-iskart minerali minn attivitajiet ta’ demolizzjoni.

Id-dejta hija disponibbli pubblikament fuq il-websajt tal-Eurostat — iċ-ċentru tad-Dejta dwar l-iskart (144).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000646/12

to the Commission

Louis Grech (S&D)

(27 January 2012)

Subject: Implementation of EU waste legislation

According to a recently published European Commission study, full implementation of EU waste legislation would save EUR 72 billion a year, increase the annual turnover of the EU waste management and recycling sector by EUR 42 billion and create over 400 000 jobs by 2020. Furthermore, the study revealed that illegal waste operations in Member States are resulting in missed opportunities for economic growth and that stronger national inspections and better knowledge about waste management would bring about major improvements.

The European Union Waste Statistics Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002, which came into force in November 2002, requires all Member States to provide data to the European Commission every two years on the generation and treatment of waste, the objective being to ensure better monitoring of implementation of Community policy on waste management through regular, comparable, up-to-date and representative data on the generation, recycling, re-use and disposal of waste in any given Member State.

Answer given by Commissioner Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2012)

Malta’s last contribution to the data collection based on the Waste Statistics Regulation (145) was received on 13 September 2010, covering reference year 2008.

As the regulation requires data delivery 18 months after the reference period, the delivery was late by two and a half months.

Revisions of these datasets were sent on 4 November 2010 and 29 April 2011.

There was some clarification necessary on the distinction between metal waste and discarded vehicles in the dataset on waste generation. However, the overall quality of the data was good.

The total waste generation (all economic activities plus households) in Malta was in 2004:

3 015 032 tonnes; 2006: 2 733 875 tonnes and in 2008: 1 330 219 tonnes.

Generation of waste in Malta is strongly dominated by mineral waste, with 82,5 % of all waste generated in Malta coming from construction and demolition activities in 2008. (2006: 91 %, 2004: 93 %)

The strong decline in waste generation observed in 2008 was driven by the reduction of mineral waste from demolition activities.

The data is publicly available on the Eurostat website — Data centre on waste (146).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000647/12

alla Commissione

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(30 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Scatola nera nelle automobili

In molti paesi europei, soprattutto in un contesto economico di crisi, si sta diffondendo il fenomeno delle truffe nei confronti delle agenzie assicurative. Questo fenomeno incide sempre più sull'aumento delle polizze assicurative che, però, sono pagate da tutti gli utenti. A rimetterci in questo caso sono i cittadini onesti.

Esiste un congegno, tuttavia, in grado di registrare l'attività dei veicoli: una sorte di scatola nera per le automobili. Il dispositivo è composto essenzialmente da una scatolina, della grandezza di un pacchetto di sigarette o poco più, da posizionare in un posto non visibile, ad esempio nel cruscotto o nel vano motore. Questa scatola raccoglie, memorizza ed elabora i dati sulla posizione del veicolo, la sua velocità, il tempo di utilizzo e le rotte, ricevuti da alcuni sensori. Successivamente li trasferisce a un sistema di raccolta dati, presso una centrale operativa, terza rispetto alla compagnia assicurativa. La scatola è alimentata dal sistema elettrico dell'automobile ma, se la batteria si scarica, possiede un'autonomia propria. Inoltre il suo distacco dal normale sito viene segnalato in centrale, in quanto equivale a un tentativo di furto. Le assicurazioni applicano sconti fino al 15 % per le vetture che dispongono di questo apparecchio.

Alla luce dei fatti sopraesposti, può la Commissione far sapere se:

Risposta data da Siim Kallas a nome della Commissione

(28 febbraio 2012)

In relazione al primo quesito dell'onorevole parlamentare in materia di frode nel settore delle assicurazioni, la Commissione non è a conoscenza di questa presunta pratica. Inoltre, la lotta contro la frode nel settore delle assicurazioni rientra tra le competenze degli Stati membri.

Per quanto riguarda i registratori di dati relativi ad eventi incidentali, spesso denominati scatole nere, la Commissione provvederà ad esaminare e valutare il valore aggiunto della loro installazione, in particolare sui veicoli professionali, al fine di migliorare la sicurezza stradale e tener conto del relativo impatto socioeconomico.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000647/12

to the Commission

Sergio Paolo Frances Silvestris (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: ‘Black box’ for cars

Insurance fraud is a growing problem in many EU countries, particularly in the current economic crisis. The insurance premiums of all policy-holders are continually increasing as a result, meaning that honest people are losing out.

However, there is a device which can record vehicle activity: a kind of ‘black box’ for cars. It consists primarily of a small box, more or less the size of a packet of cigarettes, which is placed somewhere out of sight, for example on the dashboard or in the engine compartment. The box collects, records and processes data received by a number of sensors, concerning the vehicle’s location and speed, the duration of use and the routes taken. It then transfers this data to a collection system within an operations centre separate from the insurance company. The box is powered by the car’s electrical system, but can function autonomously if the battery goes flat. The operations centre is notified if it is removed from its normal location, since this amounts to attempted theft. Insurance companies apply discounts of up to 15 % for cars fitted with such devices. In the light of the above, can the Commission say whether:

1.it is aware of the alarming situation with regard to insurance fraud?

2.it intends to require car manufacturers to sell vehicles fitted with a black box, with a view to containing insurance premiums?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2012)

In relation to the Honourable Member's first question concerning insurance fraud the Commission is not aware of this alleged practice. Moreover, the Member States are responsible for combating insurance fraud.

Concerning event data recorders, often referred to as ‘black boxes’, the Commission will examine and consider the added value of its installation, especially on professional vehicles, with the aim of improving road safety and taking into account its socioeconomic impact.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-000649/12

to the Commission

Seán Kelly (PPE)

(26 January 2012)

Subject: Early termination of Alternative Energy Requirement VI Power Purchase Agreements

Can the Commission confirm that it permitted the Irish Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to allow Alternative Energy Requirement VI Power Purchase Agreement holders to terminate their contracts early without penalty and at very considerable cost to the Irish electricity consumer?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2012)

In general, it is up to a Member State to decide how it designs a state aid measure which it subsequently notifies to the Commission in accordance with Article 108(3) of the Treaty. It is in principle also up to the Member State to decide how the aid is financed. The role of the Commission in the field of state aid is limited to the assessment whether the aid measure as designed and notified by the Member State is compatible with the EU internal market.

The Irish authorities notified in November 2003 the Alternative Energy Requirement scheme VI to the Commission. The Commission assessed whether the measure fulfilled the conditions laid down in the 2001 Environmental Aid Guidelines and approved the scheme by way of a decision in August 2004 (147).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-000650/12

alla Commissione

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(30 gennaio 2012)

Oggetto: Risposta: Strategia europea in materia di invalidità e la legge italiana 102/2009

In merito all'interrogazione scritta E-010848/2011 e alla risposta ricevuta dalla Commissione in data 22.12.2011, si ritiene che la Commissione non abbia propriamente risposto alla domanda posta, in quanto si ritiene che la legge italiana in materia di invalidità 102/2009 violi apertamente i diritti umani, divenendo pertanto oggetto di pertinenza della Commissione.

Questa normativa, infatti, comporta molti disagi per il cittadino disabile, in quanto tutti i casi che in prima istanza vengono riconosciuti meritevoli di una prestazione economica (indennità di frequenza, assegno di invalidità, indennità di accompagnamento), o con handicap grave, vengono riconvocati a visita diretta dall'INPS, sottoponendo il cittadino disabile a una doppia visita, e sospendendo, nel tempo che intercorre fra la prima e la seconda, il contributo economico.

Si interroga pertanto la Commissione per sapere se non ritiene che questa normativa nazionale sia lesiva dei diritti e della dignità della persona disabile, riconosciuta unanimemente una risorsa con pari opportunità (relazione di Ádám Kósa (P7_TA(2011)0453) sulla mobilità e l'integrazione delle persone con disabilità).

Non ritiene altresì gravemente dannoso e oneroso il fatto che tra i due controlli effettuati dall’autorità competente venga sospeso il contributo economico, considerando che possono passare anche diversi mesi?

Risposta data da Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(27 febbraio 2012)

La Commissione rinvia l'Onorevole Parlamentare alla risposta all'interrogazione scritta E-010848/2011 (148).

La Convenzione delle Nazioni Unite sui diritti delle persone con disabilità (in appresso ₫la Convenzione₻) si applica all'UE nei limiti delle competenze attestate nella Dichiarazione di cui all'allegato II della decisione 2010/48/CE del Consiglio del 26 novembre 2009 relativa alla conclusione della Convenzione. La Dichiarazione elenca gli atti comunitari con cui gli Stati membri, in conformità con i trattati UE, hanno trasferito all'Unione competenze nei settori rientranti nell'ambito della Convenzione.

La protezione sociale dei disabili e la concessione delle relative indennità sono materie principalmente di competenza degli Stati membri. In questo settore, la Commissione non ha competenza a valutare la compatibilità di una legge nazionale o di misure nazionali con la Convenzione delle Nazioni Unite.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000650/12

to the Commission

Mario Mauro (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Response: European Disability Strategy and Italian Law 102/2009

The Commission reply of 22 December 2011 to Written Question E‐010848/2011 is unsatisfactory, given that Italian Law 102/2009 on disability is clearly an infringement of human rights, and hence a matter for the Commission.

This law, in fact, makes life difficult in many ways for citizens with disabilities, as all those initially judged to be entitled to benefits (attendance allowance, disability allowance, helper allowance), or suffering from severe disabilities, are being summoned once again for a direct examination by the INPS, subjecting disabled persons to two examinations and suspending their benefits for the period between them.

Does the Commission therefore consider that this national legislation is affecting the rights and dignity of the disabled, who are universally recognised as members of society who are entitled to equal opportunities (report Ádám Kósa (P7_TA(2011)0453) on mobility and inclusion of people with disabilities)?

Does it not also consider the suspension of benefits between the two medical examinations performed by the competent authority to be a particularly harsh and oppressive measure, given that the interim period may be as much as several months?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐010848/2011 (149).

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (hereafter referred to as ‘the Convention’) applies to the EU within the limits of its competences attested by the Declaration of Competence in Annex II of Council Decision 2010/48/EC of 26 November 2009 concluding the Convention. This Declaration lists the Community acts by which the Member States under the EU Treaties have transferred competences to the Union in areas covered by the Convention.

Social protection of persons with disabilities, including the provision of disability-related allowances, is foremost a matter falling within the competence of the Member States. In this area, the Commission has no competence to make an assessment of compatibility of a national law or of national measures with the UN Convention.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000652/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(30 de enero de 2012)

Asunto: Morosidad del Gobierno español con las Comunidades Autónomas

El pasado mes de diciembre de 2011, el Gobierno del Reino de España decidió no pagar —no hacer efectiva la transferencia— al Gobierno Catalán y, por lo tanto, éste último no pudo pagar lo que fija la Ley a terceros. La suma, sólo por este concepto, fue de más de 1 000 millones de euros. Debido a este incumplimiento del contrato por una de las partes, esto es, del Gobierno español, el Govern de Catalunya no pudo pagar los servicios que dichos terceros prestaron dentro de los plazos establecidos en el contrato.

A esto, se añade un estudio presentado por Roubini, http://www.roubini.com/analysis/168965.php, el cual muestra que de los tres principales fondos —convergencia, suficiencia y fondos garantizados—, sólo el 61 % del total que se tenían que haber pagado en 2011, por parte del Gobierno del Reino de España a las regiones, fueron abonados a final del tercer trimestre de 2011.

Según se recoge en la Ley 22/2009, de 18 de diciembre, sobre el modelo de financiación de las Comunidades Autónomas de régimen común, por la que se regula el sistema de financiación de las Comunidades Autónomas de régimen común y Ciudades con Estatuto de Autonomía y que recoge el Acuerdo del Consejo de Política Fiscal y Financiera de las Comunidad Autónomas, de 15 de julio del año 2009.

Teniendo en cuenta la Directiva 2011/7/EU sobre morosidad y, en especial, en lo que se refiere a los considerandos 9 y 11, y a los artículos 2 y 4, y con el añadido de que el Gobierno español ya había hecho efectiva dicha transferencia otros años, y teniendo en cuenta el semestre europeo.

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-000653/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(30 de enero de 2012)

Asunto: Morosidad de la Administración pública

Según se recoge en la Ley orgánica aprobada en el año 2007 por los Parlamentos Catalán y Español, Estatut d'Autonomia de Catalunya y, en concreto, en su Disposición Adicional Tercera, apartado 1, donde se dice que ₫La inversión del Estado en Cataluña en infraestructuras, excluido el Fondo de Compensación Interterritorial, se equiparará a la participación relativa del producto interior bruto de Cataluña con relación al producto interior bruto del Estado para un periodo de siete años. Dichas inversiones podrán también utilizarse para la liberación de peajes o construcción de autovías alternativas₻.

El pasado mes de diciembre de 2011, el Gobierno del Reino de España decidió no pagar —no hacer efectiva la transferencia— al Gobierno Catalán y, por lo tanto, este último no pudo pagar lo que fija la ley a terceros. La suma, sólo por este concepto, fue de 759 millones de euros. Debido a este incumplimiento del contrato por una de las partes, esto es, del Gobierno español, el Govern de Catalunya no pudo pagar los servicios que estos prestaron cuando así se establecía en el contrato.

Teniendo en cuenta la Directiva 2011/7/EU sobre morosidad y, en especial, en lo que se refiere a los considerandos 9 y 11, y a los artículos 2 y 4.

Respuesta conjunta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(19 de marzo de 2012)

La Directiva 2000/35/CE, por la que se establecen medidas de lucha contra la morosidad en las operaciones comerciales (150), está en vigor y se derogará el 16 de marzo de 2013. En consecuencia, todas las preguntas relativas al incumplimiento de la nueva Directiva 2011/7/UE (151) se analizarán en el contexto de la Directiva aplicable en la actualidad.

La Directiva 2000/35/CE se aplica a todas las transacciones comerciales entre los poderes públicos y las empresas, y entre las empresas. Por tanto, las transacciones entre los poderes públicos (por ejemplo, el Gobierno español) no entran dentro del ámbito de aplicación de esta Directiva.

Como se ha indicado en anteriores respuestas (152), la Directiva 2000/35/CE no armoniza los plazos de pago, tan solo regula las consecuencias de la morosidad. La existencia de morosidad en el pago por parte de una administración pública a un proveedor por el suministro de bienes o servicios debe determinarse de acuerdo con la normativa nacional aplicable y el contrato entre la administración y el proveedor en cuestión. En caso de morosidad, y de conformidad con el artículo 3, apartado 1, de la Directiva 2000/35/CE, el proveedor podrá reclamar intereses de demora, salvo si la legislación nacional o el contrato contiene disposiciones más favorables para el acreedor.

Los poderes públicos deben dar ejemplo y respetar sus contratos. A este respecto, deberían consignar en su presupuesto los créditos para gastos y pagar a tiempo a sus acreedores. La Directiva 2011/7/UE y, lo que es más importante, la armonización del plazo de pago por parte de los poderes públicos, animarán a estos a mejorar sus sistemas de gestión.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000652/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Late payment by the Spanish Government to the autonomous communities

In December 2011, the Government of the Kingdom of Spain decided not to pay — i.e. not to transfer funds to — the Catalan Government, so the latter was unable to meet its legal obligations to third parties. The sum involved was in excess of EUR 1 billion. Owing to this failure by one of the parties — that is, the Spanish Government — to comply with the contract, the Government of Catalonia was unable to pay for some of the services provided for it by third parties within the periods laid down in the contract.

In addition to this, a study by Roubini, http://www.roubini.com/analysis/168965.php, shows that only 61 % of the total that the Government of the Kingdom of Spain should have sent to the regions in 2011 from the three key funds — convergence, sufficiency and guarantee — was paid in the third quarter of 2011.

This matter is governed by Law 22/2009, of 18 December, which regulates the system for funding autonomous communities that fall under the standard scheme and cities with statutes of autonomy and which incorporates the Agreement of the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council of the Autonomous Communities of 15 July 2009.

In view of Directive 2011/7/EU on late payment and, specifically, recitals 9 and 11 of the preamble and Articles 2 and 4, given that the Spanish Government had already effected this transfer in other years, and in light of the European semester,

Question for written answer E-000653/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Late payment by public authorities

The organic law adopted in 2007 by the Catalan Parliament and the Spanish Parliament on the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, specifically paragraph 1 of its Third Additional Provision, states that ‘State investment in infrastructure in Catalonia shall be equal to the relative share of Catalonia’s gross domestic product in the gross domestic product of the State for a period of seven years. These investments may also be used for eliminating tolls or for construction of alternative expressway roads’.

In December 2011, the Government of the Kingdom of Spain decided not to pay — i.e. not to transfer funds to — the Catalan Government, so the latter was unable to meet its legal obligations to third parties. The sum involved was EUR 759 million. Owing to this failure by one of the parties — that is, the Spanish Government — to comply with the contract, the Government of Catalonia was unable to pay for some of the services provided, even though it was obligated to do so by the contract.

In view of Directive 2011/7/EU on late payment and, specifically, recitals 9 and 11 of the preamble and Articles 2 and 4,

Joint answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2012)

Directive 2000/35/EC on combating late payment in commercial transactions (153) is in force and will be repealed on 16 March 2013. Therefore all questions concerning the breach of the new Directive 2011/7/EU (154) will be analysed against the background of the currently applicable Directive.

Directive 2000/35/EC applies to all commercial transactions between public authorities and undertaking, and between undertakings. Therefore, transactions between public authorities (e.g. Spanish Government) fall outside the scope of the directive.

As mentioned in previous correspondence (155), Directive 2000/35/EC does not harmonise payment periods but only regulates consequences of late payment. To determine whether a payment by a public authority to a supplier for the purchase of products or services is late, it should be examined in the light of the applicable national rules and the contract between the authority and the supplier or service provider. In case of late payment and according to Article 3(1) of Directive 2000/35/EC the supplier may claim interest for late payment, unless the national law or the contract contains more favourable provisions for the creditor.

Public authorities should lead by example and honour their contracts. Moreover, public authorities should schedule the credits for expenditure in its budget and pay its creditors on time. Directive 2011/7/EU, and most importantly the harmonisation of the payment period for public authorities, will motivate public authorities to upgrade their management systems.

(Danske udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-000656/12

til Kommissionen

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(1. februar 2012)

Om: Fødevaresikkerhed

I Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten fredag d. 20/1 2012 refereres der til et nyt EU‐direktiv, som vil forhindre lokale slagtere i at sælge deres produkter uden for en radius af præcis 50 kilometer fra deres virksomhed. Det kommer eksempelvis til at betyde at slagtere på Bornholm ikke må sælge kød udenfor øen, og sønderjyske slagtere ikke må sælge deres produkter uden for Sønderjylland.

I Tyskland derimod er radiusgrænsen derimod 100 kilometer, og i Frankrig er den 80 kilometer.

Kan Kommissionen be‐ eller afkræfte ovenstående og i bekræftende fald finder Kommissionen sådanne regler hensigtsmæssige for udviklingen og markedsføringen af egns‐ og specialitetsprodukter?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af John Dalli

(6. marts 2012)

EU‐lovgivningen om særlige hygiejnebestemmelser for animalske fødevarer (156) finder ikke anvendelse på detailvirksomheder, der leverer til andre detailvirksomheder, når der i overensstemmelse med national ret er tale om en ₻marginal, lokal og begrænset₫ (157) aktivitet.

Nævnte EU‐lovgivning indeholder ikke nærmere bestemmelser om, inden for hvilken radius detailvirksomhederne kan operere. Det er op til medlemsstaterne at fastsætte nationale forskrifter herom. De nationale bestemmelser skal dog respektere begrebet ₻marginal, lokal og begrænset₫ og skal meddeles til Kommissionen og de øvrige medlemsstater.

Dette begreb, som er omhandlet i Kommissionens vejledning (158), udspringer af princippet om, at detailvirksomheder, hvis aktiviteter hovedsagelig består i at levere til den endelige forbruger, bør kunne afsætte deres produkter lokalt og derfor ikke beskæftiger sig med handel over lange afstande, som kræver mere tilsyn og overvågning, navnlig hvad angår transport‐ og kølekædeforhold.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000656/12

to the Commission

Jens Rohde (ALDE)

(1 February 2012)

Subject: Food safety

On Friday 20.1.2012, the Danish daily newspaper Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten reported that a new EU Directive will prevent local butchers from selling their produce outside a radius of precisely 50 km from their businesses. This will, for example, mean that butchers on the island of Bornholm may not sell their meat anywhere but on the island, and butchers in Southern Jutland may not sell their produce outside Southern Jutland.

In Germany, on the other hand, the radius is 100 km and in France it is 80 km.

Can the Commission either confirm or deny the above and, if it is true, does the Commission feel these rules are appropriate for the development and marketing of locally sourced and speciality products?

Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2012)

EU legislation laying down specific hygiene rules for products of animal origin (159) does not apply to retail establishments supplying to other retail establishments when this activity, in accordance with national law, is ‘marginal, localised and restricted’ (160).

The referred EU legislation does not contain detailed provisions in relation to specific distances within which retail establishments can operate. It is a competence of Member States to lay down national legislation on this subject. However, national legislation must respect the notion of ‘marginal, localised and restricted’ and must be notified to the Commission and other Member States.

That notion, as referred in the Commission's Guidance Document (161), stems from the principle that retail establishments supplying the final consumer as their main trade should be able to trade their products locally and so are not engaged in long distance trade which requires more attention and supervision in particular as regards transport and cold chain conditions.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000657/12

an die Kommission

Elisabeth Köstinger (PPE)

(30. Januar 2012)

Betrifft: Gefahrenrelevante Eigenschaften von Abfällen und das Europäische Abfallverzeichnis

Ein Abfall gilt als gefährlicher Abfall, wenn dieser eine oder mehrere der in Anhang III der Richtlinie 2008/98/EG (Abfallrahmenrichtlinie) angeführten gefährlichen Eigenschaften aufweist. Anhang III der Abfallrahmenrichtlinie verweist auf zwei chemikalienrechtliche Richtlinien. Die chemikalienrechtlichen Regelungen wurden mittlerweile durch neue Regelungen, die REACH-Verordnung (VO (EG) Nr. 1907/2006) und die CLP-Verordnung (VO (EG) Nr. 1272/2008), ersetzt. Ferner wird das Europäische Abfallverzeichnis einer Revision unterzogen. Eine Änderung der gefahrenrelevanten Eigenschaften hat auch Auswirkungen auf das Europäische Abfallverzeichnis, das hinsichtlich der Festlegung eines Abfalls als gefährlicher Abfall verbindlich ist.

Von der Europäischen Kommission wurde eine Experten-Arbeitsgruppe einberufen, in der die Arbeiten zur Revision des Verzeichnisses und zu den gefahrenrelevanten Eigenschaften wegen diesem Zusammenhang parallel verlaufen.

Ein vom österreichischen Umweltministerium im Oktober 2011 veranstalteter Workshop hat aufgezeigt, dass bei Anwendung der neuen chemikalienrechtlichen Kriterien bei einigen Abfallströmen ein höherer Anteil an gefährlichen Abfällen zu erwarten ist, z. B. Baurestmassen, Pflanzenaschen, Aschen, Schlacken.

Neben den Anforderungen des Abfallregimes an gefährliche Abfälle (z. B. Begleitscheinpflicht bei der Übergabe gefährlicher Abfälle), könnten Konsequenzen u. a. die Anwendung des IPPC-Regimes, Seveso oder das Erfordernis einer Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung bei der Behandlung gefährlicher Abfälle sein. Daneben befürchten z. B. die Biomasseanlagen ein Imageproblem bei der Aufbringung von Pflanzenaschen als gefährlichen Abfall zu Düngezwecken auf dem Boden.

Wann wird von der Kommission ein Impact Assessment erstellt, in dem u. a. über die Auswirkungen auf die Einstufung (Anzahl der gefährlichen Abfälle) sowie auf die Abfallwirtschaft generell näher eingegangen wird? Welche Abfallströme werden betroffen sein? Führt diese Änderung zu einer Steigerung der Menge an gefährlichen Abfällen? In welchem Ausmaß betreffen diese Änderungen die Ausbringung von Asche auf landwirtschaftlich genutzten Flächen?

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(15. März 2012)

Die Kommission prüft derzeit in einer Arbeitsgruppe mit Sachverständigen aus den Mitgliedstaaten eine Änderung der in Anhang III der Richtlinie 2008/98/EG (162) aufgeführten gefährlichen Eigenschaften sowie der Entscheidung 2000/532/EG über ein Abfallverzeichnis (163). Es ist zu vermerken, dass die Methode für die Bewertung der Gefährlichkeit von Abfall weitgehend der Methode entspricht, nach der die Gefährlichkeit von Stoffen (d. h. Regelwerk für Chemikalien) bestimmt wird, wie in der Erläuterung 1 in Anhang III der Richtlinie 2008/98/EG hervorgehoben wird. Da sich die Rechtsvorschriften für Chemikalien weiterentwickelt haben, ist die Definition gefährlicher Eigenschaften entsprechend anzupassen.

Es wurde eine Reihe von Abfallströmen ermittelt, die aufgrund der Überarbeitung der gefährlichen Eigenschaften möglicherweise als gefährlich eingestuft werden könnten. Diese Abfallströme werden derzeit auf ihre potenziellen wirtschaftlichen und ökologischen Auswirkungen hin analysiert. Die Analyse bezieht sich auf die Abfallströme, die im Rahmen des vom österreichischen Umweltministerium ausgerichteten Workshops ermittelt wurden, und auf einige zusätzlich von den Mitgliedstaaten vorgeschlagenen Abfallarten. Sollte es sich abzeichnen, dass infolge der vorgeschlagenen Änderungen weitere Abfallströme als gefährlich einzustufen sind, so wird die Kommission die Analyse auch auf diese Abfälle ausweiten. Die Kommission kann nicht ausschließen, dass der als gefährlich eingestufte Abfall infolge der Überarbeitung mengenmäßig variieren wird. Mögliche Auswirkungen der Änderungen auf die derzeitige Ausbringung von Asche auf landwirtschaftlich genutzte Flächen werden zur Zeit geprüft.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000657/12

to the Commission

Elisabeth Köstinger (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Properties of waste which render it hazardous and the European Waste Catalogue

Waste is regarded as hazardous if it exhibits one or more of the properties listed in Annex III to Directive 2008/98/EC (Framework Directive on Waste). That Annex III refers to two directives laying down provisions on chemicals. Those provisions have since been replaced by new regulations, the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) and the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008). In addition, the European Waste Catalogue is undergoing revision. A change to the properties which render waste hazardous also has implications for the European Waste Catalogue, which is binding with regard to the classification of a waste as hazardous.

An expert working group has been set up by the Commission in which the work on the revision of the catalogue and that on the revision of the properties of waste which render it hazardous will run in parallel, given the link between them.

A workshop hosted by the Austrian Ministry of the Environment in October 2011 demonstrated that the application of the new criteria is likely to result in a higher percentage of waste in a number of streams, e.g. construction waste, plant ash, ashes and slag, being classified as hazardous.

In addition to the requirements laid down as part of the rules concerning hazardous waste (e.g. obligation to provide a tracking document when handing over hazardous waste), other consequences could be the application of the IPPC or SEVESO regime or the requirement to carry out an environmental impact assessment in connection with the handling of hazardous waste. In addition, biomass plants, for example, fear an image problem in connection with the spreading of plant ash (now classified as hazardous waste) as fertiliser.

When will the Commission draw up an impact assessment which examines in greater detail the implications for the classification of waste (number of types of hazardous waste) and on waste management in general? Which waste streams will be affected? Will this change lead to an increase in the volume of hazardous waste? To what extent will these changes affect the spreading of ash on farmland?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 2012)

The Commission is discussing an amendment of the hazardous properties defined in Annex III to Directive 2008/98/EC (164) and of Decision 2000/532/EC on the List of Waste (165) in a working group of Member State Experts. It is to be noted that the methodology for assessing the hazardousness of wastes is to a large extent analogous to the methodology applied for the assessment of the hazardousness of substances (i.e. the chemicals legislation) as highlighted in Note 1 to Annex III to Directive 2008/98/EC. Given that the chemicals legislation has evolved, the definitions of the hazardous properties have to be adapted accordingly.

A number of waste streams have been identified that could potentially become hazardous as a result of the review of the hazardous properties. For these waste streams an analysis of the potential economic and environmental effects is ongoing. The analysis is being performed for the waste streams identified during the workshop hosted by the Austrian Ministry of the Environment and some additional waste types proposed by Member States. Should other waste streams be likely to become hazardous as a result of the proposed changes, the Commission intends to extend the analysis also to these wastes. The Commission cannot rule out the possibility that the amount of wastes classified as hazardous may vary in some cases as a result of the review. Potential impacts of the changes on the ashes that are currently spread on farmland are currently being assessed.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-000658/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Spyros Danellis (S&D)

(30 Ιανουαρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Mέτρα που αφορούν τον κλάδο της κρουαζιέρας

Tο ναυάγιο του κρουαζιερόπλοιου ₫Costa Concordia₻ έχει προκαλέσει την αναστάτωση του επιβατικού κοινού, θέτοντας ταυτόχρονα σε αμφιβολία την επάρκεια της συνθήκης ναυτικής ασφάλειας SOLAS, του Διεθνούς Ναυτιλιακού Οργανισμού. Ο ΔΝΟ έχει εκφράσει τη πρόθεσή του να επανεξετάσει την ασφάλεια της νέας γενιάς κρουαζιερόπλοιων, ενώ οι ναυτικές αρχές των κρατών μελών πρέπει και αυτές να αντλήσουν συμπεράσματα από το ναυάγιο. Την ίδια στιγμή όμως, οι αναλυτές προειδοποιούν πως ο κλάδος της κρουαζιέρας, ο οποίος τα τελευταία χρόνια αναπτύσσεται συνεχώς και παρέχει εκατοντάδες χιλιάδες θέσεις εργασίας, μπορεί να υποστεί σοβαρό πλήγμα, αφού μεταξύ άλλων διανύουμε την περίοδο των κρατήσεων.

Αξίζει να σημειωθεί πως το 95 % του παγκόσμιου στόλου κρουαζιερόπλοιων ναυπηγούνται σε ναυπηγεία της Ευρώπης τα οποία, σύμφωνα με τον κλάδο, προμηθεύονται το 99 % των υλικών από ευρωπαϊκές βιομηχανίες. Επομένως, δεδομένης της ανάγκης να συντηρηθεί η ανάπτυξη του κλάδου, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Kallas εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(28 Φεβρουαρίου 2012)

Ως προς τα κανονιστικά μέτρα που συνιστά η ομάδα δράσης, η Επιτροπή ενέκρινε, τον Σεπτέμβριο 2011, πρόταση οδηγίας με την οποία τροποποιείται η οδηγία σχετικά με την εκπαίδευση και την πιστοποίηση των ναυτικών (2008/106/ΕΚ (170)), προκειμένου να ευθυγραμμιστεί με τις τροποποιήσεις του 2010 στη σύμβαση STCW (171), ενώ την άνοιξη του 2012 αναμένεται να υποβληθεί στο Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο και το Συμβούλιο πρόταση για τη θέση σε εφαρμογή της οδηγίας 2009/13/ΕΚ (172) (με την οποία ενσωματώνεται μέρος της σύμβασης για τη ναυτική εργασία στην ενωσιακή νομοθεσία).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000658/12

to the Commission

Spyros Danellis (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Measures relating to the cruise shipping sector

The shipwreck of the Costa Concordia cruise vessel has triggered alarm among passengers and would-be passengers, at the same time casting doubt on the adequacy of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)'s SOLAS convention on the Safety Of Life At Sea. The IMO has announced its intention of re-examining the safety of the new generation of cruise ships, and the maritime authorities of IMO member countries must also draw conclusions from this shipwreck. At the same time, however, analysts are warning that the cruise shipping sector, which in recent years has undergone continuous expansion and employs hundreds of thousands of people, may suffer a serious blow, not least now that we are in the middle of the booking season.

It is worth noting that 95 % of the world's cruise shipping fleet is built in European shipyards which, according to industry sources, obtain 99 % of their materials from European manufacturers. Thus, given the necessity of maintaining growth in this sector:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2012)

As for the regulatory actions recommended by the Task Force, the Commission adopted in September 2011 a proposal for a directive amending the directive on training and certification of seafarers (2008/106/EC (177)) in order to bring it in line with the 2010 Amendments to the STCW Convention (178), while a proposal for enforcing Directive 2009/13/EC (179) (integrating part of the Maritime Labour Convention into EC law) is expected to be submitted to Parliament and Council during the spring 2012.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000659/12

adresată Comisiei

Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

(30 ianuarie 2012)

Subiect: Propunerile privind PAC și micii fermieri

Propunerea Comisiei pentru reforma PAC prevede planuri pentru o schemă de ajutoare destinată micilor fermieri în conformitate cu care fermierii urmează să primească o plată anuală cuprinsă între 500 de euro și 1 000 de euro. Aceștia urmează să fie scutiți de obligațiile de ecologizare și să facă obiectul unor obligații de ecocondiționalitate mai puțin stringente.

Este de părere Comisia că o plată cuprinsă între 500 de euro și 1 000 de euro ar putea fi mai puțin decât ar putea pretinde altfel micii fermieri pe baza schemei alternative de plăți directe?

Ar putea crea propunerile o situație în care fermierii să fie tentați să ia mai puțini bani pentru a evita obligațiile de ecologizare și de ecocondiționalitate și, prin urmare, să devină mai săraci din punct de vedere financiar și să nu fie încurajați să întreprindă acțiuni care ar putea avea un efect pozitiv asupra mediului?

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(8 martie 2012)

În ceea ce privește prima întrebare, vă rugăm să țineți cont de faptul că această schemă este facultativă. Fermierii pot decide în 2014 dacă doresc să participe sau nu, iar după unul sau mai mulți ani de participare vor avea posibilitatea să revină la schema „normală” prevăzută la titlul III al propunerii (180). În cazul acesta, nu vor mai avea dreptul de a participa din nou.

Cu privire la a doua întrebare, întrucât obiectivul principal al schemei este simplificarea, nu există nicio condiție suplimentară legată de valoarea sau nivelul plății în comparație cu schema „normală”. În consecință, este adevărat că, teoretic, un fermier poate decide să participe la schemă, deși ar fi beneficiat de un nivel mai ridicat al plăților directe în schema „normală”. De asemenea, este adevărat că, în scopul simplificării, beneficiarii schemei pentru micii fermieri vor fi scutiți de controalele privind ecologizarea și ecocondiționalitatea și vor depune o cerere simplificată.

În practică, în cadrul schemei actuale, micii fermieri pot deja să beneficieze de scutiri în ceea ce privește sancțiunile pentru nerespectarea ecocondiționalității, spre exemplu ca urmare a normelor de minimis.

În plus, trebuie subliniat că beneficiarii schemei pentru micii fermieri nu sunt scutiți de respectarea legislației, precum directivele și regulamentele privind mediul, și de controalele și sancțiunile aplicate în acest cadru.

În cele din urmă, pe baza evaluării impactului, pare puțin probabil ca mulți fermieri să considere că este preferabil să opteze în favoarea schemei pentru micii fermieri în loc să beneficieze de o plată directă mai ridicată decât suma forfetară pentru micii fermieri. De asemenea, fermierii care participă la schema pentru micii fermieri trebuie totuși să respecte integral legislația relevantă și, dacă doresc să întreprindă măsuri de agromediu, trebuie să respecte cerințele de bază cu privire la acestea.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000659/12

to the Commission

Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: CAP proposals and small farmers

The Commission’s proposal for the CAP reform sets out plans for a small farmers scheme under which farmers would receive an annual payment of between EUR 500 and EUR 1 000. They would be exempt from greening and would face less stringent cross-compliance obligations.

Does the Commission consider that a payment of between EUR 500 and EUR 1 000 could be less than what might otherwise be claimed by small farmers under the alternative direct payments scheme?

Could the proposals create a situation where farmers are tempted to take less money in order to avoid the greening and cross compliance obligations, and are therefore worse off financially and are not being encouraged to take action which could have a positive environmental impact?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

On the first question, please note that the scheme is voluntary. Farmers can decide in 2014 if they want to participate or not and after one or more years of participation, will have the possibility to step back to the ‘normal’ scheme established in Title III of the proposal (181). If they do, they will no longer have the right to participate again.

On the second question, as the main objective of the scheme is simplification, there is no extra condition related to the size or the level of payment compared to the ‘normal’ scheme. Thus indeed, in theory, a farmer may decide to enter the scheme although he would have had a higher level of direct payments in the ‘normal’ scheme. It is also true that for the purpose of simplification, beneficiaries of the small farmer scheme will be exempted from greening and cross compliance controls and will make a simplified application.

In practice, in the current system, small farmers may already benefit from exemptions as regards cross compliance sanctions due for instance to de minimis rules.

Besides, it has to be emphasised that beneficiaries of the small farmers' scheme are not exempted from abiding by the law such as the environmental directives and regulations and from controls and penalties applied in that framework.

Finally, on the basis of the Impact Assessment, it appears unlikely that many farmers will find it preferable to opt for the small farmer scheme rather than benefit from a direct payment higher than the small farmer lump-sum. Furthermore, farmers within the small farmer scheme still have to respect all relevant legislation and, if they wish to undertake agri-environment measures, they must respect the baseline requirements for these.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-000661/12

Komisijai

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(2012 m. sausio 30 d.)

Tema: Baltijos mokslo jungtis

Inovacijos, jų diegimas ir skatinimas yra svarbi Baltijos jūros regiono ekonomikos kryptis, regiono konkurencingumo ir gerovės augimo garantas. Mokslinių tyrimų infrastruktūra yra aktuali siekiant Baltijos jūros regioną paversti mokslinių tyrimų ir inovacijų regionu. Vienas iš Baltijos jūros regiono mokslinių tyrimų ir inovacijų sistemos trūkumų – ne pats optimaliausias mokslinių tyrimų srities bendradarbiavimas ir žinių mainai tarp viešųjų mokslinių tyrimų organizacijų, ypač universitetų, mokslinių tyrimų institutų ir pramonės.

Viename iš pagrindinių Baltijos jūros regiono strategijos antrojo ramsčio projektų numatyta: „Nutiesti Baltijos mokslų jungtį“.

Ar Komisija galėtų pateikti informaciją, kas pasiekta kuriant tinklą, kuriame dalyvauja regiono universitetai, mokslinių tyrimų institutai ir privačios kompanijos (pramonė)?

Kokios šalys dalyvauja įgyvendinant šį projektą?

Kiek lėšų reikia ir kiek lėšų šiuo metu skirta šiam projektui įgyvendinti?

Ar nustatytas galutinis projekto įgyvendinimo terminas?

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-000663/12

Komisijai

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(2012 m. sausio 30 d.)

Tema: Baltijos jūros regiono paslaugų sektoriaus inovacijų rėmimo strategija

Viena iš Baltijos jūros regiono strategijos prioritetinių sričių – visiškai išnaudoti regiono inovacinį ir mokslinių tyrimų potencialą.

Pabrėžiama inovacijų svarba paslaugų sektoriuje – inovacijos yra ne tik konkurencingumo šioje srityje, bet ir ekonomikos generatorius.

Baltijos jūros regione remiamų programų prioritetu turėtų būti inovacijos paslaugų sektoriuje. Jie turėtų orientuotis ne tik į tai, kad atsirastų bendras supratimas apie inovacijas paslaugų srityje, bet ir kad būtų perduodama geroji patirtis bei mechanizmai. Baltijos jūros regionas turi tarpusavyje koordinuoti veiklą, o veiksmai regiono lygiu turi skatinti ir papildyti nacionalinių institucijų ir privačiojo sektoriaus pastangas.

Noriu paklausti Komisijos, kokia pažanga pasiekta rengiant bendrą Baltijos jūros regiono paslaugų sektoriaus inovacijų rėmimo strategiją?

Ar numatytas šios strategijos galutinis užbaigimo terminas?

Kokios šalys dalyvaus įgyvendinant šią strategiją?

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-000665/12

Komisijai

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(2012 m. sausio 30 d.)

Tema: Baltijos jūros inovacijų ir mokslinių tyrimų fondas

Inovacijų ir mokslinių tyrimų skatinimas turi būti svarbus viso Baltijos jūros regiono mastu. Skiriant pagrindinį dėmesį mokslo tiriamųjų darbų ir inovacijų plėtrai, jų tobulinimui ir taikymui versle valstybės mastu skatinamas konkurencingumas, versle – didesnis produktyvumas, o mokslo srityje – nuolatinė pažanga. Baltijos jūros regionas išsiskiria tiek aukštais, tiek vidutiniais valstybių narių konkurencingumo įvertinimais. Šiame regione didelis dėmesys teikiamas ūkio konkurencingumui skatinti ir didinti pasitelkiant mokslinius tyrimus ir technologijų plėtrą. Tačiau, norint skatinti inovacijas, mokslinius tyrimus, rengti naujus technologinius sprendimus, reikalingas tinkamas finansavimas.

Viename iš pagrindinių Baltijos jūros regiono strategijos antrojo ramsčio projektų numatyta: „Įsteigti Baltijos jūros inovacijų ir mokslinių tyrimų fondą“.

Noriu paklausti Komisijos, kokios, atsižvelgiant į konkrečius Baltijos jūros regiono privalumus, šiuo metu parengtos finansinės priemonės tarpvalstybinėms ir tarpregioninėms inovacijoms ir moksliniams tyrimams skatinti?

Ar nustatytas galutinis šio projekto užbaigimo terminas?

Kokios šalys dalyvauja šiame projekte?

Bendras atsakymas, J. Hahn atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. kovo 8 d.)

ES Baltijos jūros regiono strategija skatinamas bendradarbiavimas mokslinių tyrimų ir inovacijų srityse, nustatant pagrindines sritis, kurios turi būti užtikrintos, siekiant sudaryti palankesnes sąlygas glaudesnei integracijai. „Baltijos mokslų jungtimi“ siekiama koordinuoti dideles investicijas į mokslinių tyrimų infrastruktūrą. Tai apima tokius projektus, kaip antai MAXIV (sinchrotroninės radiacijos moksliniai tyrimai), ESS (Europos neutronų (skaldant atomo branduolį) tyrimų centras), XFEL (Europos rentgeno lazerio projektas) ir PETRA III (Pozitronų-elektronų tandeminis žiedinis greitintuvas). Be to, siekiama mokslinių tyrimų infrastruktūrą padaryti prieinamesnę pramonei. Įgyvendinant iniciatyvą dalyvauja visos Baltijos jūros regiono valstybės narės. Iš Baltijos jūros regiono programos jos gavo 3,9 mln. EUR. Be šios programos Baltijos jūros regiono šalys (išskyrus Vokietiją) daugiau kaip 91 mln. EUR gavo iš Septintosios bendrosios programos (7BP) pajėgumų programos. Šios dotacijos buvo panaudotos jų mokslinių tyrimų infrastruktūrai plėtoti ir (arba) tobulinti arba pasirengimui įgyvendinti didelius infrastruktūros projektus, kaip antai ESS ir PRE-XFEL, jų terminas – 2020 m.

Be to, iniciatyva „Bendros Baltijos regiono paslaugų sektoriaus paramos strategijos parengimas“ buvo išplėsta į „Baltijos jūros regiono inovacijų grupių ir MVĮ tinklų programą“. Šiame darbe dalyvauja visos Baltijos jūros regiono valstybės narės, ir kai kuriose jų jau pradėti vykdyti bandomieji veiksmai. Kaip bendro finansavimo priemonė įsteigtas „Baltijos jūros regiono inovacijų ir mokslinių tyrimų fondas“. Kalbant apie tai, verta paminėti 7BP lėšomis ir Baltijos jūros regiono šalių finansuojamą programą BONUS. Programa, kuriai įgyvendinti skirta 100 mln. EUR, siekiama pritraukti kitų lėšų, ir užtikrinti nuolatinį regioninį mokslinių tyrimų ir inovacijų finansavimo šaltinį.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000661/12

to the Commission

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: The Baltic Science Link

The implementation and promotion of innovation is an important direction for the economy of the Baltic Sea Region, and a guarantor of the growth of competitiveness and economic prosperity in the region. Scientific research infrastructure is relevant to our efforts to transform the Baltic Sea Region into a region of scientific research and innovation. One of the shortcomings of the scientific research and innovation system of the Baltic Sea Region is that cooperation within the realm of scientific research, and knowledge exchange between public scientific research organisations, particularly universities, science research institutes and industry, are not the best.

One of the Baltic Sea Region Strategy second pillar projects provides for: ‘Building a Baltic Science Link.’

Can the Commission supply any information as to what has been achieved in setting up a network in which the Region‘s universities, scientific research institutes and private (industrial) companies are participating?

Which countries participate in the implementation of this project?

What funds are required, and what funds have so far been allocated, for the development of this project?

Has a deadline for the implementation of this project been set?

Question for written answer E-000663/12

to the Commission

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: A Baltic Region service sector innovation support strategy

One of the priority areas for the Baltic Region Strategy is making full use of the Region‘s innovation and scientific research potential.

The importance of innovation in the service sector must be emphasised — innovation in this area does not just generate competition, but is an economic generator too.

A priority among the supported programmes in the Baltic Region should be innovation in the service sector. These should be directed not only towards achieving a common undertanding of innovation in the service sector, but also the transfer of good practice and mechanisms. The Baltic Region must coordinate activity within, and activity at a regional level should promote and supplement the efforts of both national institutions and the private sector.

I should like to ask the Commission what progress has been made in preparing a common Baltic Region Support strategy for the service sector?

Is any closing date envisaged yet for this strategy?

Which countries will participate in the implementation of this strategy?

Question for written answer E-000665/12

to the Commission

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: The Baltic Region Innovation and Scientific Research Fund

The promotion of innovation and scientific research should be important at a level that encompasses the whole Baltic region. Devoting basic attention to the development of scientific research work and innovation, to their improvement and application in commerce encourages competition at state level, enhanced productivity in commerce and steady progress in the field of science. The Baltic Region is notable for high and medium evaluations of its competitiveness amongst member states. Great attention is paid throughout the region to the encouraging the increase of economic competitiveness through the application of scientific research and technological development. However, appripriate financing is required if we are to promote innovation and scientific research and to develop new technological solutions.

One of the main Baltic Sea region strategical secondary support projects envisages: ‘The Establishment of a Baltic Region Innovation and Scientific Research Fund.’

I would like to ask the Commission, when one takes into account the concrete advantages of the Baltic Region, what financial means are currently being allocated for the promotion of inter-state and inter-regional innovation and scientific research?

Has any closing date been set for this project?

Which countries participate in this project?

Joint answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(8 March 2012)

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region promotes cooperation in the fields of research and innovation, identifying key areas that need to be in place to facilitate deeper integration. The Baltic Science Link aims at coordination of major investments on research infrastructure. These include projects such as MAXIV (Synchrotron Radiation Research), ESS (European Spallation Source), XFEL (European X-Ray Laser Project) and PETRA III (Positron-Electron Tandem Ring Accelerator). It also makes research infrastructure more accessible to industry. All Baltic Sea Member States are involved in the initiative, which has received EUR 3.9 million from the Baltic Sea Region Programme. Beyond this programme, the Baltic Sea countries (excluding Germany) have also granted more than EUR 91 million from the Capacities Programme of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7). These grants were used either to develop and/or upgrade their research infrastructure, or for the preparation of major infrastructure such as ESS and PRE-XFEL projects, deadline is set for 2020.

In addition, the initiative ‘Preparing a common Baltic Region Support strategy for the service sector’ has now been expanded to a ‘Baltic Sea Region Programme for Innovation Clusters and SME Networks’. All Baltic Sea Member States are involved in this work, through which a number of pilot actions have been launched. The ‘Baltic Sea Innovation and Scientific Research Fund’ has been created as a joint funding mechanism. In this context, the BONUS programme, funded by FP7 and the Baltic States, is worthy of note. The programme, being implemented with EUR 100 million, seeks to lever other funds, as a coherent regional funding source for research and innovation.

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-000662/12

Komisijai

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(2012 m. sausio 30 d.)

Tema: Baltijos jūros regiono inovacijų, inovacijų grupių ir mažų ir vidutinių įmonių tinklų plėtros programos parengimas

Remiantis Baltijos jūros regiono strategijos antrojo ramsčio antrąja prioritetine sritimi, pagrindinis siekis yra visapusiškai išnaudoti regiono mokslinių tyrimų ir inovacijų potencialą.

Baltijos jūros regiono šalių bendradarbiavimas yra itin aktualus siekiant plačiu mastu diegti inovacijas. Inovacijos yra vienas iš faktorių, lemiančių šalių konkurencingumą. Suvienijusios pastangas Baltijos jūros regiono šalys gali sukurti naujus produktus, technologijas ir paslaugas bendroms rinkoms ir sėkmingiau konkuruoti globalioje ekonominėje erdvėje. Baltijos jūros regiono šalių bendradarbiavimas turėtų sustiprinti ne tik bendradarbiavimą tarp regiono šalių, jų privalumus ir kompetenciją, bet ir viso regiono pozicijas pasaulio kontekste integruojantis į naujas rinkas, pritraukiant potencialius investuotojus.

Noriu paklausti Komisijos, kokia pažanga pasiekta rengiant Baltijos jūros regiono inovacijos, inovacijų grupių bei mažų ir vidutinių įmonių tinklų plėtros programą? Kokios šalys dalyvauja rengiant šią programą?

Komisijos nario J. Hahno atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. kovo 28 d.)

ES Baltijos jūros regiono strategija (ES BJRS) skatinamas bendradarbiavimas mokslinių tyrimų ir inovacijų srityse, nustatant pagrindines sritis, kurios turi būti užtikrintos, siekiant sudaryti sąlygas glaudesnei integracijai.

Per ministerijas, atsakingas už inovacijas, bei per agentūras ir regionines institucijas „Baltijos jūros regiono inovacijų grupių ir MVĮ tinklų programoje“ dalyvauja visos Baltijos jūros regiono valstybės narės (Danija, Estija, Latvija, Lenkija, Lietuva, Suomija, Švedija ir Vokietija). Programai buvo sukurta iniciatyvinė grupė, kuri priėmė veiksmų planą, kad užtikrintų programos įgyvendinimą.

Be to, Tarpvalstybinė Baltijos jūros programa 6,5 mln. eurų parėmė naują projektą „StarDust“. Per šį projektą buvo inicijuota daug bandomųjų projektų švarių technologijų, vyresnių žmonių aktyvumo, pažangesnio transporto bei mobiliųjų technologijų srityse. Įgyvendinant šiuos bandomuosius projektus įgyta patirtis bus įtraukta visu mastu įgyvendinant programą. Bendras programos tikslas – sukurti integruotą išteklių bazę, sujungiant moksliniams tyrimams palankią aplinką, grupes bei MVĮ tinklus ir Baltijos jūros regione sukuriant daug pasaulyje pirmaujančių mokslinių tyrimų bei inovacijų vystymo centrų, kad būtų pasiekta didesnė mokslo ir inovacijų kritinė masė, padidintas patrauklumas bei pasiekta konkurencinga pozicija tarptautiniu mastu.

Šiuo metu programos vadovai stengiasi užtikrinti pakankamą finansavimą programai išvystyti nuo bandomųjų projektų stadijos iki taikymo visu mastu. Taip pat vystomas išsamus dialogas su įvairiais finansavimo šaltiniais, aktyviai veikiančiais regione, ir su visomis valstybėmis narėmis.

Be to, 185 straipsnio iniciatyva BONUS yra 100 mln. eurų vertės jungtinė 8 Baltijos jūros regiono ES valstybių narių ir Komisijos programa, kuria remiami aplinkos moksliniai tyrimai Baltijos jūros baseine. Pagrindinis programos BONUS tikslas, nustatytas jos strateginėje mokslinių tyrimų darbotvarkėje – sustiprinti tvarų naudojimąsi jūros pakrantės ištekliais bei paslaugomis ir išvystyti naujoviškas duomenų tvarkymo sistemas, priemones bei technologijas. Numatoma paskelbti kvietimus teikti paraiškas, pagrindinį dėmesį skiriant inovacijoms ir ypač pabrėžiant MVĮ dalyvavimą (182).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000662/12

to the Commission

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Preparation of a Baltic Sea Region innovation, innovation group, and small and medium enterprise network development programme

With reference to second priority area of the second pillar of the Baltic Sea Region strategy, the main goal is the thorough utilisation of the scientific research and innovation potential of the region.

Cooperation among the states of the Baltic Sea Region is particularly relevant in terms of the drive to introduce innovation. Innovation is one of the factors that determine a country’s competitiveness. By uniting their efforts the countries of the Baltic Sea Region can create new products, technologies and services for common markets and compete more successfully in the global economic space. Cooperation among the countries of the Baltic Sea Region should strengthen not only cooperation among the coutries of the region, their advantages and competence, but also the position of the whole region in a world context, as it seeks to integrate into new markets, and attracting potential investors.

I would like to ask the Commission what progress has been made in preparing a Baltic Sea Region innovation, innovation group, and small and medium enterprise network development programme? Which countries participate in the preparation of this programme?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2012)

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) promotes cooperation in the fields of research and innovation, identifying key areas that need to be in place for deeper integration.

The Baltic Sea Region Programme for Innovation Clusters and SME Networks involves all Baltic Sea Member States (DE, DK, EE, FI, LT, LV, PL, SE) in the work through the ministries responsible for innovation as well as agencies and regional authorities. A steering group for the programme has been established which has adopted a road map to ensure implementation.

In addition, the Transnational Baltic Sea Programme funded a start-up project called StarDust with EUR 6.5 Million. Through this project a number of pilot actions have been launched in the fields of clean tech, active ageing, smarter transport and mobile technology. The experience from these pilot actions will be integrated into a full scale implementation of the programme. The overall objective is to achieve an integrated resource base by linking strong research environments, clusters and SME networks — creating a number of globally leading research and innovation hubs in the BSR in order to achieve stronger critical mass, attractiveness, and a competitive international position.

The managers of the programme are now working to ensure that there is enough funding to move from the pilot stage into full scale activity. This includes a comprehensive dialogue with the different funding sources that are active in the region, as well as with all Member States.

Also, the article 185 initiative BONUS is a EUR 100 million joint action between the eight Baltic Sea EU States and the Commission which supports environmental research programmes in the Baltic Sea Basin. A key objective of BONUS, defined within their Strategic Research Agenda, is to enhance the sustainable use of coastal marine goods and services in the Baltic Sea as well as developing innovative data management systems, tools and methodologies. Calls for proposals focusing on innovation with a strong emphasis on SME involvement are anticipated (183).

(Tekstas lietuvių kalba)

Klausimas, į kurį atsakoma raštu, Nr. E-000664/12

Komisijai

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(2012 m. sausio 30 d.)

Tema: Sveikatos ir gyvosios gamtos mokslų inovacijų projektai

Tarp Baltijos jūros regiono šalių esama nemažai netolygumų, apimančių sveikatos ir gyvosios gamtos mokslų inovacijas. Siekiant Baltijos jūros regioną paversti pavyzdiniu, klestinčiu sveikatos ir šiuolaikinių gyvosios gamtos mokslų žinių taikymo regionu būtina imtis priemonių skatinant ir vystant inovacijas šiose srityse, pakeliant visuomenės sveikatą į aukštesnį lygį, remiantis naujaisiais šios srities mokslo laimėjimais.

Viename iš pagrindinių Baltijos jūros regiono strategijos antrojo ramsčio projektų numatyta: „Pradėti įvairius sektorius apimančius pavyzdinius sveikatos ir gyvosios gamtos mokslų inovacijų projektus“.

Ar Komisija galėtų pateikti informaciją, kokie projektai, apimantys pavyzdinius sveikatos ir gyvosios gamtos mokslų inovacijų projektus, šiuo metu pradėti?

Kokios šalys dalyvauja įgyvendinant šį projektą?

J. Hahn atsakymas Komisijos vardu

(2012 m. vasario 29 d.)

Siekiant paversti Baltijos jūros regioną pavyzdiniu sveikatingumo regionu svarbu remti visuomenės sveikatą ir pasinaudoti šiuolaikiniais gyvosios gamtos mokslo pasiekimais.

„ScanBalt Health Region“ yra vienas pagrindinių Europos Sąjungos Baltijos jūros regiono strategijos projektų. Juo siekiama „pradėti įvairius sektorius apimančius pavyzdinius sveikatos ir gyvosios gamtos mokslų inovacijų projektus“. Šio projekto tikslas – skatinti pasaulyje galinčią konkuruoti žiniomis pagrįstą sveikatos ekonomiką Baltijos jūros regione ir spręsti pagrindines su sveikata susijusias visuomenės problemas. Naudojant bendrą ryšių ir koordinavimo struktūrą „ScanBalt Health Region“ projektu siekiama suvienyti bendromis idėjomis grindžiamą koordinuotą veiklą ir suburti suinteresuotuosius subjektus, susijusius su gyvosios gamtos mokslais ir biotechnologija visose Baltijos regiono šalyse.

Vykdant „ScanBalt Health Region“ projektą iki šiol buvo paskelbti du pozicijų dokumentai: „Sveikas senėjimas: nuo biologinių pagrindų iki klinikinių sprendimų“ ir „ES sanglaudos politika ir makroregionų ir regioninių grupių svarba pažangiam augimui ir pažangiai specializacijai“. Taip pat vykdomos tokios iniciatyvos kaip „HealthPort Innovation Competition“, kuria siekiama klinikines naujoves paversti komerciniais produktais ir paslaugomis. Ši iniciatyva finansuojama pagal 2007‐2013 m. Baltijos jūros regiono programą.

Be to, pagal Baltijos jūros mokslo programą BONUS (184) remiamos visos 8 ES Baltijos jūros regiono šalys ir finansuojama ES mokslinių tyrimų septintoji bendroji programa, į kurią, be kitų sričių, įtraukta jūrų biotechnologija.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000664/12

to the Commission

Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Health and life science innovation projects;

There are many disparities between the countries of the Baltic Sea region in terms of health and life science innovations.In order to turn the Baltic Sea region into a thriving model region putting health and contemporary life science knowledge into practice, we need to take steps to promote and develop innovations in these areas, taking public health to a higher level, on the basis of the latest scientific developments in this area.

One of the main projects of the second pillar of the strategy for the Baltic Sea Region provides for: ‘the launch of model cross-sectoral health and life science innovation projects’.

Could the Commission inform us which projects covering model health and life science innovation projects have now been launched?

Which countries are involved in the implementation of this project?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(29 February 2012)

The promotion of public health and the exploitation of modern life science developments are important for the Baltic Sea Region to become a model ‘Health Region’.

One flagship project of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is The ScanBalt Health Region. It corresponds to ‘the launch of model cross-sectored health and life science innovation projects’. Its aim is to promote a knowledge-based globally competitive health economy in the Baltic Sea Region and to address the major societal challenges of health within the region. The ScanBalt Health Region serves as an umbrella for coordinated activities on shared ideas, using a common communication and coordination structure to bring together those involved in Life Sciences and Biotechnology in all the countries within the Baltic Sea Region.

The ScanBalt Health Region has so far published two position papers on ‘Healthy ageing: from biological fundamentals to clinical solutions’ and on ‘EU cohesion policies and the importance of macro regions and regional clusters for smart growth and smart specialization’. It also organises initiatives like the HealthPort Innovation Competition, which aims to transform clinical inventions into commercial products and services. This initiative is co-financed by the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013.

In addition, the Baltic Sea science programme BONUS (185) is a partnership supported by all eight EU Baltic Sea states funded by the Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research which addresses, amongst other themes, marine biotechnology.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-000667/12

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(30 januari 2012)

Betreft: EU wil zwarte lijst kolonisten Oost-Jeruzalem

In een intern rapport van de missieleiders van de EU in Tel Aviv en Ramallah staat dat „gewelddadige kolonisten”, die zich in het door Israël bezette Oost-Jeruzalem hebben gevestigd, géén toegang tot de Europese Unie zouden mogen hebben. De EU-vertegenwoordigers dringen er bij de lidstaten op aan om de kolonisten te identificeren en een zwarte lijst op te stellen.

Antwoord van hoge vertegenwoordiger/vicevoorzitter Ashton namens de Commissie

(26 maart 2012)

De Commissie is niet op de hoogte van het door het geachte Parlementslid vermelde bericht.

In december 2009 hebben de EU-ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken unaniem verklaard dat nederzettingen uit hoofde van het internationaal recht illegaal zijn, vrede in de weg staan en een tweestatenoplossing onmogelijk dreigen te maken. Zij hebben er bij de Israëlische regering op aangedrongen om onmiddellijk een einde te maken aan alle nederzettingenactiviteiten in Oost-Jeruzalem en de rest van de Westelijke Jordaanoever, ook aan de natuurlijke uitbreiding daarvan, en alle sedert maart 2001 opgerichte voorposten te ontmantelen. De EU heeft de annexatie van Oost-Jeruzalem door Israël niet erkend en gelooft dat echte vrede alleen mogelijk is indien er door middel van onderhandelingen een oplossing wordt gevonden voor de status van Jeruzalem als de toekomstige hoofdstad van twee staten. De EU-ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken hebben deze standpunten in december 2010 en april 2011 bevestigd.

De interne rapporten van de EU-organen, de EU-delegaties in derde landen of de diplomatieke diensten van de lidstaten zijn niet-officiële werkdocumenten die bedoeld worden als achtergrondmateriaal voor discussies over belangrijke beleidsaangelegenheden tijdens de uitwerking van het buitenlands beleid van de EU.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000667/12

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: EU wants to blacklist east Jerusalem settlers

An internal report by the EU heads of mission in Tel Aviv and Ramallah states that ‘violent settlers’ residing in Israeli-occupied east Jerusalem should not be allowed access to the European Union. The EU representatives are calling on the Member States to identify such settlers and to draw up a black list.

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

(26 March 2012)

The Commission is not aware of the article referred to by the Honourable Member.

EU Foreign Ministers unanimously stated in December 2009 that settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible. They urged the Government of Israel to immediately end all settlement activities, in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank and including natural growth, and to dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001.The EU has not recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel and believes that, if there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states. EU Foreign Ministers confirmed these positions in December 2010 and April 2011.

Internal reports prepared by EU bodies, by EU Delegations in third countries or by diplomatic services of Member States are working documents of a non-official character that aim at informing discussion on important policy issues during the elaboration of EU foreign policy.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-000668/12

adresată Comisiei (Vice-președinte / Înaltul Reprezentant)

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(30 ianuarie 2012)

Subiect: VP/HR — Prioritățile de politică externă ale Președinției daneze

Cum se încadrează Parteneriatul Estic în cele 4 priorități anunțate recent de către Președinția daneză?

Care sunt direcțiile de aprofundare a dialogului politic și economic cu aceste state partenere?

Cum vedeți asigurarea coerenței cu inițiativele promovate în domeniu de către Președinția poloneză?

Răspuns dat de dna Ashton în numele Comisiei

(31 mai 2012)

Recenta reuniune la nivel înalt de la Varșovia privind Parteneriatul estic a consolidat abordarea bazată pe stimulente adoptată față de partenerii estici, care a fost propusă în comunicarea comună „Un răspuns nou în contextul schimbărilor din țările vecine” (188) și aprobată de către președinție în cadrul priorității „O Europă sigură”. În cadrul reuniunii la nivel înalt s-a decis consolidarea cooperării cu partenerii în numeroase domenii, inclusiv în cel al eficienței energetice, care este un element indispensabil al activităților președinției înscrise în prioritatea „O Europă ecologică”.

Parteneriatul estic oferă obiective ambițioase și instrumente precise pentru a le realiza. Este promovată asocierea politică cu cinci țări din Europa de Est prin încheierea unor acorduri de asociere. Integrarea economică avansează cu ajutorul negocierilor privind instituirea unor acorduri de liber schimb aprofundate și cuprinzătoare cu parteneri relevanți. Au fost finalizate negocierile privind un acord de asociere cu Ucraina, inclusiv un acord de liber schimb aprofundat și cuprinzător, și preconizăm că documentul va fi în curând aprobat. Negocierile privind acordurile de asociere cu Georgia și Republica Moldova sunt în stadiu avansat, iar negocierile privind acorduri de liber schimb aprofundate și cuprinzătoare cu ambele țări vor fi lansate în curând. Negocierile cu Armenia și Azerbaidjan privind acordurile de asociere se desfășoară fără probleme și sperăm să putem lansa în 2012 discuții cu Armenia privind un acord de liber schimb aprofundat și cuprinzător.

Președinția poloneză a Consiliului UE a contribuit la punerea în aplicare a Parteneriatului estic și prin oferirea unui impuls suplimentar în sensul dezvoltării cooperării sectoriale. Pentru a raționaliza punerea în aplicare a Parteneriatului estic, Înaltul Reprezentant/Vicepreședintele și Comisia vor propune în curând o foaie de parcurs privind Parteneriatul estic, menită să includă obiectivele, instrumentele, acțiunile și monitorizarea punerii în aplicare a acestora până la următoarea reuniune la nivel înalt privind Parteneriatul estic din 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000668/12

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: VP/HR — Foreign policy priorities of the Danish Presidency

How does the Eastern Partnership fall into the four priorities recently announced by the Danish Presidency?

What are the possible means of deepening political and economic dialogue with the partner states?

Can the Vice-President/High Representative state how it is envisaged to ensure coherence with the initiatives promoted in this field by the Polish Presidency?

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

(31 May 2012)

The recent Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit in Warsaw enhanced the incentives-based approach towards Eastern partners which has been proposed in the Joint Communication ‘A new Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’ (189) and endorsed by the Presidency under the priority ‘A safe Europe’. The Summit has decided to strengthen cooperation with partners in many areas including energy efficiency which is an indispensable element of Presidency’s activities towards ‘A green Europe’.

The EaP offers ambitious goals and precise tools to achieve them. Political association with five Eastern European countries is promoted through the conclusion of Association Agreements (AA). Economic integration is being advanced through negotiations on the establishment of Deep & Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA) with relevant partners. Negotiations on an AA with Ukraine, including a DCFTA, have been finalised, and we expect the document soon to be initialled. Negotiations on AAs with Georgia and the Republic of Moldova are well advanced, and negotiations on a DCFTA with both countries will be launched shortly. Negotiations with Armenia and Azerbaijan on AAs are proceeding well and we hope to be able to launch DCFTA talks with Armenia in 2012.

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU contributed to the implementation of the EaP, also through giving additional momentum to the development of sector cooperation. In order to streamline the implementation of the EaP, the High Representative/Vice-President and Commission will soon propose an EaP road map which intends to list the objectives, instruments, actions and monitor their implementation until the next EaP Summit in 2013.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000669/12

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(30. Januar 2012)

Betrifft: Sicherheitsbestimmungen Kreuzfahrttourismus

Der Kreuzfahrttourismus ist ein Milliardengeschäft mit seit Jahren steil ansteigenden Wachstumskurven. Immer wieder gab es Unglücke auf Kreuzfahrtschiffen, die meisten gingen glimpflich aus. Je größer die Schiffe sind, umso mehr Todesopfer kann ein Fehler fordern. Beim jüngsten Unglück der Costa Concordia berichteten Augenzeugen davon, dass die Rettungsmaßnahmen chaotisch verliefen und die Besatzung nicht dafür ausgebildet wirkte.

Antwort von Herrn Kallas im Namen der Kommission

(22. Februar 2012)

Vorschriften in Bezug auf die Sicherheit von Fahrgastschiffen sind in vier Richtlinien (190) bezüglich der Bau‐ und Betriebsnormen und eine (spätestens ab dem 31. Dezember 2012 geltende) Verordnung (191) zur Haftung der Beförderer und zur Entschädigung von Fahrgästen bei Unfällen festgelegt. Darüber hinaus existiert eine große Zahl von EU-Rechtsinstrumenten, die alle Arten von Schiffen und deren Betrieb abdecken, beispielsweise Rechtsvorschriften zur Hafenstaatkontrolle, zu Klassifikationsgesellschaften, zur Qualifikation und Ausbildung von Seeleuten, zum Internationalen Sicherheitsmanagementcode usw.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000669/12

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Security provisions for cruise ships

Cruise tourism is a multi-billion euro business which has long had a steeply increasing growth curve. Time and again there have been accidents on cruise ships, although the majority had minor consequences. The larger the ships are, the more fatalities may result from a mistake. During the most recent accident, involving the Costa Concordia, witnesses reported that the rescue operation was chaotic and that the crew were not trained for such an eventuality.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2012)

More particularly, in the area of passenger ships safety there are four directives (192) dealing with construction and operational standards and one Regulation (193) (which shall enter into force no later than 31 December 2012) dealing with carriers liability and compensation and compensation of passengers in the event of accidents. Furthermore, there is a big number of EU instruments covering all types of ships and their operation, such as the legislation applicable to Port State Control, Classification societies, qualifications and training of seafarers, the International Safety Management Code, etc.

will be taken into account, as appropriate.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000670/12

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(30. Januar 2012)

Betrifft: Berufsanerkennung

Medienberichten zufolge bemüht sich nur jeder dritte Zuwanderer darum, im Rahmen eines Anerkennungsverfahrens die im Herkunftsland erworbenen Qualifikationen im europäischen Gastland verwenden zu können. Nicht nur für Drittstaatenangehörige, sondern auch für EU-Bürger, die in einem anderen EU-Staat arbeiten, scheint es in diesem Zusammenhang noch Probleme zu geben.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(29. Februar 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000670/12

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Recognition of professional qualifications

According to media reports, only every third immigrant attempts to use qualifications acquired in their country of origin in their European host country, on the basis of a recognition procedure. Both third-country nationals and EU citizens working in another EU country still seem to encounter problems in this area.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(29 February 2012)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-000672/12

an die Kommission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(30. Januar 2012)

Betrifft: Facebook — digitales Vergessen

Beiträge aus längst vergangenen Jahren, peinliche Fotos etc. sollen nach den Plänen von Facebook künftig mit einem Mausklick anzeigbar werden. Die Initiative „Europe versus Facebook“ fordert eine Art digitales Vergessen, wonach alte Statusmeldungen im Facebook automatisch nach einer gewissen Zeit gelöscht werden.

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(19. März 2012)

Gemäß den EU-Datenschutzvorschriften ist die Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten nur zulässig, wenn sie zu einem bestimmten rechtmäßigen Zweck geschieht. Die Richtlinie 95/46/EG (198) bestimmt, wann eine Verarbeitung zulässig ist, und nennt u. a. folgende Voraussetzungen: die Einwilligung des von der Verarbeitung Betroffenen, gesetzliche oder vertragliche Verpflichtungen, lebenswichtige Interessen des Betroffenen, Aufgaben, die im öffentlichen Interesse liegen und in bestimmten Fällen Aufgaben, die der für die Verarbeitung Verantwortliche in Ausübung öffentlicher Gewalt wahrnimmt. Die Daten müssen nach Treu und Glauben und rechtmäßig verarbeitet werden, dürfen nicht über das Notwendige hinausgehen und dürfen nicht länger als es für die Realisierung der Zwecke, für die sie erhoben wurden, erforderlich ist, aufbewahrt werden. Personen haben das Recht, die Löschung von sie betreffenden Daten zu fordern, wenn deren Verarbeitung nicht der Richtlinie entspricht, und die Datenschutzbehörden müssen befugt sein, die Löschung solcher Daten anzuordnen.

Ein Soziales Netzwerk müsste zwingende rechtliche Gründe dafür geltend machen, dass es die personenbezogenen Daten von Nutzern, die die Löschung sie betreffender Daten fordern, weiterhin verarbeitet. Der Kommission kommt zwar die Rolle als Hüterin der Verträge zu, doch ist es Aufgabe der nationalen Aufsichtsbehörden für Datenschutz, die einzelstaatlichen Bestimmungen zur Umsetzung der Richtlinie zu überwachen und ihre Anwendung sicherzustellen.

Am 25. Januar 2012 nahm die Kommission ihre Vorschläge für die EU-Datenschutzreform an und übermittelte sie dem Europäischen Parlament und dem Rat. Die vorgeschlagene Verordnung zum Schutz natürlicher Personen bei der Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten und zum freien Datenverkehr (199) würde die Rechte der von der Verarbeitung Betroffenen klären und die dafür Verantwortlichen in Bezug auf die Löschung von ohne einen rechtmäßigen Grund gespeicherten Daten stärker in die Pflicht nehmen, indem ausdrücklich ein „Recht auf Vergessenwerden“ eingeführt wird.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000672/12

to the Commission

Andreas Mölzer (NI)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Facebook — digital oblivion

If Facebook has its way, contributions from many years ago, embarrassing photos, etc. will in future be displayable at the click of a mouse. The ‘Europe versus Facebook’ initiative is calling for a system of digital oblivion, whereby old status messages on Facebook are automatically deleted after a certain time.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2012)

EU data protection legislation provides that the processing of personal data is only legitimate when a specific legal ground is given for this. Directive 95/46/EC (200) determines several legal grounds, including consent of the data subject, legal or contractual obligations, vital interests of the data subject, public interest and legitimate interests of the data controller under certain conditions. Data must be processed fairly and lawfully, must not exceed what is needed and must not be kept longer than necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. Individuals have the right to demand that data relating to them is erased when its processing does not comply with the directive; and data protection authorities must have the power to order the erasure of such data.

A social network would need compelling legal grounds to justify the continuation of processing of personal data of users who have requested the deletion of personal data relating to them. Notwithstanding the Commission's role as guardian of the treaties, it is the responsibility of the national supervisory authorities for data protection to monitor and enforce the national provisions transposing the directive.

On 25 January 2012, the Commission adopted its proposals for the EU data protection Reform and submitted them to the European Parliament and to the Council. The proposed regulation on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data (201) would clarify and strengthen the rights of data subjects and the obligations of controllers with regard to the erasure of data being kept without a legal ground by establishing an explicit ‘right to be forgotten’.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000674/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: WIFI on trains

Could the Commission indicate what percentage of train services within the EU offer a WIFI Internet service?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(23 February 2012)

The Commission informs the Honourable Member that it has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is related solely to the commercial policy of the railway undertaking in question.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000676/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Use of bicycle helmets

Can the Commission state whether there any plans to make the wearing of bicycle helmets mandatory for all cyclists?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2012)

The Commission would point out that this question is exactly the same as the Honourable Member's previous Written Question E‐010380/2010 and would therefore refer the Honourable Member to the corresponding answer already given (202) which is still relevant at this stage. Taking into account the subsidiarity principle, the Commission considers that this is best regulated at national level.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000677/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Bus safety equipment

Can the Commission outline in which Member States it is a legal requirement that safety belts must be worn by passengers on buses? Are there any plans at present to make the wearing of safety belts on buses mandatory throughout Europe?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2012)

Already today all occupants of buses and coaches in the European Union must use the safety belts when they are available, according to the provisions of Directive 2003/20/EC (203).

Concerning the requirements applying to vehicles, Directive 2005/40/EC (204) makes compulsory the fitting of safety belts in new vehicles of categories M2 and M3 constructed for the carriage of seated passengers (coaches) and registered as from 20 October 2007.

There is no obligation in European legislation to fit safety belts in vehicles of categories M2 and M3 constructed with areas for standing passengers, which is the case of most buses used in urban public transport.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000678/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: First aid kits in cars

Can the Commission state which Member States currently require cars to be fitted with first aid kits? Are there any plans to make these inexpensive yet potentially very important pieces of equipment mandatory in all cars in Europe?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2012)

The Honourable Member is invited to consult the Commission webpage (205) which provides an overview — on the basis of the information provided by Member States — on the safety equipment required by Member States. According to this information, first aid kits are required by Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Austria, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

The Commission does not have plans to propose legislation making first aid kits in cars mandatory. Taking into account the subsidiarity principle, the Commission considers that this is best regulated at national level.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000679/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Fire extinguishers in cars

Can the Commission say which Member States currently require cars to be fitted with a fire extinguisher? Does the Commission have any plans to make these inexpensive yet potentially life-saving pieces of equipment mandatory in all cars in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2012)

The Honourable Member is invited to consult the Commission webpage (206) which provides an overview — on the basis of the information provided by Member States — on the safety equipment required by Member States. According to this information, fire extinguishers are required by Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.

The Commission does not have plans to propose legislation making fire extinguishers in cars mandatory. Taking into account the subsidiarity principle, the Commission considers that this is best regulated at national level.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000680/12

to the Commission

Jim Higgins (PPE)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Roadside warning triangles

Can the Commission indicate which Member States legally require the use of a roadside reflective triangle in a breakdown situation? Is the Commission aware of the danger posed by these triangles in situations where they can be blown across the road in front of oncoming traffic and cause accidents? Is the Commission aware of the new magnetic, LED-lit triangles which stick to the broken-down vehicle, thus removing the danger of them blowing away? Does the Commission have any plans to make these new magnetic triangles mandatory in all Member States?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2012)

The Honourable Member is invited to consult the Commission webpage (207) which provides an overview — on the basis of the information provided by Member States — on the safety equipment required by Member States. According to this information, roadside warning triangles are required in all Member States, except in Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom.

The Commission understood that triangles are used to provide for an advance warning of broken-down vehicles which is not provided for with triangles that stick to vehicles as proposed by the Honourable Member.

The Commission does not have plans to propose legislation making warning triangles mandatory at European level. Taking into account the subsidiarity principle, the Commission considers that this is best regulated at national level.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-000681/12

à Comissão

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(30 de janeiro de 2012)

Assunto: Ameaça de despedimentos no Grupo Salvador Caetano

Tomei conhecimento de que o Grupo Salvador Caetano (SGPS), S.A., uma empresa em Vila Nova de Gaia, Norte de Portugal, está a pressionar trabalhadores para rescindirem os seus contratos de trabalho para com a empresa, bem como a proceder à não renovação de contratos a termo.

O grupo alega dificuldades financeiras que contrastam com os números que a própria empresa disponibiliza ao público: no período entre 2007 e 2010, a Salvador Caetano teve um aumento de vendas superior a 1300 veículos. Contudo, durante esse mesmo período, reduziu em 428 o número de trabalhadores.

Desde 2008 que esta empresa já dispensou cerca de 16 % dos seus trabalhadores e tem a intenção de continuar com os despedimentos. Tudo isto acontece numa altura em que a mesma empresa anuncia investimentos na Ásia, nomeadamente na China, com uma fábrica de Autocarros e com a comercialização de uma marca chinesa de automóveis em Portugal.

O Grupo Salvador Caetano, desde 2007, já recebeu em apoios do QREN mais de 3,8 milhões de euros, sendo que a contrapartida desta ajuda de fundos comunitários e nacionais é a total desresponsabilização social para com os seus trabalhadores e para com o desenvolvimento social e económico em Portugal.

Assim, solicito à Comissão que me informe do seguinte:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(19 de março de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-000681/12

to the Commission

Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(30 January 2012)

Subject: Threat of redundancies in the Salvador Caetano Group

I have become aware that the Salvador Caetano Group (SGPS) S.A., a company in Vila Nova de Gaia, Northern Portugal, is pressurising workers to rescind their work contracts with the company, as well as not to renew their fixed contracts.

The group claims financial difficulties which contrast with the figures that the company itself has made available to the public: in the period between 2007 and 2010, Salvador Caetano saw sales increase by more than 1300 vehicles. Nevertheless, during that same period it reduced the number of workers by 428.

Since 2008, this company has dismissed around 16 % of its workforce and intends to continue with these sackings. All of this comes at a time when the company itself has announced investments in Asia, notably in China, with a bus-making factory and a project to market a Chinese make of car in Portugal.