http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
ÎNTREBĂRI SCRISE CU SOLICITARE DE RĂSPUNS

Întrebări scrise adresate de deputații în Parlamentul European și răspunsurile oferite de instituțiile Uniunii Europene

(2013/C 287 E/01)

Cuprins

E-007801/12 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Rights to musical works and multi-territorial licences — follow-up question

Versión española

English version

E-008615/12 by Alexander Alvaro to the Commission

Subject: Clean IT

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008616/12 by Alexander Alvaro to the Commission

Subject: Website publishers' obligations to publish editorial information

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008617/12 by Mitro Repo to the Commission

Subject: Safeguarding the right to industrial action in accordance with international standards

Suomenkielinen versio

English version

E-008618/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Working conditions for women in the service industry

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008619/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Women's role in the ecological economy

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008620/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Production of solar installations in China

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008830/12 by Niki Tzavela to the Commission

Subject: Organ trafficking in Egypt

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008621/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Human trafficking in the Sinai

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008622/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Eurodac database

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008623/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Cloud computing

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008624/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Elections in Belarus

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008625/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Regulating grapevine planting

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008626/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Unrestricted purchasing of bonds

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008627/12 by Monika Flašíková Beňová to the Commission

Subject: Radio spectrum

Slovenské znenie

English version

E-008628/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Relations between China and the EU — arms exports in Europe: a fresh Chinese miracle or the risk of a breach of an embargo

Versione italiana

English version

E-008629/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Abandoned mine shafts for geothermal energy

Versione italiana

English version

E-008630/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Transfats and food safety: harmonisation measures between the different Member States

Versione italiana

English version

E-008632/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Measles epidemic in Europe

Versione italiana

English version

E-008633/12 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Differently-abled pupils at school and obstacles encountered by them

Versione italiana

English version

E-008634/12 by Andrea Zanoni, Nadja Hirsch, Jörg Leichtfried, Pavel Poc, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Keith Taylor, Daciana Octavia Sârbu, Esther de Lange, Kriton Arsenis, Carl Schlyter, Sirpa Pietikäinen, David Martin and Dan Jørgensen to the Commission

Subject: Activities of ECVAM (European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods) and the Cosmetics Directive

Versión española

České znění

Dansk udgave

Deutsche Fassung

Ελληνική έκδοση

Versione italiana

Nederlandse versie

Versiunea în limba română

Suomenkielinen versio

Svensk version

English version

E-008635/12 by Angelika Werthmann to the Commission

Subject: Work of the CMP and missing information

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008636/12 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: An EU agency to provide equitable support for exports from all Member States

Versione italiana

English version

E-008637/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Commodities prices

Versión española

English version

E-008638/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: The intercultural dialogue situation in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008639/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Worker mobility in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008640/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: People with disabilities in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008641/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: The state of Lifelong Learning in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008642/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Workplace health, hygiene and safety in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008643/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: The situation of the elderly, and of intergenerational solidarity in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008644/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Language learning and study in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008645/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Road safety in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008646/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Tourism in the European Union

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008647/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Consultative Committee of Former Presidents of the European Commission

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008648/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Situation of nutrition and health in the EU

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008649/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Situation concerning the promotion and teaching of music in the EU

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008650/12 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Situation of SMEs and the craft industry in the EU

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008651/12 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Roadworthiness Package

English version

E-008652/12 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's Digital Agenda

English version

E-008653/12 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Airport slots and regional connectivity

English version

E-008654/12 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Eurojust engagement with national police forces

English version

E-008655/12 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: An EU definition of crime

English version

E-008656/12 by James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Accountability of Europol to national police forces

English version

P-008657/12 by Michael Theurer to the Commission

Subject: EU Danube Strategy

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008658/12 by Monica Luisa Macovei to the Commission

Subject: Alternative fuels

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008659/12 by Struan Stevenson to the Commission

Subject: Restrictive licensing conditions

English version

E-008660/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Road haulage: updating rules governing the circulation within the EU of 44-tonne and 25.25-metre vehicles

Versión española

English version

E-008661/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Salvador Sedó i Alabart, Ana Miranda, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Maria Badia i Cutchet and Raimon Obiols to the Commission

Subject: Selection process for employment and training at the European institutions

Versión española

English version

E-008662/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Supplementary question VI: management and financing of Spanish ports, fair competition and state aid that may breach EU Treaties

Versión española

English version

E-008663/12 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Mediterranean Corridor and Port of Barcelona

Versión española

English version

E-008664/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: List of 100 species threatened with extinction

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008665/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Largest port wine producer warns Unesco of the risks of the Foz Tua II dam

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008666/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Mozambique — food production

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008667/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: United States: families throw away 40 % of the food they buy

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008668/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Mexico: over three million birds dead

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008669/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: EUR 8.1 billion for research and innovation projects

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008670/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Measures for adapting to climate change

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008671/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Diabetes: gel for treating wounds

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008672/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Aquaculture

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008673/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Statements by Hamid Karzai

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008674/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Russia: drought has destroyed 5.5 million hectares of crops

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008742/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Merger between EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) and BAE Systems

Deutsche Fassung

English version

E-008675/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Merger between Airbus and BAE

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008709/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: European aeronautical industry

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008676/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: OECD indicators for Portugal and the euro area

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008677/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: WindGEN3000 — micro wind generator

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008678/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Musculoskeletal disorders in agriculture and fishing

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008679/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: A new virus from the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) family identified

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008680/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Dispute between Argentina and the IMF

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008681/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Pipeline between Portugal and Spain

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008682/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: The FAO calls on the United States to suspend corn ethanol production

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008683/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Tehran conference on Syria proposes a contact group

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008684/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Portugal: agricultural subsidies

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008685/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Brazilian researchers develop drought-resistant plants

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008686/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Development of a new method to diagnose leukaemia

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008687/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: United Kingdom — Five million pounds in aid to the Syrian rebels

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008688/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Syria — Chemical arsenal

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008689/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: US embassy attacks

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008691/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International Monetary Fund (IMF) study on concentrated banking systems

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008692/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Sardine stocks off the Iberian coast

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008696/12 by Thijs Berman to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Convictions for witchcraft in Saudi Arabia

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008697/12 by Thijs Berman to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up — grant to Cameroonian banana sector

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008698/12 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Legal Case in Croatia Involving a Serbian Constituent (Follow up)

English version

E-008699/12 by Syed Kamall to the Commission

Subject: Pricing of medicines in Europe

English version

E-008700/12 by Franck Proust to the Commission

Subject: Opening up high-speed rail lines to competition

Version française

English version

E-008702/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Bisphenol A

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008703/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Transgenic corn

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008704/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Protection of the EU's financial interests

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008705/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: European unitary patent

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008706/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: The trade war between China and Japan

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008707/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International recruitment of nurses

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008708/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Parliamentary elections in Belarus

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008710/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Serbian judges

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008711/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Third financial bail-out of Greece

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008712/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: High-speed electronic trading

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008713/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Human trafficking in Europe

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008714/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: New atypical pneumonia virus

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008715/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Future redemption fund

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008716/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Rwanda aid

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008717/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Clashes between Foxconn workers

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008718/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Consumer protection by the European Banking Authority

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008719/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Possible reduction in Community funds for Portugal between 2014 and 2020

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008720/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Customs duties on Burma/Myanmar exports

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008722/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Help for the European Bank

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008723/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Future of the EU distant-water fishing fleet

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008724/12 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: New Eurostat rules on public debt accounting

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008725/12 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Closure of the Fundação das Salinas do Samouco

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008726/12 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Ria Formosa shellfish gatherers going hungry

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008727/12 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The situation in Syria

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008728/12 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation in Afghanistan — more civilian deaths during NATO bomb strikes

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008729/12 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Review of legislation on forest reproductive material

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008730/12 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Situation in the milk sector — conclusions of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Versão portuguesa

English version

E-008731/12 by Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Anti-dumping duties

English version

E-008732/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EU and Hamas

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008733/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Mandatory annual inspections for motorcycles more than six years old

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008734/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Council

Subject: Classification of documents etc. in the EU institutions

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008735/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Classification of documents etc. in the EU institutions

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008736/12 by Morten Messerschmidt to the Commission

Subject: Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen

Dansk udgave

English version

E-008737/12 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: European bank mergers since 2008

Deutsche Fassung

English version

P-009024/12 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Clean IT

Versión española

English version

P-008738/12 by Judith Sargentini to the Commission

Subject: Clean IT

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-008739/12 by Maria Eleni Koppa to the Commission

Subject: French activist on trial in Turkey

Ελληνική έκδοση

English version

E-008740/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Ukraine's plans to raise import tariffs on a range of goods

Versione italiana

English version

E-008741/12 by Marek Henryk Migalski to the Commission

Subject: Belarusian opposition activist on hunger strike

Wersja polska

English version

E-008743/12 by Mojca Kleva to the Commission

Subject: Media pluralism

Slovenska različica

English version

E-008744/12 by Petru Constantin Luhan to the Commission

Subject: Connecting Europe Facility — monitoring of projects by the Commission

Versiunea în limba română

English version

E-008745/12 by Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Third-level education fees for new citizens of Member States

English version

E-008746/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Hackers attacking network users more than ever

Versione italiana

English version

E-008748/12 by Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy and Marietje Schaake to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Video feature on bribes to be paid for a parliamentary seat in Azerbaijan

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008749/12 by Cornelis de Jong to the Commission

Subject: Position of Dutch banks on the mortgage market and credit market (I)

Nederlandse versie

English version

E-008750/12 by Cornelis de Jong to the Commission

Subject: Position of Dutch banks on the mortgage market and credit market (II)

Nederlandse versie

English version

P-008753/12 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: EU subsidies paid towards scrapping and modernisation of fishing vessels

English version

P-008754/12 by Richard Howitt to the Commission

Subject: Corporate social responsibility in Burma/Myanmar

English version

E-008756/12 by Richard Howitt to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Corporate social responsibility in Burma/Myanmar

English version

P-008757/12 by Gay Mitchell to the Commission

Subject: Right to free movement of goods

English version

E-008758/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Heavy metals in EU cosmetics

Versione italiana

English version

E-008759/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Infringement procedures

Versione italiana

English version

E-008760/12 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Infringement procedures against Italy

Versione italiana

English version

E-008761/12 by Claudio Morganti to the Commission

Subject: Criminal exploitation of people with disabilities

Versione italiana

English version

E-008762/12 by Giancarlo Scottà to the Commission

Subject: Use of a stock system to tackle extreme fluctuations in grain prices — Possible European coordination

Versione italiana

English version

E-008763/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Nuclear emergency in Saluggia

Versione italiana

English version

E-008764/12 by Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Children poisoned in Germany

Versione italiana

English version

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-007801/12

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(4 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Derechos de obras musicales y licencias multiterritoriales — Repregunta

Ante mi preocupación por la fragmentación de los mercados audiovisuales, la Comisión me contestó (E-004678/2012) el día 10 de julio de 2012 que «se permiten diferencias en las condiciones de acceso cuando estén directamente justificadas por criterios objetivos» y que no constituía ninguna discriminación ilegal la falta de prestación de un servicio a un consumidor cuando no se habían obtenido las oportunas licencias nacionales.

Al día siguiente, 11 de julio, la Comisión publicó la propuesta de Directiva europea para regular las licencias multiterritoriales de derechos de obras musicales.

Por todo ello pregunto si la Comisión sigue considerando que no se discrimina cuando hay mercados fragmentados en Europa o si propone licencias europeas.

Respuesta del Sr. Barnier en nombre de la Comisión

(14 de noviembre de 2012)

La Comisión entiende que su Señoría se refiere al impacto de la propuesta de Directiva marco sobre gestión colectiva de los derechos de autor en la posición de la Comisión reflejada en la respuesta dada por el comisario de Mercado Interior y Servicios a la pregunta escrita E-004678/2012 (1).

La propuesta contiene una serie de reglas que fomentarán y facilitarán la concesión de licencias multiterritoriales de obras musicales para usos en línea en la EU. Las sociedades de gestión colectiva son los principales interlocutores de los proveedores de servicios de música en línea, ya que las mismas conceden las licencias de los derechos de autor que estas precisen para prestar tales servicios. La propuesta tiene por objeto mejorar la concesión de licencias de los derechos en línea por parte de las sociedades de gestión colectiva y la agregación de repertorios de obras musicales con el fin de favorecer las licencias multiterritoriales.

La propuesta tiene por objeto reducir el número de licencias que un proveedor de Internet necesita obtener para ofrecer sus servicios de música en línea a los consumidores de toda la UE. A este respecto, la propuesta debería ayudar a superar el nivel actual de fragmentación del mercado de concesión de licencias de música de la UE.

Si bien la propuesta debe traducirse en un aumento de la concesión de licencias multiterritoriales y, en consecuencia, facilitar la prestación de servicios en todos los Estados miembros de la UE, no impone licencias paneuropeas. Actualmente, la propuesta se está debatiendo en el Consejo.

Los productores conceden normalmente licencias sobre las obras audiovisuales caso por caso. La gestión colectiva desempeña un papel limitado en este sector. La Comisión pretende adoptar para finales de año una Comunicación en la que se establecerá qué medidas deben adoptarse para facilitar la concesión de licencias y unos servicios en toda la UE en el sector audiovisual.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-007801/12

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(4 September 2012)

Subject: Rights to musical works and multi-territorial licences — follow-up question

In its answer to my question about the fragmentation of the audiovisual market (E‐004678/2012), the Commission said on 10 July 2012 that ‘differences in the conditions of access are allowed “when those differences are directly justified by objective criteria”’ and that the non-provision of a service to a consumer does not constitute unlawful discrimination in cases where the provider has not secured the necessary national licences.

The next day, 11 July 2012, the Commission published its proposal for a European directive to regulate multi-territorial licensing for rights in musical works.

Does the Commission still consider that the existence of fragmented markets in Europe does not give rise to discrimination, or will it propose the introduction of European licences?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

The Commission understands that the Honourable Member refers to the impact of the proposal for a directive on the collective management of copyright on the Commission's position reflected in the answer given by the Commissioner for Internal Market and Services to Written Question E-004678/2012 (2).

The proposal contains a set of rules that will encourage and facilitate the multi-territorial licensing of rights in musical works for online uses in the EU. Collecting societies are the main interlocutors of providers offering online music services as the former grant the licences for authors' rights that the latter need in order to provide such services. The proposal aims to improve the licensing of online rights by collecting societies and the aggregation of musical works' repertoire so as to foster multi-territorial licences.

The proposal aims to reduce the number of licences that an Internet provider needs to secure in order to offer its online music services to consumers throughout the EU. In this regard, the proposal should assist overcoming the current level of fragmentation in the EU music licensing market.

While the proposal should result in more multi-territorial licences being granted and hence facilitate services being provided across EU Member States, it does not impose pan-European licences as such. At present, the proposal is under discussion in the Council.

Audiovisual works are normally licensed on an individual basis by producers and collective management plays a limited role in this sector. The Commissions aims to adopt by the end of the year a communication in which it will set out what measures need to be taken to facilitate licensing and EU wide services in the audiovisual sector.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008615/12

an die Kommission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(27. September 2012)

Betrifft: Clean IT

1. Was ist Clean IT?

2. Was ist das Ziel von Clean IT?

3. Wer ist an Clean IT beteiligt?

4. Wer hat Clean IT initiiert (in welcher Form und weshalb)?

5. Welche Rolle hat die Kommission bezüglich Clean IT?

6. Welche Generaldirektionen waren über Clean IT informiert?

7. Welche Personen innerhalb der Kommission waren bisher (in welcher Form) in Clean IT involviert?

8. Welche Zeitpläne bezüglich Clean IT gibt es?

9. Welche finanziellen Auswirkungen ergeben sich im Zusammenhang mit Clean IT auf den EU-Haushalt und die Haushalte der Mitgliedstaaten?

Kann die Kommission besonders ausführliche Antworten erteilen, damit bei allen offenen Fragen vollständige Transparenz hergestellt werden kann?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(19. November 2012)

Bezüglich der Fragen 1 bis 5 und 8 verweist die Kommission den Herrn Abgeordneten auf die Antwort der Kommission auf die schriftlichen Anfragen P-8386/12, P-8569/12 und P-8906/12.

Bezüglich der Fragen 6 und 7: Kommissionsbeamte der Generaldirektionen Inneres sowie Binnenmarkt und Dienstleistungen haben als Beobachter an den ersten Clean IT-Workshops teilgenommen.

Bezüglich der Frage 9: Das Projekt erhielt aus dem von der GD Inneres verwalteten Programm „Kriminalprävention und Kriminalitätsbekämpfung“ („ISEC-Programm“)  (3) einen Zuschuss in Höhe von 325 796,71 EUR, d. h. der Gesamthaushalt beläuft sich nun auf 407 245,89 EUR. Der Restbetrag wird vom Projektkoordinator und seinen Partnern gedeckt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008615/12

to the Commission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Clean IT

1. What is Clean IT?

2. What is the aim of Clean IT?

3. Who is participating in Clean IT?

4. Who initiated Clean IT, in what form and for what reason?

5. What is the role of the Commission with regard to Clean IT?

6. Which Directorates-General were informed of the plans for Clean IT?

7. Which persons in the Commission have been involved in Clean IT so far, and in what form?

8. What timeframe has been set for Clean IT activities?

9. What is the financial impact arising from Clean IT on both the EU budget and the Member State budgets?

I would request particularly detailed answers to be given so as to ensure that full transparency can be secured on all open questions.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

Concerning questions 1 to 5, and 8, the Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's joint reply to written questions P-8386/12, P-8569/12 and P-8906/12.

As concerns questions 6 and 7, Commission officials from DGs Home Affairs and Internal Market and Services took part in the initial Clean IT workshops as observers.

Regarding question 9, the project received a grant from the Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme (ISEC Programme), managed by DG Home Affairs (4), of EUR 325 796.71 towards a total budget of EUR 407 245.89. The difference is covered by the Project Coordinator and their partners.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008616/12

an die Kommission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(27. September 2012)

Betrifft: Impressumspflichten auf Webseiten

Wie sind in den 27 Mitgliedstaaten die Impressumspflichten für Webseiten geregelt?

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(21. November 2012)

Die Kommission entnimmt der Anfrage, dass der Herr Abgeordnete eine Klarstellung über die Angaben wünscht, die Anbieter von Onlinedienstleistungen, insbesondere Herausgeber von Webseiten, auf ihren Websites über sich selbst machen müssen.

Die E-Commerce-Richtlinie 2000/31/EC (5) enthält verbindliche Mindestanforderungen an online tätige Unternehmen (z. B. für Plattformen für den elektronischen Handel, Online-Musikverkaufstellen, Online-Zeitungen oder Online-Reisebüros), wonach diese auf ihren Websites bestimmte Mindestinformationen offenlegen müssen. Dazu gehören beispielsweise Name, geografische Anschrift, Kontaktangaben, E-Mail-Adresse und Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (Artikel 5).

Die Mitgliedstaaten können online tätige Unternehmen dazu verpflichten, auf ihren Websites weitere, über die Mindestanforderungen hinausgehende Angaben zu machen. Dies muss allerdings im Rahmen des EU-Rechts erfolgen, wobei insbesondere die Dienstleistungsrichtlinie und die Verbraucherschutzrichtlinie sowie die durch den AEUV garantierten Grundrechte zu beachten sind.

Eine Verpflichtung, wonach Online-Diensteanbieter auf ihren Websites Haftungsauschlüsse veröffentlichen müssten, sieht das EU-Recht nicht vor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008616/12

to the Commission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Website publishers' obligations to publish editorial information

What arrangements apply in the 27 different Member States with regard to website publishers' obligations to disclose information about themselves (e.g. in the form of a site notice or disclaimer, known in German as an ‘Impressum’) on their websites?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The Commission understands that the Honourable Member seeks clarification on the information that providers of online services, and in particular publishers, are required to give about themselves on their websites.

The E-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (6) lays down the mandatory minimum requirements for online businesses, (eg. e-commerce platforms, online music stores, online newspapers or online travel agencies) to publish on their websites certain basic information, such as their name, geographic address, contact details, e-mail address and VAT number (Article 5).

Member States may oblige online businesses to provide on their websites other information going beyond these minimum requirements. However, this should be within the limits of EC law, i.e. in particular the Services Directive, the Consumer Rights Directive and/or the fundamental freedoms of the TFEU.

There is no EC law requirement obliging online service providers to publish any kind of disclaimers on their websites.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-008617/12

komissiolle

Mitro Repo (S&D)

(27. syyskuuta 2012)

Aihe: Työtaisteluoikeuden turvaaminen kansainvälisen normiston mukaisesti

EU:n tuomioistuimen antamat tuomiot (erityisesti Viking ja Laval) ovat herättäneet paljon kritiikkiä siitä, että EU:n taloudelliset perusvapaudet menevät sosiaalisten oikeuksien edelle. Asiantilaa selkeyttääkseen komissio antoi maaliskuussa 2012 ehdotuksen ns. Monti II ‐asetukseksi, jonka mukaan palvelujen tarjoamisen vapaus sekä sijoittautumisvapaus ovat yhdenvertaisia työtaisteluoikeuden kanssa.

Asetusehdotusta kritisoitiin muun muassa siitä, ettei se tarpeeksi selkeästi ilmaise tavoitetta muuttaa vallitsevaa oikeustilaa, vaan toteutuessaan vain vahvistaisi nykyisen käytännön. Lisäksi EU:n oikeuskäytännön on katsottu olevan kansainvälisen työoikeuden periaatteiden vastaista erityisesti mitä tulee työtaistelutoimenpiteiden suhteellisuusarviointiin.

Kansallisten parlamenttien antamien toissijaisuuslausuntojen ylitettyä vaaditun kynnysarvon asetusehdotus palautui komissioon uudelleenarvioitavaksi. Myöhemmin komissio ilmoitti vetävänsä ehdotuksensa takaisin.

1. Mitä toimenpiteitä komissio harkitsee työtaisteluoikeuden turvaamiseksi taloudellisiin vapauksiin nähden Monti II ‐asetuksen kaaduttua?

2. Aikooko komissio esittää kansainvälisen työoikeuden vaatimukset täyttävää lainsäädäntöehdotusta, jossa tunnustetaan työmarkkinaosapuolten itsenäisyys ja liikkumavara sekä vain rajoitettu mahdollisuus tuomioistuimen oikeudelliseen tarkasteluun?

3. Mitä mieltä komissio on määräenemmistöllä päätettävistä, SEUT-sopimuksen 26 artiklan 3 kohdan mukaisista ja EU:n instituutioita sitovista suuntaviivoista työtaisteluoikeuden kunnioittamiseksi kansainvälisen normiston mukaisesti? Harkitseeko komissio suuntaviivojen ehdottamista?

László Andorin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(19. marraskuuta 2012)

Komissio vahvistaa, että se on vetänyt takaisin ehdotuksensa asetukseksi työtaisteluoikeuden harjoittamisesta suhteessa sijoittautumisvapauteen ja palvelujen tarjoamisen vapauteen (Monti II). Ehdotuksen peruuttaminen ei tarkoita, että komissio olisi hylkäämässä työntekijöiden oikeudet. Työntekijöiden oikeudet on vahvistettu Euroopan unionin perusoikeuskirjassa, josta on tullut osa perussopimusta. Elin‐ ja työolojen kohentaminen, riittävä sosiaalinen suojeleminen ja työmarkkinaosapuolten välinen vuoropuhelu kuuluvat EU:n sosiaalipolitiikan keskeisiin tavoitteisiin (SEUT-sopimuksen 151 artikla), joita komissio edistää jatkossakin.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008617/12

to the Commission

Mitro Repo (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Safeguarding the right to industrial action in accordance with international standards

Judgments given by the Court of Justice of the EU (particularly in the Viking and Laval cases) have met with much criticism to the effect that, in the EU, fundamental economic freedoms take precedence over social rights. In March 2012, in order to clarify the situation, the Commission submitted its proposal for a so-called Monti II Regulation, under which freedom to provide services and freedom of establishment would be accorded equal status with the right to industrial action.

The proposal for a regulation was criticised inter alia because it did not sufficiently clearly express the intention of altering the prevailing state of the law but, if adopted, would only have confirmed current practice. In addition, the case law of the Court of Justice has been regarded as being contrary to the principles of international labour law, particularly as regards assessments of the proportionality of industrial action.

As the opinions delivered by national parliaments regarding compliance with the subsidiarity principle exceeded the required threshold, the proposal for a regulation was referred back to the Commission for a review. Later, the Commission announced that it was withdrawing its proposal.

1. What measures is the Commission considering with a view to safeguarding the right to industrial action in relation to economic freedoms, now that the Monti II regulation is no longer pending adoption?

2. Will the Commission submit a legislative proposal which complies with the requirements of international labour law, recognising the autonomy and room for manoeuvre of employers and employees and providing for only limited scope for judicial review?

3. What view does the Commission take of guidelines, which would be binding on the EU institutions, concerning respect for the right to industrial action in accordance with international standards, to be adopted by a qualified majority pursuant to Article 24(3) of the TFEU? Will the Commission consider proposing such guidelines?

Answer given by M. Andor on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

The Commission confirms that it has withdrawn its proposal of a regulation on the exercise of the right to take collective action within the context of the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services (Monti II). Withdrawal of the proposal does not mean that the Commission is abandoning workers' rights. Workers' rights are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights which has become part of the Treaty. Improved living and working conditions, proper social protection and dialogue between management and labour are among the core objectives of EU social policy (Article 151 TFEU) which the Commission will continue to promote.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008618/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Pracovné podmienky žien v sektore služieb

V odvetví služieb bolo v roku 2010 v EÚ zamestnaných celkovo 69,4 % osôb. Je tu zamestnaná najväčšia časť pracujúcich žien: 83,1 % v porovnaní s 58,1 % pracujúcich mužov. Sektor služieb ale trpí problémom horizontálnej segregácie a vertikálnej segregácie, ktoré sú následkom pretrvávajúcich stereotypov v tomto odvetví. Tie sú v spoločnosti značne zakorenené. Predpokladá sa totiž, že existujú povolania mužské a ženské. Koncentrácia žien v odvetví služieb je však vysoká: 25 % v porovnaní so 17 % mužov.

V sektore služieb okrem toho pretrvávajú aj výrazné rozdiely v odmeňovaní. Ženy celkovo v EÚ zarábajú o 17,1 % menej ako muži, pričom približne 80 % osôb s nízkymi platmi sú ženy. Rozdiely v odmeňovaní sa dajú čiastočne vysvetliť aj tým, že v službách pretrváva horizontálna segregácia a vertikálna segregácia súvisiaca s tzv. skleneným stropom. Hospodárska kríza navyše prispieva k zhoršeniu tejto situácie, keďže sa obmedzujú alebo rušia opatrenia zamerané na dosiahnutie rovnosti.

— Plánuje Komisia v blízkej budúcnosti vypracovať návrh legislatívneho aktu, ktorý by zlepšil pracovné podmienky žien v sektore služieb?

Odpoveď pani Redingovej v mene Komisie

(23. novembra 2012)

Vo svojej Stratégii rovnosti žien a mužov (2010 – 2015) Komisia zdôrazňuje potrebu riešiť rodovú segregáciu na trhu práce a znížiť rozdiely v odmeňovaní žien a mužov. Komisia zvyšuje povedomie o týchto problémoch najmä prostredníctvom kampane za odstránenie rozdielov v odmeňovaní žien a mužov.

V tejto stratégii je preto riešenie problému odstraňovania rozdielov v odmeňovaní žien a mužov jednou z priorít Komisie. Zásada rovnakej odmeny je zakotvená v zmluve a v smernici 2006/54/ES o rovnakom zaobchádzaní s mužmi a ženami vo veciach zamestnanosti a povolania. Komisia neustále sleduje, či sa existujúci právny rámec súvisiaci s otázkou rovnakého odmeňovania správne uplatňuje na vnútroštátnej úrovni. Správa o vykonávaní smernice 2006/54/ES, ako aj o uplatňovaní ustanovení o rovnakej odmene je naplánovaná na rok 2013.

Komisia nedávno spustila iniciatívu „Equality Pays Off“ (Rovnosť sa vypláca), ktorá má v podnikoch zvýšiť povedomie o rozdieloch v odmeňovaní žien a mužov. V rámci tejto iniciatívy sa budú pre podniky organizovať vzdelávacie aktivity a podporia sa konkrétne nástroje na to, aby sa zvýšila informovanosť o „ekonomickom opodstatnení“ rodovej rovnosti a rovnakej odmeny. Okrem toho sa v Bruseli v roku 2013 v období okolo Európskeho dňa rovnakého odmeňovania uskutoční podnikateľské fórum. Pre podniky bude predstavovať platformu výmeny poznatkov o činnostiach zameraných na podporu rodovej rovnosti.

V rámci stratégie Európa 2020 a európskeho semestra venuje Komisia pozornosť aj spôsobom, akým členské štáty podporujú rodovú rovnosť vo svojej politike zamestnanosti.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008618/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Working conditions for women in the service industry

In the EU in 2010, a total of 69.4 % of workers were employed in the service industry. Most working women are employed in this sector: 83.1 %, compared with 58.1 % for men. However, the service industry suffers from problems of horizontal and vertical segregation, which are a consequence of persisting stereotypes in the sector. These stereotypes are deeply rooted in society. After all, there are certain professions that are thought of as ‘male’, and certain that are thought of as ‘female’. The concentration of women in the service industry is high: 25 %, compared with 17 % for men.

Significant pay differences also exist in the sector. On the whole, women in the EU earn 17.1 % less than men, while approximately 80 % of low‐wage earners are women. Pay differences can partly be explained by the fact that horizontal segregation and vertical segregation (‘glass ceiling’) still exist in the service industry. Moreover, the economic crisis is exacerbating this situation, since measures aimed at achieving equality are being limited or repealed.

— Does the Commission plan to draw up a draft legislative act to improve the working conditions of women in the service industry?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 2012)

In its Strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015) the Commission underlines the need to address the gender segregation on the labour market and to reduce the gender pay gap. The Commission is raising awareness on those issues notably through the gender pay gap campaign.

Tackling the gender pay gap is therefore one of the Commission's priorities in the strategy. The principle of equal pay is enshrined in the Treaty and in Directive 2006/54/EC on equal treatment of women and men in employment and occupation. The Commission is constantly monitoring whether the existing legal framework on equal pay is being correctly applied at national level. A report on the implementation of Directive 2006/54/EC including the application of the provisions on equal pay is envisaged for 2013.

The Commission has recently started the initiative ‘Equality Pays Off’ aimed at raising awareness in companies about the gender pay gap. Training activities will be organised and specific tools will be promoted for companies to raise awareness on the ‘business case’ for gender equality and equal pay. Moreover, a business forum will be organised in Brussels around the European Equal Pay Day in 2013. It will be a platform of knowledge exchange for companies on actions to foster gender equality.

In the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy and the European semester the Commission is also paying attention to the ways Member States are promoting gender equality in their employment policies.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008619/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Úloha žien v ekologickom hospodárstve

Ekologické hospodárstvo je udržateľné hospodárstvo, pod čím sa rozumie sociálna a ekologická udržateľnosť. Vzhľadom na rodové úlohy nie je vplyv žien na životné prostredie rovnaký ako vplyv mužov. Rodová nerovnosť spojená s nedostatkom citlivosti voči odlišnému ekonomickému a sociálnemu stavu žien a ich potrebám spôsobuje, že ženy zhoršovaním životného prostredia často neúmerne trpia. Dôsledky zmeny klímy pritom najviac postihnú najchudobnejších ľudí, z ktorých ženy tvoria podľa odhadov až 70 %. V mnohých krajinách je navyše prístup žien k zdrojom a možnostiam zvládnuť situáciu a prispôsobiť sa obmedzený, a to z dôvodu štrukturálnych noriem a diskriminácie. Ženy navyše v ekologickom hospodárstve v nedostatočnej miere zastávajú odborné funkcie a sú zjavne nedostatočne zastúpené v rámci rokovaní o životnom prostredí a rozpočte, ako aj pri prijímaní rozhodnutí o tejto otázke. Absencia rodovej perspektívy v politikách životného prostredia výrazne zvyšuje rodovú nerovnosť.

— Akým spôsobom začleňuje Komisia rodové hľadisko do svojich politík súvisiacich s ekologickým hospodárstvom?

Odpoveď pani Redingovej v mene Komisie

(26. novembra 2012)

Neexistuje žiadna dohodnutá definícia ekologického alebo zeleného hospodárstva. Komisia je prostredníctvom Zmluvy o fungovaní Európskej únie odhodlaná docieliť elimináciu nerovnosti a podporovať rovnosť medzi mužmi a ženami vo všetkých oblastiach. V stratégii rovnosti žien a mužov (2010 – 2015) sa uvádza, že Komisia sa bude podporovať ženy pri výbere netradičných profesií, napríklad v tzv. zelených a inovatívnych odvetviach.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008619/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Women's role in the ecological economy

An ecological economy is a sustainable economy, implying social and ecological sustainability. Owing to gender roles, women’s influence on the environment is not equal to that of men. Gender inequality and the lack of sensitivity with regard to the different economic and social status of women and their needs mean that women often suffer to a greater degree as a result of environmental degradation. The effects of climate change are most keenly felt by the world’s poorest, of which women represent — according to estimates — 70 %. Moreover, in many countries women’s access to the resources and means to adapt and cope with their situation are limited as a result of structural norms and discrimination. Additionally, women occupy an insufficient number of professional posts in the ecological economy and are grossly underrepresented in discussions on the environment, budgetary issues and in the decision‐making process in this area. The lack of a gender perspective in environmental policies significantly increases gender inequality.

— How is the Commission incorporating a gender perspective into its policies on the ecological economy?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

There is no agreed definition of the ecological or green economy and the Commission is commited, through the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality between men and women in all its activities. The strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015) states that the Commission will seek to encourage women to enter non-traditional professions, for example in ‘green’ and innovative sectors.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008620/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Výroba solárnych zariadení v Číne

Európska komisia nedávno dostala antidumpingovú sťažnosť proti dotáciám poskytovaným čínskym výrobcom solárnych zariadení. V sťažnosti koalície EU ProSun je uvedené, že čínske štátne banky poskytujú čínskym výrobcom nelegálne štátne dotácie, čím výrazne znevýhodňujú konkurenta na trhu. EU ProSun uvádza, že čínske vládne dotácie sú dostupné len pre čínske firmy. Masívne dotácie a štátna intervencia podnietila nadmernú kapacitu vo výške viac než 20-násobku celkovej čínskej spotreby a blízko dvojnásobku celkového svetového dopytu. Preto muselo ísť viac než 90 % čínskej produkcie na vývoz. Bez vládnych dotácií by bola takáto iracionálna nadprodukcia, ktorá nedokáže priniesť zisk, dôvodom na bankrot. V roku 2012 pritom vyhlásilo insolventnosť viac ako 20 veľkých európskych solárnych výrobcov. Predchádzajúcu sťažnosť podala EU ProSun ešte v júli tohto roku. Čínske firmy majú v súčasnosti viac než 50-percentný podiel na svetovej výrobe fotovoltaických zariadení.

— Plánuje Komisia spustiť v tejto súvislosti ďalšie vyšetrovanie?

Odpoveď pána De Guchta v mene Komisie

(24. októbra 2012)

Komisia nesie zodpovednosť za vyšetrovanie obvinení, ktoré sa týkajú subvencií poskytovaných vyvážajúcim výrobcom v krajinách mimo Európskej únie (EÚ). Základným antisubvenčným nariadením EÚ je nariadenie Rady (ES) č. 597/2009 z 11. júna 2009 o ochrane pred subvencovanými dovozmi z krajín, ktoré nie sú členmi Európskeho spoločenstva, ktoré je v súlade s medzinárodnými povinnosťami EÚ, predovšetkým s dohodou Svetovej obchodnej organizácie (WTO) o dotáciách a vyrovnávacích opatreniach. V rámci tohto právneho rámca, výrobcovia Únie môžu podať antisubvenčný podnet. Ak by akýkoľvek takýto podnet bol podaný v súvislosti so solárnymi zariadeniami, a ak by spĺňal požiadavky stanovené v základnom nariadení o začatí antisubvenčného konania, začne sa konanie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008620/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Production of solar installations in China

An anti‐dumping complaint was recently lodged with the Commission against subsidies offered to Chinese manufacturers of solar installations. The complaint, levelled by the EU ProSun group, states that Chinese state banks are offering Chinese manufacturers illegal state subsidies, thereby putting their market competitors at a clear disadvantage. EU ProSun asserts that Chinese state subsidies are only made available to Chinese companies. Enormous subsidies and state intervention have stimulated overcapacity to over 20 times total Chinese consumption and close to two times total world demand. Over 90 % of Chinese production therefore had to go to the export market. In the absence of state subsidies, such irrational and unprofitable overproduction would lead to bankruptcy. In 2012, though, more than 20 European manufacturers of solar installations announced their insolvency. EU ProSun had already lodged a previous complaint in July 2012. Chinese firms currently represent over 50 % of world production of photovoltaic installations.

— Does the Commission plan to investigate this matter further?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2012)

The Commission is responsible for investigating allegations of subsidies granted to exporting producers in countries outside the European Union (EU). The EU's basic anti-subsidy Regulation is Council Regulation (EC) No 597/2009 (7) of 11 June 2009 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community, which complies with the EU's international obligations, in particular the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. Within that legal framework, Union producers may lodge an anti-subsidy complaint. Should any such complaint be lodged in respect of solar installations and meet the requirements set under the basic Regulation for the initiation of an anti-subsidy proceeding, a proceeding will be opened.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008830/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(2 Οκτωβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Εμπόριο οργάνων στην Αίγυπτο

Όταν το σαράντα τοις εκατό του πληθυσμού της Αιγύπτου ζει με 2 ευρώ την μέρα περίπου, το να κερδίσει κανείς 2 000 ευρώ πωλώντας ένα νεφρό ή ένα κομμάτι του ήπατός του γίνεται ιδιαίτερα ελκυστικό.

Ένα μεγάλο ποσοστό των ανθρώπων που υφίστανται αυτές τις χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις αφαίρεσης οργάνων είναι αιτούντες πολιτικό άσυλο και πρόσφυγες από άλλες αφρικανικές χώρες και δη από το Σουδάν, από την Ερυθραία και από την Αιθιοπία.

Ορισμένοι πρόσφυγες έχουν υποστεί αφαίρεση των οργάνων τους παρά την θέλησή τους.

Τον περασμένο Ιούνιο, η Αίγυπτος απαγόρευσε τις χρηματικές δοσοληψίες για ανθρώπινα όργανα αλλά δεν έχει μεριμνήσει αποτελεσματικά για την εφαρμογή του νόμου.

Οι περισσότερες από αυτές τις παράνομες εγχειρήσεις πραγματοποιούνται με την χρησιμοποίηση αυτοσχέδιων μεθόδων και χωρίς καμία τήρηση υγειονομικών κανόνων, γεγονός που καθιστά πολύ πιθανές τις μολύνσεις και τις περιπλοκές. Οι ασθενείς δεν τυγχάνουν της δέουσας μεταχείρισης και αφήνονται να επιστρέψουν σπίτι τους αμέσως μετά την εγχείρηση, αν και ένας ασθενής πρέπει να παραμείνει τουλάχιστον οκτώ ώρες μετά την εγχείρηση στο νοσοκομείο.

Τούτων δοθέντων, επιθυμώ να θέσω τις εξής ερωτήσεις στην Επιτροπή:

Κοινή απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(20 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η ΕΕ παρακολουθεί εκ του σύνεγγυς, μέσω της Αντιπροσωπείας της στο Κάιρο, το ζήτημα της εμπορίας ανθρώπων στην Αίγυπτο. Η ΕΕ εξέφρασε επανειλημμένα την ανησυχία της σχετικά με την εμπορία ανθρώπων στον Αιγύπτιο Υπουργό Εξωτερικών και τον Υπουργό Εσωτερικών. Ο κ. Alexander Rondos, Ειδικός Εντεταλμένος της ΕΕ για το Κέρας της Αφρικής, έθεσε το θέμα των προσφύγων του όρους Σινά στη συνάντησή του με τον Υπουργό Εξωτερικών κ. Amr στο Κάιρο, τον Μάρτιο του 2012. Η ΕΕ θα συνεχίσει να παροτρύνει τις αιγυπτιακές αρχές να διασφαλίσουν τον πλήρη σεβασμό των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων των μεταναστών και των προσφύγων και τη λήψη των κατάλληλων μέτρων για την αντιμετώπιση της εμπορίας ανθρώπων στη χώρα. Για παράδειγμα, το Γραφείο των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για τους Πρόσφυγες (UNHCR) θα πρέπει να είναι σε θέση να εκπληρώσει πλήρως την εντολή του σε ολόκληρη την επικράτεια της Αιγύπτου, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της περιοχής του Σινά.

Μετά την εκλογή του Προέδρου Morsi, πραγματοποιήθηκε ριζικός ανασχηματισμός της στρατιωτικής ιεραρχίας που έθεσε τέλος στη στρατιωτική κηδεμονία. Ωστόσο, χωρίς εκ βάθρων μεταρρύθμιση του τομέα της ασφάλειας και χωρίς πρόσθετα μέσα για την καταπολέμηση της εμπορίας ανθρώπων και του οργανωμένου εγκλήματος, η κατάσταση δεν πρόκειται να βελτιωθεί ουσιαστικά. Η ΕΕ είναι έτοιμη να συνδράμει τις αιγυπτιακές αρχές στη δίωξη των εμπόρων ανθρώπων και τον έλεγχο των συνόρων με αποτελεσματικότερο τρόπο, και συγχρόνως στην εκπλήρωση των διεθνών δεσμεύσεών τους για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα. Δυστυχώς, η αιγυπτιακή πλευρά απέρριψε έως τώρα την προσφορά συνεργασίας μας για τη μεταρρύθμιση του τομέα της ασφάλειας. Η επιδείνωση της κατάστασης όσον αφορά την ασφάλεια σε ορισμένες περιοχές της Αιγύπτου συνδέεται επίσης στενά με τη φτώχεια και την έλλειψη οικονομικής ανάπτυξης, που ευρίσκονται στο επίκεντρο του προγράμματος συνεργασίας της ΕΕ στη χώρα (το εθνικό ενδεικτικό πρόγραμμα 2011-2013 για την Αίγυπτο ανέρχεται σε 449 εκατ. ευρώ).

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008621/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Obchodovanie s ľuďmi v Sinaji

V Sinaji každoročne prídu o život alebo zmiznú tisíce žiadateľov o azyl a migrantov. Ďalší, vrátane mnohých žien a detí, sa stávajú obeťami únosov a rukojemníkmi obchodníkov s ľuďmi. Obete takéhoto obchodovania sú vystavené otrasnému zneužívaniu. Sú vystavované neustálemu násiliu, mučeniu, znásilňovaniu, sexuálnemu zneužívaniu a nútenej práci. Každý mesiac údajne vstúpi do Izraela cez Sinaj priemerne 2 000 ľudí, mnohí z nich pomocou pašerákov, ktorí si vytvorili v tejto oblasti rozsiahlu sieť. Podľa odhadov izraelskej vlády vstúpilo od roku 2005 nezákonne do Izraela cez Sinaj približne 50 000 Afričanov.

Polícia zatkla stovky nelegálnych migrantov a zadržiava ich na policajných staniciach a vo väzniciach v Sinaji a v severnej časti Egypta. Nemajú prístup k Vysokému komisárovi pre utečencov, a tým sa im odopiera právo požiadať o azyl. Podľa organizácií na ochranu ľudských práv sú tí, ktorí nezaplatia výkupné, zabití a vyberú im z tela orgány, ktoré potom predávajú. Existujú správy o masových hroboch zabitých utečencov.

1. Považuje Komisia problematiku obchodovania s ľuďmi a porušovania ľudských práv a základných slobôd žiadateľov o azyl v Sinaji za vysokú prioritu v jej politickom dialógu s Egyptom?

2. Ak áno, aké konkrétne kroky Komisia podnikla v tejto súvislosti v poslednom čase?

Spoločná odpoveď podpredsedníčky Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľky Ashtonovej v mene Komisie

(20. novembra 2012)

EÚ veľmi pozorne sleduje situáciu v oblasti obchodovania s ľuďmi v Egypte prostredníctvom svojej delegácie v Káhire. EÚ vyjadrila svoje obavy v súvislosti s obchodovaním s ľuďmi pri viacerých príležitostiach egyptskému ministerstvu zahraničných vecí a ministerstvu vnútra. Pán Alexander Rondos, osobitný zástupca EÚ pre Africký roh, poukázal na problém utečencov prechádzajúcich cez Sinaj na stretnutí s ministrom zahraničných vecí Amrom v Káhire v marci 2012. EÚ bude naďalej naliehať na egyptské orgány, aby zabezpečili dodržiavanie ľudských práv migrantov a utečencov a prijatie primeraných opatrení na riešenie problémov obchodovania s ľuďmi v krajine. Napríklad Agentúra OSN pre utečencov (UNHCR) by mala byť schopná uplatňovať svoj mandát na celom území Egypta vrátane sinajského regiónu.

Od zvolenia prezidenta Morsiho došlo k dramatickým zmenám vo vojenskej hierarchii, ktoré mali za následok ukončenie vojenskej správy. Bez rozsiahlej reformy sektora bezpečnosti a bez dodatočných prostriedkov na boj proti obchodovaniu s ľuďmi a organizovanej trestnej činnosti je však nepravdepodobné, že by sa situácia mohla výrazne zlepšiť. EÚ je pripravená podporiť egyptské orgány v boji proti pašerákom, pri efektívnejšom dozore nad hranicou a súčasnom plnení ich medzinárodných záväzkov v súvislosti s dodržiavaním ľudských práv. Bohužiaľ, egyptské orgány doposiaľ odmietajú našu ponuku na spoluprácu v oblasti reformy sektoru bezpečnosti. Zhoršovanie bezpečnostnej situácie v niektorých oblastiach Egypta úzko súvisí aj s otázkou chudoby a nedostatočného hospodárskeho rozvoja, ktoré sú hlavným obsahom programov spolupráce EÚ uskutočňovaných v krajine (Národný indikatívny program (NIP) na roky 2011 – 2013 pre Egypt s rozpočtom 449 mil. EUR).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008621/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Human trafficking in the Sinai

Thousands of asylum‐seekers and migrants lose their lives or disappear in the Sinai every year. Others, including many women and children, are kidnapped and held hostage for ransom by human traffickers. The victims of human trafficking are horribly abused. They are subject to systematic violence, torture, rape, sexual abuse and forced labour. Each month, some 2 000 people reportedly enter Israel successfully through the Sinai, many with the assistance of smugglers, who have established a sizeable network in this area. According to Israeli Government estimates, around 50 000 Africans have illegally entered Israel through the Sinai since 2005.

The police have arrested hundreds of illegal migrants and detain them in police stations and prisons in the Sinai and northern Egypt. They do not have access to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for refugees, thus preventing them from exercising their right to request asylum. According to human rights organisations, those who fail to pay the price for their release are killed, whereupon their organs are removed and then traded. There are reports of mass graves filled with murdered refugees.

1. Does the Commission view the issue of human trafficking and the violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of asylum‐seekers in the Sinai as a high priority in its political dialogue with Egypt?

2. If so, what specific steps has the Commission taken recently in this matter?

Question for written answer E-008830/12

to the Commission

Niki Tzavela (EFD)

(2 October 2012)

Subject: Organ trafficking in Egypt

Forty percent of Egypt’s population lives on around 2 euro per day, making the 2 000 euro profit from selling a kidney or a liver very appealing.

A large percentage of the people undergoing these organ extraction surgeries are political asylum-seekers and refugees from other African countries, especially Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Some of the refugees have had their organs harvested against their will.

Last June, Egypt banned payment for human organs but has not effectively reinforced the law.

Most of the illegal operations are done using crude methods in unsanitary conditions, making infections and complications likely. The patients are not treated properly and are dismissed directly after surgery, in disregard of the fact that a patient should, at a minimum, spend eight hours after surgery in a hospital.

In light of this, I would like to ask the Commission to answer the following:

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

(20 November 2012)

The EU is following the issue of human trafficking in Egypt very closely through its Delegation in Cairo. The EU's concerns on human trafficking have been expressed on numerous occasions to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Ministry of Interior. The EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Mr Alexander Rondos, raised the issue of the Sinai refugees in his meeting with Foreign Minister Amr in Cairo in March 2012. The EU will continue to urge the Egyptian authorities to ensure that the human rights of migrants and refugees are fully respected and that appropriate actions are taken to address human trafficking in the country. For instance, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) should be able to fully implement its mandate on the entire territory of Egypt, including the Sinai region.

Since the election of President Morsi, a dramatic reshuffle of the military hierarchy ending the military tutorship has been carried out. However, without a thorough reform of the security sector and without additional means to fight trafficking and organised crime, it is unlikely that the situation will substantially improve. The EU stands ready in supporting the Egyptian authorities to fight traffickers and to control the borders in a more efficient manner while fulfilling their international human rights commitments. Unfortunately, the Egyptian side has so far declined our cooperation offer on Security Sector Reform. The worsening of the security situation in some areas of Egypt is also closely related to poverty and the lack of economic development which are at the core of the EU cooperation's agenda in the country (National Indicative Programme (NIP) 2011-2013 for Egypt amounts to EUR 449 million).

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008622/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Databáza EURODAC

Nariadenie, podľa ktorého má vzniknúť Eurodac — nová európska databáza odtlačkov prstov žiadateľov o azyl a niektorých skupín imigrantov, ktorej cieľom je zefektívniť boj proti ilegálnej imigrácii, prijala Rada pre spravodlivosť a vnútorné záležitosti. Nariadenie obsahuje špecifické bezpečnostné opatrenia, pričom údaje z databázy nesmú byť použité na iné účely. V máji 2012 však Komisia predložila návrh na zmenu predmetného návrhu, podľa ktorého by k databáze mali mať prístup Europol a národné orgány činné v trestnom konaní. Európsky dozorný úradník pre ochranu údajov v tom však vidí problém. Podľa jeho názoru ide o vážny zásah do práv zraniteľnej skupiny ľudí, ktorú treba chrániť

1. Aký je dôvod Komisie na takýto vážny zásah do osobnej integrity žiadateľov o azyl a niektorých skupín imigrantov?

2. Poskytne Komisia v blízkej budúcnosti dôkazy či štatistiky, ktoré dokazujú opodstatnenosť jej návrhu?

Odpoveď pani Malmströmovej v mene Komisie

(22. novembra 2012)

Podľa názoru Komisie je prístup orgánov presadzovania práva k systému Eurodac za prísnych podmienok a s účinnými ochrannými opatreniami v osobitných prípadoch nevyhnutný a primeraný. Žiadatelia o azyl predstavujú zraniteľnú skupinu, ktorá potrebuje osobitnú ochranu. Uvedené podmienky a ochranné opatrenia teda tvoria základnú časť návrhu predloženého Komisiou 30. mája 2012, ktorým sa má orgánom presadzovania práva umožniť prístup k systému Eurodac iba na účely predchádzania, odhaľovania a vyšetrovania terorizmu a inej závažnej trestnej činnosti (8).

Súčasťou týchto opatrení je dvojfázový prístup, v rámci ktorého možno preverenie v systéme Eurodac realizovať iba vtedy, ak sa najprv vykoná tzv. prümské preverenie (9), overenie overovacím orgánom, či sú v konkrétnom prípade splnené prísne podmienky pre preverenie v systéme Eurodac, pričom platí zákaz systematického porovnávania a zákaz prenosu údajov získaných zo systému Eurodac do tretích krajín. Komisia preto zastáva názor, že návrh je v plnej miere v súlade s Chartou základných práv, a to predovšetkým pokiaľ ide o právo na azyl (článok 18) a ochranu osobných údajov (článok 8).

Z dôvodovej správy k návrhu Komisie aj zo sprievodného posúdenia vplyvu [SEC(2009)936] (10) vyplýva, že prístup orgánov presadzovania práva k systému Eurodac je nevyhnutný na to, aby sa vyplnila štrukturálna medzera v oblasti informácií a overovania. V súčasnosti nemajú orgány presadzovania práva k dispozícii žiaden nástroj na to, aby mohli zistiť, ktorý členský štát má informácie o žiadateľovi o víza, ktorý je podozrivý zo spáchania závažného trestného činu alebo ktorý je obeťou trestného činu. Komisia nemôže poskytnúť príklady využitia systému Eurodac v rámci vyšetrovania trestnej činnosti, keďže súčasné pravidlá takéto využitie údajov systému Eurodac neumožňujú.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008622/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Eurodac database

The Justice and Home Affairs Council adopted a regulation to establish Eurodac — a new European database of the fingerprints of asylum‐seekers and some categories of immigrants that aims to combat illegal immigration more effectively. The regulation contains specific security measures to ensure that data from the databases may not be used for other purposes. However, in May 2012 the Commission submitted an amended proposal for a regulation allowing Europol and national law enforcement agencies to access the database. The European privacy tsar, however, sees a problem with this. In his opinion, this constitutes a serious breach of the rights of a vulnerable group of people in need of protection.

1. What is the Commission’s purpose in so seriously violating the personal integrity of asylum‐seekers and certain categories of immigrants?

2. Will the Commission provide evidence or statistics in the near future to back up its proposal?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

In the Commission's view, law enforcement access to Eurodac is necessary and proportionate in specific cases under strict conditions and with effective safeguards. Asylum-seekers are a vulnerable group in need of special protection, and so such conditions and safeguards are an essential part of the proposal presented by the Commission on 30 May 2012 to allow law enforcement access to Eurodac only for the purpose of the prevention, detection or investigation of terrorism and other serious crimes (11).

These safeguards include a two-step approach where a Eurodac check may only be made after a prior Prüm check (12), the verification by a verifying authority whether the strict conditions for a EURODAC check are fulfilled in a specific case, the prohibition of systematic comparisons and the prohibition to transfer any data obtained from Eurodac to third countries. Therefore, in the Commission's view, the proposal fully complies with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in particular as regards the right to asylum (Article 18) and protection of personal data (Article 8).

Both the explanatory memorandum in the Commission proposal and the accompanying Impact Assessment (SEC(2009)936) (13) demonstrate that law enforcement access to Eurodac is necessary in order to address a structural information and verification gap. There is currently no EU instrument available to law enforcement authorities to determine the Member State that holds information on an asylum-seeker who is suspected of a serious crime or a crime victim. It is not possible for the Commission to provide examples of cases where Eurodac data was used in a criminal investigation, as such a use of Eurodac data is not allowed under current rules.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008623/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: „Cloud Computing“

Jedna z definícií pojmu „Cloud Computing“ hovorí, že je to spôsob, ako poskytovať kompletné alebo čiastočné softvérové riešenia ako služby cez internet, kde sú tieto služby hostované v dynamicky škálovateľnom virtuálnom prostredí, ktoré nazývame „the cloud“. Ide teda o akýsi súbor počítačov, služieb alebo infraštruktúry. Umožňuje skladovanie dát na vzdialených serveroch. Univerzita v Miláne vo svojej štúdii z roku 2010 odhadla, že len v Európe má „Cloud Computing“ potenciál vytvoriť v najbližších 5 rokoch približne 1,5 milióna nových pracovných miest. Zároveň ide o jeden z najrýchlejšie rastúcich segmentov ekonomiky. Vládam, firmám, ale aj bežným užívateľom sprístupňuje IT služby efektívnejšie a lacnejšie.

Až 65 % používateľov počítačov však vyhlásilo, že o tomto pojme nikdy nepočuli. Organizácia Business Software Alliance ďalej na vzorke 4 000 respondentov zistila, že len necelá štvrtina z nich „Cloud Computing“ využíva. V globále je to iba 34 %. Väčšina používateľov pojmu nerozumie a jeho nesporné výhody nevie zužitkovať.

— Vzhľadom na nesporné množstvo výhod, ktoré „Cloud Computing“ európskej ekonomike prináša, bude sa Komisia snažiť zlepšiť informovanosť o tejto problematike a motivovať európskych obyvateľov a firmy k lepšiemu využívaniu tohto systému?

Odpoveď pani Kroesovej v mene Komisie

(31. októbra 2012)

Očakáva sa, že rozšírenie „cloud computingu“ bude mať zásadný priamy a nepriamy vplyv na rast ekonomiky a zamestnanosti v EÚ vďaka prechodu na nový IT model, umožňujúci vyššiu mieru inovácie a produktivity. Európska Komisia objednala od Medzinárodného dátového strediska IDC vypracovanie prieskumu v oblasti používania „cloud computingu“ bežnými používateľmi a podnikmi (14). Výsledky tejto štúdie potvrdzujú, že od trhu „cloud computingu“ sa očakáva, že bude hnacím prvkom vytvárania nových pracovných miest v stredne dlhom horizonte. Štúdia IDC tiež potvrdzuje, že väčšina bežných používateľov termín „cloud“ nepozná, aj keď drvivá väčšina si už služby založené na „cloud computingu“ osvojila. Najpopulárnejšie sú bezplatné služby založené na „cloud computingu“ ako online hry, e-mail, sociálne siete alebo zálohovacie služby. V prípade podnikov existuje vyššia informovanosť a väčšia rôznorodosť využívania služieb založených na „cloud computingu“, aj keď úroveň osvojenia závisí od sektora a od toho, ako sú podniky oboznámené s IT aplikáciami.

Prednedávnom prijaté oznámenie „Uvoľnenie potenciálu cloud computingu v Európe“ (15) sa zameriava na umožnenie a uľahčenie rýchlejšieho zavedenia „cloud computingu“ v rámci všetkých sektorov hospodárstva v záujme zvýšenia produktivity, rastu a počtu pracovných miest. Toto oznámenie predstavuje politický záväzok Komisie, plne realizovať výhody „cloud computingu“ a jeho zámerom je vytvoriť priateľskejšie a aktívnejšie prostredie pre prístup k výpočtovému výkonu a k obsahu. Táto európska stratégia „cloud computingu“, ktorá sa zaoberá požiadavkami koncových používateľov a občianskych práv bude zavedená v úzkej spolupráci s rôznymi zainteresovanými stranami a pre občanov a podniky bude zabezpečovať potrebné podmienky pre uľahčenie jeho zavádzania.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008623/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Cloud computing

One of the definitions of cloud computing describes it as a way of offering complete or partial software solutions or services over the Internet, with those services being hosted in a dynamically scalable virtual environment known as ‘the cloud’. The cloud is therefore an combination of computers, services and infrastructure. It enables data to be stored on remote servers. In a 2010 study, the University of Milan estimated that cloud computing has the potential to create some 1.5 million new jobs over the next five years in Europe alone. It is also one of the fastest‐growing sectors of the economy. It makes more effective and cheaper IT services available to governments, companies and ordinary users.

However, as many as 65 % of computer users claimed that they had never heard of the concept. The trade association Business Software Alliance discovered that, from a sample of 4 000 people, just under a quarter of them used cloud computing. Globally, that number is 34 %. The majority of users did not understand the concept and were unfamiliar with the indisputable benefits that it offers.

— In view of the indisputable benefits that cloud computing can bring to Europe's economy, will the Commission try to raise awareness of this issue and encourage European citizens and companies to make better use of this technology?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The diffusion of cloud computing is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect impacts on economic and employment growth in the EU, thanks to the migration to a new IT paradigm enabling greater innovation and productivity. The European Commission contracted IDC to undertake a survey of the use of cloud computing by consumers and enterprises (16). The findings of this study confirm that the cloud market is expected to be a driver of net creation of employment in the medium term. The IDC study also confirms that most consumers do not recognise the term ‘cloud’ even if the vast majority have already adopted cloud-based services. The most popular are free cloud-based services such as online games, email, social networking or backup services. In the case of companies, there is a higher awareness and more diverse use of cloud-based services even if the level of adoption depends on the sector and on how familiar companies are with IT applications.

The recently adopted Communication ‘Unleashing the Potential of Cloud Computing in Europe’ (17) aims at enabling and facilitating faster adoption of cloud computing throughout all sectors of the economy in order to boost productivity, growth and jobs. It represents a political commitment of the Commission to fully realise the benefits of cloud computing and intends to create a friendlier and more active environment for access to computing power and content. This Cloud Computing Strategy for Europe addresses the needs of the end users and the rights of the citizens, will be implemented in close cooperation with the different stakeholders, and will provide the necessary conditions to facilitate the take-up of cloud computing by citizens and companies.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008624/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Voľby v Bielorusku

V nedeľu 23. septembra 2012 sa v Bielorusku konali parlamentné voľby. Tieto voľby však nemožno považovať za slobodné ani za spravodlivé. Volebný proces nebol vykonaný v súlade s medzinárodnými štandardmi. Voľby mali mnoho nedostatkov. Nie všetci kandidáti mali rovnaké možnosti vedenia predvolebnej kampane, proces sčítavania hlasov nebol dostatočne transparentný. Do parlamentu sa nedostal ani jeden predstaviteľ opozície. Mnoho opozičných politikov a aktivistov, ktorí boli odsúdení v politických procesoch, zostáva vo väzení. Demokracia v Bielorusku je ohrozená. Krajina porušuje svoje záväzky v zmysle medzinárodnoprávnych noriem.

1. Budú mať septembrové parlamentné voľby v Bielorusku vplyv na sankcie voči autoritatívnemu režimu bieloruského prezidenta, ktoré EÚ na krajinu uvalila už v minulosti?

2. Ovplyvnia voľby vzťahy Bieloruska s Úniou?

Odpoveď podpredsedníčky Komisie/vysokej predstaviteľky Ashtonovej v mene Komisie

(5. novembra 2012)

Vo vyhlásení z 24. septembra 2012 podpredsedníčka Komisie/vysoká predstaviteľka a komisár pre rozšírenie a európsku susedskú politiku vyslovili poľutovanie, že Bielorusko nevyužilo príležitosť uskutočniť septembrové parlamentné voľby tak, aby boli v súlade s medzinárodnými štandardmi.

Politika EÚ v oblasti reštriktívnych opatrení je naďalej otvorená a neustále sa preskúmava. Právne akty týkajúce sa reštriktívnych opatrení obsahujú konkrétne kritériá, ktoré sa uplatňujú na zoznamy osôb alebo subjektov. Spôsob, akým sa parlamentné voľby uskutočnili, je jedným z viacerých aspektov, ktoré Rada zohľadňuje pri zvažovaní uloženia možných reštriktívnych opatrení, ako aj pri ďalšom vývoji vzťahov medzi EÚ a Bieloruskom.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008624/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Elections in Belarus

On 23 September 2012, parliamentary elections were held in Belarus. It is, however, impossible to describe these elections as free or fair. The election process was not conducted in accordance with international standards, and many irregularities were reported. Not all candidates had equal opportunities to carry out pre‐election campaigns, and the vote‐counting process was not sufficiently transparent. Not a single representative of the opposition was elected to parliament. Furthermore, many opposition politicians and activists were convicted during political trials and remain in prison. Democracy in Belarus is under threat. The country is violating its obligations with regard to international standards.

1. Will the September parliamentary elections in Belarus have any impact on the sanctions already imposed by the EU against the Belarusian President's authoritarian regime?

2. Will the elections have an impact on EU‐Belarus relations?

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

(5 November 2012)

In the statement of 24 September 2012 of HR/VP and the Commissioner responsible for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, regret was expressed that the September parliamentary elections represented yet another missed opportunity for Belarus to conduct elections in line with international standards.

The EU's policy on restrictive measures remains open and under constant review. The legal acts on restrictive measures contain concrete criteria, which are used for the listings of persons or entities. The way in which the parliamentary elections were conducted represents one of several elements that are taken into consideration in the Council’s assessments regarding the imposition of possible restrictive measures and in the way EU-Belarus relations will evolve.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008625/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Regulácia výsadby vinohradov

V Európskom parlamente dochádza v poslednom čase k výraznému lobingu v súvislosti so štyri roky starým rozhodnutím zrušiť obmedzenia na výsadbu viniča. Roky realizované intervencie zo strany vlád, ktoré mali pestovanie viniča stabilizovať a podporiť, majú byť totiž minulosťou. Súčasne platné pravidlá by mali vypršať v roku 2016, ale vlády ich platnosť môžu predĺžiť na ďalšie dva roky. Pestovatelia z krajín, ktoré sú najväčšími producentmi vína v Európe, tvrdia, že zrušenie obmedzení výrazne oslabí sektor. Ten už aj tak bojuje s lacnejším dovozom, nadprodukciou a klesajúcim dopytom. Medzinárodná organizácia vína poskytla údaje, z ktorých vyplýva, že za posledných desať rokov klesla v Európe plocha pôdy kultivovanej na pestovanie viniča hroznorodého o 12 %. Vinohradníctvo patrí medzi posledné oblasti poľnohospodárstva, kde doposiaľ k liberalizácii nedošlo.

1. Plánuje Komisia výsadbu vinohradov liberalizovať aj napriek upozorneniam zo strany významných európskych pestovateľov?

2. Zaoberá sa Komisia týmito ich upozorneniami?

Odpoveď pána Cioloșa v mene Komisie

(26. októbra 2012)

Rozhodnutie nepredĺžiť prechodný režim práv na výsadbu na úrovni EÚ po 31. decembri 2015 (a v prípade členských štátov po 31. decembri 2018) prijala Rada v súvislosti s reformou spoločnej organizácie trhu s vínom z roku 2008. Bolo to jedno z niekoľkých rozhodnutí, ktoré prijala pokiaľ ide o politiku EÚ v oblasti vína. Toto rozhodnutie zahŕňalo aj vytvorenie národných programov na podporu vinárskeho sektora, zavedenie trojročnej schémy klčovania alebo revidovanú politiku v oblasti CHOP/CHZO a obohacovania, a to všetko s cieľom zlepšiť konkurencieschopnosť vinárskeho sektora v EÚ.

Za posledné štyri roky sa situácia na trhu výrazne zlepšila najmä vďaka zníženiu výrobného potenciálu a zvýšeniu vývozu do tretích krajín. Trh sa ocitol v situácii relatívnej rovnováhy s rastúcimi priemernými cenami, pričom k tejto pozitívnej situácii prispela vinárska reforma. Vyhliadky na nadchádzajúce roky sú tak isto pozitívne.

Napriek tomu bola po obavách zo strany viacerých členských štátov, ktoré sú výrobcami vína, poslancov Európskeho parlamentu a niekoľkých odvetvových organizácií zriadená skupina na vysokej úrovni zaoberajúca sa právami na výsadbu viniča, aby o tejto záležitosti rokovala. Je zložená zo zástupcov 27 členských štátov, ako aj z hlavných zainteresovaných organizácii na úrovni EÚ, ale aj z pozorovateľov z Európskeho parlamentu a Chorvátska. V roku 2012 sa konali už tri zasadnutia a posledné sa uskutoční 23. novembra. Záverečná správa so závermi skupiny na vysokej úrovni týkajúcimi sa prediskutovaných záležitostí sa pošle Komisii koncom tohto roka.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008625/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Regulating grapevine planting

Parliament has recently seen significant lobbying relating to the four‐year‐old decision to lift restrictions on the planting of grapevines. For years, governments intervened in order to support and stabilise vine cultivation, but this is set to be a thing of the past. The rules currently in force are set to expire in 2016, but governments may extend them for another two years. Cultivators from Europe's major wine‐producing countries claim that the lifting of restrictions will significantly weaken the sector, which is already facing challenges from cheaper imports, overproduction and falling demand. Data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine show that land under vine cultivation fell in Europe over the past 10 years by 12 %. Viticulture is one of the last agricultural sectors to remain unliberalised.

1. Does the Commission plan to liberalise grapevine planting, despite warnings from major European producers?

2. Will the Commission address producers’ concerns?

Answer given by Mr Cioloș on behalf of the Commission

(26 October 2012)

The decision not to extend the transitional planting rights regime at EU level beyond 31 December 2015 (and at Member State level beyond 31 December 2018) was taken by the Council in the context of the wine CMO reform of 2008. It was one of several decisions taken regarding the EU wine policy, which also included the establishment of national support programmes for the wine sector, the implementation of a 3-year grubbing-up scheme or the revised policy on PDO/PGI and enrichment — all with the objective of improving the competitiveness of the EU wine sector.

In the past four years the market situation has significantly improved, due in particular to the reduction of production potential and the boost in exports to third countries. The market came to a situation of relative balance with average prices going up — the wine reform having contributed to this positive situation. The outlook for the coming years is also positive.

Nevertheless, following the concerns expressed by a number of wine producing Member States, of Members of the European Parliament and certain sectorial organisations, a High Level Group (HLG) on wine planting rights was established to discuss on this matter. It is composed of representatives of the 27 Member States as well as key stakeholder organisations at EU level and observers from the European Parliament and Croatia. Three meetings already took place in 2012, and the last one will take place on 23 November. A final report with conclusions by the HLG on the issues discussed will be sent to the Commission towards the end of this year.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008626/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Neobmedzené nakupovanie dlhopisov

Európska centrálna banka už v minulosti niekoľkokrát vyhlásila, že pre záchranu eura spraví všetko, čo bude nevyhnutné. Jej sľuby však doposiaľ nenabrali konkrétnu podobu. Diskutuje sa aj o možnosti, že Európska centrálna banka zasiahne na dlhopisových trhoch, s cieľom znížiť úroky talianskych a španielskych dlhopisov. O takýto druh intervencie by ju však museli oficiálne požiadať vlády, ktoré by museli akceptovať podmienky. Španielsko je spolu s generálnym tajomníkom OECD presvedčené, že by tieto nákupy dlhopisov mali byť neobmedzené. Opačný názor má napríklad nemecká centrálna banka Bundesbank.

— Mali by byť podľa názoru Komisie prípadné nákupy dlhopisov Európskou centrálnou bankou obmedzené, alebo neobmedzené?

Odpoveď pána Rehna v mene Komisie

(9. novembra 2012)

Menová politika v eurozóne je vo výlučnej právomoci ECB, ktorej nezávislosť je zakotvená v zmluve. Do navrhovania a vykonávania menovej politiky ECB Komisia nezasahuje.

Podrobné technické údaje týkajúce sa priamych menových transakcií možno nájsť na tejto webovej stránke:

http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2012/html/pr120906_1.en.html

Vo vyhlásenie sa objasňuje, že „pokiaľ ide o veľkosť priamych menových transakcií, nie sú stanovené žiadne ex ante množstevné limity“.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008626/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Unrestricted purchasing of bonds

The European Central Bank has announced several times previously that it will do whatever is necessary in order to save the euro. However, its promises have still not taken on a specific form. Discussions are even taking place on the possibility of the ECB intervening in the bond market in order to reduce the interest rates on Italian and Spanish debt. This form of intervention would have to be officially requested by the governments, which would then have to accept the conditions. Both Spain and the Secretary‐General of the OECD are convinced that such debt purchases should be unlimited. However, the German Bundesbank does not share his view.

— In the Commission’s opinion, should any eventual purchases of bonds by the European Central Bank be limited or unlimited?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

Monetary policy in the euro area is the exclusive competence of the ECB, whose independence is enshrined in the Treaty. The Commission does not interfere in the ECB's design and implementation of monetary policy.

Details on the technical features of Outright Monetary Transactions (OMTs) can be consulted in the following webpage:

http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2012/html/pr120906_1.en.html

The statement clarifies that ‘no ex ante quantitative limits are set on the size of Outright Monetary Transactions’.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-008627/12

Komisii

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27. septembra 2012)

Vec: Problematika rádiového spektra

Rádiové spektrum je cenný a čoraz menej dostupný zdroj. Využíva sa totiž v širokopásmových službách, ktorých obľuba v posledných rokoch prudko rastie. Niektoré zdroje dokonca uvádzajú, že celosvetový objem mobilných dátových prenosov by mal do roku 2015 narásť o 26 %. Rádiové spektrum sa využíva aj v ďalších oblastiach, ako sú napríklad inteligentné systémy či bezdrôtové snímače. Voľného rádiového spektra je však nedostatok. Rastúci dopyt bude teda veľmi ťažké uspokojiť. Žiadne ďalšie voľné spektrum už totiž nie je k dispozícii a bez neho prestanú fungovať mobilné siete aj širokopásmové služby. Európska komisia preto nedávno navrhla koordinovaný európsky postup v zdieľaní rádiového spektra.

— Čo konkrétne chce Komisia novým európskym programom politiky rádiového frekvenčného spektra docieliť?

Odpoveď pani Kroesovej v mene Komisie

(6. novembra 2012)

Komisia v súčasnosti vykonáva program politiky rádiového frekvenčného spektra, ktorý bol schválený 14. marca 2012. To zahŕňa zabezpečenie dostupnosti dostatočného spektra s cieľom vyrovnať sa s rastúcim dopytom rôznych aplikácií a vzťahuje sa na širokopásmové komunikácie, vysielanie, dopravu, satelitnú navigáciu, monitorovanie Zeme, energetiku, verejnú bezpečnosť, civilnú ochranu a zmierňovanie následkov katastrof, výskum a vývoj, výrobu programov a osobitné spoločenské podujatia a „internet vecí“.

Komisia zabezpečí, aby členské štáty splnili lehoty na schvaľovanie používania frekvenčného spektra určené v programe politiky rádiového frekvenčného spektra s cieľom zaistiť zavedenie širokopásmových sietí, sprístupniť aspoň 1 200 MHz pre širokopásmové bezdrôtové služby, vytvoriť spoločné používanie frekvenčného spektra, ako uvádza vo svojom nedávnom oznámení (18), využiť výsledky EÚ v oblasti výskumu a vývoja a pripraviť koncepciu EÚ v dôsledku rozhodnutia svetovej rádiokomunikačnej konferencie z roku 2012 otvoriť 700 MHz pásmo pre bezdrôtové širokopásmové pripojenie popri vysielaní.

Komisia takisto zavádza analýzu stavu súčasného využívania frekvenčného spektra stanovenú v programe politiky rádiového frekvenčného spektra a pripravuje sa na jej vykonávanie. Komisia požiadala aj o externé technické poradenstvo: dokončila sa prvá štúdia o posúdení potenciálu zlepšenia efektívnosti spektra v EÚ (19) a prebieha druhá štúdia týkajúca sa analýzy technologických trendov, budúcich potrieb a dopytu po frekvenčnom spektre. Komisia predloží správu o výsledkoch analýzy vykonanej v rámci analýzy stavu.

Ako sa vyžaduje v programe politiky rádiového frekvenčného spektra, Komisia predloží Parlamentu a Rade správu o vykonávaní uvedeného programu do 10. apríla 2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008627/12

to the Commission

Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

(27 September 2012)

Subject: Radio spectrum

The radio spectrum is a valuable and increasingly hard‐to‐access resource. This is because it is used by broadband services, which have grown enormously in popularity in recent years. Certain sources claim that the global volume of mobile data transfers will increase by as much as 26 % by 2015. The radio spectrum is also used in other areas, such as intelligent systems and wireless sensors. However, there is a shortage of free space on the radio spectrum. It will therefore be extremely difficult to satisfy growing demand. There is no longer any free space available on the spectrum, and without this, mobile networks and broadband services will cease to work. The Commission has therefore proposed a coordinated European approach to sharing the radio spectrum.

— What exactly does the Commission hope to achieve with the new European Radio Spectrum Policy Programme?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

The Commission is currently implementing the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) adopted on 14 March 2012. This includes ensuring availability of sufficient spectrum to cope with increasing demand by various applications, and covers broadband communications, broadcasting, transport, satellite navigation, Earth monitoring, energy, public safety, civil protection and disaster relief, research and development, programme making and special events equipment and the Internet of Things.

The Commission will ensure that Member States meet the deadlines for authorising use of spectrum identified by the RSPP to ensure the roll-out of broadband networks, make available at least 1200 MHz for wireless broadband, develop shared use of spectrum as presented in its recent Communication (20), exploit EU research and development results and prepare an EU approach as a result of the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference decision to open the 700 MHz band to wireless broadband alongside broadcasting.

The Commission is also setting in place the inventory of existing uses of spectrum set up by the RSPP, and is preparing for its implementation. The Commission has also sought external technical advice: a first study has been completed on the assessment of the potential for improving spectrum efficiency in the EU (21) and a second study is ongoing regarding the analysis of technology trends, future needs and demand for spectrum. The Commission shall report on the results of the analysis conducted under the inventory.

As requested by the RSPP, the Commission shall report by 10 April 2014 to the Parliament and Council on the implementation of the RSPP.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008628/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Relazioni UE-Cina — Esportazioni di armi in Europa: un nuovo miracolo cinese o il rischio di un embargo violato

Un altro vertice tra UE e Cina si è concluso e — sembra doveroso rilevarlo — non si registrano risultati significativi: almeno sotto il profilo formale, non ci sono le basi di un accordo con la prima potenza economica mondiale. Il nodo cruciale del «dialogo a senso unico» sulle politiche commerciali con la Cina è il bando all'esportazione di armi imposto dall'Europa dopo la strage di piazza Tienanmen nel 1989. La posizione espressa dalle autorità cinesi durante il summit — come riportato dai diversi quotidiani internazionali — lascia all'Europa una mina vagante «made in China», a proposito del «mancato riconoscimento come economia di mercato a tutti gli effetti e della possibilità di rivedere quel divieto ». La stampa europea giunge alla conclusione caustica secondo cui «sono trascorsi ormai diversi anni dal primo summit del 1998 e la Cina è sempre più critica nei confronti della totale incapacità di agire dell'UE ».

Al di là dei discorsi ufficiali e di un'attività apparente, nella pratica, fuori dai corridoi diplomatici, lo stato dei fatti mostra dati ben più allarmanti: il divieto imposto alla Cina è stato superato nel 2010 e «sacrificato» sull'altare degli interessi economici, poiché i paesi dell'UE hanno concesso alla Cina licenze di esportazione per manufatti militari pari a 218 milioni di euro. Rompono le fila e si allineano in controtendenza rispetto alla posizione «formale-ufficiale» europea la Francia e il Regno Unito, che ormai da diversi anni hanno in attivo scambi commerciali di veicoli terrestri e aerei, equipaggiamenti elettronici, missili e oltre 13 milioni di agenti tossici chimici e biologici, armi antisommossa e materiali radioattivi.

Non è da meno la Germania: Berlino è infatti tra i maggiori investitori ed è pronta a cogliere le opportunità economiche con lo scambio dei propri segreti tecnologici. L'UE resta il primo partner commerciale della Cina, e questa ne rappresenta la prima fonte di importazioni. Nel 2011 gli scambi commerciali tra i due Paesi hanno raggiunto i 567 miliardi di dollari (435 miliardi di euro), e l'Europa ha registrato un aumento degli investimenti cinesi del 94 %, ovvero 4,46 miliardi di dollari (3,42 miliardi di euro).

Considerato che: — persistono le violazioni delle libertà fondamentali e continuano le torture, i maltrattamenti e le detenzioni arbitrarie; — le imprese dell'UE da sempre manifestano una crescente preoccupazione per la mancanza di parità di condizioni negli scambi commerciali con la Cina; chiedo alla Commissione quali misure intenda adottare a garanzia delle restrizioni attualmente in vigore sulla vendita di tali armi, poiché non tutti gli Stati membri hanno adottato un codice di condotta giuridicamente vincolante sulle esportazioni di armi e la Cina non ha di certo compiuto passi concreti verso un miglioramento della situazione dei diritti umani nel Paese.

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

(6 novembre 2012)

Quest’anno si è rivelato proficuo per le relazioni tra l’UE e la Cina: abbiamo presentato il nostro programma di lavoro con due vertici riusciti, abbiamo istituito un partenariato in materia di urbanizzazione sostenibile, il dialogo strategico e il dialogo economico e commerciale ad alto livello sono stati integrati da un terzo dialogo imperniato sugli scambi interpersonali, abbiamo convenuto di creare il quadro adeguato per affrontare le questioni dei visti e della mobilità e infine abbiamo avviato una nuova cooperazione nel settore dell’innovazione, che rappresenta un importante aspetto delle nostre strategie per la crescita. Entrambe le parti hanno avviato i preparativi per il varo di negoziati su un accordo bilaterale in materia di investimenti.

Il vertice di settembre è stato un vertice di transizione, l’ultimo per il premier Wen. Illustrando i progressi registrati dalle relazioni UE-Cina durante il suo mandato, il premier ha sottolineato con rammarico che l’UE non aveva ancora concesso alla Cina lo status di economia di mercato e che restava in vigore l’embargo sulle armi. Tali temi non sono stati però al centro delle discussioni.

Guardando all’ultimo decennio, emerge chiaramente che le due questioni non hanno ostacolato lo sviluppo delle nostre relazioni con la Cina. Abbiamo firmato un partenariato strategico nel 2003 e gli scambi commerciali tra le parti sono quasi quadruplicati da allora, raggiungendo circa 430 miliardi lo scorso anno.

L’embargo sulle armi è stato decretato nella dichiarazione del Consiglio europeo del 27 giugno 1989. L’UE non ha modificato la propria posizione dal 2004, quando ha ribadito la volontà politica di continuare ad adoperarsi per revocarlo. Inoltre, il controllo delle esportazioni di tecnologie ed attrezzature militari è disciplinato dal codice di condotta dell’UE sulle esportazioni di armi. Per poter compiere passi avanti a tale riguardo, sarebbe utile che la Cina compisse progressi nel campo dei diritti umani, in particolare ratificando il Patto internazionale sui diritti civili e politici.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008628/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Relations between China and the EU — arms exports in Europe: a fresh Chinese miracle or the risk of a breach of an embargo

Another summit between the EU and China has come to an end, and — it seems only right to observe — no significant results have emerged from it: at least from the formal point of view, there is no basis for an agreement with the world’s number one economy. The crux of the ‘one-way dialogue’ with China on trade policy is the ban on arms exports imposed by Europe after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. The position stated by the Chinese authorities during the summit — as reported by various international newspapers — amounts to a floating mine ‘made in China’ drifting towards Europe as regards the ‘failure to recognise [China] as a full market economy or the possibility of reviewing that ban’. The European press reaches the caustic conclusion that ‘a good few years have now passed since the first summit in 1998, and China is increasingly critical of the total inability of the EU to act’.

Outside the realm of official speeches and an activity which in practice manifests itself outside diplomatic channels, the actual state of affairs is considerably more alarming: the ban on China ceased to apply in 2010, having been ‘sacrificed’ on the altar of economic interests, as EU countries granted China export licences for military matériel worth EUR 218 m. The countries which broke ranks and acted contrary to Europe’s ‘formal/official’ position were France and the UK, which for a number of years now have had a trade surplus in vehicles and aircraft, electronic equipment, missiles and more than 13 million worth of toxic chemical and biological agents, riot control weapons and radioactive materials.

Germany has been no less forthcoming: Berlin is among the biggest investors and is keen to seize the economic opportunities by selling its technological secrets. The EU remains China’s number one trade partner, and China is the biggest source of EU imports. In 2011, trade between the two countries amounted to USD 567 billion (EUR 435 billion), and Chinese investment in Europe increased by 94 %, or USD 4.46 billion (EUR 3.42 billion).

Breaches of fundamental freedoms are continuing, as are torture, ill-treatment and arbitrary detention. For as long as anyone can remember, EU undertakings have been expressing growing concern about the unequal conditions which apply to trade with China. What measures will the Commission take to guarantee the restrictions on the sale of such arms which are currently in force, as not all Member States have adopted legally binding codes of conduct on arms exports and China has certainly not taken concrete steps to improve the human rights situation in the country?

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

(6 November 2012)

This year has been successful for EU-China relations. We have pushed our agenda forward with two successful Summits. We have established a Partnership on Sustainable Urbanisation, our Strategic and Trade and Economic High Level Dialogues have been complemented by a third one focusing on People-to-People exchanges, we have agreed to set up the right framework for addressing visa and mobility issues, and started new cooperation on innovation, which is an important aspect of both our strategies for growth. Both sides have started preparations for launching negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement.

The September Summit was a transitional one, being the last for Premier Wen. During his presentation of the progress achieved in the EU-China relations during his mandate, he also noted his regret that the EU had not yet granted China market economy status, and that the arms embargo was still in force. However, these were not the focus of the discussion.

Looking back over the last decade, it is clear that these two issues have not impeded the development of our relations with China. We signed a Strategic Partnership in 2003 and our two way trade has almost quadrupled since then, reaching almost 430 billion last year.

Regarding the arms embargo, it was set out in the European Council Declaration of 27 June 1989. The EU has not changed its position since 2004, when it reaffirmed its political will to continue to work towards lifting the embargo. Furthermore, the control of exports of military technology and equipment is governed by the EU Code of Conduct on Arms exports. Progress on human rights, and in particular the ratification by China of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, would be helpful in order to move forward on this issue.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008629/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Pozzi minerari dismessi per fornire energia geotermica

L’energia geotermica è una fonte di energia priva di carbonio, sostenibile e rinnovabile che fornisce continuamente e ininterrottamente calore. Questa energia viene impiegata per riscaldare case e palazzi e per generare energia elettrica, indipendentemente dal clima e dalle condizioni meteorologiche.

L’Europa è attualmente il leader mondiale in questa tecnologia che prevede l’impiego di sistemi di fratturazione naturale potenziata e prevede l'iniezione a pressione elevata di acqua che viene poi riscaldata e riportata sulla superficie terrestre attraverso vari pozzi di produzione; infine, uno scambiatore di calore trasferisce l'energia a un secondo circuito che aziona un generatore a turbina per produrre energia elettrica.

In particolari situazioni idrogeologiche si sono formati, a varie profondità, fluidi geotermici costituiti dalle acque penetrate nel sottosuolo e riscaldate per contatto con le rocce calde e impermeabili. Si sono creati in tal modo acquiferi geotermici ad alta temperatura (oltre 300°) contenenti grandi quantità di vapore surriscaldato.

La British Geology Survey (BGS) ha condotto uno studio nella città di Glasgow sfruttando la presenza di falde acquifere nel sottosuolo e mappando l’estesa rete di miniere, presenti nel sottosuolo cittadino, oggigiorno dismesse. L’idea rivoluzionaria di questa ricerca è insita nel fatto che lo sfruttamento dell’energia geotermica potrebbe essere conciliato con la fitta maglia mineraria presente in molte città di diversi Paesi. Lo studio ha dimostrato, infatti, che i pozzi sotterranei potrebbero fornire fino al 40 % del riscaldamento della cittadina di Glasgow (Scozia, circa 600 000 abitanti).

Posto che l’industria mineraria è stata fonte di lavoro ed energia durante gran parte del secolo scorso, considerato che l’energia geotermica è una fonte inesauribile e a bassissimo impatto ambientale, chiedo alla Commissione quali siano gli attuali e futuri orientamenti che intende attuare al fine di incentivare la ricerca e l’attuazione di programmi dedicati allo sviluppo di tale energia rinnovabile.

Risposta di Guenther Oettinger a nome della Commissione

(15 novembre 2012)

Mediante il Settimo programma quadro di ricerca e sviluppo tecnologico (7° PQ), la Commissione cofinanzia una vasta gamma di tecnologie innovative incluse le tecnologie rinnovabili e le soluzioni in materia di efficienza energetica, sia nella fase iniziale di ricerca sia in quella di dimostrazione precommerciale.

Ad esempio, nelle comunità di Heerlen (Paesi Bassi) e di Zagorje (Slovenia), entrambe partner di un progetto in corso nell’ambito del 7° PQ intitolato Remining-Lowex (2007/2013), le risorse idriche rese disponibili sul posto in seguito all’abbandono delle miniere saranno valorizzate e adoperate a fini di riscaldamento e di raffreddamento.

Ulteriori informazioni sui progetti sono disponibili al seguente indirizzo: http://www.remining-lowex.org/.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008629/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Abandoned mine shafts for geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a carbon free, renewable and sustainable source of energy, providing a continuous, uninterrupted supply of heat. This can be used to heat houses and buildings and to generate electricity, and is not dependent on the local climate or weather conditions.

Europe is currently the world leader in this technology where naturally fractured rock systems are enhanced and injected with water at high pressure. The water is heated and returns to the surface through a system of production shafts. A heat exchanger then transfers the energy to a second circuit that drives a turbine to generate electricity.

There are places where geothermal fluids can be found at various depths due to water that has penetrated underground being heated on contact with hot impermeable rock. In this way high-temperature (over 300°) geothermal aquifers have formed holding large quantities of superheated steam.

La British Geological Survey (BGS) has conducted a study in Glasgow exploiting the presence there of bedrock aquifers and mapping the vast network of abandoned mines under the city. The revolutionary idea behind this research lies in the fact that geothermal energy could be exploited by making use of the mine network already present in many towns and cities in different countries. The study has shown that underground shafts could furnish up to 40 % of the heat needed for Glasgow’s population (Scotland, approximately 600 000 inhabitants).

The mining industry was a source of employment and energy for a large part of the last century and geothermal energy is an inexhaustible source of energy with minimal environmental impact. In view of these facts, can the Commission say what guidelines it is planning now and for the future to incentivise research into and implementation of programmes to develop this renewable energy source.

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

The Commission, through the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), co-funds a wide variety of innovative technologies including renewable technologies and energy efficiency solutions, both in an early research and pre-commercial demonstration phase.

For example, in the communities of Heerlen (Netherlands) and Zagorje (Slovenia), both partners of an ongoing FP7 project entitled Remining-Lowex (2007/2013), locally available water from abandoned mines will be valorised and used for heating and cooling purposes.

Further information on the projects can be found at the following address: http://www.remining-lowex.org/.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008630/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Grassi TFA e sicurezza alimentare: quali misure di armonizzazione tra i diversi Stati Membri

Mangiare sano e bene in Europa, non solo come un buon proposito per una dieta sana ed equilibrata, ma anche come diritto soggettivo, da riconoscere con la normativa comunitaria. Al riguardo, una tutela parziale è disciplinata dal Regolamento (CE) n. 1924/2006 (come modificato da ultimo dal Regolamento (UE) n. 116/2010) che fornisce indicazioni nutrizionali e sulla salute sui prodotti alimentari.

Particolarmente controversa è la questione relativa agli acidi grassi Trans, o grassi TFA, un tipo di lipidi utilizzati dall’industria alimentare nella produzione di molti cibi derivati dall’idrogenazione di oli vegetali che, trattati in questo modo, solidificano garantendo migliori prestazioni e una maggiore durata del prodotto. Se consumati in dose di 5 g al giorno, questi grassi possono danneggiare la salute del consumatore aumentando del 23 % il rischio di problemi al sistema cardiovascolare. Tali rischi sono stati evidenziati in una recente ricerca pubblicata sul British Medical Journal. Nello studio sono stati inclusi i cibi che dichiarano tra gli ingredienti principali i c.d. «grassi vegetali parzialmente idrogenati», presenti nella misura di oltre 15 g per 100 grammi di prodotto edibile (ad esempio, patatine fritte o crocchette di pollo, torta, biscotti o wafer e popcorn per microonde).

I risultati delle analisi del 2005 hanno permesso di stabilire che in 5 Paesi dell’Europa orientale una porzione dei suddetti cibi forniva rispettivamente tra i 30 g e i 100 g di TFA, mentre in 8 Paesi dell’Europa occidentale ne forniva tra i 20 e i 30 g. Il follow-up condotto nel 2009 ha permesso di stabilire che il contenuto di TFA, sullo stesso campione di alimenti, era significativamente diminuito in tutti i Paesi dell’UE. Al contrario, il contenuto di TFA nei prodotti da forno e nei popcorn non si era ridotto nei Paesi dell’Europa orientale (in Polonia il contenuto di TFA era tra i 10 e i 20 g, mentre in Francia era di 2 g). Ad oggi solo Danimarca, Austria e Islanda hanno emanato un provvedimento legislativo al fine di limitare il livello di TFA al 2 % dei grassi totali presenti negli alimenti.

Considerando che una dieta variata e bilanciata costituisce un requisito fondamentale per una buona salute e che i singoli prodotti hanno un’importanza fondamentale nel contesto nutrizionale e posto che la salute delle persone debba essere tutelata attraverso campagne per una corretta alimentazione, chiedo alla Commissione quali misure legislative di ravvicinamento e di armonizzazione tra i diversi Stati Membri intenda adottare per garantire una maggiore sicurezza alimentare, soprattutto con riguardo ai menzionati grassi TFA.

Risposta di Maroš Šefčovič a nome della Commissione

(31 ottobre 2012)

La Commissione rinvia l'onorevole deputato alla propria risposta all'interrogazione scritta E‐003544/2012 (22).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008630/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Transfats and food safety: harmonisation measures between the different Member States

Eating well and healthily is not just a good idea for a healthy and balanced diet but is also an individual right in Europe, recognised in EU legislation. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 (as last amended by Regulation (EU) No 116/2010) on nutritional and health claims on foods provides some protection in this regard.

The question of trans fatty acids or transfats (TFA) is a particularly controversial one. Transfats are a form of lipids used by the food industry in the production of many food products. They are produced by hydrogenating vegetable oil which, when treated in this way, solidifies ensuring that the product performs better and lasts longer. A daily intake of 5 gm per day may threaten the health of consumers, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease by 23 %. These figures featured in a recent research paper published in the British Medical Journal which looked at foods whose principal ingredients included more than 15 g of ‘partially hydrogenated vegetable fat’ per 100 gm of edible product (for instance, chips or chicken nuggets, cakes, biscuits or wafers and microwaveable popcorn).

The 2005 analysis showed that one portion of the aforementioned foods contained between 30 gm and 100 gm of TFA in five countries in eastern Europe, whereas in western Europe they only contained between 20 gm and 30 gm. The 2009 follow-up showed that the TFA content in the same food range had dropped significantly in all EU countries. However the TFA content in baked goods and popcorn had not fallen in eastern European countries (TFA content in Poland was between 10 gm and 20 gm, whereas the figure in France was 2 gm). To date, only Denmark, Austria and Iceland have enacted legislation to restrict the level of TFA to 2 % of the total fats present in food products.

A varied and balanced diet is a basic requirement for good health. Individual products are important in people’s diet and their health should be protected through campaigns promoting good nutrition. In view of these facts, what legislative Member State harmonisation or approximation measures is the Commission planning to adopt to ensure greater food safety, particularly in regard to TFA fats.

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E‐003544/2012 (23).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008632/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Epidemia di morbillo in Europa

Il morbillo è un virus a carattere endemico, altamente trasmissibile (è sufficiente un colpo di tosse di una persona infetta) in continua diffusione in Europa.

I dati forniti dall’European Center Disease Control (ECDC) sono chiari: nel 2010 e nel 2011 sono stati segnalati rispettivamente circa 30 000 nuovi casi, nel periodo luglio 2011-giugno 2012 sono stati registrati 10 427 casi, e nel primo semestre del 2012 sono stati individuati 4 513 casi con un’incidenza di 2,05 casi per 100 000 abitanti. In particolare gli Stati membri maggiormente esposti a questa epidemia sono Romania, Francia, Spagna, Italia e Regno Unito che coprono il 90 % dei casi segnalati.

Queste cifre sono un indice inconfutabile di un decremento delle vaccinazioni sul territorio europeo, nonostante i paesi membri del World Health Organisation (WHO) si siano assunti l’impegno di eliminare la trasmissione virale di morbillo e rosolia entro il 2015. Per fronteggiare tale facile contagio sono state predisposte vaccinazioni a doppia dose sul 95 % della popolazione di tali paesi che dovrà essere affiancata a una capillare sorveglianza sanitaria e a effettive misure di controllo in caso di epidemie. Recenti studi hanno dimostrato come le persone maggiormente a rischio siano coloro i quali non sono stati preventivamente infetti e/o vaccinati, spesso a causa di mancata informazione o difficoltà di accesso a servizi sanitari territoriali.

Posto che sono necessari ancora molti sforzi da parte di tutti gli Stati membri e è opportuno valutare quali possano essere i metodi più adeguati per informare e tutelare persone ormai adulte che non hanno avuto modo di vaccinarsi durante la prima infanzia al fine di debellare questo virus a volte letale, può la Commissione far sapere quali siano le linee guida pensate per far fronte a questa epidemia?

Risposta di Maroš Šefčovič a nome della Commissione

(15 novembre 2012)

Secondo gli standard internazionali per debellare il morbillo è necessaria una vaccinazione diffusa di almeno il 95 % della popolazione usando un vaccino a doppia dose. Conformemente alle stime del 2010 realizzate dall'Organizzazione mondiale della sanità in tema di vaccinazione, 10 Stati membri non raggiungono questa copertura per la prima dose e 16 Stati membri non la raggiungono per la seconda dose.

Se è vero che le politiche in tema di vaccinazione rientrano nelle responsabilità primarie degli Stati membri, la Commissione, operando di conserva con i Centri europei per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie, coadiuva gli sforzi nazionali attraverso diverse iniziative dell'UE. Tra queste rientrano il rafforzamento della sorveglianza del morbillo a livello dell'UE, la mappatura dei progressi realizzati dagli Stati membri sulla via dell'eradicazione del morbillo, la preparazione di linee guida d'intervento per aumentare la diffusione della vaccinazione e rafforzare la comunicazione in tema di vaccinazione per il morbillo.

Nel giugno 2011 il Consiglio ha adottato Conclusioni sulla vaccinazione infantile (24). Il 16 e 17 ottobre 2012 la Commissione ha organizzato una conferenza sulla vaccinazione infantile (25) per dar seguito alle conclusioni del Consiglio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008632/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Measles epidemic in Europe

Measles is an endemic, highly‐contagious virus (just one cough from an infected persons is enough to transmit it) which is continuing to spread throughout Europe.

The data provided by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) are clear: in 2010 and 2011 there were around 30 000 new cases reported respectively and 10 427 new cases were recorded in the period July 2011 to June 2012. In the first half of 2012, 4 513 cases were reported at a rate of almost 2.05 per every 100 000. The Member States most exposed to this epidemic are Romania, France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, which account for 90 % of all the cases reported.

These figures are an indication of an irrefutable decrease in vaccination across Europe, despite the member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) having committed themselves to eliminating the transmission of the measles and rubella viruses by 2015. In order to deal with this high risk of contagion, double dose vaccines were prepared for 95 % of the population of the member countries, with this being complemented with comprehensive health surveillance and monitoring measures in case of epidemics. Recent studies have shown that the people most at risk are those who have not been previously infected and/or vaccinated, often due to a lack of information or difficulties accessing local health services.

Given that more efforts are needed by all member countries and that consideration should be given to what might be the most appropriate means of informing and protecting people who are now adults but who did not have the chance to be vaccinated in early childhood in order to eradicate this — sometimes fatal — virus, what are the Commission’s guidelines for addressing this epidemic?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

To eliminate measles, according to international standards, a sustained vaccination coverage of at least 95% with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is required. According to the World Health Organisation vaccination coverage estimates from 2010, 10 Member States do not reach this required coverage for the first dose, and 16 Member States do not reach it for the second dose.

While vaccination policies are the primary responsibility of Member States, the Commission, with the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control, is supporting national efforts through a number of EU initiatives. These include the strengthening of measles surveillance at EU level, the mapping of progress made by Member States towards the elimination of measles, the preparation of guidelines for interventions to increase vaccination uptake, and strengthening communication on measles vaccination.

In June 2011, the Council adopted Conclusions on childhood immunisation (26). On 16 and 17 October 2012, the Commission organised a conference on childhood immunisation (27) to follow-up on the Council conclusions.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008633/12

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Diversamente abili a scuola, quali gli ostacoli

Le persone diversamente abili hanno bisogno di assistenza e servizi specializzati dedicati e, in tempo di crisi a livello mondiale, subiscono maggiormente gli effetti di tagli e riduzione dei costi previsti dalle amministrazioni pubbliche. Da sempre l'UE si occupa di sensibilizzare la partecipazione, il coinvolgimento e l'impegno di tutta la cittadinanza attiva. I servizi per le persone diversamente abili o per chi ha bisogno di assistenza dovrebbero sempre essere aggiornati e innovati al fine di supportare e legittimare l'unità sociale nell'ottica del massimo rispetto per la differenza e l'accettazione delle persone con disabilità come parte della diversità umana.

Il contesto ideale per poter promuovere la crescita delle persone secondo questi principi è proprio la scuola: in Italia il numero di studenti disabili è di 191 037, con una crescita in percentuale del 56 % rispetto a dieci anni fa. È fondamentale per gli studenti diversamente abili poter seguire le lezioni ed essere ascoltati in un clima che favorisca l'integrazione della disabilità. In Italia il sostegno necessario per la loro istruzione è stato fortemente decimato con l'inizio del nuovo anno scolastico: sono stati apportati drastici tagli al personale specializzato per la loro istruzione e per la loro assistenza, ma soprattutto le scuole sono luoghi caratterizzati da barriere architettoniche che non permettono spostamenti in sicurezza in tutti gli ambienti.

I dati riportati da un un'indagine condotta sul campo rivelano che il 76 % delle scuole italiane controllate non è in regola con le certificazioni sulla sicurezza e il tutto si complica per gli studenti disabili che trovano scalini all'ingresso del 14 % delle scuole, mancanza di ascensore nel 54 % degli edifici e ascensore non funzionante nel 14 % di quelli che ne sono dotati; barriere architettoniche sono presenti nel 18 % delle mense, nel 14 % degli ingressi, nel 13 % dei laboratori, nel 12 % dei cortili, nell'11 % delle aule e dei laboratori multimediali, nell'8 % delle palestre. Nel 34 % delle scuole non esistono bagni per disabili, e il 7 % di chi c'è l'ha presenta barriere architettoniche.

Considerato che lo stile di vita, i percorsi di crescita della consapevolezza e dell'abilitazione progressiva a gestire la vita e a trovare soluzioni per lo svolgimento delle differenti attività sono peculiari di ogni persona, si chiede alla Commissione quanto segue:

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2012)

Nel quadro della strategia europea sulla disabilità 2010-2020, la Commissione promuove i seguenti obiettivi: garantire alle persone con disabilità un sostegno adeguato nel sistema di istruzione generale, facilitare la loro istruzione, fare in modo che venga fornita assistenza personalizzata in ambienti che favoriscano il massimo sviluppo accademico e sociale. La Commissione, nel pieno rispetto della responsabilità degli Stati membri di decidere del contenuto e dell’organizzazione dei sistemi nazionali di istruzione, appoggia l’obiettivo di un’istruzione e di una formazione inclusive e di qualità. La comunicazione «Migliorare le competenze per il 21° secolo» (28) mette in luce i vantaggi dell’insegnamento individuale che tiene conto delle esigenze dell’alunno all’interno di sistemi scolastici inclusivi.

Comenius, il programma di finanziamento della Commissione per il settore dell’istruzione scolastica, incoraggia la partecipazione attiva di alunni diversamente abili. La Commissione inoltre collabora con l’Agenzia europea per lo sviluppo dell’istruzione per alunni con esigenze speciali, oltre a sostenerla finanziariamente.

Il regolamento (CE) n. 1083/2006 del Consiglio recante disposizioni generali sul Fondo europeo di sviluppo regionale, sul Fondo sociale europeo e sul Fondo di coesione (29) sottolinea l’importanza di affrontare le questioni relative alla disabilità e all’accessibilità nel periodo di programmazione in corso. L’articolo 16 stabilisce che: «l’accessibilità per i disabili, in particolare, è uno dei criteri da osservare nel definire le operazioni cofinanziate dai Fondi e di cui tener conto nelle varie fasi di attuazione».

Il regolamento (CE) n. 1080/2006 stipula che il FESR (30) possa essere utilizzato per investimenti nel settore dell’istruzione, inclusi gli investimenti in infrastrutture. In tutti i progetti di infrastrutture finanziati dal FESR il criterio dell’accessibilità deve essere rispettato: il Fondo non dovrebbe finanziare alcuna operazione che non ne tenga conto.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008633/12

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (EFD)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Differently-abled pupils at school and obstacles encountered by them

Differently-abled persons need special assistance and services tailored to their needs and, at a time of worldwide economic crisis, it is here that the effects of public spending cuts and savings are felt most keenly. The EU on the other hand is concerned with heightening awareness and encouraging public involvement and commitment. Facilities for the differently-abled or those needing assistance need to be constantly modernised and updated in order to establish and strengthen social cohesion, showing maximum respect for those who are different and acceptance of persons with disabilities as a manifestation of human diversity.

Schools provide the ideal environment for promoting the realisation of individual potential in accordance with these principles. In Italy students with disabilities currently number 191 037, 56 % up on 10 years ago. It is essential for differently-abled students to be able to follow lessons and make their voices heard in an environment which encourages the integration of persons with disabilities. In Italy the support necessary for their education has been strongly eroded since the beginning of the school year, with drastic cuts in the specialised staff assigned to assist with their education. In addition to this schools themselves are not properly designed to enable them to move around safely and unobstructed throughout the premises.

According to a survey, 76 % of Italian schools inspected fail to meet requisite safety standards — the situation being even more difficult for students with disabilities, who find themselves confronted with steps at the entrance to 14 % of schools, an absence of lifts in 54 % of premises and non-operational lifts in 14 % of those premises which do have them; architectural barriers in 18 % of refectories, 14 % of entrances, 13 % of laboratories, 12 % of quadrangles, 11 % of lecture rooms and multimedia laboratories, and 8 % of gymnasiums. 34 % of schools do not have lavatories for the disabled and 7 % of those provided are obstructed by architectural barriers.

Considering that lifestyle, increased awareness, the progressive acquisition of time-management and problem-solving skills in different areas of endeavour are a matter of individual development in every case, will the Commission promote and encourage programmes designed for those needing facilities and assistance tailored to their needs under the European Disability Strategy (EDS) 2010-2020 and does it intend to provide funding to improve safety standards at schools and facilities for pupils, in particular the differently-abled?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

With the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, the Commission promotes the goal of ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support required, within the general education system, to facilitate their education, and that effective individualized support is provided in environments that maximise academic and social development. With full respect for the Member States' responsibility for the content and organisation of education, the Commission fully supports the goal of inclusive, quality education and training. The communication ‘Improving competences for the 21st Century’ (31) notes the benefits of individualised teaching that takes into account each learner’s needs within fully inclusive schools.

Comenius, the Commission’s funding programme in the field of school education, encourages active participation of pupils of different abilities. The Commission also helps to fund, and collaborates with, the European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education.

Council Regulation No 1083/2006 laying down general provisions on the ERDF, the ESF and the Cohesion Fund (32) places great emphasis on addressing disability and accessibility in the current programming period. Art. 16 underlines that ‘accessibility for disabled persons shall be one of the criteria to be observed in defining operations co-financed by the Funds and to be taken into account during the various stages of implementation’.

Regulation No 1080/2006 stipulates that the ERDF (33) can be used for education investments including education infrastructure. Accessibility has to be respected for all infrastructure projects supported by the ERDF and it should not fund any operation not complying with accessibility.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008634/12

a la Comisión

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) y Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Actividades del Centro Europeo para la Validación de Métodos Alternativos (CEVMA) y la directiva relativa a los cosméticos

Si bien la prohibición en 2013 relativa a la venta de cosméticos experimentados en animales debe aplicarse sin demora por razones éticas, independientemente de la disponibilidad de pruebas alternativas sin animales, es igualmente importante introducir cuanto antes métodos de experimentación sin animales y que se dé prioridad a su desarrollo.

Un método alternativo puede sustituir a una prueba con animales solo si el Centro Europeo para la Validación de Métodos Alternativos (CEVMA) lo ha validado previamente. No obstante, parece que si el CEVMA o la OCDE no validan a tiempo métodos para la sustitución de pruebas con animales, la legislación de la UE destinada a sustituir el uso de animales en pruebas de inocuidad no podrá entrar en vigor (por ejemplo, la Directiva relativa a los cosméticos).

1. ¿Cuáles son los métodos alternativos validados hasta la fecha por el CEVMA desde su creación?

2. ¿A cuánto asciende el importe total de las tareas asignadas al CEVMA en sus 20 años de actividad, y se han cumplido todas?

3. ¿A cuánto asciende la dotación anual que recibe el CEVMA con cargo al presupuesto de la UE?

4. ¿Qué validaciones se están efectuando en la actualidad?

5. ¿Cuál es el calendario previsto para la completa sustitución de la experimentación con animales utilizada para el desarrollo y la comercialización de nuevos ingredientes o productos cosméticos?

6. ¿Qué cambios se han realizado en el CEVAM desde la adopción de la Directiva 2010/63/UE relativa a la protección de los animales utilizados para fines científicos y como consecuencia del aumento de responsabilidades del CEVAM que se deriva de dicha Directiva?

7. ¿Qué pruebas se han transmitido a la OCDE y todavía no están aprobadas?

Respuesta de la Sra. Geoghegan-Quinn en nombre de la Comisión

(26 de noviembre de 2012)

La plena sustitución de los ensayos con animales no está ligada únicamente a la validación, sino que también depende de la solución de los retos científicos, algunos de los cuales todavía requieren un esfuerzo considerable de investigación.

El Centro Europeo de Validación de Métodos Alternativos (CEVMA) ha llevado a cabo 48 estudios de validación, validando métodos de sustitución completa para la fototoxicidad y la irritación/corrosión/absorción/penetración de la piel, así como métodos de sustitución parcial o reducción en la categoría de irritación o corrosión, sensibilización cutánea, genotoxicidad, carcinogenicidad, toxicidad para la reproducción y toxicidad oral aguda. El CEVMA participa ahora en la validación de catorce métodos de evaluación de la irritación ocular, la sensibilización cutánea, la genotoxicidad, la carcinogenicidad, la toxicidad transmetabólica, las alteraciones endocrinas y la toxicidad medioambiental. La validación de dos métodos para detectar los alteradores endocrinos se iniciará en 2013. En los últimos años, el CEVMA ha gastado cerca de 8 millones de euros al año en personal científico o técnico, equipos y otros gastos de funcionamiento.

Un informe reciente (34) indica que el dictamen científico predominante es que la plena sustitución no estará disponible durante otros diez años, con una perspectiva más optimista para la sensibilización cutánea. La Comisión remite a Su Señoría a las respuestas dadas a las preguntas escritas previas (35).

Las competencias del CEVMA abarcan ahora también la orientación de la creación de alternativas, facilitando su aceptación y fomentando su uso. Se ha creado una red de laboratorios de validación en la EU.

El proyecto de directrices de ensayo de la OCDE se adoptará para la evaluación de la irritación ocular (tres métodos), la carcinogenicidad, la toxicidad medioambiental (1) y las alteraciones endocrinas (1). En 2011, se presentaron a la OCDE dos métodos de sensibilización de la piel y, en 2012, se presentarán cinco (uno de sensibilización cutánea, dos de perturbación endocrina y dos de toxicidad transmetabólica).

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení E-008634/12

Komisi

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), ((NI)I)adja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) a Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28. září 2012)

Předmět: Činnost ECVAM (Evropské středisko pro validaci alternativních metod) a směrnice o kosmetických prostředcích

Zákaz prodeje kosmetiky testované na zvířatech z roku 2013 by měl být z etických důvodů zaveden bez prodlení a bez ohledu na to, zda jsou k dispozici alternativní testy, které se neprovádějí zvířatech. Je však také důležité, aby metody bez použití zvířat byly zavedeny co nejdříve a aby měl jejich vývoj prioritu.

Alternativní metoda může nahradit příslušné testy na zvířatech pouze tehdy, pokud ECVAM, Evropské středisko pro validaci alternativních metod, její platnost předtím potvrdilo. Zdá se však, že pokud ECVAM nebo OECD neprovede validaci metod nahrazujících testy na zvířatech včas, mohou vstoupit v platnost právní předpisy EU, jejichž cílem je nahradit používání zvířat k testování bezpečnosti (např. směrnice o kosmetických prostředcích).

1. Které alternativní metody ECVAM od svého vzniku až do současnosti validovalo?

2. Jaký je celkový počet úkolů, které ECVAM za 20 let své činnosti dostalo, a byly všechny splněny?

3. Jaká částka z rozpočtu EU je ECVAM každý rok přidělována?

4. Které validace v současné době probíhají?

5. Jaký je předpokládaný harmonogram úplného nahrazení pokusů na zvířatech používaných pro vývoj nových kosmetických přísad nebo výrobků a jejich uvádění na trh?

6. Jaké změny jsou prováděny v ECVAM po přijetí směrnice 2010/63/EU o ochraně zvířat používaných pro vědecké účely a zvýšené povinnosti ECVAM stanovené touto směrnicí?

7. Které testy byly předloženy OECD, ale dosud nebyly schváleny?

Odpověď paní Geoghegan-Quinnové jménem Komise

(26. listopadu 2012)

Úplné nahrazení testů na zvířatech není vázáno pouze na validaci, ale závisí také na vyřešení vědeckých problémů, z nichž některé stále ještě vyžadují značné úsilí v oblasti výzkumu.

ECVAM provedlo 48 validačních studií, v nichž byly validovány metody, které úplně nahrazují testy na zvířatech, pokud jde o fototoxicitu a kožní iritaci/korozi/absorpci/penetraci, částečně je nahrazují nebo je redukují, pokud jde o oční iritaci/leptavé účinky na oči, kožní senzitizaci, genotoxicitu, karcinogenitu, reprodukční toxicitu a akutní orální toxicitu. ECVAM je v současné době zapojeno do validace 14 metod ke stanovení oční iritace, kožní senzitizace, genotoxicity, karcinogenity, toxicity zprostředkované metabolismem, endokrinních poruch a environmentální toxicity. Validace dvou metod pro zjišťování endokrinních disruptorů by měla být zahájena v roce 2013. V posledních letech bylo na vědecké a odborné pracovníky ECVAM, na vybavení a jiné další provozní náklady každoročně vynaloženo přibližně 8 milionů EUR.

V poslední zprávě (36) bylo uvedeno, že podle převládajícího vědeckého stanoviska nebude úplné nahrazení testů na zvířatech k dispozici ještě dalších deset let, přičemž u kožní senzitizace jsou vyhlídky o něco optimističtější. Komise si dovoluje vážené poslance odkázat na své odpovědi na předchozí otázky (37).

K současným úkolům ECVAM patří rovněž vypracování hlavních alternativ, usnadnění jejich přijetí a podpora jejich používání. V EU se vytváří síť laboratoří provádějících validaci.

Návrhy metodiky OECD pro testování se přijímají pro oční iritaci (tři metody), karcinogenitu (jedna metoda), environmentální toxicitu (jedna metoda) a endokrinní poruchy (jedna metoda). V roce 2011 byly OECD předloženy dvě metody týkající se kožní senzitizace a pět metod bude předloženo v roce 2012 (jedna pro kožní senzitizaci, dvě pro endokrinní poruchy, dvě pro toxicitu zprostředkovanou metabolismem).

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-008634/12

til Kommissionen

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) og Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28. september 2012)

Om: Virksomheden i ECVAM (Det Europæiske Center for Validering af Alternative Metoder) og kosmetikdirektivet

Mens forbuddet fra 2013 om salg af kosmetik, der er testet på dyr, skal gennemføres uden forsinkelser af etiske årsager, uanset om der findes alternative testmetoder uden anvendelse af dyr eller ej, er det vigtigt, at der indføres testmetoder uden anvendelse af dyr så hurtigt som muligt, og at udviklingen af sådanne metoder prioriteres.

En alternativ metode kan kun erstatte dyreforsøg efter forudgående godkendelse fra ECVAM, Det Europæiske Center for Validering af Alternative Metoder. Det ser imidlertid ud til, at EU‐lovgivningen, som tilsigter at erstatte anvendelsen af dyr i sikkerhedstests (dvs. kosmetikdirektivet), ikke kan træde i kraft, hvis ECVAM og OECD ikke validerer metoderne til erstatning for dyreforsøg i tide.

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Màire Geoghegan-Quinn

(26. november 2012)

Fuldstændig erstatning af dyreforsøg hænger ikke kun sammen med validering, men afhænger også af, at der findes løsninger på videnskabelige udfordringer, hvoraf nogle stadig kræver en betydelig forskningsindsats.

ECVAM har foretaget 48 valideringsundersøgelser, hvor man validerede metoder til fuldstændig erstatning vedrørende fototoksicitet og hudirritation, hudætsning, hudabsorption og hudpenetration samt metoder til delvis erstatning eller reduktion vedrørende øjenirritation/ætsning, hudsensibilisering, genotoksicitet, carcinogenicitet, reproduktionstoksicitet og akut oral toksicitet. ECVAM er nu involveret i valideringen af 14 metoder vedrørende øjenirritation, hudsensibilisering, genotoksicitet, carcinogenicitet, metabolisme-medieret toksicitet, hormonforstyrrelser og miljøtoksicitet. I 2013 skulle man påbegynde validering af to metoder til påvisning af hormonforstyrrende stoffer. I de seneste år er der i ECVAM-regi brugt omkring 8 mio. EUR pr. år på teknisk og videnskabeligt personale og udstyr samt andre driftsomkostninger.

En nylig rapport (38) viste, at den fremherskende holdning blandt forskere er, at fuld erstatning ikke vil være en mulighed de næste ti år, idet der dog er bedre udsigter for hudsensibilisering. Kommissionen henviser de ærede medlemmer til sine svar på tidligere forespørgsler (39).

ECVAM's mandat omfatter nu også vejledning om udvikling af alternativer samt fremme af accept og anvendelse heraf. Der er ved at blive oprettet et net af EU-valideringslaboratorier.

Der er ved at blive vedtaget udkast til OECD-retningslinjer for øjenirritation (tre metoder), carcinogenicitet (en metode), miljøtoksicitet (en metode) og hormonforstyrrelser (en metode). I 2011 blev der forelagt to metoder om hudsensibilisering for OECD, og i 2012 vil der blive indgivet fem (en om hudsensibilisering, to om hormonforstyrrelser og to om metabolisme-medieret toksicitet).

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008634/12

an die Kommission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) und Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28. September 2012)

Betrifft: Tätigkeit des ECVAM (Europäisches Zentrum zur Validierung alternativer Methoden) und Kosmetik-Richtlinie

Da das für 2013 geplante Verkaufsverbot für Kosmetikerzeugnisse, die an Tieren getestet wurden, aus ethischen Gründen unverzüglich umgesetzt werden sollte, unabhängig von alternativen Testverfahren, die keine Tierversuche beinhalten, ist es wichtig, schnellstmöglich solche tierversuchsfreien Testverfahren einzuführen und diese bevorzugt zu entwickeln.

Eine alternative Methode kann einen Tierversuch nur ersetzen, wenn das ECVAM, das Europäische Zentrum zur Validierung alternativer Methoden, diese zuvor positiv bewertet. Es scheint jedoch, dass, wenn das ECVAM oder die OECD nicht in der Lage sind, Ersatzmethoden für Tierversuche rechtzeitig zu validieren, die EU-Rechtsvorschriften zur Ersetzung von Tieren bei Sicherheitstests nicht in Kraft treten können (z. B. die Kosmetik-Richtlinie).

1. Welche alternativen Methoden hat das ECVAM seit seiner Gründung bislang validiert?

2. Wie viele Aufgaben wurden dem ECVAM in den 20 Jahren seines Bestehens insgesamt übertragen? Wurden diese alle erfüllt?

3. Was für Mittel erhält das ECVAM jährlich aus dem EU-Haushalt?

4. Welche Validierungen werden gegenwärtig durchgeführt?

5. Wann werden Tierversuche bei der Entwicklung und Vermarktung von neuen kosmetischen Inhaltsstoffen oder Kosmetikerzeugnissen voraussichtlich endgültig ersetzt?

6. Welche Änderungen gab es im ECVAM nach Verabschiedung von Richtlinie 2010/63/EU zum Schutz der für wissenschaftliche Zwecke verwendeten Tiere infolge der mit dieser Richtlinie erweiterten Zuständigkeiten des ECVAM?

7. Welche Testverfahren wurden der OECD übertragen, aber noch nicht von ihr genehmigt?

Antwort von Frau Geoghegan-Quinn im Namen der Kommission

(26. November 2012)

Der vollständige Ersatz von Tierversuchen hängt nicht nur von der Validierung, sondern auch von der Lösung wissenschaftlicher Probleme ab, die in einigen Bereichen noch beträchtliche Forschungsanstrengungen erfordern.

Das ECVAM hat 48 Validierungsstudien durchgeführt und dabei Methoden für einen vollständigen Ersatz in den Bereichen Phototoxizität und Hautreizungen/-ätzungen/-resorption/-penetration sowie Teilersatzmethoden oder Methoden zur Verringerung des Einsatzes von Tierversuchen in den Bereichen Augenreizungen/-ätzungen, Hautsensibilisierungen, Genotoxizität, Kanzerogenität, Reproduktionstoxizität und akute orale Toxizität validiert. Das ECVAM befasst sich nun mit der Validierung von 14 Methoden in den Bereichen Augenreizungen, Hautsensibilisierung, Genotoxizität, Kanzerogenität, stoffwechselvermittelte Toxizität, hormonelle Wirkungen und Umwelttoxizität. Mit der Validierung von zwei Methoden zur Ermittlung hormoneller Wirkungen soll 2013 begonnen werden. In den letzten Jahren wurden rund 8 Mio. EUR jährlich für das wissenschaftlich-technische Personal des ECVAM sowie für Ausrüstung und weitere betriebliche Kosten bereitgestellt.

Einem aktuellen Bericht (40) zufolge ist nach der vorherrschenden wissenschaftlichen Meinung in den nächsten 10 Jahren — außer in Bezug auf Hautreizungen, bei denen die Aussichten besser sind — nicht mit einem vollständigen Ersatz zu rechnen. Die Kommission verweist die Damen und Herren Abgeordneten auch auf ihre Antwort auf frühere Anfragen (41).

Die Zuständigkeiten des ECVAM umfassen nun auch die Anleitung der Entwicklung von Alternativen, die Unterstützung ihrer Akzeptanz und die Förderung ihrer Anwendung. Derzeit wird in der EU ein Netz von Validierungslabors eingerichtet.

Das Annahmeverfahren für Entwürfe von OECD-Prüfungsleitlinien für Augenreizungen (drei Methoden), Kanzerogenität (eine Methode), Umwelttoxizität (eine Methode) und hormonelle Wirkungen (eine Methode) läuft bereits. Zwei Methoden in Bezug auf Hautsensibilisierungen wurden der OECD 2011 vorgelegt, fünf Methoden (eine in Bezug auf Hautsensibilisierungen, zwei zu hormonellen Wirkungen und zwei zu stoffwechselvermittelter Toxizität) werden ihr 2012 übermittelt.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-008634/12

προς την Επιτροπή

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) και Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012)

Θέμα: Δραστηριότητες του ECVAM (Ευρωπαϊκό Κέντρο για την Επικύρωση Εναλλακτικών Μεθόδων) και η οδηγία για τα καλλυντικά

Ενώ η προβλεπόμενη για το 2013 απαγόρευση πώλησης καλλυντικών προϊόντων που δοκιμάζονται σε ζώα θα πρέπει να εφαρμοστεί χωρίς καθυστέρηση για λόγους ηθικής, ανεξάρτητα από τη διαθεσιμότητα εναλλακτικών μορφών δοκιμών χωρίς ζώα, είναι επίσης σημαντικό να καθιερωθούν το συντομότερο δυνατό μέθοδοι χωρίς ζώα και να δοθεί προτεραιότητα στην ανάπτυξή τους.

Μια εναλλακτική μέθοδος μπορεί να αντικαταστήσει μια αντίστοιχη δοκιμή σε ζώα μόνο κατόπιν επικύρωσης από το ECVAM, το Ευρωπαϊκό Κέντρο για την Επικύρωση Εναλλακτικών Μεθόδων. Ωστόσο, φαίνεται ότι εάν μια μέθοδος για την αντικατάσταση δοκιμών σε ζώα δεν επικυρωθεί εγκαίρως από το ECVAM ή τον ΟΟΣΑ, δεν μπορεί να τεθεί σε ισχύ η νομοθεσία της ΕΕ που αποσκοπεί στην αντικατάσταση της χρήσης ζώων σε δοκιμές ασφαλείας (π.χ. οδηγία για τα καλλυντικά).

1. Ποιες είναι οι εναλλακτικές μέθοδοι που έχουν επικυρωθεί από το ECVAM από την ίδρυσή του μέχρι και σήμερα;

2. Ποιος είναι ο συνολικός αριθμός αποστολών που έχουν ανατεθεί στο ECVAM στα 20 χρόνια δραστηριότητάς του, και έχουν εκπληρωθεί όλες;

3. Τι ποσό από τον προϋπολογισμό της ΕΕ διατίθεται ως ετήσια χορηγία στο ECVAM;

4. Ποιες επικυρώσεις βρίσκονται σε εξέλιξη;

5. Ποιο είναι το αναμενόμενο χρονοδιάγραμμα για την πλήρη αντικατάσταση των πειραμάτων σε ζώα τα οποία χρησιμοποιούνται για την ανάπτυξη και την εμπορία νέων καλλυντικών συστατικών και προϊόντων;

6. Ποιες είναι οι αλλαγές που πραγματοποιούνται στο ECVAM μετά την έγκριση της οδηγίας 2010/63/ΕΕ περί προστασίας των ζώων που χρησιμοποιούνται για επιστημονικούς σκοπούς, η οποία προβλέπει αυξημένες αρμοδιότητες για το ECVAM;

7. Ποιες δοκιμές έχουν υποβληθεί στον ΟΟΣΑ, αλλά δεν έχουν εγκριθεί ακόμη;

Απάντηση της κ. Geoghegan-Quinn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(26 Νοεμβρίου 2012)

Η πλήρης υποκατάσταση των δοκιμών σε ζώα δεν συνδέεται μόνο με την επικύρωση, αλλά εξαρτάται και από την επίλυση επιστημονικών προβλημάτων, για μερικά εκ των οποίων χρειάζονται ακόμη σημαντικές ερευνητικές προσπάθειες.

Στο Ευρωπαϊκό Κέντρο για την Επικύρωση Εναλλακτικών Μεθόδων (ECVAM) διενεργήθηκαν 48 μελέτες επικύρωσης, για την εξακρίβωση της καταλληλότητας μεθόδων πλήρους υποκατάστασης των δοκιμών σε ζώα όσον αφορά τη φωτοτοξικότητα και τον δερματικό ερεθισμό/τη διάβρωση του δέρματος/την απορρόφηση από το δέρμα/τη διείσδυση στο δέρμα, καθώς και μεθόδων μερικής υποκατάστασης ή μείωσης των δοκιμών όσον αφορά τον ερεθισμό/τη διάβρωση των οφθαλμών, την ευαισθητοποίηση του δέρματος, τη γονιδιοτοξικότητα, την καρκινογένεση, την τοξικότητα κατά την αναπαραγωγή και την οξεία τοξικότητα από το στόμα. Στο ECVAM εκτελούνται πλέον 14 μελέτες για την επικύρωση μεθόδων που αφορούν τον ερεθισμό των οφθαλμών, την ευαισθητοποίηση του δέρματος, τη γονιδιοτοξικότητα, την καρκινογένεση, την τοξικότητα μέσω μεταβολισμού, την ενδοκρινική διαταραχή και την τοξικότητα για το περιβάλλον. Η επικύρωση δύο μεθόδων που αφορούν την ανίχνευση των ενδοκρινικών διαταρακτών πρόκειται να αρχίσει το 2013. Τα τελευταία έτη, οι δαπάνες για το επιστημονικό/τεχνικό προσωπικό και τον εξοπλισμό και άλλες λειτουργικές δαπάνες του ECVAM ανήλθαν σε περίπου 8 εκατ. ευρώ/έτος.

Σε πρόσφατη έκθεση (42) αναφέρεται ότι, κατά την επικρατούσα επιστημονική άποψη, η πλήρης υποκατάσταση δεν θα είναι δυνατή προτού παρέλθουν 10 έτη, ενώ είναι πιο αισιόδοξες οι προοπτικές όσον αφορά τις δοκιμές για την ευαισθητοποίηση του δέρματος. Η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει τα αξιότιμα μέλη του Κοινοβουλίου στις απαντήσεις της σε προηγούμενες ερωτήσεις (43).

Η αποστολή του ECVAM καλύπτει πλέον και την καθοδήγηση της ανάπτυξης εναλλακτικών μεθόδων, τη διευκόλυνση της αποδοχής και την προώθηση της χρήσης τους. Συγκροτείται δίκτυο εργαστηρίων επικύρωσης της ΕΕ.

Είναι υπό έκδοση σχέδιο κατευθυντηρίων γραμμών του ΟΟΣΑ για τις δοκιμές όσον αφορά τον ερεθισμό των οφθαλμών (τρεις μέθοδοι), την καρκινογένεση (μία μέθοδος), την τοξικότητα για το περιβάλλον (μία μέθοδος) και την ενδοκρινική διαταραχή (μία μέθοδος). Στον ΟΟΣΑ υποβλήθηκαν το 2011 δύο μέθοδοι δοκιμών όσον αφορά την ευαισθητοποίηση του δέρματος και πέντε (μία όσον αφορά την ευαισθητοποίηση του δέρματος, δύο όσον αφορά την ενδοκρινική διαταραχή, δύο όσον αφορά την τοξικότητα μέσω μεταβολισμού) θα υποβληθούν το 2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008634/12

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) e Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Attività dell'ECVAM (Centro europeo per la convalida dei metodi alternativi) e la direttiva sui cosmetici

Mentre nel 2013 il divieto di vendere prodotti cosmetici sperimentati su animali deve essere attuato senza indugio, per motivi etici, indipendentemente dalla disponibilità di metodi alternativi ai test sugli animali, è anche importante introdurre siffatti metodi alternativi al più presto, e che il loro sviluppo abbia la priorità.

Un metodo alternativo può sostituire un test su animali solo se l'ECVAM, il Centro europeo per la convalida dei metodi alternativi, lo ha già convalidato. Tuttavia, sembra che ove l'ECVAM o l'OCSE non convalidassero in tempo dei metodi sostitutivi della sperimentazione animale, la legislazione UE che mira a sostituire l'uso di test di sicurezza su animali, non potrebbe entrare in vigore (ad esempio la direttiva sui cosmetici).

1. Quali sono i metodi alternativi convalidati dall'ECVAM, dalla sua creazione fino ad ora?

2. Qual è l'entità totale degli incarichi attribuiti all'ECVAM nei suoi 20 anni di attività e sono tutti stati adempiuti?

3. Qual è la dotazione annuale a titolo del bilancio UE assegnata all'ECVAM?

4. Quali convalide sono attualmente in corso?

5. Quali sono i tempi previsti per la sostituzione completa della sperimentazione animale utilizzata per lo sviluppo e la commercializzazione di nuovi ingredienti o prodotti cosmetici?

6. Quali sono i cambiamenti in atto nell'ECVAM a seguito dell'adozione della direttiva 2010/63/UE sulla protezione degli animali utilizzati a fini scientifici e nelle maggiori responsabilità dell'ECVAM che discendono da codesta direttiva?

7. Quali tests sono stati sottoposti all'OCSE, ma non ancora approvati dall'OCSE?

Risposta di Máire Geoghegan-Quinn a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2012)

La sostituzione completa della sperimentazione animale non dipende soltanto dalla convalida dei metodi alternativi, ma anche dalla possibilità di dare soluzione a problemi scientifici, alcuni dei quali richiedono tuttora un'ingente attività di ricerca.

Il Centro europeo per la convalida di metodi alternativi (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods — ECVAM) ha svolto 48 studi di convalida riguardanti metodi per la completa sostituzione della sperimentazione animale in relazione alla fototossicità e ai fenomeni di irritazione, corrosione, assorbimento e penetrazione cutanei, nonché metodi per la sostituzione parziale o la riduzione in materia di irritazione e corrosione oculare, sensibilizzazione cutanea, genotossicità, cancerogenicità, tossicità riproduttiva e tossicità orale acuta. L'ECVAM partecipa attualmente alla convalida di 14 metodi riguardanti irritazione oculare, sensibilizzazione cutanea, genotossicità, cancerogenicità, tossicità mediata dal metabolismo, alterazione del sistema endocrino e tossicità ambientale. La convalida di due metodi per l'individuazione degli interferenti endocrini dovrebbe iniziare nel 2013. Negli ultimi anni sono stati spesi circa 8 milioni di EUR l'anno per il personale tecnico-scientifico, per le apparecchiature e per gli altri costi operativi dell'ECVAM.

Secondo una relazione recente (44), nella comunità scientifica predomina l'idea che per la sostituzione completa della sperimentazione animale siano necessari ancora dieci anni (riguardo alla sensibilizzazione cutanea le previsioni sono più ottimistiche). La Commissione rinvia gli onorevoli parlamentari alle risposte date a interrogazioni precedenti (45).

Tra i compiti dell'ECVAM rientrano attualmente anche quelli di guidare lo sviluppo di metodi alternativi, di agevolarne l'accettazione e di promuoverne l'uso. È in via di costituzione una rete di laboratori unionali di convalida.

È in via di adozione una bozza di linee guida OCSE sulla sperimentazione in materia di irritazione oculare (tre metodi), cancerogenicità (un metodo), tossicità ambientale (un metodo) e alterazione del sistema endocrino (un metodo). Due metodi sulla sensibilizzazione cutanea sono stati sottoposti al vaglio dell'OCSE nel 2011 e altri cinque saranno sottoposti nel 2012 (uno sulla sensibilizzazione cutanea, due sull'alterazione del sistema endocrino e due sulla tossicità mediata dal metabolismo).

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-008634/12

aan de Commissie

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) en Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 september 2012)

Betreft: De activiteiten van het ECVAM (Europees Centrum voor de validatie van alternatieve methoden) en de cosmeticarichtlijn

Om ethische redenen moet zo snel mogelijk uitvoering worden gegeven aan het vanaf 2013 geldende verbod op de verkoop van op dieren geteste cosmetica. ongeacht of er al alternatieven voor dierproeven beschikbaar zijn. Het is daarnaast echter ook belangrijk dat er zo snel mogelijk methoden zonder dierproeven worden ingevoerd en dat de ontwikkeling van alternatieve testmethoden tot prioriteit wordt verheven.

Dierproeven kunnen alleen door alternatieve testmethoden worden vervangen als deze door het ECVAM, het Europees Centrum voor de validatie van alternatieve methoden, zijn goedgekeurd. Het lijkt er echter op dat als het ECVAM en de OESO er niet in slagen om tijdig vervangende testmethoden zonder dierproeven goed te keuren, de EU-wetgeving waarmee wordt beoogd een einde te maken aan het gebruik van dieren voor het testen van de veiligheid van producten (zoals de cosmeticarichtlijn) niet in werking kan treden.

1. Aan welke alternatieve testmethoden heeft het ECVAM sinds zijn oprichting zijn goedkeuring gehecht?

2. Hoeveel opdrachten tot het valideren van alternatieve methoden heeft het ECVAM in zijn 20-jarig bestaan gekregen, en hoeveel validaties zijn er daadwerkelijk uitgevoerd?

3. Hoe hoog is het percentage van de EU-begroting dat jaarlijks aan het ECVAM wordt toegekend?

4. Welke alternatieve methoden worden er op dit moment gevalideerd?

5. Wat is het verwachte tijdschema voor de volledige afschaffing van dierproeven voor de ontwikkeling en het in de handel brengen van nieuwe cosmetische ingrediënten of producten?

6. Welke veranderingen heeft het ECVAM doorgevoerd naar aanleiding van de aanneming van Richtlijn 2010/63/EG betreffende de bescherming van dieren die voor wetenschappelijke doeleinden worden gebruikt, waarin aan het EVCAM grotere verantwoordelijkheden worden toegekend?

7. Welke alternatieve methoden  ter vervanging van dierproeven zijn momenteel nog bij de OESO in onderzoek?

Antwoord van mevrouw Geoghegan-Quinn namens de Commissie

(26 november 2012)

De volledige vervanging van dierproeven behelst niet uitsluitend de validering van alternatieve methoden: er moeten ook wetenschappelijke problemen worden opgelost, waarvoor in sommige gevallen nog aanzienlijke onderzoekinspanningen zijn vereist.

Het ECVAM heeft 48 valideringsstudies voltooid, die hebben geresulteerd in de validering van complete alternatieve methoden voor fototoxiciteit en huidirritatie/‐corrosie/‐absorptie/‐penetratie, alsook van methoden ter gedeeltelijke vervanging of vermindering van tests voor oogirritatie/‐corrosie, huidsensibilisering, genotoxiciteit, carcinogeniteit, voortplantingstoxiciteit en acute orale toxiciteit. Het ECVAM houdt zich momenteel bezig met de validering van 14 methoden voor oogirritatie, huidsensibilisering, genotoxiciteit, carcinogeniteit, door de stofwisseling geconditioneerde toxiciteit, ontregeling van de endocriene functies en milieutoxiciteit. De validering van twee methoden voor het aantonen van stoffen die de endocriene functies verstoren, zal wellicht in 2013 worden aangevat. De voorbije jaren is ongeveer 8 miljoen euro per jaar uitgetrokken voor personeelskosten (wetenschappelijk en technisch personeel), de aankoop van apparatuur en andere huishoudelijke uitgaven van het ECVAM. 

In een recent rapport (46) wordt gesteld dat de meeste wetenschappers van mening zijn dat een volledige vervanging van dierproeven wellicht nog tien jaar op zich zal laten wachten. Voor huidsensibilisering zijn de vooruitzichten wat gunstiger. De Commissie verwijst de geachte Parlementsleden naar haar antwoord op eerdere parlementaire vragen (47).

De opdracht van het ECVAM omvat nu ook het sturen van de ontwikkeling van alternatieven en het vergemakkelijken van de aanvaarding en het bevorderen van het gebruik daarvan. Er wordt werk gemaakt van het opzetten van een netwerk van EU-valideringslaboratoria.

Momenteel worden door de OESO ontwerp-richtsnoeren aangenomen voor proeven inzake oogirritatie (drie methoden), carcinogeniteit (één), milieutoxiciteit (één) en verstoring van de endocriene functies (één). In 2011 zijn bij de OESO twee methoden voor huidsensibilisering ingediend; in 2012 zullen er vijf methoden (één voor huidsensibilisering, twee voor endocriene ontregeling en twee voor door de stofwisseling geconditioneerde toxiciteit) worden ingediend.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008634/12

adresată Comisiei

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) şi Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 septembrie 2012)

Subiect: Activitățile ECVAM (Centrul european pentru validarea metodelor alternative) și Directiva privind produsele cosmetice

Odată cu implementarea interzicerii produselor cosmetice testate pe animale din 2013, fără întârzieri datorate unor motive etice, indiferent dacă există o alternativă la aceste teste care să nu implice animale, este importantă și introducerea cât mai rapidă a metodelor care nu implică animale, trebuind acordată prioritate elaborării unor astfel de metode.

Testarea pe animale poate fi înlocuită printr-o metodă alternativă numai dacă a fost validată în prealabil de către Centrul european pentru validarea metodelor alternative (ECVAM). Cu toate acestea, se pare că dacă ECVAM sau OCED nu reușesc să valideze la timp metodele pentru înlocuirea testării pe animale, legislația UE care urmărește să înlocuiască folosirea animalelor în testele privind siguranța produselor, nu poate intra în vigoare (de exemplu, Directiva privind produsele cosmetice).

1. Care sunt metodele alternative validate de ECVAM de la înființarea acestuia până în prezent?

2. Care este numărul total de sarcini trasate ECVAM în cei 20 de ani de activitate și câte au fost îndeplinite?

3. Ce sumă din bugetul UE este alocată anual pentru ECVAM?

4. Ce procese de validare se desfășoară în momentul de față?

5. Care este orizontul de timp avut în vedere pentru înlocuirea completă a experimentelor pe animale folosite pentru elaborarea și punerea pe piață a noilor ingrediente sau produse cosmetice?

6. Ce schimbări se fac la ECVAM în urma adoptării Directivei 2010/63/EU privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice; care sunt responsabilitățile sporite ale ECVAM prevăzute de această directivă?

7. Ce teste au fost depuse la OCED și nu au fost încă aprobate de către aceasta?

Răspuns dat de dna Geoghegan-Quinn în numele Comisiei

(26 noiembrie 2012)

Înlocuirea completă a testelor pe animale depinde nu doar de aspecte de validare, ci și de soluționarea dificultăților de ordin științific, unele necesitând încă eforturi considerabile de cercetare.

ECVAM a efectuat 48 de studii de validare prin intermediul cărora sunt validate metode care înlocuiesc complet testele pe animale pentru evaluarea fototoxicității și a fenomenelor de iritație/coroziune/absorbție/penetrație la nivelul tegumentului, precum și metode care înlocuiesc parțial sau reduc testele pe animale pentru evaluarea iritației/coroziunii oculare, a sensibilizării tegumentului, a genotoxicității, a oncogenității, a toxicității pentru reproducere și a toxicității orale acute. În prezent, ECVAM este implicată în validarea a 14 metode de evaluare a iritației oculare, a sensibilizării tegumentului, a genotoxicității, a oncogenității, a toxicității metabolice, a tulburărilor endocrine și a toxicității pentru mediu. Validarea a două metode pentru depistarea factorilor care pot cauza tulburări endocrine urmează să înceapă în 2013. În ultimii ani, valoarea costurilor cu personalul științific/tehnic și cu echipamentele ECVAM, precum și a altor costuri operaționale, a fost de aproximativ 8 milioane EUR/an.

Un raport recent (48) a arătat că poziția științifică dominantă este aceea că înlocuirea completă a testelor pe animale nu va fi disponibilă în următorii 10 ani, perspectiva fiind mai optimistă pentru fenomenul de sensibilizare a tegumentului. Comisia ar dori să aducă în atenția distinșilor membri răspunsurile sale la întrebări anterioare (49).

În prezent, domeniul de competență al ECVAM cuprinde și îndrumarea elaborării unor metode alternative, facilitarea acceptării acestora și promovarea utilizării lor. Este în curs de înființare o rețea de laboratoare de validare UE.

Sunt în curs de adoptare proiecte de ghiduri OCDE de testare pentru evaluarea iritației oculare (trei metode), a oncogenității (1), a toxicității pentru mediu (1) și a tulburărilor endocrine (1). În 2011 au fost transmise la OCDE două metode referitoare la sensibilizarea tegumentului, iar în 2012 vor fi transmise cinci metode (una referitoare la sensibilizarea tegumentului, două la tulburările endocrine și două la toxicitatea metabolică).

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-008634/12

komissiolle

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) ja Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28. syyskuuta 2012)

Aihe: Euroopan vaihtoehtoisten tutkimusmenetelmien keskuksen (ECVAM) toiminta ja kosmetiikkadirektiivi

Eläinkokeilla testatun kosmetiikan myynti kiellettiin vuonna 2013, ja eettisistä syistä kielto olisi pantava täytäntöön viipymättä riippumatta siitä, onko vaihtoehtoisia koemenetelmiä käytettävissä. Lisäksi on tärkeää, että muita menetelmiä kuin eläinkokeita otetaan käyttöön mahdollisimman pian ja että niiden kehitys asetetaan etusijalle.

Eläinkoe voidaan korvata vaihtoehtoisella menetelmällä vain, jos Euroopan vaihtoehtoisten tutkimusmenetelmien keskus (ECVAM) on ensin validoinut sen. Vaikuttaa kuitenkin siltä, että jos ECVAM tai OECD ei validoi eläinkokeita korvaavia menetelmiä ajoissa, unionin lainsäädäntö, jonka tarkoituksena on korvata eläinten käyttö turvallisuuskokeissa, ei voi tulla voimaan (esimerkiksi kosmetiikkadirektiivi).

1.Mitä vaihtoehtoisia menetelmiä ECVAM on tähän mennessä validoinut perustamisestaan lähtien?

2.Kuinka paljon ECVAM:lle on annettu tehtäviä sen 20-vuotisen toiminnan aikana, ja onko ne kaikki suoritettu?

3.Kuinka suuri määrä unionin talousarviosta myönnetään vuosittain ECVAM:lle?

4.Mitä validointitehtäviä on tällä hetkellä käynnissä?

5.Mihin mennessä on odotettavissa, että uusien kosmetiikkatuotteiden ja niiden ainesosien kehityksessä ja markkinoinnissa käytettävät eläinkokeet korvataan kokonaan muilla menetelmillä?

6.Mitä muutoksia ECVAM:ssa tehdään tieteellisiin tarkoituksiin käytettävien eläinten suojelusta annetun direktiivin 2010/63/EU voimaantulon johdosta? Mitä ovat direktiivissä ECVAM:lle asetetut lisätehtävät?

7.Mitä sellaisia kokeita on annettu OECD:n tarkasteltavaksi, joita se ei ole vielä hyväksynyt?

Máire Geoghegan-Quinnin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(26. marraskuuta 2012)

Eläinkokeiden täydellinen korvaaminen ei riipu ainoastaan vaihtoehtoisten menetelmien validoinnista vaan myös tieteellisten ongelmien ratkaisemisesta, ja joihinkin näistä tarvitaan vielä merkittävää tutkimusta.

ECVAM on tehnyt 48 validointitutkimusta ja validoinut täysin korvaavat menetelmät valomyrkyllisyyteen sekä ihoärsytykseen/-syövyttävyyteen/-penetraatioon ja imeytymiseen ihon kautta. Osittain korvaavat menetelmät tai kokeita vähentävät menetelmät on validoitu silmä-ärsytykseen/syövytykseen, ihon herkistymiseen, genotoksisuuteen, karsinogeenisuuteen, lisääntymistoksisuuteen sekä akuuttiin oraaliseen toksisuuteen. ECVAM on parhaillaan validoimassa silmä-ärsytykseen, ihon herkistymiseen, genotoksisuuteen, karsinogeenisuuteen, aineenvaihduntavälitteiseen toksisuuteen, hormonaalisiin häiriöihin ja ympäristötoksisuuteen liittyvää 14:ää menetelmää. Hormonaalisten haitta-aineiden havaitsemiseen liittyvän kahden menetelmän validoinnin on määrä alkaa vuonna 2013. Viime vuosina EVCAM:n tieteellisen/teknisen henkilöstön menoihin sekä välineisiin ja muihin toimintakustannuksiin on käytetty noin 8 miljoonaa euroa vuosittain.

Hiljattain julkaistusta raportista (50) kävi ilmi, että vallitsevan tieteellisen käsityksen mukaan täydelliseen korvaaviin menetelmiin siirtymiseen kuluu vielä 10 vuotta, vaikkakin ihon herkistymisen osalta tilanne näyttää lupaavammalta. Komissio pyytää kysymyksen esittäjiä tutustumaan komission asiasta aiemmin antamiin vastauksiin (51).

ECVAM:n toimeksianto kattaa nyt myös vaihtoehtoisten menetelmien kehitystyön ohjaamisen, niiden hyväksymisen helpottamisen ja käytön edistämisen. EU:n validointilaboratorioiden verkottaminen on käynnissä.

Testausta koskevat OECD:n yleisohjeluonnokset hyväksytään silmä-ärsytykselle (kolme menetelmää), karsinogeenisuudelle (1 menetelmä), ympäristötoksisuudelle (1 menetelmä) ja hormonaalisille häiriöille (1 menetelmä). OECD:lle esitettiin kaksi ihon herkistymistä koskevaa menetelmää vuonna 2011 ja viittä muuta menetelmää (yksi koskee ihon herkistymistä, kaksi hormonaalisia häiriöitä ja kaksi aineenvaihduntavälitteistä toksisuutta) odotetaan esitettävän vuonna 2012.

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-008634/12

till kommissionen

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) och Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 september 2012)

Angående: Verksamheten hos Europeiska centret för validering av alternativa metoder (ECVAM) samt kosmetikadirektivet

Förbudet att fr.o.m. 2013 sälja kosmetika som testats på djur bör införas utan dröjsmål av etiska skäl, oavsett om det finns alternativa tester som inte utförs på djur, men det är också viktigt att metoder som inte inbegriper tester på djur införs så snart som möjligt och att man prioriterar utvecklingen av dessa metoder.

En alternativ metod kan ersätta ett relevant djurförsök endast om Europeiska centret för validering av alternativa metoder (ECVAM) i förväg har validerat den. Det verkar dock vara så att den EU-lagstiftning som syftar till att ersätta användningen av djurförsök vid säkerhetsprövning (t.ex. kosmetikadirektivet) inte kan träda i kraft om ECVAM eller OECD inte i tid validerar de metoder som ska ersätta djurförsöken.

1. Vilka alternativa metoder har ECVAM validerat sedan centret inrättades?

2. Hur många uppdrag totalt har ECVAM fått under sina 20 verksamhetsår, och har samtliga utförts?

3. Hur stort belopp från EU-budgeten får ECVAM som årligt anslag?

4. Vilka valideringar pågår för närvarande?

5. Vilken är den förväntade tiden för en fullständig ersättning av djurförsök som används för att utveckla och marknadsföra nya kosmetikaingredienser eller kosmetikaprodukter?

6. Vilka förändringar har gjorts hos ECVAM efter att direktiv 2010/63/EU om skydd av djur som används för vetenskapliga ändamål antogs, med anledning av ECVAMS utökade ansvar enligt detta direktiv?

7. Vilka tester har översänts till OECD, men ännu inte godkänts av denna organisation?

Svar från Máire Geoghegan-Quinn på kommissionens vägnar

(26 november 2012)

För att man helt ska kunna ersätta djurförsök måste man lösa både valideringsfrågan och vetenskapliga problem , varav några fortfarande förutsätter betydande forskningsinsatser.

Europeiska centret för validering av alternativa metoder (Ecvam) har genomfört 48 valideringsstudier, där man har validerat fullständiga ersättningsmetoder för fototoxicitet och hud‐ irritation/korrosion/absorption/penetration samt metoder för delvis ersättning eller minskning för ögonirritation/korrosion, hudsensibilisering, genotoxicitet, karcinogenicitet, reproduktionstoxicitet och akut oral toxicitet. Ecvam arbetar nu med att validera 14 metoder för ögonirritation, hudsensibilisering, genotoxicitet, karcinogenicitet, metabolism-medierad toxicitet, endokrina störningar och miljötoxicitet. Under 2013 bör det påbörjas validering av två metoder för att upptäcka hormonstörande ämnen. Under de senaste åren har åtta miljoner euro per år spenderats på Ecvams vetenskapliga/tekniska personal och utrustning och andra driftkostnader.

I en nyligen utkommen rapport (52) anges att den förhärskande vetenskapliga uppfattningen är att en fullständig ersättning inte är möjlig förrän om ytterligare tio år, med en mer optimistisk prognos för hudsensibilisering. Kommissionen hänvisar parlamentsledamöterna till sina svar på tidigare frågor (53).

Ecvams mandat omfattar nu också utveckling av vägledande alternativ som ska underlätta godkännande och främja användning av dessa. Ett nät av EU-valideringslaboratorier håller på att upprättas.

Ett utkast för testriktlinjer från OECD är på väg att antas för ögonirritation (tre metoder), karcinogenicitet (1), miljötoxicitet (1) och endokrina störningar (1). Två metoder för hudsensibilisering lämnades in till OECD 2011 och fem (en för hudsensibilisering , två för endokrina störningar, två för metabolism-medierad toxicitet) kommer att lämnas in 2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008634/12

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE), Nadja Hirsch (ALDE), Jörg Leichtfried (S&D), Pavel Poc (S&D), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE), Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D), Esther de Lange (PPE), Kriton Arsenis (S&D), Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), David Martin (S&D) and Dan Jørgensen (S&D)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Activities of ECVAM (European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods) and the Cosmetics Directive

While the 2013 ban on selling cosmetics tested on animals should be implemented without delay for ethical reasons, irrespective of the availability of alternative non-animal tests, it is also important that non-animal methods are introduced as soon as possible, and that their development is prioritised.

An alternative method can replace a relevant animal test only if ECVAM, the European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods, has previously validated it. However, it seems that if ECVAM or the OECD fail to validate methods for the replacement of animal tests in time, EU legislation that aims at replacing the use of animals in safety testing cannot come into force (e.g. Cosmetics Directive).

1. Which are the alternative methods validated by ECVAM since its establishment until now?

2. What is the total amount of assignments given to ECVAM within its 20 years of activity, and have they all been fulfilled?

3. What amount from the EU budget is given as a yearly allocation to ECVAM?

4. Which validations are currently underway?

5. What is the expected timeline for the complete replacement of animal experimentation used for the development and marketing of new cosmetic ingredients or products?

6. What are the changes being made at ECVAM following the adoption of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and ECVAM’s increased responsibilities set out in this directive?

7. What tests have been submitted to the OECD but not yet approved by it?

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

(26 November 2012)

Full animal tests replacement is not linked only to validation but also depends on solving scientific challenges, some still requiring significant research effort.

ECVAM carried out 48 validation studies, validating full replacement methods for phototoxicity and skin irritation/corrosion/absorption/penetration, as well as partial replacement or reduction methods for eye irritation/corrosion, skin sensitisation, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity and acute oral toxicity. ECVAM is now involved in validating 14 methods for eye irritation, skin sensitisation, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, metabolism-mediated toxicity, endocrine disruption and environmental toxicity. Validation of two methods for detecting endocrine disrupters should start in 2013. In recent years around EUR 8 million/year were spent for ECVAM scientific/technical staff and equipment and other operational costs.

A recent report (54) indicated that the predominant scientific opinion is that full replacement would not be available for another 10 years, with a more optimistic outlook for skin sensitisation. The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answers to previous questions (55).

The remit of ECVAM now covers also guiding alternatives development, facilitating their acceptance and promoting their use. A network of EU validation laboratories is being established.

Draft OECD test guidelines are being adopted for eye irritation (three methods), carcinogenicity (1), environmental toxicity (1) and endocrine disruption (1). Two methods on skin sensitisation were submitted to the OECD in 2011, and five (one on skin sensitisation, two on endocrine disruption, two on metabolism-mediated toxicity) will be submitted in 2012.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-008635/12

an die Kommission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(28. September 2012)

Betrifft: Arbeit des CMP und fehlende Informationen

Nach Angaben des Ausschusses für die Vermissten in Zypern (CMP) enthielten von den 609 besichtigten und geöffneten Grabstätten 373, also 60 %, keine menschlichen Überreste.

Hätten die türkischen Behörden bei den Nachforschungen zum Schicksal der vermissten Personen einen proaktiven Ansatz verfolgt, was die Bereitstellung aller relevanten Informationen über Menschen und Orte umfasst hätte, insbesondere im Hinblick auf Militärgebiete, sowie Archivinformationen und Berichte über Kampfstätten, wäre der CMP eindeutig erfolgreicher gewesen. Für die betroffenen Familien wäre es eindeutig eine große Hilfe, wenn sie Informationen über das Schicksal ihrer Angehörigen erhielten. Diese Schlussfolgerung wurde von den Ministerstellvertretern im Europarat im Juni dieses Jahres unterstützt.

1. Sind der Kommission diese Umstände bekannt?

— Falls ja, welche konkreten Maßnahmen hat die Kommission bereits ergriffen, um die Arbeit des CMP im Hinblick auf die Freigabe von Informationen durch die türkischen Behörden zu unterstützen?

— Falls nein, was beabsichtigt die Kommission nun zu tun, um an die Informationen zu gelangen, die erforderlich sind, um die Arbeit des CMP zu unterstützen und dadurch zum Wohlergehen der betroffenen Familien beizutragen?

2. Kann die Kommission die Kosten angeben, die hätten gespart werden können, wenn die türkischen Behörden zu der so dringend notwendigen Zusammenarbeit bezüglich der Freigabe der erforderlichen Informationen bereit gewesen wären?

Antwort von Herrn Füle im Namen der Kommission

(14. November 2012)

Die Kommission kennt die Entscheidung des Ministerkomitees des Europarates, auf die sich die Frau Abgeordnete bezieht.

Nach den der Kommission für die letzten fünf Jahre vorliegenden Angaben hat der CMP in 16 Fällen ausnahmsweise einen Zugang zu türkischen Militärgebieten beantragt, der auch bewilligt wurde. Es ist von ausschlaggebender Bedeutung, dass der Zugang zu Militärgebieten erforderlichenfalls gewährt wird, und die Kommission hofft in diesen Fällen auf ein Entgegenkommen.

Wie der Frau Abgeordneten bekannt sein dürfte, ist die EU dank des starken Interesses und der Unterstützung des Parlaments inzwischen der größte einzelne Geber für die Arbeiten des CMP und hat einschließlich der Mittelzuweisung für 2012 insgesamt 7,5 Mio. EUR bereitgestellt. Allerdings ist die Kommission nicht in der Position, für den CMP Entscheidungen über den zeitlichen Ablauf des Projekts oder die Modalitäten der Interventionen des CMP zu treffen; dies ist vielmehr Sache der Mitglieder des CMP.

Zu der zweiten Frage der Frau Abgeordneten liegen der Kommission keine Angaben vor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008635/12

to the Commission

Angelika Werthmann (ALDE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Work of the CMP and missing information

According to the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), out of the 609 burial sites visited and opened 373, i.e. more than 60 %, did not contain any human remains.

If the Turkish authorities had adopted a proactive approach in the investigations into the fate of the missing persons, including providing all relevant information on people and places, especially concerning military zones, as well as archives and battlefield reports, it is evident that the CMP would have had more success. It would definitely help the families concerned to be informed of the fate of their loved ones. This conclusion was endorsed by the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies of the Council of Europe in June this year.

1. Is the Commission aware of these circumstances?

— If so, what concrete steps has the Commission already taken to support the work of the CMP with regard to the release of information by the Turkish authorities?

— If not, what does the Commission intend to do now, in order to obtain the necessary information to support the work of the CMP and thereby contribute to the concerned families’ wellbeing?

2. Can the Commission give an outline of the costs that would be saved, had the Turkish authorities shown the much-needed cooperation with regard to the release of the required information?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of the decision of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to which the Honourable Member refers.

According to the information available to the Commission over the last five years, the CMP requested 16 times an exceptional access to Turkish military areas and this access has been granted. Access to military areas when needed will be crucial and the Commission counts on positive responses in such cases.

As the Honourable Member is aware, with the strong interest and support from Parliament, the EU has become the single biggest donor to the activities of the CMP with a total of EUR 7.5 million funding, including the 2012 allocation. However, the Commission is not in a position to decide on behalf of the CMP either the speed of the project or the modality of the CMP interventions; this has to be decided by the members of the CMP.

Regarding the second issue the Honourable Members refers to, the Commission does not have any data.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-008636/12

alla Commissione

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(28 settembre 2012)

Oggetto: Agenzia UE per sostenere con equità l'export di tutti gli Stati membri

L'esistenza, solo in alcuni Paesi dell'UE, fra cui la Germania, di speciali condizioni e agevolazioni bancarie e finanziarie in favore delle aziende esportatrici, crea un oggettivo disequilibrio fra i produttori europei in relazione alle loro attività di export, con evidente distorsione del mercato.

La Commissione non intende esaminare la proposta, intesa a risolvere tale pesante squilibrio nell'export europeo, relativa alla creazione di un'agenzia europea unica incaricata di veicolare i sostegni all'export dei manifatturieri dei Paesi membri, senza discriminazione fra Paesi a sistema finanziario forte e potente e Paesi più deboli?

Risposta data da Joaquín Almunia a nome della Commissione

(16 novembre 2012)

Per quanto riguarda gli strumenti finanziari collegati all'esportazione, va osservato che conformemente all'accordo dell'OMC sulle sovvenzioni e sulle misure compensative, che vieta le sovvenzioni all'esportazione, le norme dell'UE in materia di aiuti di Stato ai sensi degli articoli 107 e 108 del TFUE non autorizzano gli aiuti all’esportazione. Il sostegno ai crediti all’esportazione che copre i rischi a medio e lungo termine è tuttavia considerato compatibile con le norme dell’OMC, purché concesso in conformità dell'accordo dell'OCSE relativo ai crediti all'esportazione che beneficiano di sostegno pubblico.

In linea di principio gli aiuti di Stato per l’assicurazione del credito all’esportazione a breve termine non sono autorizzati dalle norme sugli aiuti di Stato dell'UE (56) per i rischi assicurabili sul mercato (57). Di conseguenza, gli Stati membri possono fornire un'assicurazione del credito all’esportazione a breve termine soltanto se presentano singole notifiche tali da dimostrare che l'assicurazione per gli esportatori in tale Stato membro è temporaneamente indisponibile sul mercato da assicuratori privati del credito. Le disposizioni in materia di assicurazione dei crediti all'esportazione a breve termine sono attualmente in fase di revisione e a dicembre 2012 dovrebbero essere adottate nuove norme. Questa revisione ha lo scopo di chiarire le regole relative all’intervento dello Stato in questo campo e contribuire a creare condizioni di parità. Non prevede la creazione di un'unica agenzia europea di credito all’esportazione, che si ritiene essere di competenza degli Stati membri.

Va inoltre osservato che le norme dell'UE in materia di aiuti di Stato e l'accordo dell’OCSE sui crediti all'esportazione che beneficiano di sostegno pubblico (che è stato integrato nel diritto dell'UE) sono strumenti intesi a garantire pari condizioni tra i programmi nazionali di credito all'esportazione degli Stati membri dell'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008636/12

to the Commission

Mario Borghezio (EFD)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: An EU agency to provide equitable support for exports from all Member States

Some EU countries, including Germany, offer special conditions and bank/financial facilities to support exporting companies. This creates an objective imbalance between European producers in relation to their export activities, and clearly distorts the market.

Will the Commission not consider a proposal to remedy this great imbalance in EU exports by setting up a single European agency to channel support to exporting producers in the Member States, without discriminating between countries with strong and powerful financial systems and weaker countries?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 2012)

With respect to export related financial facilities it should be noted that, in accordance with the WTO Subsidies and Countervailing Measures Agreement, which prohibits export subsidies, the EU State aid rules under Article 107-108 TFEU do not allow export aid. Support to export credits covering medium and long term risks is, however, considered compatible with WTO rules if it is granted in conformity with the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits.

State aid for short term export credit insurance is in principle not allowed under the EU State aid rules (58), for marketable risks (59). Accordingly, Member States can only provide short term export credit insurance if they submit individual notifications demonstrating that insurance for exporters in that Member State is temporarily unavailable on the market from private credit insurers. The rules on short-term export credit insurance are currently being revised and the adoption of new rules is planned for December 2012. This revision aims at clarifying the rules for State intervention in this area and contributing to the creation of a level-playing field. It does not foresee the creation of a single European export credit agency, which is considered to be a competence of Member States.

It should also be kept in mind that the EU State aid rules as well as the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits (which has been incorporated into EC law) are instruments that should ensure a level playing field between the national export credit programs of EU Member States.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008637/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Precios de las materias primas

Desde el mes de junio los precios de las materias primas alimentarias están subiendo a niveles que, según Rabobank (60), han provocado y provocarán un aumento importante y prolongado de los precios de la soja y el maíz, a la sazón cereales básicos para la cabaña animal.

Esto pone de relieve que las crisis alimentarias, como la del año 2008-2009, no son pasajeras y que, tal vez, están para quedarse. De hecho, se constata que, desde dicha campaña, los niveles de almacenamiento mundial no se han recuperado, tensando aún más la rigidez de los mercados entre oferta y demanda.

A la luz de lo anterior y teniendo en cuenta la seguridad alimentaria europea y el incremento de la población y los cambios de dieta a nivel mundial:

Respuesta del Sr. Cioloş en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de noviembre de 2012)

Las elevadas cotas que han alcanzado los precios de los productos agrícolas y su creciente volatilidad a lo largo de los últimos años pueden explicarse tanto por los extremos fenómenos climáticos que han afectado a la producción agrícola como por factores estructurales entre los que cabe citar el aumento de la demanda mundial, el bajo nivel de las existencias, la fluctuación simultánea con otros productos, los elevados precios del petróleo, las políticas en materia de biocombustibles, la volatilidad de los tipos de cambio o una excesiva especulación financiera. No obstante, el hecho de que sigan apareciendo numerosos estudios a favor de una u otra opción apunta a que no existe un consenso sobre la importancia de cada factor por separado.

La historia de la gestión de existencias a nivel mundial pone de relieve que la organización y gestión de un sistema de este tipo encierra problemas potencialmente graves. Además, la acumulación de existencias en años en que el suministro de productos agrícolas pasa por estrecheces y los precios son elevados no haría sino agravar la situación.

La Comisión está siguiendo muy atentamente los precios agrarios y los costes de producción. Actualmente, en el caso de la carne los altos precios al productor contrarrestan (al menos parcialmente) el incremento de los costes de los piensos y garantizan a los ganaderos unos márgenes aceptables. En el sector lácteo, los precios no han sido tan elevados en los últimos meses, pero los márgenes están mejorando gracias a una ligera recuperación de los precios y una aminoración del coste de los piensos, tendencia que en principio debe continuar en un futuro próximo.

En lo que se refiere a la transmisión de los costes a lo largo de la cadena de suministro de alimentos, la Comisión está haciendo un estrecho seguimiento de la cuestión, y ha establecido el Food Price Monitoring Tool, que muestra la evolución de los precios en cada eslabón de la cadena alimentaria (61). La Comisión ha instituido el Foro de Alto Nivel sobre la Mejora del Funcionamiento de la Cadena Alimentaria, cuyo objetivo es promover unas relaciones sostenibles y basadas en el mercado entre los agentes de la cadena alimentaria, así como una mayor transparencia e integración del mercado alimentario.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008637/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Commodities prices

Since June 2012 commodities prices have been rising to levels that, according to Rabobank (62), have caused and will continue to cause a significant and prolonged increase in the price of soya beans and maize, both of which are essential ingredients in animal feed.

This shows that food crises such as that of 2008-2009 are not passing phenomena, and are perhaps here to stay. It would indeed appear that global food stocks have not recovered since that crisis, thus placing more strain than ever on the fragile balance between supply and demand on the markets.

In light of the above facts, European food security concerns, global population growth and changes in diet worldwide,

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2012)

The peaks in agricultural commodity prices and their rising volatility in recent years can be explained both by extreme climatic events affecting agricultural production and by structural factors such as rise in global demand, low level of stocks, co-movement with other commodities, high oil price, biofuel policies, volatility in the exchange rates or excessive financial speculation. However, the growing number of studies supporting the one or the other option shows that there is no consensus on the importance of each single factor.

The history of managing stocks at a global level is indicative of potential serious problems in terms of organisation and management of such a system. In addition, accumulating stocks during years of tight agricultural supply and high prices would aggravate the situation.

The Commission is closely monitoring agricultural prices and production costs. Currently high meat producer prices offset (at least partly) the increase in feed costs and guarantee livestock producers acceptable margins. In the dairy sector, prices have not been as high in the last months, but margins are improving thanks to a slight recovery in prices and a slowdown in feed prices, a trend which should continue in the near future.

As to the transmission of costs along the food supply chain, the Commission is closely following this issue, and set up a Food Price Monitoring Tool to show price developments at each stage of the food chain. (63) The Commission set up a High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain, aiming to promote sustainable, market-based relationships between the actors in the food chain, higher transparency and integration of the food market.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008638/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação do diálogo intercultural na União Europeia

As instituições europeias dedicaram o ano de 2008 ao diálogo intercultural. Não obstante esta predisposição para o estabelecimento de pontes entre culturas, a União vem sendo infelizmente marcada por fenómenos de intolerância e de violência entre comunidades que parecem obstinar-se em não conviver e em afrontar-se. Alguns dirigentes europeus vêm manifestando preocupação face ao deflagrar desses fenómenos e a chanceler Merkel declarou mesmo que as tentativas de construir uma sociedade multicultural falharam flagrantemente.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por AndroullaVassiliou em nome da Comissão

(26 de novembro de 2012)

As perguntas colocadas pelo Senhor Deputado são vastas e complexas; não é possível fornecer aqui uma análise da situação em toda a UE. A avaliação do Ano Europeu do Diálogo Intercultural em 2008 mostrou que até o próprio conceito de diálogo intercultural é compreendido de forma distinta por cada Estado-Membro. Relativamente ao impacto específico do Ano Europeu, o Senhor Deputado pode consultar a avaliação externa em http://ec.europa.eu/culture/key-documents/evaluation_en.htm.

Para a União Europeia, o diálogo intercultural constitui uma troca aberta e respeitosa entre as pessoas, que as conduz a uma compreensão mútua mais aprofundada. Como tal, encontra-se no centro do projeto europeu e é o alicerce de todos os programas transacionais.

Por exemplo, no âmbito da política cultural, um grupo de peritos nacionais encontra-se atualmente a deliberar sobre a forma como as artes e as instituições culturais podem promover a diversidade e o diálogo intercultural. Uma análise das políticas e um manual de boas práticas serão elaborados em 2013.

O diálogo intercultural é também uma prioridade do programa «A Europa para os Cidadãos», que promove uma cidadania europeia ativa e uma identidade europeia respeitosa, dinâmica e multifacetada. Os candidatos ao programa são convidados a abordar questões com uma perspetiva europeia e a reconhecer e comparar diferentes pontos de vista.

Um outro exemplo prende-se com as trocas entre os governos nacionais no que diz respeito a medidas de integração de migrantes ao abrigo de uma série de instrumentos da UE. O objetivo é o de promover a participação dos migrantes a nível económico, social e cultural nas sociedades de acolhimento para benefício tanto dos indivíduos como das sociedades, com base no facto de a integração exigir empenho, respeito e adaptação mútua por parte dos migrantes e das sociedades de acolhimento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008638/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: The intercultural dialogue situation in the European Union

European institutions dedicated 2008 to intercultural dialogue. Despite this willingness to build bridges between cultures, the Union has unfortunately been marked by instances of intolerance and violence between communities who seem determined to live in conflict and to confront each other. Several European leaders have expressed concern over these outbreaks and Chancellor Merkel has gone so far as to declare that attempts to construct a multicultural society have clearly failed.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

The questions posed by the Honourable Member are vast and complex; it is not possible to provide here an analysis of the situation across the EU. The evaluation of the 2008 European Year on Intercultural Dialogue showed that even the concept of intercultural dialogue is understood differently throughout Member States. Regarding the specific impact of the European year, the Honourable Member may refer to the external evaluation at http://ec.europa.eu/culture/key-documents/evaluation_en.htm.

The European Union views intercultural dialogue as an open and respectful exchange between people, leading to deeper mutual understanding. As such, it is at the core of the European project and underpins all transnational programs.

For example, in the field of culture policy, a group of national experts is currently deliberating how arts and cultural institutions may promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. An analysis of policies and a good practice manual will be produced in 2013.

Intercultural dialogue is also a priority under the ‘Europe for citizens’ programme, which promotes active European citizenship and a respectful, dynamic and multifaceted European identity. Applicants under the programme are invited to tackle issues from a European perspective, and to recognise and compare different points of view.

A further example relates to exchanges between national governments on integration measures for migrants under a number of EU instruments. The aim is to enhance migrants' economic, social and cultural participation in receiving societies to the benefit both of individuals and societies, on the basis that integration requires engagement, respect and mutual accommodation by migrants and the receiving societies.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008639/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação da mobilidade dos trabalhadores na União Europeia

As instituições europeias dedicaram o ano de 2006 à mobilidade dos trabalhadores.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(19 de novembro de 2012)

As informações sobre a mobilidade dos trabalhadores dentro do território da UE podem ser derivadas de dados a nível da UE e a nível nacional (64). Desde 2006, a evolução das tendências tem sido analisada em vários relatórios (65). As principais tendências podem ser sintetizadas como segue:

Em termos globais, os atuais níveis de mobilidade são ainda relativamente baixos, se comparados com o potencial da UE (especialmente para os jovens), e não são proporcionais ao que se poderia esperar de um verdadeiro mercado de trabalho único.

Uma série de iniciativas visam melhorar a mobilidade dos trabalhadores na Europa:

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008639/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Worker mobility in the European Union

European institutions dedicated 2006 to worker mobility.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2012)

Information on intra-EU labour mobility can be derived from EU-wide and national data (69). The trends have been analysed in several reports since 2006 (70), The main trends over the last few years can be summarised as follows:

Overall, current levels of mobility are still relatively low compared to the EU potential (especially for young people) and do not commensurate to what could be expected within a genuine single labour market.

A number of initiatives aim at improving the labour mobility in Europe:

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008640/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação das pessoas com deficiência na União Europeia

As instituições europeias dedicaram o ano de 2003 às pessoas com deficiência. Dez anos volvidos, é inegável o progresso que o tratamento e a integração dessas pessoas conheceram, bem como a persistência das limitações que obstam a essa mesma integração e que não decorrem dos problemas físicos de que padecem. Barreiras físicas nas vias públicas e nos edifícios, obstáculos ao uso dos meios de comunicação, entre outros, concorrem ainda para este afastamento.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(6 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão apresentou uma visão global da situação das pessoas com deficiência na União Europeia no documento de trabalho dos seus serviços, que contém as informações de referência (74) para a Estratégia Europeia para a Deficiência 2010-2020 (75).

O referido documento contém igualmente uma lista extensa de fontes, às quais a Comissão acrescentou recentemente a sua ferramenta em linha neste domínio (76). Em 2013, a Comissão (Eurostat) concluirá a análise do módulo ad hoc do Inquérito às Forças de Trabalho de 2011, sobre o emprego das pessoas com deficiência, acrescentando então mais informações pormenorizadas.

A Estratégia Europeia para a Deficiência 2010-2020, bem como o documento de trabalho que a acompanha, contendo as ações relevantes relativas ao período 2010-2015 (77), fornecem uma visão geral das atuais prioridades europeias neste domínio, incluindo uma série de atividades de sensibilização.

O combate a este tipo de barreiras figura entre as prioridades atuais da Comissão, que está a preparar uma iniciativa legislativa sobre a acessibilidade a ser apresentada em 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008640/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: People with disabilities in the European Union

European institutions dedicated 2003 to people with disabilities. Ten years on, it is undeniable that while progress has been made in furthering and integrating these people, limitations still persist which hinder this very integration and does not only arise from the physical difficulties affecting them. Physical barriers on streets and in buildings, and communication obstacles, among other things, contribute to this sense of separation.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

A comprehensive overview of the situation of people with disabilities in the European Union was provided by the Commission in the Staff Working Document with background information (78) to the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (79).

This document also contains an extensive list of sources, to which the Commission has recently added its Disability Online Tool (80). In 2013, the Commission (Eurostat) will conclude the analysis of the 2011 Labour Force Survey ad-hoc module on the employment of disabled people, adding further detailed information.

Both the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and its accompanying Staff Working Paper with relevant actions for the years 2010-2015 (81) give an overview of current European priorities in this area, including a number of awareness raising activities.

Tackling such barriers is among the current priorities of the Commission and it is preparing a legislative initiative on Accessibility to be proposed in 2013.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008641/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação da educação e da formação ao longo da vida na União Europeia

As Comunidades Europeias dedicaram o ano de 1996 à educação e à formação ao longo da vida.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Androulla Vassiliou em nome da Comissão

(28 de novembro de 2012)

A estratégia de aprendizagem ao longo da vida tem como objetivo promover a empregabilidade dos cidadãos, através do desenvolvimento contínuo de competências num contexto de envelhecimento demográfico e de mercados de trabalho mais voláteis. A aprendizagem ao longo da vida também visa reduzir a segmentação dos sistemas de educação e de formação, tendo em vista facilitar a progressão dos formandos (por exemplo, entre o ensino profissional e superior) e a ligação entre todas as formas de aprendizagem (por exemplo, em instituições, no local de trabalho).

No seu relatório conjunto de 2012 intitulado «Educação e Formação numa Europa inteligente, sustentável e inclusiva» (82), a Comissão e o Conselho assinalaram que a aprendizagem ao longo da vida não é ainda uma realidade para todos os cidadãos europeus, tendo a participação na aprendizagem de adultos estagnado em 9 %, muito aquém do objetivo de 2020 de 15 %. Não obstante, as políticas de aprendizagem ao longo da vida estão a desenvolver-se através da criação de quadros nacionais de qualificações, uma melhor educação e orientação profissional, além do desenvolvimento de sistemas de validação da aprendizagem não formal e informal. Estes instrumentos ajudam os cidadãos a acederem à aprendizagem em todas as fases das suas vidas e a terem as suas competências adquiridas transformadas em qualificações relacionadas com o emprego.

As prioridades atuais da UE destinam-se, em complemento das políticas dos Estados‐Membros a este respeito, a promover as parcerias com as partes interessadas; a melhorar o desenvolvimento das competências de adultos pouco qualificados, a alargar o acesso à educação e à formação, a integrar serviços de aprendizagem e a promover a utilização dos instrumentos de referência europeus, como o Quadro Europeu de Qualificações, o Quadro de Referência Europeu de Garantia da Qualidade para o Ensino e a Formação Profissionais, o Sistema Europeu de Créditos do Ensino e Formação Profissionais e o Sistema Europeu de Transferência e Acumulação de Créditos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008641/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: The state of Lifelong Learning in the European Union

The European Communities declared 1996 to be the European Year of Lifelong Learning.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

The EU lifelong learning (LLL) policy aims to promote the employability of citizens through continuous skills development against the backdrop of demographic ageing and more volatile labour markets. The LLL approach also aims to reduce the segmentation of education and training systems so to facilitate learners' progression (e.g. between vocational and higher education) and to link all forms of learning (e.g. in institutions, in the workplace).

In their 2012 joint report ‘Education and Training in a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe’ (83) the Commission and the Council noted that LLL is not yet a reality for all European citizens, with learning participation of adults stagnating at 9%, far below the 2020 target of 15%. Nevertheless LLL policies are gaining ground through the establishment of national qualifications frameworks, better learning and career guidance and the development of systems for the validation of non-formal and informal learning. These instruments help citizens to take up learning at all stages of their lives and to have their acquired competences turned into employment-related qualifications.

Current EU priorities are, in complement to Member States policies in this regard, to promote partnerships with stakeholders; to improve the competence development of low-skilled adults; to extend access to learning; to integrate learning services; and to promote the use of the European reference tools such as the European Qualifications Framework, European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training, European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008642/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação da saúde, higiene e segurança no trabalho na União Europeia

As Comunidades Europeias dedicaram o ano de 1992 à saúde, higiene e segurança no trabalho. Esta matéria permanece na ordem do dia, tanto a nível interno, quanto a nível externo, porquanto é sabido que a ausência de normas e práticas de saúde, higiene e segurança reduz os custos de empresas que competem diretamente com as europeias e que sujeitam os seus trabalhadores a condições muitas vezes inumanas.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(21 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão considera que as legislações da UE e nacionais em matéria de saúde e segurança no trabalho, juntamente com as estratégias europeias adotadas em 2002 e 2007 neste âmbito, contribuíram de forma eficaz para uma melhoria do estado da saúde, da higiene e da segurança no trabalho na UE. De acordo com os dados do Eurostat, as taxas de incidência (84) de acidentes no trabalho nos principais ramos da atividade económica diminuíram 64,3 % no que diz respeito a acidentes fatais e 52,8 % a acidentes não fatais na UE-15 entre 1994 e 2009. Também se constatou uma tendência decrescente nos dados recolhidos para a UE-27 entre 2005 e 2009.

A Comissão encontra-se atualmente a avaliar os resultados da Estratégia comunitária para a saúde e a segurança no trabalho 2007-2012 (85). As ações relativas ao apoio oferecido pela Comissão e a promoção da saúde e da segurança a nível internacional também fazem parte da avaliação acima mencionada. Os resultados finais da avaliação serão apresentados nos próximos meses.

Nos termos do artigo 17.°-A da Diretiva-Quadro 89/391/CEE (86), a Comissão irá produzir, o mais tardar até ao final de 2015, um relatório único baseado numa avaliação exaustiva das 24 diretivas da UE em matéria de saúde e segurança em termos de relevância, de resultados da investigação e de novos conhecimentos científicos nos diferentes domínios em questão, assim como informar as outras instituições e organismos da UE dos resultados da avaliação e de qualquer iniciativa destinada a melhorar o funcionamento do quadro normativo. Tal permitirá a identificação dos principais desafios futuros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008642/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Workplace health, hygiene and safety in the European Union

The European Community dedicated 1992 to workplace health, hygiene and safety. This subject remains on the domestic and international agenda as it is known that the lack of health, hygiene and safety rules and practices reduces costs for companies in direct competition with European companies and that subject their workers to frequently inhumane conditions.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2012)

The Commission considers that the EU and national legislations on health and safety at work, together with the European Strategies adopted in 2002 and 2007 in this field, have effectively contributed to improve the state of workplace health, hygiene and safety within the EU. According to data available in Eurostat, the incidence rates (87) of accidents at work in the main branches of economic activity decreased by 64,3% for fatal accidents and 52,8% for non-fatal accidents in the EU-15 between 1994 and 2009. Declining trend was also observed in data collected for EU-27 between 2005 and 2009.

The Commission is currently evaluating the results of the EU Strategy on Health and Safety at Work 2007-2012 (88).. The actions regarding the support offered by the Commission and the promotion of health and safety at international level are also part of the above evaluation. The final results of the evaluation will be presented in the forthcoming months.

Pursuant to Article 17a of the framework Directive 89/391/EEC (89), the Commission will produce, by the end of 2015 at the latest, a single report based on a comprehensive review of the 24 EU health and safety directives in terms of their relevance, of research and of new scientific knowledge in the various fields in question, and inform the other EU institutions and bodies of the results and any suggestion on how to improve the operation of the regulatory framework. This will allow identifying the main challenges ahead.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008643/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação dos idosos e da solidariedade intergeracional na União Europeia

As comunidades europeias dedicaram o ano de 1993 aos idosos e à solidariedade entre gerações. Não obstante, multiplicam-se as notícias de idosos abandonados pelas suas famílias.

Dez anos passados, em agosto de 2003, mais de dez mil pessoas morreram em França devido a uma vaga de calor excecionalmente longa e intensa. As vítimas foram precisamente na sua maioria idosos, muitos deles residentes solitários em grandes centros urbanos. As morgues e os hospitais esgotaram a sua capacidade e o próprio sistema de saúde entrou em colapso. Para fazer face ao descalabro, as autoridades recorreram a câmaras, carrinhas frigoríficas e até a tendas e hangares. Só em Paris, ficaram cerca 400 corpos por reclamar. As autoridades da cidade referiram-se ao sucedido como um «drama coletivo».

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(22 de novembro de 2012)

A situação dos idosos varia de forma significativa entre os Estados-Membros. Em janeiro de 2012, o Eurostat (90) apresentou, por ocasião do Ano Europeu do Envelhecimento Ativo e da Solidariedade entre as Gerações, uma publicação que fornece uma panorâmica abrangente da situação da população mais idosa.

A Comissão elaborou, em maio de 2012 (91) , a publicação «A contribuição da UE para um envelhecimento ativo e solidariedade entre as gerações». Esta publicação descreve um vasto leque de medidas a nível da UE que podem contribuir para padrões de vida elevados para os mais idosos. Em fevereiro de 2012, a Comissão adotou o Livro Branco sobre as pensões, (92) que explica quais os passos que a UE e os Estados-Membros podem dar a fim de melhor garantir a garantir rendimentos adequados para os reformados.

O Ano Europeu 2012 promove o envelhecimento ativo, que é a base para a solidariedade entre gerações. Isto significa que os idosos podem ter controlo sobre as suas próprias vidas e contribuir para a sociedade — e permite que se faça mais pelos idosos que mais dependem do apoio de terceiros. Durante o Ano Europeu 2012, foram lançadas, a diferentes níveis, centenas de iniciativas relacionadas com o envelhecimento ativo e a solidariedade entre gerações (93).

Foi atingido um bom nível de cumprimento da Comunicação de 2007 apesar de terem sido necessárias algumas adaptações. Recentemente a Aliança Europeia para as Famílias foi reforçada através de um grupo de apoio técnico que desenvolveu um quadro de avaliação de boas práticas (94) destinado a aumentar o potencial de aprendizagem mútua.

As avaliações de impacto, obrigatórias antes do lançamento de iniciativas da UE, não têm em conta as consequências sociais pelo que abarcam os possíveis impactos negativos para as famílias.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008643/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: The situation of the elderly, and of intergenerational solidarity in the European Union

The European Community dedicated 1993 to the elderly and to solidarity between generations. However, reports of elderly people abandoned by their families are increasing.

In August 2003, 10 years later, over 10 000 people died in France due to an exceptionally long and intense heat wave. The majority of the victims were elderly, many living alone in large urban centres. The morgues and hospitals were filled to capacity and the health system began to collapse. In order to cope with the disaster, the authorities made use of cold stores, refrigerated vans and even tents and hangers. In Paris alone, almost 400 bodies were left unclaimed. The city’s authorities referred to the occurrence as a ‘collective tragedy’.

I therefore ask the Commission:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The situation of the elderly varies significantly across Member States. In January 2012, Eurostat (95) presented on the occasion of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations a publication providing a comprehensive overview of the situation of older people.

The Commission has produced in May 2012 (96) the publication ‘The EU contribution to Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations’. It describes a wide range of measures at EU level that can contribute to high living standards for the elderly. In February 2012, the Commission adopted a white paper on pensions (97) setting out how the EU and Member States can best work towards ensuring adequate incomes in retirement.

The European Year 2012 promotes active ageing, which is the basis for solidarity between generations. It means that older people can take charge of their own lives and contribute to society — and allows more to be done for those elderly people who depend most on the support of others. During the European Year 2012 hundreds of initiatives related to active ageing and solidarity between generations were launched at different levels (98).

A fair degree of compliance to the 2007 Communication action has been achieved even if some adaptations have been necessary. Just recently, the European alliance for families has been reinforced through a technical support group which developed an evaluation framework for good practices (99) in order to increase the mutual learning potential.

Impact assessments, required before launching EU initiatives, do take into account possible social consequences, therefore including possible harmful impacts on families.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008644/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação da aprendizagem e do estudo das línguas na União Europeia

A Comunidade Europeia dedicou o ano de 2001 às línguas. É sabido que algumas das línguas europeias são das mais faladas no mundo e dispõem, por isso, de um elevado potencial comunicacional que extravasa as fronteiras da União.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Androulla Vassiliou em nome da Comissão

(9 de novembro de 2012)

À luz do objetivo da UE segundo o qual todos os cidadãos da UE devem aprender pelo menos duas línguas estrangeiras desde a mais tenra idade, a Comissão considera que ainda há margem para melhorias em muitos Estados-Membros. Consequentemente, a oferta de oportunidades de aprendizagem das línguas tem de ser alargada e o ensino das línguas tem de se tornar mais eficiente.

Em setembro, o Eurostat e a Eurydice publicaram a edição de 2012 de Key Data on Teaching Languages at School in Europe  (100) , que apresenta informação sobre vários aspetos do ensino das línguas, incluindo números sobre o real conhecimento linguístico dos jovens europeus que se baseiam nos resultados recentes do primeiro inquérito europeu sobre as competências linguísticas — European Survey on Language Competences  (101) .

Segundo o inquérito especial Eurobarómetro Europeans and their languages  (102) , os cidadãos da UE estão bem conscientes da importância de aprenderem línguas (88 % consideram-no «muito útil» para si e 98 % para o futuro dos seus filhos). Na conferência organizada pela Comissão Europeia em Chipre, em setembro de 2012, para comemorar o Dia Europeu das Línguas, foi amplamente confirmado que os representantes das empresas e dos meios de comunicação social partilham desta opinião.

As prioridades da política europeia em matéria de multilinguismo estão estreitamente ligadas às da estratégia «Europa 2020»: ajudar a Europa a melhorar as suas taxas de emprego e tornar a sua economia mais competitiva.

Até ao final do ano, a Comissão Europeia irá formular orientações políticas para os Estados-Membros sobre a forma de melhor dotar os jovens com as competências linguísticas necessárias no mercado de trabalho. Além disso, a Comissão irá propor um critério europeu para a aferição das competências linguísticas, de modo a melhor poder acompanhar os progressos realizados neste domínio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008644/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Language learning and study in the European Union

The European Community designated 2001 the European Year of Languages. It is well known that several European languages are among the most widely spoken languages in the world, therefore having great communicational potential that extends beyond the frontiers of the EU.

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

In the light of its objective that all EU citizens should learn at least two foreign languages from a very early age, the Commission considers that there is still room for improvement in many Member States. Consequently, the offer of language learning opportunities has to be broadened, and language teaching has to be made more efficient.

In September, Eurostat and Eurydice published the 2012 edition of Key Data on Teaching Languages at School in Europe (103), which complements data on various aspects of language teaching with figures on the actual language proficiency of young Europeans based on the recently published results of the first ever European Survey on Language Competences (104).

According to the special Eurobarometer survey Europeans and their languages (105), EU citizens are well aware of the importance of language learning, with 88% defining it ‘very useful’ for themselves and 98% useful for their children's future. A conference organised by the European Commission in Cyprus in September 2012 to celebrate the European Day of Languages confirmed that businesses people and representatives of the media widely share this awareness.

The priorities of the European multilingualism policy are closely linked to those of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy: helping Europe to improve its employment rates and to make its economy more competitive.

By the end of the year, the European Commission will provide policy guidance to Member States on how to better equip young people with the language competences needed on the labour market. In addition, the Commission will table a proposal for a European benchmark on languages for improved monitoring of progress in this field.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008645/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação da segurança rodoviária na União Europeia

O ano de 1986 foi dedicado pelas instituições europeias à tão necessária segurança rodoviária. Infelizmente, todos os anos se registam, em todos os Estados‐Membros, da União mortes e ferimentos graves devido a acidentes rodoviários, tornando-se necessário persistir na educação cívica dos condutores.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Siim Kallas em nome da Comissão

(31 de outubro de 2012)

As estatísticas dos 27 Estados‐Membros estão todas publicadas no sítio Web da Comissão (106), onde o Senhor Deputado poderá obter os valores pormenorizados para cada país da UE.

Entre 2001 e 2010, o número de vítimas mortais em acidentes rodoviários nos Estados‐Membros da UE diminuiu em 43 %, de aproximadamente 54 500 para 31 000 vítimas por ano. A segurança rodoviária é uma questão complexa em que intervêm vários fatores, como o comportamento dos utentes das vias públicas, a segurança dos veículos e a segurança da infraestrutura rodoviária.

Entre os principais desafios, contam‐se: a proteção de utentes vulneráveis, a aplicação do código da estrada, a utilização das novas tecnologias em benefício da segurança rodoviária, para além do reforço da segurança das infraestruturas e dos veículos, incluindo o agravamento das normas mínimas da inspeção periódica de veículos na UE.

A responsabilidade pela aplicação da política de segurança rodoviária é partilhada a diferentes níveis, cabendo o ónus principal aos Estados‐Membros. A Comissão Europeia contribui a nível europeu no âmbito das Orientações para a Política de Segurança Rodoviária de 2011 a 2020 (107). Nelas se destacam sete objetivos em que a Comissão pode desempenhar um papel importante. Citam‐se, a título de exemplo: apoio de ações de sensibilização sobre segurança rodoviária dirigidas aos jovens; proposta de um novo pacote «Inspeção Técnica Automóvel» (108); diretiva (alterada) sobre a carta de condução (109); plataformas de intercâmbio de boas práticas entre os técnicos dos Estados‐Membros; e estudos sobre a aplicação de um plano de ação sobre sistemas de transporte inteligentes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008645/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Road safety in the European Union

The European institutions designated 1986 the much-needed Road Safety Year. However, every year all Member States experience deaths and serious injuries caused by road traffic accidents. There is therefore a need to persist with civic education for drivers.

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

All statistics for the 27 Member States are publicly available on the Commission website (110) where the Honourable Member of the European Parliament may find detailed figures for any EU country.

The number of road accident fatalities in the EU Member States decreased by 43 % between 2001 and 2010, from around 54,500 to 31,000 dead per year. Road safety is a complex issue where several factors are in play, such as road users' behaviour, the safety of vehicles and the safety of road infrastructure.

Among the current major challenges are: the protection of vulnerable road users, enforcement of traffic rules, making use of new technologies with road safety benefits, and further improving vehicle and infrastructure safety including raising the minimum standards for periodic vehicle inspections in the EU.

Implementation of road safety policy is a shared responsibility of actors at different levels, with a primary responsibility of Member States. The European Commission contributes on the European level within the framework of its Policy Orientations on Road Safety 2011-2020 (111). This document highlights seven priority areas where the European Commission can play an important role. Some few examples are: support for youth road safety awareness projects; the proposal of a new Roadworthiness package (112); the amended Driving licence directive (113); platforms for exchange of best practice among Member State experts; and work on deployment of an action plan for Intelligent Transport Systems.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008646/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação do turismo na União Europeia

É sabido que a União Europeia tem um potencial turístico enorme e que já atrai por ano milhões de visitantes que querem conhecer partes do seu território. Este conhecimento e estas visitas contribuem para fomentar as economias dos Estados‐Membros mediante a criação de empresas e empregos, para divulgar a cultura e tradições europeias e para as tornar apelativas e acessíveis ao resto do mundo, bem como, de um ponto de vista estratégico, para aumentar a capacidade de influência europeia — o «soft power» europeu — por via da identificação de terceiros com a sua história, cultura e perspetiva face ao mundo.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(20 de novembro de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008646/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Tourism in the European Union

It is common knowledge that the European Union has tremendous tourism potential and that it attracts millions of interested visitors every year. This knowledge and these visits stimulate Member States’ economies by creating businesses and jobs, and promote European culture and traditions, thus making them more attractive and accessible to the rest of the world. Moreover, strategically, they also increase European capacity for influence — European ‘soft power’ — by enabling third parties to identify with its history, culture and outlook.

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008647/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Comissão Consultiva de Antigos Presidentes da Comissão Europeia

Propus recentemente a criação de uma Comissão Consultiva de apoio direto ao Presidente da Comissão Europeia composta pelos antigos titulares deste cargo.

Tirando partido da vasta experiência e memória institucional destes atores de primeiro plano da vida europeia, esta comissão teria por objeto exclusivo aconselhar o Presidente quanto às grandes linhas de direção política e das prioridades da União Europeia podendo reunir preferencialmente antes dos Conselhos Europeus.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada pelo Presidente José Manuel Barroso em nome da Comissão

(15 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão partilha a opinião do Senhor Deputado de que a experiência política, a riqueza de conhecimentos e de contactos, assim como a memória institucional dos seus antigos presidentes são de um valor inestimável para a Comissão. É por esta razão que o Presidente da Comissão e os serviços que trabalham sob a sua autoridade consultam frequentemente os antigos presidentes ou comissários com o propósito de conhecer os seus pontos de vista e/ou os convidam a participar em determinados eventos.

Para aceder sua forma de aceder a este importante conjunto de conhecimentos e competências, a Comissão tem preferência por uma abordagem mais flexível e orientada para objetivos específicos, em vez de uma estrutura fixa. Com efeito, já houve eventos para os quais todos os anteriores Presidentes da Comissão foram convidados pelo atual Presidente. Nestas ocasiões, tornou-se igualmente evidente que a grande quantidade de compromissos das agendas destas personalidades colocam limites à criação de uma estrutura de caráter permanente.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008647/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Consultative Committee of Former Presidents of the European Commission

I recently proposed the creation of a consultative committee to support directly the President of the European Commission. The committee would comprise former holders of that position.

Taking advantage of the vast experience and institutional memory of these major players at Europe’s top table, the sole aim of this committee would be to advise the Commission President on the broad strokes of political direction and the priorities of the European Union and it could meet, preferably, prior to European Council meetings.

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2012)

The Commission shares the opinion of the Honourable Member that the political experience, wealth of knowledge, contacts and institutional memory of former Presidents are invaluable. This is why the President of the Commission and services operating under his authority often engage with former Presidents or Commissioners seeking for their views and/or inviting them to participate to targeted events.

The Commission would favour a more flexible and targeted approach compared to a permanent structure for accessing this important pool of knowledge and expertise. Indeed, there were already occasions on which all past Presidents of the Commission were invited by the President of the Commission. On these occasions, it became also apparent that the heavy agendas of the personalities involved put limits to a more permanent structure.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008648/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação dos hábitos alimentares na União Europeia

A Comunidade Europeia dedicou o ano de 1994 à alimentação e ainda hoje são patentes os maus hábitos alimentares de parte da população. Aumentou o risco de obesidade e, em particular, de obesidade infantil, com todas as complicações de saúde que dela derivam.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Maroš Šefčovič em nome da Comissão

(12 de novembro de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008648/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Situation of nutrition and health in the EU

The EU declared 1994 the European Year of nutrition and health, but the poor eating habits of part of the population are still evident. The risk of obesity has increased, particularly in children, with all its attendant health complications.

1. Bearing in mind the European proposals made in 1994, how does the Commission view the evolution of eating habits in Europe?

2. What are the main risks linked with poor eating habits? Does the Commission have any data concerning the number of illnesses caused by them and their impact on health budgets in the Member States?

3. What does the Commission consider should be done to create awareness among families about the need to choose a healthier lifestyle?

4. What are the European priorities in this field?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008649/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação do ensino e da divulgação da música na União Europeia

O ano de 1985 foi dedicado pelas instituições europeias à música, realidade imaterial indissociável da cultura e das tradições humanas e, por maioria de razão, europeias. A Europa dispõe de um riquíssimo património popular/tradicional e clássico que urge proteger e divulgar.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Androulla Vassiliou em nome da Comissão

(28 de novembro de 2012)

A música é uma disciplina obrigatória em todos os Estados-Membros da UE no ensino primário e em quase todos os Estados-Membros da UE no segundo e terceiro ciclos do ensino básico.

Um relatório da rede Eurydice (2009) (130) realça uma prática crescente por parte das escolas no sentido de proporcionarem atividades artísticas e facilitarem o acesso a experiências de caráter cultural e artístico. O relatório recomenda a criação de redes nacionais com o objetivo de promover o ensino das artes e da cultura e uma maior cooperação entre as escolas e o mundo artístico/cultural.

O programa «Cultura» procura apoiar os profissionais e os organismos culturais, incluindo no setor da música, no intuito de garantir a divulgação das suas obras junto de um público mais alargado na Europa e em todo o mundo. A proposta da Comissão sobre o programa «Europa Criativa», para o período de 2014-2020, ajudará a superar os desafios colocados pela fragmentação do mercado, a globalização e a passagem à era digital, a escassez de dados comparáveis e a falta de financiamento privado.

No âmbito da Comunicação de 2010 «Uma Agenda Digital para a Europa», a Comissão tem facilitado a disponibilidade transfronteiriça de conteúdos criativos em linha. Do mesmo modo, a diretiva recentemente adotada sobre as obras órfãs visa facilitar a digitalização e a divulgação das obras culturais, incluindo no domínio da música. A proposta de diretiva da Comissão relativa à gestão coletiva dos direitos de autor prevê uma simplificação do pagamento transfronteiriço dos direitos de autor no que se refere às obras musicais.

O Europeana já disponibiliza conteúdos relevantes para o ensino da música. A recomendação da Comissão sobre a digitalização, a acessibilidade em linha de material cultural e a preservação digital convida os Estados-Membros a incentivar as instituições culturais, os editores e outros detentores de direitos de autor a disponibilizar o seu material digital através do Europeana. Tal ajudará a projetar este sítio Web como ponto de referência para as tradições musicais da Europa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008649/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Situation concerning the promotion and teaching of music in the EU

The European institutions declared 1985 the European Year of Music, as an immaterial property inseparably linked to human culture and traditions and, in particular, to those of Europe, which has an extremely rich popular, traditional and classical heritage in need of protection and promotion.

1. What is the Commission’s assessment of the current state of teaching and promotion of music in the Union, particularly with reference to its situation in 1985, its subsequent evolution and the objectives defined during the European Year of Music?

2. What does the Commission consider to be the main challenges in this field?

3. What support can be provided to this sphere?

4. Would the Commission agree to support a plan to make available on Internet the main works forming part of Europe’s musical heritage?

5. Would the Commission agree to the creation of an Internet site devoted to European music, along the lines of Europeana — which already has audio content — with the participation and support of the continent’s main artists, orchestras and record companies? Or could Europeana’s content be expanded in this respect, to make it a real showcase for the best of Europe’s musical traditions?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2012)

Music is a compulsory subject in all EU Member States at primary level and in nearly all EU Member States in lower secondary education.

A report of the Eurydice network (2009) (131) underlined the growing practice whereby schools provide artistic activities and facilitate access to artistic and cultural experiences. The report recommended the establishment of national networks to promote arts and cultural education and a strengthened collaboration between schools and the arts/cultural world.

The Culture programme aims to support cultural professionals and organisations, including in the music sector, to ensure that their works reach audiences across Europe and beyond. The Commission's proposal for the Creative Europe programme 2014-2020 will help tackle the challenges of market fragmentation, globalisation and digital shift, shortage of comparable data, and lack of private finance.

Following the 2010 Communication on a Digital Agenda for Europe, the Commission facilitates the cross-border availability of creative content online. The recently adopted Directive on orphan works aims to facilitate the digitisation and dissemination of cultural works including music. The Commission proposal for a directive on collective management of copyright aims to simplify cross-border copyright clearance on music works.

Europeana already provides content relevant to music teaching. The Commission Recommendation on the digitisation, online accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation invites Member States to encourage cultural institutions, publishers and other right holders to make their digitised material accessible through Europeana. This will help the site to become a reference point for Europe's musical traditions.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008650/12

à Comissão

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Situação das PME e do artesanato europeus

O ano de 1983 foi dedicado pelas instituições europeias às PME e ao artesanato, realidades cuja viabilidade se encontra particularmente exposta e vulnerável atendendo à crise económica e financeira que hoje experimentamos em boa parte da União.

Assim, pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Antonio Tajani em nome da Comissão

(7 de novembro de 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008650/12

to the Commission

Diogo Feio (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Situation of SMEs and the craft industry in the EU

The European institutions declared 1983 the European Year of SMEs and the craft industry. These sectors find themselves particularly exposed and vulnerable to the economic and financial crisis currently afflicting a large part of the Union.

1. How does the Commission assess the current situation of small and medium-scale enterprises and the craft industry in Europe, with particular reference to their situation in 1983, their evolution since then and the objectives defined during the European year dedicated to them?

2. What does the Commission see as being the main challenges facing SMEs and the craft industry in the current political and economic context?

3. What support can be provided to these sectors?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008651/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Roadworthiness Package

With the ‘Roadworthiness Package’, the Commission proposes that vehicles be tested against their original characteristics. While this may, in limited circumstances, be a useful comparison for modern vehicles, it is a completely nonsensical gauge by which to measure the roadworthiness of classic cars. Northern Ireland has a number of classic car associations with significant numbers of members.

1. Can the Commission confirm that this package will not have a detrimental effect on the ability of people in Northern Ireland to continue their enjoyment of this worthwhile pursuit?

2. Does the Commission have plans to provide a separate and appropriate framework for testing the roadworthiness of classic cars?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that in the framework of its proposal for a regulation on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers (138) the Commission proposed to exempt vehicles of historic interest from the scope of the periodic roadworthiness testing. Nevertheless Member States may maintain or introduce testing of such historic vehicles if they wish so.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008652/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: The Commission's Digital Agenda

A recent report in Northern Ireland revealed that only 10 % of the population considers working in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector a worthwhile profession. This is reflected in practice by the Commission’s most recent digital scoreboard which has released figures that suggest that around half of the people competing on the European labour market do not have sufficient ICT skills to help them find new jobs, and that a quarter of them do not have any ICT skills at all. The ICT sector is one of the few sectors actively recruiting employees at this time of mass unemployment in many parts of Europe, and in particular in Northern Ireland where unemployment figures have again increased.

While it is clear that the Commission’s Digital Agenda plays an essential part in reinvigorating the European single market, it is not clear how the Commission intends to secure the involvement of the EU’s citizens in this initiative or gain their support for it.

How does the Commission propose to address this knowledge deficit, and how does it intend to promote the ICT sector, and the employment opportunities it offers, to the EU’s citizens?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2012)

Gaps in digital skills are due to the fast pace of technological change which characterises ICT. The main issue is twofold: firstly, an issue of skills gaps for ICT practitioners and, secondly, in the skills for ICT users. There are more than 4 million employed as ICT professionals in Europe and employment has been growing by around 3% a year, even during the crisis. However, supply is not keeping pace with the demand: not enough young students are choosing ICT studies; female participation is very low; there are skills mismatches — education and training are not fulfilling the demands of the industry. With regard to ICT users, 18.5% of the workforce is ICT intensive. However, an overall 90% require some level of ICT skills. Only 53% of the workforce is confident in their ICT skills if they were to look for a job in the following 12 months.

The Commission recently adopted the ‘Employment package’ which identifies ICT as a source of job-rich recovery; the package supports an increase in highly qualified ICT labour and promotes digital skills across the workforce. One of its actions aims at setting up a multi-stakeholder partnership to: Identify mismatches in demand and supply of ICT-related job profiles; mobilise organisations offering ICT skills training and certification; promote ICT careers to EU citizens. The Vice-President and Member of the Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda made a call for what she called a ‘Grand Coalition’, an effort that coordinates various stakeholders (employment services, ICT vendors, CIO associations, education institutions, ESF management authorities, business chambers etc.) who should act at a more local level. The idea is to promote training and facilitate placements, raising awareness and making ICT careers more attractive.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008653/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Airport slots and regional connectivity

In his report on the future of regional airports and air services in the EU, MEP Philip Bradbourn states that he ‘considers it essential for regional airports to have access to hubs’ (139).

Can the Commission confirm that in its recent proposal concerning airport slots (140), it also supports a system whereby Member States will have special powers to regulate the regional connectivity between central hub airports and regional airports?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2012)

The Commission shares the European Parliament's goal to ensure connectivity for EU citizens and Europe's regions. The Internal aviation market has been delivering, ever since 1992, a great network of routes to enhance Europe's internal connectivity. There are today 4 119 intra-EU routes compared to 1 732 in 1992, ie a 237% increase.

Congestion and operational restrictions at key airports of the European Union, notably in densely populated urban areas, can create bottlenecks hampering citizens' mobility and impeding the development of new routes (domestic, intra-EU or extra-EU).

In its proposal on the allocation of slots (141), the Commission carefully balanced the need for open and equal access to slots at over-subscribed airports with the need to allow regional services to be protected. This is why the Commission proposes to review the new entrant rule to favour intra-EU services. The Commission confirms that Member States will have special power to regulate regional connectivity between central hubs and regional airports through the Public Service obligations' system.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008654/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Eurojust engagement with national police forces

While Eurojust’s engagement with national police forces has in the past five years improved significantly in some Member States, testimony from a number of national police forces suggests that still more could be done to improve relations and cooperation between the Eurojust and national police forces across the EU as a whole.

Does the Commission have any plans to introduce a framework which may facilitate and encourage Eurojust in their endeavour to provide effective judicial cooperation with and between all national police forces in the EU?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2012)

Eurojust works successfully together with national police forces in the fight against serious crime. Joint investigation teams and coordination meetings, where police and judicial authorities of several countries exchange information and coordinate a common approach to investigations and prosecutions reflect this good cooperation. The latest Eurojust annual report (2011) contains several recent examples.

The Commission intends to present a proposal to reform Eurojust in 2013. In this context, due consideration will be given to ways of enhancing cooperation with all relevant law enforcement organisations, and with Europol, one of Eurojust's most relevant partners.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008655/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: An EU definition of crime

Eurojust considers that some of the most significant coordination problems it faces concerning cross-border police action stem from the lack of a basic EU definition of ‘crime’ (142).

Would the Commission consider availing itself of the competences provided for under the Lisbon Treaty to formulate an elective European definition that could be employed by Eurojust in cases of contention between discordant national definitions?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2012)

The Lisbon Treaty grants the EU competence both in the field of criminal procedure and substantive criminal law. EU criminal law legislation can add, within the limits of EU competence, important value to the existing national criminal law systems.

In its communication ‘Towards an EU Criminal Policy’ (143), the Commission spelled out the principles which should guide European Criminal law legislation.

Common rules and harmonised definitions can strengthen mutual trust among the judiciaries and law enforcement authorities of the Member States if the definitions of the underlying criminal offences are compatible. There are a number of EU criminal law instruments now in place that provide for common offences and approximate sanctions. They are relevant in the daily work of Eurojust.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008656/12

to the Commission

James Nicholson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Accountability of Europol to national police forces

Europol’s mission is to support its Member States in preventing and combating all forms of serious international crime and terrorism. Its role is to help achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of all EU citizens by supporting EC law enforcement authorities through the exchange and analysis of criminal intelligence. It is essential for the success of this mission that Europol maintains strong communication lines with national law enforcement authorities.

How does the Commission propose to ensure that Europol is accountable to national law enforcement authorities?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2012)

Europol is accountable to its Management Board, which includes one representative of each Member State plus a Commission representative (144). In addition, the Heads of the Europol National Units — which represent national law enforcement services — meet regularly with Europol in order to improve its operational effectiveness (145).

In the forthcoming proposal for a new governing regulation for Europol, the Commission will ensure that the agency — like other EU agencies — is accountable to the Council, representing the interests of the Member States, to the Commission and to the European Parliament. As required by Article 88.2 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, national parliaments will also be involved in the scrutiny of Europol's activities, thus ensuring a permanent link to national concerns.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-008657/12

an die Kommission

Michael Theurer (ALDE)

(28. September 2012)

Betrifft: EU-Donauraumstrategie

Der Grundstein für die EU-Donauraumstrategie wurde 2010 mit der Mitteilung der Kommission vom 8. Dezember 2010 „Strategie der Europäischen Union für den Donauraum“ (KOM(2010)0715 endg.) gelegt. Seither wird diese Strategie vor allem durch das Engagement der teilnehmenden Länder und auch durch bürgerschaftliches Engagement getragen. Die EU-Donauraumstrategie bringt die Europäer entlang der Donau einander näher und trägt somit zu einem der großen Ziele der europäischen Integration bei: Frieden! Deshalb sollte sie politische und auch finanzielle Unterstützung erfahren.

Dafür wird ein Donau-Jugendwerk vorgeschlagen, das intereuropäische Jugendbegegnungen im Donauraum finanziell fördert, ähnlich dem Prinzip des deutsch-französischen Jugendwerks. Dieses Prinzip entspricht dem oft wiederholten Vorsatz, die Europäische Union „von unten“ zu stärken (Bottom-up-Ansatz).

1. Kann sich die Kommission die finanzielle Förderung eines Donau-Jugendwerks vorstellen und eine solche Forderung in der Sache unterstützen?

2. Sind in der Finanzperiode 2007‐2013 und 2014-2020 Haushaltsmittel für eine Förderung von europäischen Jugendbegegnungen allgemein und im Donauraum im Besonderen vorgesehen?

3. Wenn ja, umfasst diese Förderung auch Begegnungen von Jugendlichen aus EU-Mitgliedstaaten und Drittländern?

4. Wenn nein, sieht die Kommission Möglichkeiten, in der Finanzperiode 2014‐2020 eine finanzielle Förderung für europäische Jugendbegegnungen zu etablieren?

Antwort von Herrn Hahn im Namen der Kommission

(5. November 2012)

Derzeit sind weder im laufenden noch in einem künftigen Finanzierungszeitraum Mittel für die direkte Unterstützung eines Jugendwerks im Donauraum vorgesehen.

Zwar kann die Kommission in der Regel ein Vorhaben wie das Donau-Jugendwerk nicht direkt finanzieren; ein solches Projekt könnte jedoch möglicherweise entweder im Rahmen des Programms „Jugend in Aktion“ (sofern das Projekt die Förderkriterien erfüllt) oder aus Mitteln für die transnationale Zusammenarbeit im Zuge der Kohäsionspolitik finanziert werden.

Das derzeit laufende Programm „Jugend in Aktion“ (2007‐2013) und die Jugend-Komponente des von der Kommission vorgeschlagenen künftigen Programms „Erasmus für alle“ (2014‐2020) ermöglichen die Förderung länderübergreifender Projekte für junge Menschen, Jugendarbeiter und Jugendorganisationen, z. B. Jugendaustauschprogramme, Freiwilligenarbeit im Rahmen des Europäischen Freiwilligendienstes, Ausbildungs‐ und Vernetzungsmöglichkeiten.

Netzwerkprojekte können über die Programme für transnationale Zusammenarbeit im Rahmen der Kohäsionspolitik finanziert werden. Für den Zeitraum 2007‐2013 wurden zwar bereits alle Mittel zugewiesen, zurzeit befinden sich jedoch die Programme für den Zeitraum 2014‐2020 in Vorbereitung. Ihr Schwerpunkt soll hauptsächlich auf Themen wie Innovation, KMU, erneuerbaren Energiequellen und Energieeffizienz gelegt werden.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-008657/12

to the Commission

Michael Theurer (ALDE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: EU Danube Strategy

The foundation for the EU Danube Strategy was laid in 2010 in the Commission communication of 8 December of that year entitled ‘European Union Strategy for Danube Region’ (COM(2010)0715). Since then, the strategy has been carried forward thanks mainly to commitment by the participating countries and to public involvement. The EU Danube Strategy is about bringing Europeans along the length of the Danube closer together and it thus contributes to one of the major aims of European integration, namely peace. For that reason it ought to be supported both politically and financially.

That is why I am proposing the creation of a Danube Youth Foundation — similar in principle to the German-French Youth Foundation — to provide financial support for meetings of European young people in the Danube region. This is in line with the oft-repeated call for a bottom-up approach to strengthening the European Union.

1. Can the Commission envisage financially supporting a Danube Youth Foundation and will it, in practice, provide such support?

2. Is any funding earmarked in the 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 budgetary periods for supporting European youth foundations generally, and for the Danube region in particular?

3. If so, does the provision for support extend to youth meetings between EU Member States and third countries?

4. If not, does the Commission see any possibility of establishing financial support for meetings of European young people in the 2014-2020 budgetary period?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2012)

There is no funding currently earmarked for direct support to a Youth Foundation in the Danube Region in either the current or future funding periods.

While the Commission cannot normally finance a project such as a Danube Youth Foundation directly, such a project could be eligible for funding from either the Youth in Action Programme (provided it respects the eligibility criteria of this programme) or from transnational cooperation funds under cohesion policy.

The current Youth in Action Programme (2007-2013) and the youth activities which will be part of the future Erasmus for All Programme (2014-2020) proposed by the Commission allow for support to transnational projects targeting young people, youth workers and youth organisations, like youth exchanges, volunteering through the European Voluntary Service, training and networking opportunities.

Networking projects can be financed through transnational cooperation programmes under cohesion policy. Although all funds for the 2007-2013 period have now been allocated, the programmes for the 2014-2020 period are now beginning to be prepared. They will focus primarily on topics such as innovation, SME, renewable energies and energy efficiency.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-008658/12

adresată Comisiei

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(28 septembrie 2012)

Subiect: Combustibilii alternativi

În contextul discuțiilor aprinse cu privire la diferitele metode tehnice pentru extracția și transportul combustibililor fosili, preocupările de ordin ecologic par a fi ultima problemă care trebuie abordată. Cu toate acestea, discuțiile referitoare la automobile care să funcționeze pe bază de combustibili alternativi au început cu decenii în urmă, din momentul în care ideea, pe atunci neverosimilă, a unui automobil alimentat cu apă părea să semnaleze o mare realizare științifică, chiar înainte de apariția preocupărilor legate de mediu și de schimbările climatice. În timp ce tehnologia evoluează cu mare viteză în toate domeniile, în cel al transporturilor energia electrică este singura modalitate alternativă de alimentare a motoarelor automobilelor în prezent, iar pătrunderea automobilelor electrice pe piață pare a avea loc într-un ritm lent.

1. Ce măsuri concrete propune sau intenționează să adopte Comisia pentru a încuraja accelerarea activităților de cercetare și a utilizării combustibililor inovatori?

2. Ce măsuri ia Comisia pentru a încuraja accesul pe piață al autovehiculelor alimentate cu combustibili alternativi care nu dăunează mediului?

Răspuns dat de dna Geoghegan-Quinn în numele Comisiei

(26 noiembrie 2012)

Recenta propunere ILUC (Indirect land use change impacts of biofuels — impacturile indirecte ale combustibililor generate de schimbarea destinației terenurilor) a Comisiei pledează pentru intensificarea cercetărilor privind biocombustibilii de generația a doua.

De asemenea, Comisia plănuiește să adopte, până la sfârșitul anului 2012, „Pachetul privind energia nepoluantă pentru transport”, care va cuprinde o comunicare și o posibilă propunere legislativă. Comunicarea va prezenta o strategie cuprinzătoare privind combustibilii alternativi pentru înlocuirea pe termen lung a petrolului ca principală sursă de energie în domeniul transporturilor.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008658/12

to the Commission

Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Alternative fuels

Amidst the fiery discussions on various technical methods of fossil fuel extraction and transportation, environmental concerns seem to be the last issue to be addressed. Discussions about cars powered by alternative fuels go back decades, however, ever since the then far-fetched idea of a water-fuelled car seemed to signal a breakthrough even before environmental and climate-change concerns emerged. While technology evolves in all fields at great speed, in the field of transportation electricity is the only alternative means of powering car engines today, and the emergence of electric cars on the market appears to be slow.

1. What concrete measures does the Commission propose or plan to adopt to encourage accelerated research on — and use of — innovative fuels?

2. What measures is the Commission taking to encourage market access to vehicles powered by alternative, environment-friendly fuels?

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

(26 November 2012)

The recent ILUC (Indirect land use change impacts of biofuels) proposal of the Commission advocates for stronger research on second generation bio-fuels.

The Commission also plans to adopt by the end 2012 the ‘Clean Power for Transport Package’ which will comprise a communication and a possible legislative proposal. The communication would lay out a comprehensive alternative fuels strategy for the long-term substitution of oil as the primary energy source for transport.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008659/12

to the Commission

Struan Stevenson (ECR)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Restrictive licensing conditions

Early motor vehicles were first introduced to the London ‘hackney carriage’ market at the beginning of the last century. Concerns at this time over rudimentary clutch mechanisms and the need to crank-start should a vehicle stall led to the introduction of an unusually tight turning-circle requirement, so that drivers collecting passengers at the Ritz could make a U‐turn rather than a three-point turn.

This requirement forced major manufacturers, including Ford and Renault, to withdraw from the market, which has never since operated in a normal manner. Over the past half century the market has been heavily dominated by one company (Manganese Bronze), whose vehicles make up 90 % of the current fleet. To this day, no standard production vehicle meets the U‐turn requirement, although operational evidence shows that it is rarely used in practice.

Currently only two vehicle types are licensed in London — the Manganese Bronze TX4, which is based on a 1950s chassis design and costs upwards of GBP 35 000, and the adapted Mercedes Vito, which costs GBP 42 000. In most other UK cities, taxi owners/drivers have a wider choice of vehicles, including the modern E7 cab made by Peugeot and Allied Vehicles, which costs from GBP 28 000 and uses 22 % less fuel than a TX4.

Moreover, a UK Office of Fair Trading report (OFT 676, 2003) highlighted various aspects of the regulation which the OFT found to be anti-competitive and contrary to the public interest. Section 5.6 of the report says:

‘Only certain models of vehicle currently meet [the London taxi specifications]. (…) There is a danger that the additional cost of [London conditions-] compliant vehicles may raise prices and deter entry to the market thus limiting supply and leading to a poorer service for consumers’.

Furthermore, London’s unusual ‘turning circle’ prohibits market access to a wide range of other vehicles, such as the E7 cab, which is supplied in the UK by Allied Vehicles and originates in France. Such a regulation is in clear contradiction of Article 34 of the TFEU, a fact confirmed in recent case law (Alma Lunt and Allied Vehicles v Liverpool City Council, High Court Admin, 2008).

Is the Commission aware of this anti-competitive regulation, and what steps will the Commission take to address this issue?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2012)

The Commission is aware of the situation, as it analysed a complaint in 2003 relating to the restrictive conditions for licences to operate taxis in some cities in the United Kingdom. It concluded that the requirement, imposed by some United Kingdom local authorities, that vehicles comply with various conditions to be operated as licensed taxis represents only a limited, indirect restriction on intra-EU trade in purpose built taxis — such vehicles manufactured in other Member States are in use in many cities in the United Kingdom. The Commission has not received any evidence showing how many more of these vehicles would be marketed in the United Kingdom in the absence of the turning circle requirement anywhere in the territory.

In the absence of harmonising rules on the technical specification of public taxis, Member States enjoy a considerable margin of discretion when deciding which features of such vehicles should be obligatory. The question whether the turning circle requirement constitutes an abuse of that discretion in the light of Articles 34 to 36 EC is key. The central issue is whether any hindrance caused to trade by the requirement is proportional to the public interest protected. As there is no harmonisation, the adherence by certain authorities to those conditions may be regarded as the expression of a political choice as to certain values deemed worthy of protection, to be assessed by Member States.

A reference to the case Alma Lunt and Allied Vehicles v Liverpool City Council does not contradict this evaluation as no precise calculations of the effect of the requirement on the United Kingdom taxi vehicles market were made.

The Commission has not recently received any complaints relating to this issue.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008660/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Transporte de mercancías por carretera — Actualización de la normativa referente a la circulación en la UE de los vehículos de 44 toneladas y de los de 25,25 metros

En la mayoría de países de la UE ya está autorizada la circulación de vehículos de 44 t, así como la de los trenes de carretera de 60 t y una longitud total de 25,25 m. En España se está estudiando por parte del Ministerio de Fomento la posibilidad de autorizar la circulación de estos vehículos. El propio Ministerio de Fomento encargó un estudio a la Fundación Cetmo, publicado en diciembre de 2011, donde se explican las ventajas de las 44 t (156).

También existe un estudio realizado por la Cátedra de Amelio Ochoa, patrocinado por la Fundación Corell, donde se expone el efecto de la implantación del vehículo de 25,25 m y 60 t en España. En ambos estudios se expone la bondad de estos cambios.

Creemos que una actualización de la legislación de la Unión Europea —en la que solo está autorizada la circulación entre países de vehículos de 40 t, cuando en la mayoría de ellos ya se puede circular con 44 t— ayudará a armonizar e igualar las legislaciones en los países.

A la luz de lo anterior:

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(20 de noviembre de 2012)

La Directiva 96/53/CE (157) establece pesos y tamaños máximos para la circulación de los vehículos de carretera y fija en 40 toneladas el peso máximo de los vehículos de cinco o seis ejes y en 44 toneladas el de los vehículos utilizados para el transporte de contenedores de 40 toneladas como parte integrante de una operación de transporte combinado. Algunos Estados miembros han autorizado que otros vehículos de cinco o seis ejes puedan transportar 44 toneladas o han introducido vehículos modulares de longitud y peso variables (158).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008660/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Road haulage: updating rules governing the circulation within the EU of 44-tonne and 25.25-metre vehicles

Most EU countries already allow on 44-tonne lorries and 60-tonne, 25.25-metre-long ‘road trains’ on their roads. In Spain, the Ministry of Development is currently weighing up whether to authorise such vehicles, and commissioned a report from the Fundación Cetmo, published in December 2011, which outlined the advantages of the 44-tonne lorries (159). There is also a study by the Amelio Ochoa university chair, sponsored by the Fundación Corell, of the impact of allowing 60-tonne, 25.25-metre vehicles in Spain. These studies concur that it would be wise to permit these lorries.

EU legislation — which currently allows only vehicles of up to 40 tonnes to travel across borders, whereas most Member States permit 44-tonne vehicles — should be updated in the interests of harmonisation.

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2012)

Directive 96/53/EC (160) sets maximum weights and dimensions for the circulation of road vehicles and sets the maximum weight for vehicles with five or six axles at 40 tonnes, and for vehicles involved in the transport of 40' containers as part of a combined transport operation at 44 tonnes. Certain Member States have authorised other five or six axle-vehicles to travel at 44 tonnes, or introduced modular vehicles of varying lengths and weights (161).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008661/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Salvador Sedó i Alabart (PPE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) y Raimon Obiols (S&D)

(28 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Procesos de contratación y prácticas en las instituciones europeas

Anualmente miles de ciudadanos europeos optan a trabajar en las instituciones europeas, ya sea mediante sus programas de prácticas, mediante contratos de interinidad o a través de los exámenes de la EPSO para trabajar en ellas como funcionario o personal contractual. En los procesos de selección, con el fin de asegurar un alto nivel de excelencia entre los trabajadores de las instituciones, se exige un elevado dominio de las lenguas de trabajo de las instituciones, además de otras lenguas europeas. El dominio de diversas lenguas comporta, como es lógico, ventajas en dichos procesos de selección.

La lengua catalana es la decimotercera más utilizada en todo el espacio de la Unión, con más de 10 millones de hablantes. Al ser la lengua cooficial de las comunidades autónomas de Cataluña, Islas Baleares y Comunidad Valenciana, es la lengua habitual de relación con las administraciones públicas de estas pobladas regiones en todos los ámbitos.

Pese a todo ello, la lengua catalana no está reconocida oficialmente por la Unión Europea. Este hecho depende de la decisión de los Estados miembros, pero, en cambio, que el conocimiento de la lengua catalana puntúe para entrar a trabajar en las instituciones europeas depende totalmente de ellas. Por eso es sorprendente que no sea tenida en cuenta, mientras que otras lenguas de fuera de la Unión sí lo son.

En el mismo caso se encuentran el gallego y el euskera. Ambas son lenguas oficiales en sus territorios y gozan de reconocimiento, y sin embargo, su conocimiento no es tenido en cuenta en los procesos de selección para trabajar en las instituciones europeas.

A la luz de lo anterior:

Respuesta del Sr. Šefčovič en nombre de la Comisión

(22 de noviembre de 2012)

La Oficina Europea de Selección de Personal (EPSO) respeta la diversidad lingüística, así como el principio de igualdad de trato, consagrados en el artículo 3 del TUE. Al organizar los procesos de selección de personal, la EPSO está vinculada por la legislación pertinente de la UE, concretamente por los Tratados y el artículo 1 del Reglamento (CEE) n° 1/1958 por el que se fijan las lenguas que han de utilizar las instituciones de la UE. Con arreglo al artículo 342 del TFUE «el régimen lingüístico de las instituciones de la Unión será fijado por el Consejo» —y, por tanto, los Estados miembros de la UE— «mediante reglamentos, por unanimidad».

En cuanto a los procedimientos de selección, la EPSO también está vinculada por el artículo 28, letra f), del Estatuto de los funcionarios que establece que, para ser nombrado funcionario, debe justificarse el conocimiento en profundidad de una de las lenguas de la UE y un conocimiento satisfactorio de otra de ellas, en la medida necesaria para el desempeño de las funciones que entraña el cargo.

En vista del marco jurídico y de las consideraciones recién expuestos, la EPSO únicamente puede evaluar los conocimientos que tengan los candidatos de las lenguas oficiales de la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008661/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Salvador Sedó i Alabart (PPE), Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE), Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) and Raimon Obiols (S&D)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Selection process for employment and training at the European institutions

Every year thousands of European citizens apply to work at the European institutions, through traineeships, temporary contracts or by sitting the EPSO exams for posts as officials or contract staff. In order to ensure a high level of excellence among staff at the institutions, candidates are required, as part of the selection process, to be fluent in the working languages of the institutions, as well as in other European languages. The ability to use several languages is, logically, an advantage in the selection process.

The Catalan language is the thirteenth most widely used language in EU territory, with over 10 million speakers. As a co-official language of the Autonomous Communities of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia, it is the language normally used for all types of communication with the public authorities of these populous regions.

Despite this, the Catalan language is not officially recognised by the European Union. Although this situation is a matter decided by the Member States, the decision as to whether or not knowledge of Catalan is considered an asset when applying to work at the European institutions depends entirely on the institutions. This makes it all the more surprising that it is not taken into account, whereas other languages from outside the EU are considered.

The same applies to the Galician and Basque languages. Both are co-official languages in the areas where they are spoken and are widely recognised, yet knowledge of them is not taken into account by the selection process for employment in the European institutions.

In light of the above:

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

EPSO respects linguistic diversity as well as the principle of equal treatment as enshrined in Article 3 TEU. When organising staff selection procedures, EPSO is bound by the relevant EU legislation, namely the Treaties and Article 1 of Regulation EEC 1/1958 determining the languages to be used by the EU institutions. Pursuant to Article 342 TFEU "[t]he rules governing the languages of the institutions of the Union shall […] be determined by the Council" — and therefore the EU Member States — ‘acting unanimously by means of regulations’.

With particular regard to the selection procedures, EPSO is also bound by Article 28 (f) of the Staff Regulations which provides that in order to be appointed as an official, one must produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of one EU language and a satisfactory knowledge of another EU language, to the extent necessary in order to perform the duties involved.

In the light of the above legal framework and considerations, EPSO is only in a position to assess candidates' knowledge of the EU official languages.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008662/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Pregunta complementaria VI: Gestión y financiación de los puertos españoles, competencia leal y ayudas estatales que podrían ser incompatibles con los Tratados de la UE

En su respuesta del 28 de octubre de 2010 a la pregunta E-007504/2010, el Comisario Sr. Almunia afirmó en nombre de la Comisión: «La Comisión pedirá a España que proporcione información sobre la creación y funcionamiento del Fondo de Compensación Interportuario».

En su respuesta del 22 de marzo de 2011 a la pregunta E-000935/2011, el Comisario Sr. Almunia afirmó en nombre de la Comisión: «En este momento, la Comisión está evaluando la información remitida por las autoridades españolas en respuesta a dicha petición».

En su respuesta del 19 de octubre de 2011 a la pregunta E-008285/2011, el Comisario Sr. Almunia afirmó en nombre de la Comisión: «La Comisión ha recibido la respuesta detallada de las autoridades españolas sobre el funcionamiento del Fondo de Compensación Interportuario, pero considera disponer de más información para adoptar un criterio sobre este expediente. La Comisión solicitará algunas aclaraciones a las autoridades españolas».

En su respuesta del 12 de marzo de 2012 a la pregunta E-001185/2012, el Comisario Sr. Almunia afirmó en nombre de la Comisión: «La Comisión ha recibido la respuesta de las autoridades españolas sobre el funcionamiento del Fondo de Compensación Interportuario. La información adicional está siendo analizada por la Comisión. En este momento, la Comisión no puede anticipar los resultados de esta investigación antes de su conclusión».

En su respuesta del 16 de julio de 2012 a la pregunta E-005150/2012, el Comisario Sr. Almunia afirmó en nombre de la Comisión: «Las autoridades españolas no han informado sobre el Fondo de Compensación Interportuario de conformidad con el artículo 108, apartado 3, del TFUE. Por lo tanto, la Comisión no ha investigado el Fondo en profundidad».

1. ¿Ha pedido la Comisión a las autoridades españolas que informen sobre el Fondo de Compensación Interportuario de conformidad con el artículo 108, apartado 3, del TFUE, para investigar el Fondo con profundidad, y para garantizar que no infringen el principio de competencia leal y no represente ayudas estatales que podrían ser incompatibles con los Tratados de la UE?

2. ¿Cuándo tiene previsto la Comisión publicar las conclusiones de su investigación?

Respuesta del Sr. Almunia en nombre de la Comisión

(9 de enero de 2013)

1.La Comisión no puede pedir a un Estado miembros que notifique una medida o un régimen individual de conformidad con el artículo 108, apartado 3, del TFUE. El Estado miembro decide si notifica una medida/un régimen, teniendo en cuenta que sólo las medidas/regímenes que cumplan las condiciones establecidas en el artículo 107, apartado 1, del TFUE constituyen ayuda estatal y deben ser notificados.

La Comisión observa que en los Estados miembros existe una amplia variedad de planteamientos para la financiación de los puertos. Asimismo, en la actualidad el sector portuario tiene que hacer frente a numerosos nuevos retos en lo que concierne a la gestión y desarrollo de los puertos. En este sentido, la Comisión considera que, con el fin de garantizar unas condiciones equitativas para la competencia entre los puertos, es necesario comprender mejor el funcionamiento de los mismos, y, en particular, su actividad económica, las razones que justifican la intervención pública y los factores que afectan al grado de competencia entre los puertos. Encargó un estudio sobre «financiación pública de puertos marítimos», realizado por PWC y NEA que finalizó en junio de 2012. La Comisión está estudiando los resultados.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008662/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Supplementary question VI: management and financing of Spanish ports, fair competition and state aid that may breach EU Treaties

In his reply E‐7504/2010 of 28 October 2010, Mr Almunia stated on behalf of the Commission: ‘The Commission will ask Spain to provide information on the setting-up and operation of the Puertos del Estado.’

In his reply E‐000935/2011 of 22 March 2011, Mr Almunia stated on behalf of the Commission: ‘The Commission is currently assessing the information submitted by the Spanish authorities in reply to this request.’

In his reply E‐008285/2011 of 19 October 2011, Mr Almunia stated on behalf of the Commission: ‘The Commission has received the reply of the Spanish authorities on the operation of the Inter-port Compensation Fund. Nevertheless, the Commission considers that information is required to allow it to take position on this file. In this regard, a letter requesting some clarifications will be sent to the Spanish authorities in the coming weeks.’

In his reply E‐001185/2012 of 12 March 2012, Mr Almunia stated on behalf of the Commission: ‘The Commission has received the reply of the Spanish authorities on the operation of the Inter-port Compensation Fund. The additional information is being analysed by the Commission. At this stage the Commission cannot anticipate the results of this investigation before it is concluded.’

In his reply E‐005150/2012 of 16 July 2012, Mr Almunia stated on behalf of the Commission: ‘The Spanish authorities have not notified the Inter-port Compensation Fund pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU. Therefore, the Commission has not investigated the Fund in detail.’

1. Has the Commission asked the Spanish authorities to notify the Inter-port Compensation Fund pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU so that it can investigate the fund in detail and guarantee that the principle of fair competition is not being breached and that the fund does not constitute state aid that may be incompatible with EU Treaties?

2. When does the Commission expect to publish the findings of its investigation?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 2013)

1.The Commission cannot ask a Member State to notify an individual measure or a scheme pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU. The Member State decides whether to notify a measure/scheme, bearing in mind that only measures/schemes satisfying the conditions in Article 107(1) TFEU constitute state aid and have to be notified.

The Commission notes that a wide variety of approaches to port financing exists in Member States. Also, the port sector currently has to cope with many new challenges as regards port management and development. In this light, the Commission considers that, in order to ensure a level playing field for competition between ports, there is a need to understand port functioning better, notably their economic activity, reasons justifying public intervention and factors affecting the degree of competition between ports. It has commissioned a study on ‘Public Financing of sea ports’, prepared by PWC and NEA and finalised in June 2012. The Commission is now analysing the results.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-008663/12

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 de septiembre de 2012)

Asunto: Corredor Mediterráneo y Puerto de Barcelona

La Ministra española de Fomento, Sra. Ana Pastor, ha presentado el Plan de Infraestructuras, Transporte y Vivienda (2014-2020) en la Comisión de Fomento del Congreso de los Diputados. En este plan, la Ministra destaca la apuesta del Gobierno español por la «alta velocidad» y por completar «todos los grandes corredores ferroviarios», que incluye hasta quince trazados, porque dice que «se quiere satisfacer a todo el mundo», sin llegar a priorizar ni establecer un orden para su ejecución (166).

Da la casualidad de que hoy mismo se inaugura, en el puerto de Barcelona, la terminal de contenedores más avanzada del Mediterráneo, la terminal BEST, financiada y operada por la empresa Hutchinson Port Holdings (167).

Aunque el Gobierno español se comprometió en el año 2002 a construir unos nuevos accesos al puerto, la realidad es que la nueva terminal se inaugura hoy sin estos accesos definitivos (168).

La empresa Hutchinson Port Holdings, que tiene previsto ampliar la inversión en el Puerto de Barcelona, ha comentado que no invertirá más dinero hasta que no se construya el Corredor Mediterráneo (169). ¿Tiene previsto la Comisión tomar alguna medida para que el Gobierno español ejecute el Corredor Mediterráneo en el menor tiempo posible?

Da la casualidad de que hoy mismo se han aprobado los Presupuestos Generales del Estado para 2013 (PGE-2013) (170), presupuestos que se enviarán en breve a Bruselas para su visto bueno. En el caso de que en estos presupuestos no se contemplen las partidas para la ejecución de los accesos al Puerto de Barcelona y del Corredor Mediterráneo, ¿tiene previsto la Comisión proponer un cambio en el PGE-2013 para que se ejecuten lo antes posible estas infraestructuras?

Respuesta del Sr. Kallas en nombre de la Comisión

(9 de noviembre de 2012)

El 19 de octubre de 2011, la Comisión adoptó una propuesta de Reglamento sobre las orientaciones de la Unión para el desarrollo de la Red Transeuropea de Transporte (RTE-T) (171).

La propuesta se centra en la realización de la futura RTE-T de aquí a 2050 y, para el subconjunto con más valor añadido para la UE, la red principal, de aquí a 2030.

Con el fin de contribuir a la buena realización de la red principal, la Comisión ha propuesto el instrumento de corredores multimodales de la red principal.

El puerto de Barcelona pertenece al corredor mediterráneo y estará plenamente integrado, por ferrocarril y por carretera, en el corredor pertinente de aquí a 2030. Por lo tanto, 2013 no es un plazo para la ejecución de los tramos del corredor mediterráneo mencionados por Su Señoría. Sin embargo, el corredor de la red principal actuará como un instrumento que permitirá planificar y dar prioridad a esas infraestructuras con un alto valor añadido europeo que pueden liberar el potencial del corredor, en el marco de la planificación de cada Estado miembro.

La ruta de acceso final a la nueva terminal del puerto de Barcelona es un excelente ejemplo de valor añadido entre una serie de importantes inversiones que se están efectuando en el corredor mediterráneo.

Además, la Comisión desea recabar la atención de Su Señoría sobre una nueva convocatoria de RTE-T que se pondrá en marcha antes de finales de año y que aportará nuevos fondos para infraestructuras de RTE-T fundamentales como la mencionada anteriormente al amparo del programa de RTE-T vigente.

La evaluación por parte de la Comisión de los presupuestos de los Estados miembros se limita actualmente a comprobar el cumplimiento de las condiciones establecidas en el Pacto de Estabilidad y Crecimiento.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008663/12

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Mediterranean Corridor and Port of Barcelona

The Spanish Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has presented the Transport and Housing Infrastructure Plan (2014-2020) to the Spanish Parliament's Committee on Public Works. In this plan the Minister highlights the Spanish Government's commitment to ‘high-speed’ and the completion of ‘all major rail corridors’, including up to 15 lines, with the aim of ‘satisfying everyone’ but without establishing any priorities for their implementation (172).

Today sees the inauguration in the Port of Barcelona of the most advanced container terminal in the Mediterranean, the BEST terminal, financed and operated by the company Hutchinson Port Holdings (173).

Even though in 2002 the Spanish Government gave a commitment to constructing new access routes to the port, the new terminal is now being inaugurated without these final access routes (174).

The company Hutchinson Port Holdings, which plans to expand its investment in the Port of Barcelona, has now said that it will not invest any more money until the Mediterranean Corridor has been built (175). Will the Commission take any steps with the aim of ensuring that the Spanish Government completes the Mediterranean Corridor as soon as possible?

Spain's General State Budgets for 2013 (PGE‐2013) (176) were approved today and will shortly be forwarded to Brussels for its approval. If these budgets do not include headings for the completion of access routes to the Port of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Corridor, will the Commission propose a change to the PGE‐2013 to ensure that this infrastructure is completed as soon as possible?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 2012)

On 19 October 2011, the Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation on the guidelines for the trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) (177).

The proposal focuses on the completion of the future TEN-T by 2050, and, for the subset with most EU-added value, the core network, by 2030.

In order to contribute to the smooth implementation of the core network, the Commission has proposed the instrument of the multimodal core network corridors.

The Port of Barcelona belongs to the Mediterranean Corridor, and shall be fully integrated, both by rail and road, within the relevant corridor by 2030 at the latest. Therefore, 2013 is not a deadline for the implementation of the sections of the Mediterranean Corridor mentioned by the Honourable Member. However, the core network corridor will act as a tool that shall allow to plan and prioritize those infrastructures with a high European added value which might unleash the potential of the corridor, in the framework of each Member State's planning.

The final access route to the new terminal of the Port of Barcelona is an outstanding example of added value among a series of important investments that are taking place in the Mediterranean Corridor.

Besides, the Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to a new TEN-T call, which will be launched before the end of the year, making available further relevant amount of funding for key TEN-T infrastructures such as the one mentioned above under the current TEN-T programme.

The Commission's appraisal of Member States' budgets is currently limited to ascertain the respect of the conditions set by the Stability and Growth pact.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008664/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Lista das 100 espécies em risco de extinção

A Sociedade Zoológica de Londres e a União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza elencaram as 100 espécies que mais correm o risco de desaparecer para sempre da face da Terra. Segundo alguns biólogos, a referida lista pecará por defeito.

Por exemplo, e no que toca a Portugal, nesta lista não está incluído o lince ibérico (lynx pardinus), que é considerado o felino mais em risco de extinção em todo o planeta.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(22 de novembro de 2012)

A Comissão tem conhecimento da lista da União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza e da Sociedade Zoológica de Londres, mas não participou na elaboração da mesma. Apenas uma espécie constante da lista existe na Europa (a Valencia letourneuxi),uma espécie endémica com área de distribuição muito reduzida. Esta espécie figura no anexo II da Diretiva Habitats (178), tendo sido estabelecidos 10 sítios Natura 2000 para a proteger.

A Comissão procura evitar a extinção de espécies na União Europeia zelando pela correta aplicação das disposições da Diretiva Aves (179) e da Diretiva Habitats. Idêntico objetivo tem a Estratégia de Biodiversidade da UE para 2020 (180), que a Comissão elaborou e cuja execução coordena. Esta estratégia visa ainda evitar perdas de biodiversidade a nível mundial. Neste contexto, no estabelecimento das ações de conservação prioritárias são tidas em conta as Listas Vermelhas Europeias, que contam com financiamento da UE.

Através do programa LIFE, a Comissão financiou vários projetos de restauração do habitat do lince em determinadas áreas de Portugal, nas quais poderão ser postos em liberdade na natureza alguns exemplares desta espécie. A Comissão não financiou o programa de reprodução referido pelo Senhor Deputado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008664/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: List of 100 species threatened with extinction

The Zoological Society of London and the International Union for Conservation of Nature have listed the 100 species most at risk of extinction. According to several biologists, however, this list is flawed.

In the case of Portugal, for example, the list does not include the Iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), which is considered the most critically endangered felid in the world.

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by M. Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2012)

The Commission is aware of the list prepared by IUCN and ZSL but was not involved in its elaboration. Only one species on this list occurs in Europe — Valencia letourneuxi. This is an endemic species with very limited distribution. It is listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (181) and there are 10 Natura 2000 sites established for its protection.

The Commission endeavours to fight species extinction in the EU by ensuring proper implementation of the provisions of the Birds (182) and Habitats Directive and by developing and coordinating the implementation of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy (183), which also aims at averting global biodiversity loss. In this context, the European Red Lists, financially supported by the EC, are taken into account to help define conservation action priorities.

The Commission has financed several projects through the LIFE programme on the restoration of the Lynx's habitat in specific areas of Portugal. These areas could be used to release some specimens in the wild. The Commission has not financed the breeding programme.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008665/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Maior grupo de vinho do Porto alerta Unesco para riscos da barragem no Tua

Segundo notícia recentemente publicada no jornal Público, o maior grupo e principal operador no setor dos vinhos do Porto fez chegar, na semana passada, aos membros do Comité do Património Mundial da Unesco, uma carta dando conta dos seus receios e preocupações face ao andamento da obra da barragem do Tua. Nessa mesma carta, é referida «a preocupação de que a barragem cause danos irreversíveis à região do Douro», mas também o receio de que, «no atual clima económico», a decisão de suspender a construção possa resultar «num cenário de edifícios semiconstruídos, num estaleiro abandonado, nas margens do rio Tua desfeitas e numa paisagem destruída».

O referido documento associa também as eventuais alterações climatéricas decorrentes da existência futura de uma albufeira e os seus efeitos para a produção de vinhos, afirmando ainda que esta matéria não terá sido devidamente avaliada.

Considerando que:

Pergunto à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(26 de novembro de 2012)

Dando seguimento à resposta da Comissão à pergunta escrita E-12257/11 do Senhor Deputado (184) e na sequência de uma queixa, a Comissão deu início a um inquérito. Esse inquérito conduziu à troca de informações e de contactos diretos entre a Comissão e as autoridades portuguesas. A última resposta recebida das autoridades portuguesas está a ser apreciada atualmente à luz da legislação ambiental relevante da UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-008665/12

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(28 September 2012)

Subject: Largest port wine producer warns Unesco of the risks of the Foz Tua II dam

According to an article recently published in the newspaper Público, the largest group and main operator in the port wine sector sent a letter last week to the Unesco World Heritage Committee, setting out its fears and concerns on the progress of work on the Foz Tua II dam. This letter mentions ‘the concern that the dam will cause irreversible damage to the Douro region’ but also the fear that, ‘in the present economic climate’, the decision to suspend construction could result ‘in a scenario of buildings half finished, a building site abandoned, devastation to the banks of the Tua River and destruction of the landscape’.

The aforementioned letter also makes the connection between potential climate change resulting from a future reservoir and its effect on wine production, further stating that this issue may not have been duly evaluated.

Given that:

Can the Commission state:

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2012)

Further to the Commissioner's reply to Written Question E-12257/11 by the Honourable Member (185) and the receipt of a complaint, the Commission has initiated an investigation. This investigation has led to an exchange of information and direct discussions between the Commission and the Portuguese authorities. The latest response from the Portuguese authorities is currently being assessed in the light of the relevant EU environmental legislation.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-008666/12

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(28 de Setembro de 2012)

Assunto: Moçambique — produção de alimentos

Segundo notícia veiculada pela comunicação social, e com base na obra publicada recentemente intitulada «Desafios para Moçambique — 2012», chega-nos a informação de que Moçambique permanece muito vulnerável em termos agrícolas, designadamente, com fracos resultados no que diz respeito à produção de alimentos.

Ao que tudo indica, a aposta de atrair o Investimento Direto Estrangeiro (IDE) da China, país que mais se comprometeu em investir na agricultura em África, não estará a surtir efeito em Moçambique.

Pergunto, por isso, à Comissão:

Resposta dada pelo Comissário Andris Piebalgs em nome da Comissão

(14 de novembro de 2012)

Contudo, o crescimento no setor da agricultura é significativo — cerca de 7 % por ano. Há excedentes de milho e mandioca, enquanto os défices de arroz e de trigo se mantêm devido a uma procura urbana crescente. O facto de o crescimento agrícola não se traduzir imediatamente na redução da subnutrição demonstra que a segurança alimentar depende de outros fatores, e não apenas da produção de alimentos.

O apoio chinês à produção de alimentos é limitado e centra‐se essencialmente no arroz (investigação, extensão, fatores de produção, infraestrutura). Foram aprovados 10 projetos desde 2001 num total de 10,1 milhões de USD, mediante uma combinação de investimentos públicos e privados, cujo valor é muito inferior aos níveis de apoio da UE. Potenciais investimentos chineses mais significativos estão ainda numa fase inicial.