http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
OTÁZKY NA PÍSOMNÉ ZODPOVEDANIE

Otázky na písomné zodpovedanie, ktoré predložili poslanci Európskeho parlamentu, a odpovede inštitúcií Európskej únie na ne

(2014/C 206/01)

Obsah

E-010077/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Horizon 2020 funding

E-010078/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Framework favourable to research and innovation (R&I)

E-010079/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Sustainable urban development project

P-010576/13 by Lara Comi to the Commission

Subject: Riva case: anomalies and possible solutions

P-010577/13 by Jean-Luc Mélenchon to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — US interference

E-010578/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Environmental disaster caused by oil spill in Ammochostos Bay in Cyprus

E-010579/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: The crisis and health cuts

E-010580/13 by Nikos Chrysogelos to the Commission

Subject: Continuation of water ski facilities project in Lake Pamvotida without environmental authorisation

E-010581/13 by Gay Mitchell to the Commission

Subject: European Schools

E-010583/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Women's participation in Pakistan elections

E-010584/13 by Jean-Luc Mélenchon to the Commission

Subject: Espionage by the United States

E-010585/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: Use of cyanide in gold mines in Romania

E-010596/13 by Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Roşia Montană and the ban on using cyanide in mines

E-010586/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: European and global food wastage

E-010749/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Economic and environmental impact of food waste

E-010587/13 by Christine De Veyrac to the Commission

Subject: The hotel industry and online booking agencies

E-010588/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Analysis of the study ‘The Portuguese People's Perception of the European Parliament’ by the Directorate-General for Communication

E-010589/13 by Jürgen Creutzmann to the Commission

Subject: Revision of the de minimis Directive

E-010590/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Contravention of human rights by the Egyptian Constitution imposed by Mr Morsi in 2012

E-010591/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: UN survey reveals rape crisis in countries of Asia-Pacific

E-010592/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Infringement proceedings — European health insurance card, Spain

E-010593/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Pigs Directive

E-010594/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Eggs and the Ukraine — follow-up to Written Question E-004548/2013

E-010595/13 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: Development aid from the EU budget to the den of thieves that is Somalia

E-010597/13 by Ruža Tomašić to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Sanctions imposed on Croatia by the Commission for violating the European Arrest Warrant in the ‘Lex Perković’ case

E-010598/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: International child abduction — application of EU and international law in Slovakia

E-010599/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Request for measures to support 1 400 workers facing dismissal at Gruppo Riva's Ilva firm

E-010600/13 by Ivo Belet to the Commission

Subject: Common approach to tackling drugs trafficking

P-010601/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Legal insecurity for Catalan researchers

E-010602/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: VAT exemptions for the protection of children and young people (III)

E-010604/13 by Birgit Collin-Langen to the Commission

Subject: Disadvantages for European undertakings as a result of German gambling law

E-010606/13 by Jürgen Klute and Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Public service staff reductions by Greece as a consequence of European austerity policy

E-010607/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Installation of photovoltaic systems and net metering systems

E-010608/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Digital Single Market Regulation: where is the impact assessment?

E-010609/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Test-Achat Case

E-010610/13 by Małgorzata Handzlik to the Commission

Subject: Improper implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive

E-010612/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: NSA monitors Belgacom network

E-010613/13 by Alyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Turtle doves

E-010614/13 by Alajos Mészáros to the Commission

Subject: Public administration practice and judicial interpretation in breach of EC law

E-010615/13 by Małgorzata Handzlik to the Commission

Subject: Protective tariffs on fertilisers

E-010616/13 by Filip Kaczmarek to the Commission

Subject: Evolution of asylum policy

P-010617/13 by Michael Cramer to the Commission

Subject: Legislation in Romania concerning stray dogs

P-010618/13 by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski to the Commission

Subject: EU support for Moldova's energy security

P-010619/13 by Niccolò Rinaldi to the Commission

Subject: Use of European funds for the conversion of the former sugar factory in Finale Emilia

E-010620/13 by Anna Maria Corazza Bildt to the Commission

Subject: Removing economic needs tests and barriers to free establishment

E-010621/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Child Labour in Tanzania

E-010622/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Instability in the Central African Republic

E-010623/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Killing of foreign trekker in Pakistan

E-010624/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: European responsibility with regard to Orphacol

E-010625/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Revision of the directive on greater pay equality between men and women

E-010626/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: The future of Catalonia in the European Union

E-010627/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Industrial pig farming and the Nitrates Directive

E-010628/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Domain names '.vin' and '.wine'

E-010630/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Corporal punishment of children

E-010631/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Outcome of the Commission's investigation into Google

E-010632/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Guilty of tax optimisation

E-010633/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Net neutrality at risk

E-010634/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Invasive species in Europe

E-010635/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: UEFA rule on ‘locally trained players’ in jeopardy

E-010636/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) disputed by the Council

E-010637/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) disputed by the Council

E-010638/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Advance payment of CAP subsidies

E-010639/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Syrians in Bulgaria

E-010640/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Deep-sea trawling ban

E-010641/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Data protection within the framework of eCall

E-010642/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: UEFA's financial fair play (FFP) in jeopardy

E-010643/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Joint ownership in the field of football

E-010644/13 by Andrea Cozzolino to the Commission

Subject: Waste issue in Campania — Giugliano waste-to-energy plant

E-010645/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Relocation of registered office of Biochalko from Greece to Belgium

E-010646/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: International Monetary Fund forecasts for the Greek banking system in 2014

E-010647/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Impact of early retirements in 2010-2012 on the general government deficit

E-010648/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Report on actuarial balance in the pension system

E-010649/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Provisions in the memorandum for real estate taxes

E-010650/13 by Theodoros Skylakakis to the Commission

Subject: Licences to establish and operate works machinery repair and servicing workshops

E-010651/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Protecting the public interest in the provision of regular air services to the Bragança and Vila Real districts

P-010652/13 by Santiago Fisas Ayxela to the Commission

Subject: Use of the media for political purposes

E-010654/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: European order for payment procedure

E-010655/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Civil liability of employers

E-010656/13 by Giles Chichester to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of professional qualifications — revision of Directive 2005/36/EC

E-010657/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Aceh and the Helsinki MOU

E-010658/13 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: Floods in south-west France — combating global warming and the EU Solidarity Fund

E-010659/13 by Jean Louis Cottigny to the Commission

Subject: Payment Services Directive (PSD II)

E-010660/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: End-of-waste criteria for paper

E-010662/13 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the Commission

Subject: Amendments to the Dutch Care Insurance Act contrary to the free movement of patients — follow-up question

E-010663/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: The EU, Iceland and Norway: pending entry into force of the Agreement on the stepping-up of cross-border cooperation

E-010664/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Possible expansion of cooperation with Switzerland and Liechtenstein

E-010665/13 by Diogo Feio to the Commission

Subject: Commission's recommendation for the next election of the European Parliament

E-010666/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: ‘Your first EURES job’ programme

E-010667/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment

P-010668/13 by Iliana Malinova Iotova to the Commission

Subject: Public contract for the construction of a waste disposal plant in Sophia

E-010669/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: Shooting-down of a Syrian helicopter by the Turkish air force

E-010670/13 by Philip Claeys to the Commission

Subject: EU support for the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation

E-010671/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The state of Syria's chemical weapons programme

E-010672/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Terrorist plot against the Suez Canal

E-010673/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: De facto use of standard versus standardisation

E-010674/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Armenia and the Russian customs union

E-010675/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Azerbaijan and human rights

E-010676/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cuba: the Case of Iván Fernández Depestre

E-010677/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Cyrillic alphabet in Croatia

E-010678/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: The EU-Morocco fisheries agreement

E-010680/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Kazakhstan: The Case of Zinaida Mukhortova

E-010681/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Anti-Ukrainian allegations concerning arms supplies to Syria

E-010682/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Russian Federation embargo against Moldova

E-010683/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Risk of acetaminophen overdose

E-010684/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Partnership Agreement with Romania

E-010685/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Memorandum on animal health and food safety between Romania and China

E-010686/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Statistics on fighting corruption, by political affiliation

E-010687/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Impact of Commission's food safety measures

E-010688/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Interests and rights of local communities in projects financed by European funds — case of the Arad-Nădlac motorway

E-010689/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: EU-Ukraine free trade agreement

E-010690/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Anti-competitive agreement among grain traders in Romania

E-010691/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Purchase of honey as part of the European Food Aid Programme (PEAD) 2013 in Romania

E-010692/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Right of access to basic food products in Romania

E-010693/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Late announcement of procedures for selecting partners in Romania

E-010694/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Incitement by Dutch minister to violate the Treaty

E-010695/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Fraud in the European Food Aid Programme for the most deprived (PEAD) in Romania

E-010696/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Funds intended for Romania and Bulgaria redirected to Germany

E-010697/13 by Rareş-Lucian Niculescu to the Commission

Subject: Restricting the rights of NGOs in Romania

E-010698/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Insolvency of Madrid's R-2 motorway — disproportionate state aid, sustainability of the deficit (follow-up to the answer to Question E-005354/2013)

E-010700/13 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Council

Subject: The role of central securities depositories in the collection of financial transaction tax revenue

E-010701/13 by Antolín Sánchez Presedo to the Commission

Subject: The role of central securities depositories in the collection of taxes on financial transactions

E-010702/13 by Andrés Perelló Rodríguez to the Commission

Subject: Breach of the directive 2008/98/EC on waste management in the Community of Valencia

E-010703/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Listing of countries that practise illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

E-010704/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Negotiation of fisheries agreements

E-010705/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries Agreement between the EU and Mauritius

E-010706/13 by Horst Schnellhardt to the Commission

Subject: Authorisation of genetically modified SmartStax maize as an animal feed in the EU

E-010707/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cybersecurity of EU institutions

E-010708/13 by Ioannis A. Tsoukalas to the Commission

Subject: Cybersecurity of EU institutions

E-010709/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR -- Marine reserve in the Ross Sea

E-010710/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Russian threats against Moldova

E-010711/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — South Sudan: the case of the Murle population

E-010712/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Syrian refugees

E-010713/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: Trade war between Macedonia and Kosovo

E-010714/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Tunisia and freedom of expression

E-010715/13 by Michał Tomasz Kamiński to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Venezuela and human rights

E-010716/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Using Scotland's award winning ‘active and healthy ageing’ practices in Europe

E-010717/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Reducing the carbon footprint in Europe

E-010718/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Protected Geographical Indication application success rates

E-010719/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Plastic bag charge and environmental benefits

E-010720/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Eliminating the manufacture of ‘legal high’ substances

E-010721/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: The Commission's efforts to tackle racial abuse in spectator sports played in Europe

E-010722/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Afghan Public Protection Force at risk of collapse

E-010723/13 by Fiorello Provera and Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Malians protest Jihadists return to Gao

E-010724/13 by Marta Andreasen to the Commission

Subject: Finance and accountancy training for Commission staff

E-010725/13 by Cornelis de Jong to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Treatment of minority communities in the Pakistan elections

E-010726/13 by Britta Reimers to the Commission

Subject: GMO authorisation

E-010727/13 by Martina Anderson to the Commission

Subject: EU legislation on working hours for professional drivers

E-010728/13 by Ruža Tomašić to the Commission

Subject: How to draw on money from EU funds

E-010729/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Update on Co.Ve.Ri landfill in Casale sul Sile in the Province of Treviso

E-010730/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: New landfill site in the Paese municipality in the Province of Treviso — public health and environmental safety at risk

E-010731/13 by Janusz Wojciechowski to the Commission

Subject: EU funding for measures to reduce the stray dog population in Romania

E-010732/13 by Inês Cristina Zuber and João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: Assassination of Pavlos Fyssas by activists of the Golden Dawn fascist group

P-010733/13 by Lena Kolarska-Bobińska to the Commission

Subject: Reverse gas flow deliveries from the EU to Ukraine

P-010734/13 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission

Subject: Debt mediation activities in connection with a private insolvency procedure

E-010735/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Loan refinancing

E-010736/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: European sickness insurance card in Spain

E-010737/13 by Phil Bennion to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Allegations of torture in Jericho Prison in the West Bank

E-010738/13 by Iva Zanicchi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Human trafficking in West African states

E-010739/13 by Iva Zanicchi to the Commission

Subject: Combating organised crime in parts of south-east Asia

E-010740/13 by Iva Zanicchi to the Commission

Subject: Diminishing water resources in Europe

E-010742/13 by Ryszard Antoni Legutko to the Commission

Subject: Problems faced by freight companies operating on routes between the EU and Russia

E-010743/13 by Ryszard Antoni Legutko to the Commission

Subject: Increasing VAT on medical devices in Poland

P-010744/13 by Emma McClarkin to the Commission

Subject: Azodicarbonamide

E-010745/13 by María Irigoyen Pérez to the Commission

Subject: Delays in regional authority payments of Commission funding for local authorities

E-010746/13 by Dan Jørgensen to the Commission

Subject: Total ban on the rearing of milk-fed calves

E-010747/13 by Christel Schaldemose to the Commission

Subject: Maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals in food supplements

E-010748/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Hunting of pilot whales in the Danish Faeroe Islands

E-010750/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Disseminating telemedicine and remote patient monitoring practices

E-010751/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by plastic waste

E-010752/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: EU campaign for the standardisation of vaccines and information and promotional activities

E-010753/13 by Esther de Lange to the Commission

Subject: Fire safety in Europe

P-010754/13 by Olle Schmidt to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The case of Oswaldo Payá

E-010756/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Illegal hunting and trapping of birds in France

E-010757/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Commission action regarding bus fares in Malta

E-010758/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Technical standards and procurement

E-010759/13 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Commission proposal for new rules to restrict air crews' Flight Time Limitations (FTL) (D028112/02) — safety enhancement clause/Recital 5

E-010760/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Arrest of Khalil Almarzooq

E-010761/13 by Catherine Grèze to the Commission

Subject: Protecting farmers against state repression in Colombia

E-010762/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: AMA Salaria plant in Rome: latest information on the plant's relocation; protection of the environment and public health

E-011052/13 by Mario Borghezio to the Commission

Subject: Low level of public support for the EU in Turkey

E-010763/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Reluctance of the Turks to join the EU

P-010764/13 by Gesine Meissner to the Commission

Subject: Unfair competition in the haulage sector from truckers from outside the EU

P-010765/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: List of invasive alien species of concern to the EU

P-010766/13 by Mikael Gustafsson to the Commission

Subject: Unequal requirements for test vehicles and driving tests for A-class licences in the EU

E-010767/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Two-pack for Portugal

E-010768/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Council

Subject: Economic situation in Cyprus and ways of addressing it

E-010769/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Economic situation in Cyprus and ways of addressing it

E-010770/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Commission of investigation into the Spanair flight JK5022 accident

E-010771/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Indemnifications for the Spanair flight JK5022 accident

E-010772/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Spanair flight JK5022 accident

E-010773/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Extension to the airworthiness certificate for the aircraft used on Spanair flight JK5022

E-010774/13 by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Extension to the airworthiness certificate for the aircraft used on Spanair flight JK5022

E-010775/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Single European Sky IV

E-010776/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Single European Sky V

E-010777/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Feta and Gorgonzola, victims of the trade agreement with Canada

E-010778/13 by Sylvana Rapti, Marietta Giannakou, Niki Tzavela, Nikos Chrysogelos, Theodoros Skylakakis, Anni Podimata, Spyros Danellis, Dimitrios Droutsas, Georgios Papanikolaou, Maria Eleni Koppa, Konstantinos Poupakis, Chrysoula Paliadeli, Ioannis A. Tsoukalas, Georgios Stavrakakis and Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Council

Subject: Rise of Nazism in Europe — murder of a young man in Greece

E-010779/13 by Sylvana Rapti, Marietta Giannakou, Niki Tzavela, Nikos Chrysogelos, Theodoros Skylakakis, Anni Podimata, Spyros Danellis, Dimitrios Droutsas, Georgios Papanikolaou, Maria Eleni Koppa, Konstantinos Poupakis, Chrysoula Paliadeli, Ioannis A. Tsoukalas, Georgios Stavrakakis and Nikolaos Salavrakos to the Commission

Subject: Rise of Nazism in Europe — murder of a young man in Greece

E-010781/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — President Hollande ready to give weapons to Syrian rebels

E-010782/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Digital Single Market Regulation: identified obstacles

E-010783/13 by Catherine Stihler to the Commission

Subject: Zero hour contracts

E-010784/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Events to mark 60th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights

E-010786/13 by Ian Hudghton to the Commission

Subject: Commission involvement in Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen

E-010787/13 by Claude Moraes, Jan Philipp Albrecht, Dimitrios Droutsas, Sophia in 't Veld and Brian Simpson to the Commission

Subject: Article 29 Working Party investigation of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the new distribution capability

E-010789/13 by Michèle Striffler to the Commission

Subject: CAP funding for bullfighting

E-010791/13 by Jean-Pierre Audy to the Commission

Subject: Representation of Member States in the European Council

E-010793/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Increase in the incidence of leprosy in India

E-010794/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Pai-Ilta Group (Vicenza): 110 workers made redundant

E-010795/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: 1 500 employees made redundant by the Riva Group following the precautionary seizure of assets by the courts: protection of workers

E-010796/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Child brides in Bangladesh: a case in the province of Padua

E-010797/13 by Patricia van der Kammen to the Commission

Subject: Subsidiarity at stake!/Maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal management

E-010798/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: The effects of electromagnetic radiation on health

P-010799/13 by Ivo Strejček to the Commission

Subject: INDECT research project

P-010800/13 by Bogusław Liberadzki to the Commission

Subject: EU/Ukrainian transport policy

P-010801/13 by Zigmantas Balčytis to the Commission

Subject: The allocation of national energy projects to projects of common interest

P-010802/13 by Edite Estrela to the Council

Subject: Revision of Directive 92/85/EEC

E-010803/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Implications of Spanish Royal Decree-Law 9/2013 for investment in renewable energy and adherence to EU renewable energy undertakings

E-010804/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Equal treatment regarding preferential shares

E-010805/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Equality between European citizens

E-010806/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Violence and human rights situation in Honduras

E-010807/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

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

E-010808/13 by Jens Geier and Petra Kammerevert to the Commission

Subject: Work of the adviser to Commissioner Kroes

E-010809/13 by Burkhard Balz to the Commission

Subject: Role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in the European Association of Long-Term Investors (ELTI)

E-010810/13 by Georgios Toussas to the Commission

Subject: Major fire disaster in the historic Amfissa Olive Grove in Greece

E-010811/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Empty beds in intensive care units in Greek hospitals

E-010812/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Serious problems in the fish-farming sector in Greece

E-010813/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Debate on reversing the suspension of auctions in respect of borrowers' homes in Greece

E-010814/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Mandatory country of origin labelling on dairy products

E-010815/13 by Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: Stray animal disposal practices in Romania

E-010816/13 by Charles Tannock and Fiorello Provera to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Murder of Sushmita Banerjee

E-010818/13 by Cecilia Wikström to the Commission

Subject: Swedish police revealed to have illegal data register of Roma people

E-010819/13 by Paweł Zalewski to the Commission

Subject: Possible exclusion from the Third Energy Package

E-010820/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: EU funding for international youth initiatives across Member States

E-010821/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Shannon water abstraction scale

E-010822/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Shannon water abstraction and supply leakage

E-010823/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Shannon water abstraction and alternatives

E-010824/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Gelmini reform and discrimination against foreign-language teachers in Italy

E-010825/13 by Julie Girling to the Commission

Subject: Air pollution in Bath

E-010826/13 by Sajjad Karim to the Commission

Subject: Portuguese coastal property law

E-010827/13 by Philippe de Villiers to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) — Bosnia and Herzegovina

E-010828/13 by Philippe de Villiers to the Commission

Subject: Textile production in Bangladesh — Working conditions

E-010830/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Biogas plant digestate used neat: request to assess whether the substance should be registered under Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006

E-010831/13 by Zigmantas Balčytis to the Commission

Subject: On the period of operation of tax-free shops on the EU's external borders set out in Directive 2008/118/EC concerning the general arrangements for excise duty

E-010832/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: ‘Turkey will never join’

E-010833/13 by Philippe De Backer to the Commission

Subject: Recommendations — Belgian 2013 National Reform Programme — Pensions

E-010834/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Turkish pianist Fazıl Say's conviction for ‘insulting Islam’ upheld

E-010835/13 by Laurence J.A.J. Stassen to the Commission

Subject: Fines for critical TV stations in Turkey (follow-up question II)

E-010836/13 by Piotr Borys to the Commission

Subject: Functioning of Eurodesk under the Erasmus+ programme

E-010837/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Refusal of permission for Nicolás Maduro to fly over US territory

E-010838/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Persecution of individuals in the Ahmadiyya community in Saudi Arabia

E-010839/13 by Ivo Strejček to the Commission

Subject: Support for renewable energy sources

E-010841/13 by Jim Higgins to the Commission

Subject: State aid to Dublin Bus and Irish Bus

E-010843/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

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

E-011261/13 by Roberta Angelilli and Alfredo Antoniozzi to the Commission

Subject: Falcognana area of Rome: additional information on the opening of a new landfill site and the consequent dumping of new types of waste

E-010844/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: EU relations with the N11

E-010857/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: EU relations with the N11

E-010845/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the European digital single market

E-010846/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination by a credit institution against a Portuguese emigrant

P-010858/13 by Alfredo Antoniozzi to the Commission

Subject: New landfill site at Falcognana to replace the Malagrotta site

P-010859/13 by Carl Schlyter to the Commission

Subject: Storage of personal data and ethnic profiling by the police

E-010860/13 by Ivo Strejček to the Commission

Subject: Common agricultural policy — a more drastic adjustment of degressive direct payments is detrimental to the Czech Republic

E-010861/13 by Ivo Strejček to the Commission

Subject: EMCS electronic monitoring system as a means of fighting fiscal fraud

E-010862/13 by Edvard Kožušník to the Commission

Subject: Revision of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning a European rail network for competitive freight

E-010863/13 by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou to the Commission

Subject: Competitiveness, transparency and future prospects in the European fur industry

E-010864/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Youth work

E-010865/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment among people over the age of 40

E-010866/13 by Claudette Abela Baldacchino to the Commission

Subject: Poverty targets

E-010867/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Israeli reprisals following the publication of EU guidelines concerning Israeli settlements

E-010868/13 by Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska to the Commission

Subject: Speech by the Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, 10.9.2013

P-010869/13 by Petra Kammerevert to the Commission

Subject: Commission's decision not to consult those concerned before adopting its proposal for a regulation COM(2013) 627

P-010870/13 by Claudio Morganti to the Commission

Subject: Links between Telefónica and Spanish banks

P-010871/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Speeding up the procedures for supporting people and areas hit by floods

E-010872/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Support for youth employment from the European Investment Bank

E-010873/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: HIV epidemic in Greece

E-010874/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Psychotropic substances

E-010875/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Reduction of the administrative burden relating to the use of European funds

E-010876/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Council

Subject: The economic crisis and safeguarding family homes

E-010877/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: The economic crisis and safeguarding family homes

E-010878/13 by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski to the Commission

Subject: EU response to Russian pressure on Eastern Partnership countries negotiating Association Agreements

E-010881/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Psoriatic arthritis

E-010882/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: The EU's forest strategy

E-010883/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Protection of minorities and their culture

E-010884/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Libor and Euribor

E-010885/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Reducing CO2 footprint with bio-plastics

E-010886/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries: Mauritania/EU

E-010887/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Merkel challenging EU banking union

E-010888/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Visa/MasterCard: lower interbank fees

E-010889/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Monte Paschi

E-010890/13 by Nuno Teixeira to the Commission

Subject: EU relations with partner countries affected by the Arab Spring

E-010891/13 by Małgorzata Handzlik to the Commission

Subject: Charge for removing a SIM lock

E-010892/13 by Małgorzata Handzlik to the Commission

Subject: Internet shops and ensuring customers are properly informed

P-010893/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Pre-accession funding for Turkey

E-010894/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — CELAC proposal on global nuclear disarmament

P-010896/13 by Justas Vincas Paleckis to the Commission

Subject: On reducing the links between oil and natural gas prices

E-010897/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation of religious minorities in Pakistan

E-010898/13 by Lorenzo Fontana to the Commission

Subject: Stray animals and protection of pet animals in Romania

E-010899/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: Aviation insurance funding for third parties

E-010900/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: False online reviews

E-010901/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Water shortages and floods in Europe demand the development of a strategy for access to drinking water

E-010902/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Millennium Development Goals

E-010903/13 by Nicole Sinclaire to the Commission

Subject: Animal health law

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010077/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Financement «Horizon 2020»

Le Parlement européen, lors de sa session de septembre, a demandé à la Commission, compte tenu de l'importance de la recherche et de l'innovation (R&I) pour l'ensemble de l'économie européenne, de reconnaître l'importance de l'initiative «Horizon 2020» et de prévoir, à ce titre, un financement suffisant.

Quelle est la réponse de la Commission?

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

(17 octobre 2013)

Dans un contexte de compétition économique mondiale, la sortie de crise pour l'Europe exige que nous renforcions les investissements publics et privés dans la recherche, le développement et l'innovation.

La Commission a proposé un budget de 80 milliards d'euros (en prix constants de 2011) pour «Horizon 2020» dans le contexte du cadre financier pluriannuel (CFP) pour la période 2014-2020. Cela permettrait à l'Europe de financer des actions présentant une valeur ajoutée européenne et d'envoyer un signal fort de son engagement pour rester un acteur de rang mondial dans ces domaines.

Les négociations interinstitutionnelles sur le CFP ont permis de conclure un accord sur le programme «Horizon 2020» pour une somme de 70,2 milliards d'euros. Cela envoie un signal fort et constitue un catalyseur indispensable de croissance et un vecteur d'emploi. Elle salue la contribution que peut apporter le programme «Horizon 2020» à la stratégie Europe 2020.

La Commission attend avec intérêt la conclusion rapide des négociations interinstitutionnelles sur le paquet «Horizon 2020», dans lesquelles le Parlement européen a joué un rôle clé. L'objectif est de lancer les premiers appels à propositions dans le cadre de «Horizon 2020» avant la fin de 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010077/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Horizon 2020 funding

At its September part-session, Parliament called on the Commission, in view of the importance of research and innovation (R&I) to the whole European economy, to recognise the importance of the Horizon 2020 initiative and to finance it adequately.

What is the Commission’s response?

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

(17 October 2013)

In a context of global economic competition, the exit from the crisis for Europe requires that we enhance public and private investment in research, development and innovation.

The Commission proposed an appropriate budget of EUR 80 billion (in constant 2011 prices) for Horizon 2020 in the context of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2014-2020 (MFF). This would enable Europe to finance actions marked by European added value and send a strong signal of its commitment to remaining a world class actor in these fields.

Through the interinstitutional negotiations on the MFF, an agreement was reached on Horizon 2020 for a EUR 70.2 billion budget. This still constitutes an important signal and is an essential catalyst for growth and jobs. It strongly acknowledges the contribution that Horizon 2020 can make to the Europe 2020 strategy.

The Commission is looking forward to the swift conclusion of the interinstitutional negotiations on the Horizon 2020 package, in which the European Parliament has played an essential role. The goal is to launch the first calls for proposals under Horizon 2020 by the end of 2013.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010078/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Cadre favorable à la R&I

La Commission compte-t-elle établir, comme le lui conseille le Parlement, un cadre favorable à la R&I, grâce à la création de systèmes de tarification équitables, efficaces et innovants pour tous les modes de mobilité et de transport, en particulier par l'internalisation des coûts externes, en tenant compte des principes du «pollueur-payeur» et de «l'utilisateur-payeur»?

Réponse donnée par M. Kallas au nom de la Commission

(23 octobre 2013)

La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à se référer à trois documents de travail de ses services.

Dans le premier document de travail, qui accompagne le livre blanc sur les transports (1), la Commission, reconnaît, au chapitre 3.3, l'importance d'incitations financières adéquates et cohérentes, notamment pour le choix des technologies à déployer. Elle y explique, en outre, la nécessité d'éviter les distorsions de prix, ce qui pourrait également ouvrir la voie à l'innovation dans les modes de transport concurrents.

La Commission considère que les mesures énumérées sous l'initiative n° 39 du livre blanc sur les transports constituent un cadre approprié pour l'internalisation des coûts externes et favorisent ainsi le développement d'un système de transport plus efficient incluant le déploiement de nouvelles technologies ainsi que des services innovants.

Ces aspects sont également présentés dans le document de travail des services de la Commission accompagnant la communication intitulée «La recherche et l'innovation au service de la mobilité européenne de demain» (2) comme des domaines de recherche et d'innovation possibles.

Le troisième document de travail pertinent des services de la Commission (3), adopté le 3 juillet 2013, établit une synthèse des mesures prises pour internaliser ou réduire les coûts externes de tous les modes de transport liés à l'environnement, au bruit et à la santé.

Ce document fournit également des informations à jour sur la mise en œuvre de la stratégie d'internalisation de la Commission et fait référence à des initiatives en faveur des technologies moins polluantes. Ces initiatives, qui relèvent le plus souvent des domaines de la recherche et des infrastructures, créent d'importantes synergies avec les mesures d'internalisation, qui ne pourront se traduire par un changement réel de comportement que si les usagers disposent de solutions de rechange satisfaisantes. À l'inverse, une tarification correcte contribue à la viabilité économique des modes et des technologies de transport qui présentent un intérêt particulier pour la société du fait de leur capacité à réduire les externalités négatives.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010078/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Framework favourable to research and innovation (R&I)

Does the Commission, as advised by Parliament, plan to create a framework favourable to R&I by creating fair, efficient and innovative pricing systems for all mobility and transport modes, particularly through the internalisation of external costs, taking into account the ‘polluter pays’ and ‘user pays’ principles?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to three of its Staff Working Documents (SWD).

The first SWD, accompanying the White Paper on transport (4), recognises in its Chapter 3.3 the importance of correct and consistent monetary incentives, e.g. in terms of decisions taken on the technologies to deploy. Furthermore, it explains the need for avoiding price distortions, which may also lead to innovation in competing modes.

The Commission considers that the measures listed under Initiative 39 of the White Paper on transport provide the appropriate framework for the internalisation of external costs, and thereby promote the development of a more efficient transport system, including the deployment of new technologies, as well as innovative services.

These aspects are also referred to in the SWD accompanying the communication Research and Innovation for Europe's Future Mobility (5) as possible research and innovation areas.

The other relevant SWD (6) adopted on 3 July 2013 is a summary of the measures taken to internalise or reduce the external costs related to environment, noise and health from all transport modes.

This SWD also provides updated information on the implementation of the Commission’s internalisation strategy and refers to initiatives taken to promote less polluting technologies. Those initiatives — typically in the field of research and infrastructure — have strong synergies with internalisation measures, which can only translate into actual change of behaviour if users have satisfactory alternatives. Conversely, the existence of correct pricing contributes to the economic viability of modes and technologies that have a particular value to society for their ability to reduce negative externalities.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010079/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Projet de développement urbain durable

Que compte faire la Commission pour développer des initiatives, telles que les prix RegioStars, ayant pour but d'identifier et de récompenser les projets de développement urbain durable?

Réponse donnée par M. Hahn au nom de la Commission

(4 novembre 2013)

La Commission continuera à identifier et à diffuser de différentes façons les expériences en matière de développement urbain durable.

Dans le cadre du programme proposé de développement urbain en réseau et du futur programme Urbact, des efforts considérables vont être déployés pour identifier et diffuser les expériences acquises par des villes de toute l'Europe en matière de projets de développement urbain durable.

En outre, la Commission a mis en réserve une enveloppe de 330 000 000 d'euros pour la période 2014-2020, qui sera accordée sur concours aux zones urbaines pour des projets innovants dans le domaine du développement urbain durable. La Commission décerne également un prix CityStar à des projets de développement urbain durable dans le cadre des RegioStars.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010079/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Sustainable urban development project

What does the Commission plan to do to develop initiatives to identify and reward sustainable urban development programmes, along the lines of, for example, the RegioStars awards?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The Commission will continue to identify and disseminate experiences related to sustainable urban development in a variety of ways.

In the framework of the proposed Urban Development Network, and the future URBACT programme, considerable efforts will be made to identify and disseminate the experiences of cities with regard to sustainable urban development projects throughout Europe.

In addition, the Commission has set aside EUR 330 million for the 2014-2020 period which will be granted to urban areas on a competitive basis for proposed innovative projects in the field of sustainable urban development. The Commission also gives a CityStar award to projects concerning sustainable urban development as part of the RegioStars awards.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-010576/13

alla Commissione

Lara Comi (PPE)

(17 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Caso Riva: anomalie e possibili soluzioni

Sui giornali italiani si trovano decine di articoli ogni giorno sul caso dei sette stabilimenti (Caronno Pertusella, Lesegno, Malegno, Sellero, Cervero, Annone Brianza e Verona) chiusi dalla famiglia Riva in seguito al sequestro di 916 milioni di euro effettuato dalla magistratura. Tale azione si pone nella scia dello spegnimento dell'altoforno dello stabilimento ILVA di Taranto. Alla famiglia Riva, proprietaria di 38 stabilimenti in tutto il mondo, nei quali si producono circa 16 milioni di tonnellate di acciaio (quarto gruppo in Europa), è stato sequestrato un totale di 2,2 miliardi di euro in beni mobili e immobili oltre a titoli bancari e azionari. In estrema sintesi, l'accusa principale è quella di disastro ambientale, per il finanziamento della cui bonifica queste somme sono state sequestrate.

Premesso che:

può la Commissione far sapere se:

Risposta di Laszlo Andor a nome della Commissione

(23 ottobre 2013)

La Commissione non ha il potere per interferire nelle decisioni specifiche adottate dalle imprese, ma le sollecita a seguire le buone pratiche ai fini di una gestione proattiva e socialmente responsabile delle ristrutturazioni. Per quanto riguarda il riferimento alle regole sugli aiuti di Stato, le possibilità di cui dispongono gli Stati membri per concedere aiuti ai fini del mantenimento dell'occupazione sono soggette a condizioni precise e in linea di principio sono unicamente fruibili nel contesto di piani di ristrutturazione che devono essere notificati alla Commissione. Se il governo italiano intende attivare una qualche forma di sostegno al gruppo Riva, esso deve pertanto rispettare le regole sugli aiuti di Stato.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010576/13

to the Commission

Lara Comi (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Riva case: anomalies and possible solutions

Dozens of articles appear in the Italian press every day concerning the seven plants (in Caronno Pertusella, Lesegno, Malegno, Sellero, Cervero, Annone Brianza and Verona) which have been closed by the Riva family following the seizure by the courts of family assets worth EUR 916 million, a decision which comes in the wake of the decommissioning of the blast furnace at the ILVA plant in Taranto. Movable and immovable assets, bank securities and shares worth a total of EUR 2.2 billion have been confiscated from the Riva family, which owns 38 steel plants throughout the world with an annual output of some 16 million tonnes (making the family firm the fourth-largest steel producer in Europe). Put extremely simply, the main accusation against the family is that of having caused an environmental disaster, and the assets seized will be used to fund the clean-up operations.

Given that:

can the Commission say whether:

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission has no power to interfere in specific decisions taken by companies, but it urges them to follow good practice in the anticipation and socially responsible management of restructuring. As regards the reference to state aid rules, the possibilities for Member States of granting aid for the maintenance of employment are subject to very precise conditions and in principle only accessible in the context of restructuring plans that must be notified to the Commission. If the Italian Government wishes to engage itself in some form of support to Riva companies, all State Aid rules must therefore be followed.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-010577/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Jean-Luc Mélenchon (GUE/NGL)

(17 septembre 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Ingérence des États-Unis

Le secrétaire d'État états-uniens John Kerry était invité, ce vendredi 6 septembre, à participer à la réunion informelle des ministres des affaires étrangères des États de l'Union européenne dans le but non dissimulé d'infléchir la diplomatie européenne sur le sujet de la Syrie, et ainsi d'entraîner l'Union européenne dans son projet d'intervention armée.

Cette intrusion des États-Unis dans la diplomatie européenne est humiliante pour l'Union, réduite au rôle de supplétif des USA, auprès desquels elle vient chercher conseil, et marque les tentations d'un positionnement atlantiste au sein même de la Commission.

À noter que, si la plupart des pays membres (hors la France) s'étaient déjà prononcés contre cette intervention ou avaient fait part de leur non-participation à une éventuelle intervention, d'autres (Italie, Belgique, Slovénie…) attendaient le rapport de l'ONU à ce sujet avant de prendre position. Pourtant, à la sortie de cette réunion, vous déclariez sans attendre qu'une «réponse claire et forte» était nécessaire. Les États-Unis ont donc fait encore preuve ici de leur mépris du droit international en devançant l'influence de la seule organisation légitime à décider d'une telle intervention.

Comment la haute représentante de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité entend-elle garantir l'indépendance de l'Union européenne et de ses institutions face à l'ingérence des États-Unis?

Réponse donnée par Mme Ashton, Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante au nom de la Commission

(28 octobre 2013)

L'Union européenne mène une coopération approfondie et intensive avec ses partenaires stratégiques, y compris les États-Unis, impliquant un dialogue politique au plus haut niveau. Dans ce contexte, elle entretient un dialogue régulier et soutenu avec le Secrétaire d'État américain sur l'ensemble des questions liées à la coopération UE/États-Unis et conformément à la politique de l'Union européenne. La haute représentante de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité exerce ses fonctions de manière indépendante et conformément aux traités.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010577/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Jean-Luc Mélenchon (GUE/NGL)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — US interference

US Secretary of State John Kerry was invited to take part in the informal meeting of foreign ministers of EU Member States on Friday 6 September with the clear aim of shifting EU diplomacy on the subject of Syria and dragging the European Union into his plans for armed intervention.

This US intrusion into EU diplomacy is a humiliation for the EU, its role reduced to that of a back-up for the United States, to which it turns for advice, and is indicative of attempts, even within the Commission, to position the EU as Atlanticist.

Note that while most Member States (but not France) had already come out against intervention or had said that they would not take part if it went ahead, others (Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, etc.) were waiting for the UN report on the subject before taking a position. Yet when you came out of this meeting you immediately declared that a ‘clear and strong’ response was needed. Once again the United States has demonstrated its disregard for international law by seeking to over-ride the influence of the only organisation with the legitimacy to authorise such intervention.

How does the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy intend to guarantee the independence of the European Union and its institutions in the face of interference by the United States?

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

(28 October 2013)

The European Union has an extensive and intense agenda of cooperation with its strategic partners, including the United States, which involves political dialogue at the highest levels. In this context, there is regular and sustained dialogue with the US Secretary of State on the full range of issues relevant to EU-US cooperation, and in accordance with EU policy. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy carries out her functions independently and in accordance with the Treaties.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010578/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Περιβαλλοντική καταστροφή από διαρροή πετρελαιοειδών στον Κόλπο της Αμμοχώστου, στην Κύπρο

Στις 16 Ιουλίου προκλήθηκε σημαντική περιβαλλοντική καταστροφή, από διαρροή περίπου 100 τόνων πετρελαίου στα νότια παράλια της χερσονήσου της Καρπασίας (περιοχή Γαστριών), στον κόλπο της Αμμοχώστου Κύπρου (11). Τις μέρες που ακολούθησαν παρουσιάστηκαν σε αρκετές παραλίες της ευρύτερης περιοχής κηλίδες πετρελαίου. Η περιοχή των Γαστριών είναι προτεινόμενη για ένταξη στο Δίκτυο Νatura 2000, ενώ στην ίδια περιοχή (Επτακώμη) προγραμματίζεται να κατασκευαστεί τερματικός σταθμός καυσίμων. Τα αρμόδια τμήματα της κυπριακής κυβέρνησης, αμέσως μετά την ενημέρωση που έλαβαν από τον ΟΗΕ, βρέθηκαν σε επιχειρησιακή ετοιμότητα, ενώ η κυπριακή κυβέρνηση επικοινώνησε με την τουρκοκυπριακή πλευρά για να προσφέρει τη βοήθειά της. Η τουρκοκυπριακή πλευρά έδειξε απροθυμία και αρνήθηκε να δεχθεί την βοήθεια, παρόλο, που, απ' ό,τι φάνηκε, δεν ήταν έτοιμη να αντιμετωπίσει τη διαρροή πετρελαίου και δεν αντέδρασε άμεσα για την αποτροπή της εξάπλωσης και τη συλλογή του.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Füle εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος του Κοινοβουλίου στην απάντησή της στη γραπτή ερώτηση E-008849/2013 (12).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010578/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Environmental disaster caused by oil spill in Ammochostos Bay in Cyprus

On 16 July, a major environmental disaster was caused by a leak of around 100 tonnes of oil in Ammochostos Bay on the south coast of the Karpasia peninsula (Gastria region) in Cyprus (13). Over the following days, oil slicks appeared on many beaches in the wider area. The Gastria region has been put forward for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network, while there is a plan to construct a fuel terminal in the same area (Eptakomi). After having been informed by the UN, the relevant departments of the Cypriot government immediately placed themselves on operational readiness, and the Cypriot government communicated with the Turkish Cypriot side to offer its assistance. The Turkish Cypriot side was reluctant and refused to accept assistance, in spite of the fact that — as later became clear — it was not ready to deal with the oil spill and failed to respond immediately to prevent the oil spreading and to remove it.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

The Commission would kindly refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-008849/2013 (14).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010579/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Κρίση και περικοπές στην υγεία

Η δημοσιονομική πολιτική πλήττει βίαια τις πολιτικές συνοχής και υγείας, αντί να συμβάλει στον εξορθολογισμό τους. Πρόσφατα έκλεισαν 5 νοσοκομεία στην Αττική για να τεθούν σε διαθεσιμότητα -κινητικότητά οι εργαζόμενοι. Ένα από αυτά, το Γεν. Νοσοκομείο Πατησίων, παρείχε υψηλή ποιότητα υπηρεσιών προς 1 000 000 κατοίκους μιας ευρύτερης περιοχής, υπηρεσίες, όπως το ιατρείο πόνου, που δεν παρέχονται αλλού, ενώ είχε υγιή οικονομικά και μηδενικά χρέη. 40 000 υπογραφές πολιτών κι ομόφωνα τα Δημοτικά Συμβούλια Αθηναίων, Αγ. Αναργύρων, Φιλαδέλφειας-Χαλκηδόνας εξέφρασαν την αντίθεσή τους στο κλείσιμο.

Με μείωση εισοδημάτων 30-50% και αύξηση του ποσοστού φτώχειας, μικρομεσαίοι χάνουν την πρόσβαση σε υπηρεσίες υγείας, αδυνατώντας να πληρώνουν ασφαλιστικές εισφορές, όπως και οι περισσότεροι από τους 1 400 000 ανέργους. Με σειρά γραφειοκρατικών «ρυθμίσεων» μένουν ακάλυπτοι ή χάνουν οποιαδήποτε οικονομική στήριξη ασθενείς με σοβαρά προβλήματα υγείας και ανάπηροι, ιδιαίτερα από νησιά και απομακρυσμένες περιοχές. Λόγω έλλειψης υπαλλήλων και αύξησης της γραφειοκρατίας, ο ΕΟΠΥΥ χρωστάει 40 000 000 ευρώ σε ασθενείς. Πολλοί, με καρκίνο και άλλες σοβαρές ασθένειες, αναγκάζονται να προκαταβάλουν από το υστέρημά τους υψηλό κόστος για τις θεραπείες, αλλά περιμένουν πάνω από ένα χρόνο για να πάρουν πίσω τα χρήματα.

Ερωτάται η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Οι αποφάσεις στις οποίες αναφέρεται το αξιότιμο μέλος έχουν ληφθεί από τις ελληνικές αρχές ως μέρος ενός ευρύτερου προγράμματος μεταρρυθμίσεων που αποσκοπεί στην αναδιοργάνωση/εξορθολογισμό του νοσοκομειακού δικτύου της Ελλάδας με στόχο τη μείωση των υφιστάμενων προβλημάτων αποτελεσματικότητας και την αξιοποίηση οικονομιών κλίμακας. Η Επιτροπή υποστηρίζει αυτό το ευρύτερο πρόγραμμα μεταρρυθμίσεων που εφαρμόζεται από τις ελληνικές αρχές.

Οι αποφάσεις σχετικά με την παροχή της υγειονομικής περίθαλψης εμπίπτουν στην αρμοδιότητα των ελληνικών αρχών δεδομένου ότι, σύμφωνα με τη Συνθήκη, η διαχείριση των υγειονομικών υπηρεσιών και της ιατρικής περίθαλψης, καθώς και η κατανομή των πόρων που διατίθενται για τις υπηρεσίες αυτές είναι ευθύνη των κρατών μελών.

Η Επιτροπή θα συνεχίσει να παρακολουθεί τα θέματα που σχετίζονται με τον τομέα της υγειονομικής περίθαλψης σε μελλοντικές συζητήσεις με τις ελληνικές αρχές κατά τη διάρκεια των τακτικών αποστολών ελέγχου στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος οικονομικής προσαρμογής για την Ελλάδα.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010579/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: The crisis and health cuts

Budgetary policy is having a brutal impact on coherence and health policies, rather than contributing towards their rationalisation. In Attica, five hospitals recently closed down in order to put their employees on a transfer status. One of these, the Patission General Hospital, provided high quality services not provided anywhere else — including a pain clinic — for 1 million inhabitants across a broad area, and had healthy finances and zero debts. Opposition to the closure was expressed in a petition signed by 40 000 people and in unanimous votes in the Athens, Agioi Anargyroi and Filadelfeia-Chalkidona local councils.

With incomes down by 30-50% and increasing poverty, middle and lower class people are losing access to health services as a result of their inability to pay insurance contributions, like most of the 1.4 million unemployed. Under a series of bureaucratic ‘regulations’, patients with serious health problems and disabilities are left without cover or lose all financial support, particularly in the islands and remote regions. Due to staff shortages and increasing bureaucracy, the National Agency for the Provision of Health Services owes EUR 40 million to patients. Some patients with cancer and other serious illnesses are having to make large advance payments for treatment from their savings, and are then having to wait more than a year for their money to be reimbursed.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The decisions the Honourable Member is referring to have been taken by the Greek authorities as part of a wider reform programme aimed at reorganising/ streamlining Greece's hospital network with a view of reducing existing inefficiencies and utilising economies of scale. The Commission supports this wider reform programme by the Greek authorities.

The decisions regarding the delivery of healthcare fall under the responsibility of the Greek authorities as, according to the Treaty, the management of health services and medical care, and the allocation of the resources assigned to them is the responsibility of the Member States.

The Commission will continue to monitor matters related to healthcare sector in future discussions with Greek authorities during the regular review missions under the Economic Adjustment Programme to Greece.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010580/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Συνέχιση του έργου θαλασσίου σκι στην Παμβώτιδα χωρίς περιβαλλοντική αδειοδότηση

Η Επιτροπή, στην απάντησή της E-001111/2013 σε προηγούμενη ερώτησή μου για τη λίμνη Παμβώτιδα E-001111/2013, αναφέρει ότι «κάθε έργο με ενδεχόμενες πιθανές σοβαρές επιπτώσεις, όπως οι επίμαχες εγκαταστάσεις θαλάσσιου σκι, πρέπει να υποβάλλεται σε κατάλληλη αξιολόγηση και να εγκρίνεται, μόνον εάν δεν επηρεάζεται η ακεραιότητα της περιοχής» καθώς και ότι «η αρμόδια αρχή (η Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση Δυτικής Ηπείρου-Μακεδονίας) έχει πλέον ζητήσει, μετά από καταγγελίες, την παύση των χωματουργικών έργων στη λίμνη και την αποκατάσταση του υδάτινου οικοσυστήματος που υπέστη ζημίες». Όμως, ενώ πράγματι η Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση αρχικά διέταξε την παύση των παράνομων εργασιών, στη συνέχεια χορήγησε στο δήμο άδεια εκτέλεσης έργου κοπής καλαμιών με τον παραπλανητικό τίτλο «Έργο αξιοποίησης υδατικών πόρων προστασίας οικοσυστημάτων», με παρατήρηση ότι για την κοπή θα χρησιμοποιηθεί ο πλωτός εκσκαφέας Water Master.

Ύστερα από καταγγελίες του Συλλόγου Προστασίας Περιβάλλοντος Ιωαννίνων για εκρίζωση του καλαμιώνα και εκβάθυνση σε βάθος 2 μέτρων με χρήση του τεράστιου μηχανήματος drag line που χρησιμοποιείται σε εκσκαφές λιμένων και μάλιστα χωρίς απόφαση έγκρισης περιβαλλοντικών όρων, η διοίκηση διέκοψε εκ νέου τις εργασίες έπειτα από εισαγγελική παρέμβαση (15). Η Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση, αδιαφορώντας για το μέγεθος της καταστροφής του οικοσυστήματος της περιοχής, επανήλθε προ ημερών με νεότερη απόφασή της (16) και τροποποιώντας την προηγούμενη απόφασή της αναφορικά με τον τρόπο εκτέλεσης των εργασιών, εγκρίνει τη χρήση μηχανήματος drag line. Σε ένδειξη διαμαρτυρίας για τις συνεχιζόμενες περιβαλλοντικές αυθαιρεσίες τόσο του Δήμου όσο και της Αποκεντρωμένης Διοίκησης Δυτικής Ηπείρου-Μακεδονίας στη λίμνη Παμβώτιδα, παραιτήθηκε ολόκληρο το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο του Συλλόγου Προστασίας του Περιβάλλοντος Ιωαννίνων (17).

Δεδομένης της επιμονής της ελληνικών αρχών να συνεχίσουν, κα μάλιστα χωρίς καμία απόφαση έγκρισης περιβαλλοντικών όρων, ένα έργο στη λίμνη Παμβώτιδα που αντίκειται στις Οδηγίες 92/43/ΕΟΚ για τη διατήρηση των φυσικών οικοτόπων καθώς και της άγριας πανίδας και χλωρίδας και 2009/147/ΕΚ, περί της διατηρήσεως των αγρίων πτηνών, σε τι ενέργειες προτίθεται να προβεί η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή;

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Βάσει των νέων στοιχείων που παρασχέθηκαν από το Αξιότιμο Μέλος, η Επιτροπή θα επικοινωνήσει με τις ελληνικές αρχές για να διερευνήσει κατά πόσον η βυθοκόρηση που συνδέεται με τις εν λόγω εγκαταστάσεις θαλάσσιου σκι αξιολογήθηκε και εγκρίθηκε σύμφωνα με τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 6 της οδηγίας για τα ενδιαιτήματα 92/43/ΕΟΚ (18).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010580/13

to the Commission

Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Continuation of water ski facilities project in Lake Pamvotida without environmental authorisation

The Commission, in its Answer E-001111/2013 to my earlier Question E-001111/2013 on Lake Pamvotida, says that ‘any project with likely significant effect, such as the water ski facilities in question, needs to undergo an appropriate assessment and can only be authorised if it does not affect the integrity of the area’ and also that ‘the competent authority (the decentralized administration of Western Epirus-Macedonia) has now ordered, following complaints, the cessation of earthworks in the lake and the restoration of the damaged wetland ecosystem’. However, whilst the decentralised administration did indeed initially order the cessation of the illegal works, it later provided the municipality with an authorisation to cut the reeds under misleading title of ‘Water Resource Utilisation and Habitat Protection Project’, with an attached note stating that a floating dredger would be used to cut the reeds.

Following complaints from the Environmental Protection Association of Ioannina with regard to the eradication of the reeds and dredging to a depth of two metres with a huge dragline machine used for dredging harbours, and, moreover, without a decision approving the necessary environmental conditions, the administration again halted work following intervention from the public prosecutor (19). The decentralised administration, being indifferent to the scale of the disaster for the habitat in the area, came back a few days ago with a fresh decision (20) amending its earlier decision in relation to the manner of implementing the project, and approving the use of the dragline machine. The entire governing body of the Environmental Protection Association of Ioannina has resigned in protest at the arbitrary nature of the continuing environmental actions in Lake Pamvotida, carried out not only by the municipality but also by the decentralised administration of Western Epirus-Macedonia (21).

Given the Greek authorities’ insistence on continuing with the project in Lake Pamvotida, without any decision setting out environmental conditions — contrary to Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, and Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds — what actions is the European Commission planning to take?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

In the light of new information supplied by the Honourable Member the Commission will contact the Greek authorities in order to investigate whether the dredging activities connected with the water ski facility in question have been assessed and authorised in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (22).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010581/13

to the Commission

Gay Mitchell (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: European Schools

On 2 April 2012, the European Ombudsman made a finding of maladministration against the Commission for failing to respond to requests for an independent external audit of the European Schools. Has the Commission responded to this ruling?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission sent its comments on the findings of the European Ombudsman in the case 814/2010/JF on 6 July 2012.

The Commission did not share the view that there was an instance of maladministration as found by the Ombudsman. It recalled that the European Schools were educational establishments governed jointly by the governments of the Member States of the European Union in the Board of Governors. In the Board, the Commission has only one vote, and all the Member States that are signatories to the convention have one vote each, therefore the Commission cannot be held the sole responsible for the decisions concerning the European Schools.

The Commission informed the Ombudsman that numerous initiatives had already been taken in order to improve the management of the European Schools System (ESS), including a proposal for the European Schools to take part in the international OECD PISA study which would present a basis for comparison with the Member States' national education systems and evaluating the ESS according to the same criteria, and at the same time representing a cost efficient way of an external evaluation of the system.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010583/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nicole Sinclaire (NI)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Women's participation in Pakistan elections

The participation of women, as both candidates and voters, in Pakistan’s national election of 11 May 2013 was rather low.

Allegedly, one of the reasons for this was threats made by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group to kidnap or kill women who took part in these democratic elections.

Similar threats were recently made by the TTP to women in parts of the Hangu district, ahead of the local elections there.

What actions are being taken by the VP/HR to pressure the Government of Pakistan to protect women who wish to exercise their democratic right to vote and/or to stand as candidates?

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

(11 November 2013)

Women’s rights, including civil and political, are among the EU’s priorities in human rights dialogue with Pakistan, and these are raised regularly with the Pakistani authorities. In the run up to the elections, there was an escalation of violent attacks by extremists targeting particularly the secular political parties but also voters.

In spite of intimidation, the electoral process is generally regarded to have been the best so far in Pakistan. The EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions in June 2013 noted that there had been an increase in the number of women registered as voters and female candidates compared to 2008, on the basis of which it is hoped that women's participation in political life will strengthen. Nevertheless, as underlined in the final report of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Pakistan, women continue to be underrepresented as voters, candidates, in elected office and in the campaign.

The EU is ready to accompany Pakistan in following up on recommendations from the EOM, including recommendations concerning women’s participation. The EU has also given its commitment to assist Pakistan to combat terrorism. The issue is a priority under the EU’s Strategic Dialogue with Pakistan. The EU is supporting projects to augment acces to education especially for girls, to improve law enforcement with the police and prosecution services, and has encouraged the authorities to reinforce cooperation activities in support of security and counter-terrorism.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010584/13

à la Commission

Jean-Luc Mélenchon (GUE/NGL)

(17 septembre 2013)

Objet: Espionnage des États-Unis

En juillet dernier, je vous ai interrogé sur l'espionnage pratiqué par les États-Unis contre l'Union européenne qui a été révélé par Edward Snowden.

Votre réponse a sûrement été mûrement réfléchie car elle ne m'est parvenue, malgré l'urgence de la situation, que le 10 septembre. J'y apprends que «La Commission a demandé au gouvernement américain de lui fournir des clarifications à propos des programmes évoqués par les médias et de leurs conséquences potentielles sur les droits fondamentaux des Européens».

Peut-on connaître la réponse du gouvernement américain à cette demande de clarification?

Il apparaît que cette question a même été évoquée avec le ministre de la justice des États-Unis, Eric Holder, lors de la réunion des ministres de la justice et des affaires intérieures organisée à Dublin, le 14 juin 2013.

Peut-on connaître la position du ministre de la justice des États-Unis sur l'espionnage?

Enfin, on apprend que d'autres précisions ont été demandées par écrit, notamment le volume de données collectées, l'ampleur des programmes et le contrôle judiciaire disponible pour les Européens.

Peut-on avoir accès à ces documents?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(4 décembre 2013)

Comme indiqué dans la question de l'Honorable Parlementaire, la Commission a soulevé la question directement auprès du ministre de la justice, Monsieur Holder, lors de la réunion des ministres de la justice et des affaires intérieures qui s'est tenue à Dublin le 14 juin 2013. M. Holder a fourni des éclaircissements et proposé de fournir des informations complémentaires au niveau des experts.

À la suite de cette réunion, de nouvelles précisions ont été demandées par écrit aux autorités des États-Unis, notamment en ce qui concerne le volume des données collectées, l'ampleur de ces programmes et le contrôle judiciaire dont disposent les citoyens européens. En outre, la Commission a mis en place, conjointement avec la présidence du Conseil de l'UE, un groupe de travail ad hoc entre l'UE et les États-Unis afin d'examiner ces questions de manière plus approfondie. Ce groupe s'est réuni à trois reprises, en juillet, septembre et novembre. Sur la base des informations recueillies, la Commission fera rapport au Parlement européen et au Conseil.

Parallèlement, la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante a demandé des éclaircissements à l'administration américaine sur les allégations de surveillance, par les États-Unis, des missions diplomatiques de l'UE, et a fait passer le message selon lequel l'Union européenne entend être traitée comme le partenaire stratégique qu'elle est, et non pas comme une cible.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010584/13

to the Commission

Jean-Luc Mélenchon (GUE/NGL)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Espionage by the United States

In July 2013 I asked you about the United States’ spying on the European Union, as revealed by Edward Snowden.

You clearly thought carefully about your answer because, in spite of the urgency of the situation, I only received it on 10 September. It states that ‘The Commission has requested clarifications from the US Government regarding the programmes reported in the media and the potential impact on the fundamental rights of Europeans.’

What was the US Government’s response to this request for clarification?

It seems that this question was even raised with United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, at the EU-US justice and home affairs ministerial meeting in Dublin on 14 June 2013.

What is the position of the United States Attorney General on the espionage?

Lastly, it appears that further clarifications have been requested in writing, including the volume of data collected, the scope of the programmes and the judicial oversight available to Europeans.

May we have access to these documents?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2013)

As mentioned in the Honorable Member's question, the Commission raised this issue directly with Attorney General Holder at the EU-US Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial meeting of 14 June 2013, in Dublin. Attorney General Holder provided clarifications and offered to provide further information at expert level.

Following this meeting, further clarifications have been requested in writing from the US authorities, including on the volume of the data collected, the scope of the programmes and the judicial oversight available to Europeans. In addition, the Commission has set up, together with the Presidency of the Council of the EU, an ad-hoc EU-US working group to examine these issues further. The working group has met three times, in July, September and November. Based on the information gathered, the Commission will report back to the European Parliament and the Council.

In parallel, the HR/VP has sought clarifications from the US Administration on the allegations of US surveillance of EU diplomatic missions, and conveyed the message that the EU expects to be treated as the strategic partner that it is, not as a target.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010585/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(17 septembre 2013)

Objet: Utilisation de cyanure dans les mines d'or en Roumanie

Une société prévoit d'extraire 300 tonnes d'or et 1 600 tonnes d'argent dans la plus grande mine à ciel ouvert d'Europe, à Rosia Montana, dans le massif des Carpates en Roumanie. Environ 12 000 tonnes de cyanure par an seront nécessaires pour ce projet minier, qui nécessitera le déplacement de centaines de familles et la destruction partielle de quatre montagnes.

Ce projet est dès lors contesté par la population locale, qui est notamment soucieuse des impacts sur l'environnement que pourrait avoir ce projet.

La société canadienne indique que les normes européennes d'environnement seront respectées et affirme que ce projet sera créateur de centaines d'emplois durant les années d'exploitation.

Le Parlement européen avait toutefois adopté une résolution datant du 5 mai 2010 sur l'interdiction générale de l'utilisation des technologies à base de cyanure dans l'industrie minière de l'Union européenne.

Le cyanure est un élément chimique toxique dont l'utilisation massive engendrera des conséquences néfastes non seulement pour le lac qui recueillera les eaux usées de l'exploitation aurifère, mais aussi pour la biodiversité en général dans cette région.

Aussi, la Commission entend-elle renforcer sa politique environnementale contre les menaces pour l'environnement que représente l'utilisation de cyanure et prendre les mesures nécessaires face aux risques qui pèsent sur cette région?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010596/13

à la Commission

Jean Louis Cottigny (S&D)

(17 septembre 2013)

Objet: Rosia Montana et l'interdiction de l'utilisation du cyanure dans les mines

En 2007, la Rosia Montana Gold Corporation (RMGC), entreprise à capitaux canadiens et roumains, a acheté le sol de Rosia Montana. Depuis, la ville est rythmée par les manifestations sur la place du village, la venue des délégations européennes inspectant les lieux et l'adoption de lois contradictoires par le gouvernement.

Le 27 août 2013, les dirigeants roumains ont exprimé leur intention de favoriser le projet d'exploitation au cyanure des gisements aurifères de Rosia Montana, projet proposé par la RMGC.

S'il est adopté, le projet permettra l'utilisation des techniques d'extraction de l'or par les cyanures, ce qui implique la création d'un bassin de 600 ha où seront déversées des centaines de millions de tonnes de déchets cyanurés. Une telle installation met en péril la biodiversité de la zone, et est susceptible d'engendrer des catastrophes écologiques majeures en cas de fuite, comme ce fut le cas à Baia Mare en 2000. Au-delà des préoccupations environnementales, les préoccupations sociales sont liées au déracinement de plus de 2 000 habitants et à la démolition d'environ 900 maisons ainsi que d'éléments du patrimoine culturel et archéologique. Ces deux types de préoccupations ont également été exprimés en 2004 par la Commission environnement du Parlement européen.

En 2010, le Parlement européen a demandé à la Commission d'interdire totalement l'utilisation des technologies à base de cyanure dans l'industrie minière.

Réponse commune donnée par M. Potočnik au nom de la Commission

(29 octobre 2013)

En ce qui concerne la question relative à l'éventuelle introduction de l'interdiction de l'utilisation du cyanure dans les technologies minières dans l'UE, la Commission renvoie les Honorables Parlementaires à la réponse qu'elle a donnée à la question écrite E-6197/2012 (23), posée par Mme Hassi et Mme Pietikäinen.

Les autorités roumaines compétentes doivent veiller à la bonne exécution ainsi qu'à l'application et au respect de la législation de l'UE, la Commission se chargeant d'évaluer la conformité avec les exigences applicables.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010585/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Use of cyanide in gold mines in Romania

A company plans to extract 300 tonnes of gold and 1 600 tonnes of silver in the largest open-cast mine in Europe, at Roşia Montană, in the Carpathian mountains in Romania. This mining project will require about 12 000 tonnes of cyanide per year and involve the relocation of hundreds of families and the partial destruction of four mountains.

Consequently, the project is being challenged by local people, who are particularly concerned about the environmental impact it could have.

The Canadian company says that European environmental standards will be respected and that the project will create hundreds of jobs during the years of operation.

However, on 5 May 2010 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on a general ban on the use of cyanide mining technologies in the European Union.

Cyanide is a toxic chemical whose large-scale use will be harmful not only for the lake into which the wastewater from the gold extraction will flow, but also for the region’s biodiversity in general.

Does the Commission therefore intend to strengthen its environmental policy against the environmental threat posed by cyanide use and to take the necessary action to address the risks affecting this area?

Question for written answer E-010596/13

to the Commission

Jean Louis Cottigny (S&D)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Roşia Montană and the ban on using cyanide in mines

In 2007, Roşia Montană Gold Corporation (RMGC), a Canadian and Romanian-owned company, purchased the land of Roşia Montană. Since then, life in the village has been punctuated by demonstrations in the village square, the arrival of European delegations inspecting the site and the adoption of contradictory laws by the government.

On 27 August 2013, Romanian leaders expressed their intention to support the planned exploitation of the gold deposits in Roşia Montană using cyanide, a plan that was proposed by the RMGC.

If it goes ahead, the project will allow the use of cyanide to extract the gold, involving the creation of a 600 ha tailings pond into which hundreds of millions of tonnes of cyanide-laced waste will be dumped. Such a facility is a threat to the area’s biodiversity and could cause major environmental disasters were the cyanide to leak, as happened in Baia Mare in 2000. In addition to the environmental concerns, there are social concerns over the displacement of over 2 000 residents and the demolition of some 900 houses and cultural and archaeological heritage assets. The same concerns were also expressed in 2004 by Parliament’s Committee on the Environment.

In 2010, Parliament called on the Commission to introduce a total ban on the use of cyanide-based technology in the mining industry.

Joint answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

As regards the question relating to the potential introduction of a ban of the use of cyanide mining technologies in the EU, the Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E-6197/2012 (24) by Ms Hassi and Ms Pietikäinen.

The competent Romanian authorities have to ensure proper implementation, enforcement and compliance with the EU legislation, and the Commission will monitor compliance with the relevant requirements.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010586/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(17 septembre 2013)

Objet: Gaspillage alimentaire en Europe et dans le monde

Le gaspillage alimentaire massif dans le monde constitue un danger considérable pour la protection de l'environnement et la sécurité alimentaire. En effet, dans un rapport publié le 11 septembre 2013, la FAO (Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture) affirme que plus d'un milliard de tonnes de nourriture sont gaspillées chaque année dans le monde, soit un coût d'environ 750 milliards d'USD.

Au total, plus de 1,3 milliard de tonne de nourriture sont gaspillées chaque année et la production de la nourriture non mangée occupe 30 % des terres cultivables. Les pertes agricoles et alimentaires coûtent chaque année à la planète environ 250 km3 de ressources en eau et la production de ces denrées non consommées représente une empreinte carbone estimée à 3,3 milliards de tonnes de CO2. Toujours selon la FAO, 54 % des pertes sont enregistrées dans les phases de production, de récolte et de stockage.

Dans l'Union européenne, le gaspillage alimentaire représente plus de 90 millions de tonnes par an.

Soucieux des impacts de ce phénomène sur l'environnement, le Parlement européen avait déjà pris conscience du problème en adoptant, le 19 janvier 2012, une résolution sur le thème «Éviter le gaspillage des denrées alimentaires: stratégies pour une chaîne alimentaire plus efficace dans l'Union européenne». Par ce moyen, les députés européens ont donc invité la Commission à adopter des démarches significatives pour faire face aux menaces soulevées par le gaspillage alimentaire de masse en Europe, en se centrant notamment sur un effort d'éducation pour lutter contre le gaspillage, ainsi que sur un effort pour un étiquetage et un emballage adéquats.

Aussi la Commission voudrait-elle indiquer quelles démarches et quelles mesures législatives elle a entreprises pour répondre aux enjeux spécifiques de ce problème écologique majeur qu'est le gaspillage alimentaire?

Réponse commune donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(19 novembre 2013)

Les pertes et le gaspillage de denrées alimentaires comestibles et nourrissantes ont des conséquences à la fois pour l'économie et pour l'environnement. Dans ce contexte, la Commission étudie actuellement, en étroite coopération avec les parties prenantes, comment réduire le gaspillage, sans pour autant compromettre la sécurité alimentaire, et examine les mesures qui pourraient être adoptées à l'échelon de l'Union européenne en complément des mesures nationales. Les résultats des réunions du groupe de travail constitué à cet effet sont disponibles à l'adresse suivante (en anglais): http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm. Ce site comprend également une campagne de sensibilisation (un clip viral sur les déchets alimentaires, «10 conseils pour réduire les déchets alimentaires» dans toutes les langues de l'Union et une clarification des mentions «à consommer de préférence avant» et «à consommer jusqu'au» dans toutes les langues de l'Union).

Cette démarche s'inscrit dans la lignée des travaux sur la viabilité du système alimentaire dans le cadre desquels une consultation publique, lancée avant l'été, a été clôturée au début du mois d'octobre 2013. La Commission étudie actuellement les résultats de cette consultation.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010749/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(19 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Conseguenze economiche e ambientali dello spreco di prodotti alimentari

Nel Rapporto sulle conseguenze ambientali dello spreco di prodotti alimentari presentato dalla FAO risulta che ogni anno si spreca una quantità di cibo pari a 565 miliardi di euro, valore questo pari ai Pil di Turchia e Svizzera. Il volume globale dello spreco è di 1,6 miliardi di tonnellate di prodotti primari e di 1,3 miliardi di tonnellate di cibo commestibile. L'Europa si colloca al 3° posto (dopo Asia e Sud Est asiatico) con uno spreco pari al 15 % del cibo prodotto.

Oltre che a livello economico, questo fenomeno ha un impatto estremamente negativo sull'ambiente: ogni anno a causa dello spreco di cibo che si colloca al terzo posto delle cause di emissione di gas serra circa 3,3 miliardi di tonnellate di Co2 sono immessi nell'atmosfera. Si evidenziano anche le conseguenze del cibo disperso sull'acqua: per coltivare, stoccare e portare sulle tavole le tonnellate di cibo non mangiato si sprecano 250 chilometri cubi all'anno, quantità d’acqua questa corrispondente al lago di Ginevra. Inoltre ogni anno si utilizzano 1,4 milioni di ettari di suolo per produrre cibo che non sarà mangiato (pari all'intero territorio russo). Infine, sono 9,7 milioni gli ettari di bosco distrutti ogni anno per produrre cibo sprecato, compromettendo pesantemente la biodiversità del nostro pianeta.

Considerato che:

può la Commissione far sapere se:

Risposta congiunta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(19 novembre 2013)

Le perdite e gli sprechi di cibo ancora commestibile e nutriente hanno conseguenze economiche ed ambientali. La Commissione sta analizzando, in stretta cooperazione con gli stakeholder, il modo per ridurre gli sprechi di alimenti senza compromettere la sicurezza alimentare e sta discutendo eventuali misure unionali per integrare le misure nazionali. I risultati delle riunioni del gruppo di lavoro sono disponibili all'indirizzo:

http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm. Questo sito web contiene anche una campagna di informazione e di sensibilizzazione (come il video virale «10 consigli per ridurre gli sprechi alimentari» in tutte le lingue dell'UE, nonché un chiarimento delle etichette «consumare preferibilmente entro il» e «da consumare entro il»).

Questi lavori confluiranno negli imminenti lavori in tema di «Sostenibilità del sistema alimentare», tematica in merito alla quale è stata avviata prima dell'estate una consultazione pubblica conclusasi all'inizio dell'ottobre 2013. La Commissione sta ora analizzando i risultati della consultazione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010586/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: European and global food wastage

Worldwide food wastage on a massive scale poses a considerable risk to environmental protection and food security. According to a report published on 11 September 2013 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, more than 1 billion tonnes of food go to waste globally every year, at a cost of about USD 750 billion.

In all, more than 1.3 billion tonnes of food go to waste every year and producing the uneaten food takes up 30% of arable land. Losses in agriculture and food cost the planet around 250 km3 annually in water resources and producing these unused foodstuffs equates to an estimated carbon footprint of 3.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. Also according to the FAO, 54% of losses occur during production, harvest and storage.

In the European Union, more than 90 million tonnes of food goes to waste every year.

Conscious of the environmental impact of this wastage, Parliament had already acknowledged there was a problem when it adopted a resolution on 19 January 2012 on how to avoid food wastage: strategies for a more efficient food chain in the EU. In that resolution, the Members of the European Parliament called on the Commission to take meaningful action to address the threats posed by massive food wastage in Europe, focusing on efforts to educate against waste and efforts to ensure appropriate labelling and packaging.

Could the Commission state what steps and legislative measures it has undertaken in response to the specific challenges of this major ecological problem of food wastage?

Question for written answer E-010749/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(19 September 2013)

Subject: Economic and environmental impact of food waste

According to the report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on the environmental impact of food waste, each year EUR 565 billion worth of food is wasted, a figure equal to the gross domestic products of Turkey or Switzerland combined. The total quantities wasted are 1.6 billion tonnes of raw materials and 1.3 billion tonnes of edible food. Europe is the third biggest waster of food (after Asia and south-east Asia), wasting some 15% of the food it produces.

In addition to its economic consequences, this problem has an extremely negative impact on the environment. Food waste is the third biggest cause of greenhouse gas production, leading to the emission of 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. The report also highlights the impact of food wastage on water: every year, 250 km3 of water are wasted on growing, storing and bringing to the table the many tonnes of uneaten food, a volume equal to the size of Lake Geneva. Furthermore, 1.4 million hectares of land (an area equivalent to the whole of Russia) are used every year to produce food that will not be eaten. Lastly, 9.7 million hectares of forest are destroyed each year for the sake of producing food which ends up wasted, posing a severe threat to the planet’s biodiversity.

In the coming years, we will see an increase in the population and consequently an increase in the demand for food, with a 60% increase in demand for food production by 2050. The food industry will have difficulty sustaining this level of output. Every day, a third of the food we produce is wasted, while 870 million people go hungry.

Joint answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

Losses and wastage of edible and nutritious food have economic and environmental consequences. The Commission is analysing, in close cooperation with stakeholders, how to reduce food waste without compromising food safety and is discussing possible EU measures to complement national measures. The results of the working group meetings are available at http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm

This website also includes awareness raising information campaign (such as viral clip on food waste, ‘10 tips to reduce food waste’ in all EU languages, and a clarification of ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ labels in all EU languages).

This work feeds into the forthcoming work on the ‘Sustainability of the Food System’ on which a public consultation was launched before summer and closed early October 2013. The Commission is currently analysing the results of this consultation.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010587/13

à la Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(17 septembre 2013)

Objet: Hôtellerie et agences de réservation en ligne

De nos jours, la plupart des voyageurs à la recherche d'un hôtel passent par une agence de réservation en ligne, telle que Booking.com, Expedia.fr ou Hrs.com. Ces agences de réservation sont considérées comme plus pratiques car elles recensent un grand nombre d'hôtels de toutes les catégories pour chaque ville et proposent des chambres qui sont perçues comme moins onéreuses par les clients. Les motifs pécuniaires sont ainsi la principale raison qui pousse nos concitoyens à passer par ces centrales de réservation.

Néanmoins, ces sites sont de plus en en plus contestés par les hôteliers et notamment par l'Union des métiers et des industries de l'hôtellerie (UMIH) en France. En effet, le référencement des hôtels sur ces agences n'est pas exhaustif. Seuls apparaissent les établissements dont les gérants acceptent de verser aux centrales des commissions pouvant atteindre 30 % du prix de la chambre. Ces centrales de réservation sur Internet sont accusées par les hôteliers et les restaurateurs d'exercer une forme de pression et de position dominante, à cause notamment du principe dit de parité tarifaire. Ainsi, un hôtelier voulant faire une promotion de dernière minute sur son site doit en informer préalablement les autres sites qui le commercialisent pour que tout le monde puisse afficher les mêmes prix. Ces pratiques, pouvant constituer une entrave aux règles de concurrence, interdites en Allemagne sont toujours autorisées en France par exemple.

L'Union européenne vise à favoriser la libre circulation des personnes sur son territoire. Cette promotion du tourisme implique de permettre à nos concitoyens de se loger facilement durant leurs voyages. Or, les pressions tarifaires exercées par ces agences de réservation en ligne dans certains États membres peuvent s'avérer néfastes pour nos hôteliers, tout comme pour leurs clients.

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(26 novembre 2013)

À l'heure actuelle, aucune enquête relative à la concurrence n'est en cours à la Commission en ce qui concerne la réservation d'hôtels en ligne. Toutefois, certaines autorités de concurrence des États membres, compétentes pour appliquer les règles tant européennes que nationales en matière de concurrence, enquêtent actuellement sur des pratiques comme celle mentionnée par l'Honorable Parlementaire. Dans le cadre du réseau des autorités européennes de concurrence, la Commission est tenue informée de ces cas et elle les examine en ce moment avec les autorités nationales de concurrence afin de garantir l'application effective et cohérente des règles de concurrence de l'UE sur ces marchés.

La Commission n'a pas l'intention d'harmoniser les règles qui s'appliqueraient spécifiquement aux agences de réservation d'hôtels en ligne dans l'Union.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010587/13

to the Commission

Christine De Veyrac (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: The hotel industry and online booking agencies

Nowadays most travellers looking for a hotel go through an online booking agency such as Booking.com, Expedia.co.uk or Hrs.com. These reservation agencies are considered more convenient because they identify a large number of hotels in every category in each city and offer rooms that the customers see as less expensive. Financial considerations are therefore the main reason why our fellow citizens go through these booking centres.

However, these sites are being increasingly called into question by hoteliers, especially by the French Hotel Trade and Industry Association (UMIH). The hotel listings published by these agencies are not comprehensive. The only establishments which appear are those whose managers agree to pay commissions to the centres, which can be as much as 30% of the room rate. These online booking centres are accused by hotel and restaurant owners of exerting a kind of pressure and market dominance, in particular because of the principle known as rate parity. This means that a hotelier who wants to run a last-minute promotion on his site must first inform the other sites that market his hotel so that they can all display the same prices. As these practices may constitute a barrier to the rules on competition, they are not allowed in Germany, but they are still permitted in France, for example.

The European Union aims to facilitate the free movement of people on its territory. Promoting tourism in this way means that our fellow citizens should be able to find accommodation easily when travelling. However, the pressure put on prices by these online booking agencies in some Member States can prove detrimental to our hoteliers and to their customers.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2013)

The Commission has currently no pending competition investigation in relation to online booking of hotels. However, some competition authorities of the Member States, which are competent to apply both EU competition rules and national competition rules, are currently investigating practices such as the one referred to by the Honourable Member. Within the network of European Competition authorities, the Commission is informed of these cases and is discussing them with the national competition authorities in order to safeguard the consistent and effective application of EU competition rules in these markets.

The Commission has no intention to harmonise the rules that would apply specifically to online hotel booking agencies in the Union.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010588/13

à Comissão

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Análise do Estudo «Perceção do Parlamento Europeu pelos Portugueses» — DG COMM

Tendo em conta que:

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(5 de novembro de 2013)

O título «Perceção do Parlamento Europeu pelos Portugueses» refere-se a um estudo Eurobarómetro realizado pelo próprio Parlamento.

A Comissão Europeia leva a cabo o inquérito Eurobarómetro sobre a opinião pública na União Europeia duas vezes por ano em todos os Estados-Membros. Tal inclui, nomeadamente, perguntas para saber se as pessoas sentem que a sua opinião conta, na União Europeia e no seu país. A Unidade de Acompanhamento da Opinião Pública, da Direção-Geral da Comunicação do Parlamento Europeu, realiza também anualmente um inquérito Eurobarómetro que inclui as mesmas duas questões.

Normalmente, o Eurobarómetro da Comissão tem como objetivo dar uma imagem representativa da opinião pública, em função do Estado-Membro, da região e do grupo sociodemográfico (sexo, idade, atividade profissional, nível de educação, etc.). A Comissão realiza igualmente estudos que analisam os mesmos tipos de questões, de forma mais pormenorizada, ao nível regional.

O Eurobarómetro Flash n.° 356 sobre «Opinião Pública nas Regiões da UE», realizado pela Direção-Geral da Comunicação em agosto-setembro de 2012, incluiu a Madeira e os Açores entre as 170 regiões inquiridas. A Comissão está a planear realizar inquéritos regionais semelhantes no futuro.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010588/13

to the Commission

Nuno Teixeira (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Analysis of the study ‘The Portuguese People's Perception of the European Parliament’ by the Directorate-General for Communication

For the second year running, the Directorate-General for Communication’s Public Opinion Monitoring Unit and the company TNS Opinion have conducted a study on ‘The Portuguese People’s Perception of the European Parliament’.

Eurobarometer questions on issues such as ‘My voice counts in the European Union’ and ‘My voice counts in my country’, as well as aspects concerning responses to the crisis (one-off and coordinated measures) and reviving growth, were updated.

According to the study in question, Eurobarometer is not an instrument that is designed to analyse results on a regional scale. However, combining data from several Eurobarometer/EP surveys, in which the same questions have been asked, makes it possible to obtain regional results.

The study thus deals with the Portuguese people’s regional perception of Parliament, with a huge amount of fieldwork having been done in several regions of Portugal. However, 28% of Portuguese regions were completely ignored, as the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, which have over 510 000 residents, were not taken into account by the study.

The autonomous regions count as two of Portugal’s seven regions and should, of course, be included in the study in question.

According to Article 349, in conjunction with Article 355, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, these regions are considered outermost regions, receiving specific additional support to deal with their economic, social and territorial constraints.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

‘The Portuguese People's Perception of the European Parliament’ refers to a Eurobarometer carried out by the Parliament itself.

The European Commission conducts the Standard Eurobarometer survey on public opinion in the European Union twice yearly in all Member States. This includes, among others, questions on whether citizens feel their voice counts in the European Union and in their country. The Directorate-General for Communication’s Public Opinion Monitoring Unit in the European Parliament also conducts an annual Eurobarometer survey, which includes the same two questions.

The Commission's Standard Eurobarometer aims to give a representative overview of public opinion according to Member State, region and socio-demographic grouping (gender, age, occupation, level of education, etc.). The Commission also conducts studies that look into the same types of questions in more detail at a regional level.

Flash Eurobarometer 356 on ‘Public Opinion in the EU Regions’, carried out by the Commission's Directorate-General for Communication in August-September 2012, included Madeira and the Azores among the 170 regions surveyed. The Commission is planning to carry out similar regional surveys in the future.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010589/13

an die Kommission

Jürgen Creutzmann (ALDE)

(17. September 2013)

Betrifft: Überarbeitung der „De-minimis“-Richtlinie

Die „De-minimis“-Richtlinie ist ein zentrales Instrument der Mittelstandsförderung und eine der wichtigsten Rechtsgrundlagen im EU-Beihilferecht. Die geplante Überarbeitung der Richtlinie in wesentlichen Punkten birgt die Gefahr, dass es EU-weit zu erheblichen Einschränkungen bei der Unternehmensförderung kommt.

Antwort von Herrn Almunia im Namen der Kommission

(18. November 2013)

Die Überarbeitung der De-minimis-Verordnung wird auf transparente Weise durchgeführt: Alle Stellungnahmen werden sorgfältig geprüft, und es wurden bisher noch keine endgültigen Entscheidungen getroffen. Ohne jeden Zweifel beabsichtigt die Kommission, dass diese Regelung ein einfaches und flexibles Instrument zur Unterstützung insbesondere von KMU bleibt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010589/13

to the Commission

Jürgen Creutzmann (ALDE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Revision of the de minimis Directive

The de minimis Directive is a key instrument for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and one of the most important legal bases in the EU State aid acquis. The planned substantial revision of the directive is liable to result in considerable restrictions on aid to enterprises throughout the EU.

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 2013)

The review of the de minimis Regulation is being carried out in a transparent way in which all comments are carefully considered and no final decisions have been taken yet. It is certainly the Commission's intention to ensure that the de minimis instrument will provide a simple and flexible tool to support in particular SMEs.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010590/13

an die Kommission (Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin)

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(17. September 2013)

Betrifft: VP/HR — Menschenrechtsverletzungen im Rahmen der 2012 von Präsident Mursi durchgesetzten Verfassung

Mit Blick auf die Forderungen der internationalen Völkergemeinschaft und der EU insbesondere nach Verhandlungen mit der Muslimbrüderschaft (der Mohammed Mursi angehört),um den Ägypten-Konflikt beizulegen, müssen noch einige Punkte geklärt werden. Während die internationale Völkergemeinschaft nun in Sorge über die Krise in Ägypten ist, sei angemerkt, dass von einigen eine solche Krise angesichts der von Mohammed Mursi 2012 in Kraft gesetzten Verfassung als unausweichlich vorausgesagt worden war. Die Verfassung war zwar im Rahmen eines Referendums mit 68,3 % angenommen worden — aber es hatten sich lediglich 32,9 % der eingetragenen Wähler beteiligt. Damals befürchtete die Opposition, dass die Verfassung den Weg für eine weitere Islamisierung des Gesetzes ebnen würde (Befürchtungen, die sich bewahrheitet haben), wobei Catherine Ashton Präsident Mursi bereits lange vor Inkrafttreten der Verfassung aufgefordert hatte, das Vertrauen der Menschen in die Demokratie wieder herzustellen.

Die Vizepräsidentin/Hohe Vertreterin wird um folgende Auskünfte ersucht:

Antwort von Frau Ashton — Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin im Namen der Kommission

(9. Dezember 2013)

Die Hohe Vertreterin/Vizepräsidentin verfolgt die Entwicklungen in Ägypten aufmerksam und mit Besorgnis. Die EU vertritt gegenüber Ägypten weiterhin mit Entschiedenheit ihren wertebasierten Ansatz und dringt in diesem Zusammenhang auf die Achtung der Menschenrechte und der Grundfreiheiten sowie des Rechtsstaatlichkeitsprinzips. Die Hohe Vertreterin hat diesen Standpunkt in verschiedenen Erklärungen deutlich gemacht, insbesondere auch gegenüber Gesprächspartnern im Rahmen ihrer Besuche in der Region. Die zentrale Bedeutung dieser grundlegenden Werte wurde von den 28 Mitgliedstaaten in den Schlussfolgerungen des Rates vom 22. Juli und 21. August nachdrücklich bekräftigt.

Ebenso hat sich die EU-Delegation in Kairo bei ihren Kontakten mit Partnern in der Übergangsregierung für die Achtung dieser Werte eingesetzt. Die EU-Delegation verfolgt und überwacht die Entwicklung der Verfassungsfrage genau und steht dabei in engem Kontakt mit der Venedig-Kommission des Europarats. Die Verfassung dient als Grundlage eines demokratischen Ägyptens und sollte daher die uneingeschränkte Achtung der Gewaltenteilung mit allen notwendigen Kontrollmöglichkeiten gewährleisten.

Die EU ruft Ägypten daher dazu auf, rasch zu einem alle Beteiligten einbeziehenden Prozess des Übergangs zur Demokratie finden. Sie weist außerdem immer wieder darauf hin, dass Konfrontation und Polarisierung keine Lösung bieten und vielmehr Aussöhnung und Dialog vorrangige Bedeutung eingeräumt werden muss. Entsprechende Stellungnahmen wurden bereits der Regierung von Präsident Mursi übermittelt.

Die EU unterstützt weiterhin die demokratischen Bestrebungen des ägyptischen Volkes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010590/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Contravention of human rights by the Egyptian Constitution imposed by Mr Morsi in 2012

Given the calls by the international community and the EU in particular for negotiations to be held with the Muslim Brotherhood (of which Mr Morsi is a member) in order to put an end to the Egyptian conflict, certain points need to be clarified. While the international community is now worrying about the Egyptian crisis, it is worth noting that some people had predicted that a crisis of this kind would be inevitable because of the constitution enacted by Mr Morsi in December 2012. Although the constitution was ratified by 68.3% of voters in a referendum, only 32.9% of registered voters turned out to vote. At the time, the opposition was afraid that the constitution would pave the way for greater Islamisation of the law (fears which proved to be well‐founded), while Catherine Ashton was calling on President Morsi long before the constitution entered into force to ‘restore people’s faith in democracy’.

Could the Vice-President/High Representative answer the following questions:

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

(9 December 2013)

The HR/VP is following the developments in Egypt closely and with concern. The EU continues to stress its value-based approach towards Egypt. In this respect, the EU is calling for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the rule of law. The High Representative stressed this approach in various statements and in particular with her interlocutors when travelling to the region. These values have likewise been stressed by the 28 Member States in the Council Conclusions on 22 July and 21 August.

Also the EU Delegation in Cairo is underlining these values in its contacts with counterparts of the interim authorities. Moreover, the EU Delegation is following and monitoring closely the issue of the Constitution in close contact with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. The Constitution will be the basis for a democratic Egypt and therefore should reflect the full respect of division of powers with the necessary checks and balances.

The EU continues to call on Egypt to rapidly move to an inclusive transformation process. The EU also continues to stress that confrontation and polarization are not a solution. Reconciliation and dialogue are paramount. These messages had already been passed to the Morsi government.

The EU continues to support the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010591/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Έρευνα των Ηνωμένων Εθνών φέρνει στο φως αλλεπάλληλα κρούσματα βιασμών σε χώρες της Ασίας και του Ειρηνικού

Σύμφωνα με πρόσφατα δημοσιευμένη έρευνα των Ηνωμένων Εθνών που πραγματοποιήθηκε σε έξι χώρες της Ασίας και του Ειρηνικού και σε πολύ διαφορετικά μεταξύ τους μέρη, το ένα τέταρτο σχεδόν των ερωτηθέντων ανδρών παραδέχτηκαν ότι έχουν βιάσει γυναίκες που συχνά είναι οι ίδιες οι σύντροφοί τους.

Η έρευνα βασίστηκε σε ανώνυμες συνεντεύξεις με περισσότερους από 10 000 άνδρες, ηλικίας 18 έως 49 ετών, από το Μπανγκλαντές, την Κίνα, την Καμπότζη, την Ινδονησία, τη Σρι Λάνκα, και την Παπούα Νέα Γουινέα.

Με αφετηρία έναν ορισμό σύμφωνα με τον οποίο βιασμός είναι μία μη συναινετική σεξουαλική επαφή με διείσδυση, προκύπτει ότι το 11% όσων απάντησαν στη μελέτη έχουν βιάσει γυναίκα που δεν ήταν η σύντροφός τους και ότι το ποσοστό ανεβαίνει στο 24% σχεδόν όταν συμπεριλαμβάνεται ο βιασμός της συντρόφου.

Το 45% αυτών των ανδρών παραδέχτηκαν ότι έχουν βιάσει περισσότερες από μία γυναίκες. Μία ιδιαίτερα ανησυχητική παράμετρος είναι ότι οι μισοί από τους εν λόγω δηλωμένους βιαστές ήταν έφηβοι όταν διέπραξαν το έγκλημα και ότι το 12% αυτών ήταν νεώτεροι από 12 ετών. Στην πλειοψηφία τους δεν αντιμετώπισαν καμία νομική συνέπεια για τις πράξεις τους.

Η μεγαλύτερη συχνότητα παρατηρείται στην Bougainville της Παπούα Νέας Γουινέας, όπου 62% από τους ερωτηθέντες παραδέχτηκαν ότι έχουν διαπράξει βιασμό. Παρόμοια αποτελέσματα καταγράφηκαν και στην γειτονική επαρχία της Ινδονησίας Papau, όπου το 49% σχεδόν από τους ερωτηθέντες παραδέχτηκαν ότι έχουν διαπράξει βιασμό.

Με βάση τα ανωτέρω, παρακαλείται η Επιτροπή να απαντήσει στα ακόλουθα ερωτήματα:

Απάντηση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου/Αντιπροέδρου Ashton εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Το σχέδιο δράσης της ΕΕ σχετικά με την ισότητα των φύλων και τη χειραφέτηση των γυναικών στο πλαίσιο της αναπτυξιακής συνεργασίας για την περίοδο 2010-2015 περιλαμβάνει δεσμεύσεις για όλους τους φορείς της ΕΕ όσον αφορά τη στήριξη των προσπαθειών των αναπτυσσόμενων χωρών για τη βελτίωση της θέσης των γυναικών. Η προστασία έναντι μορφών βίας που σχετίζονται με το φύλο αποτελεί μία από τις προτεραιότητες του στρατηγικού πλαισίου και του σχεδίου δράσης της ΕΕ για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και τη δημοκρατία που εγκρίθηκαν το 2012. Η ΕΕ και τα Ηνωμένα Έθνη συνεργάζονται στενά για την υλοποίηση των συμπερασμάτων της 57ης Επιτροπής του ΟΗΕ σχετικά με τη θέση των γυναικών στην πρόληψη και εξάλειψη της βίας κατά των γυναικών και των κοριτσιών.

Έχουν αναπτυχθεί προγράμματα της ΕΕ με στόχο την πρόληψη της βίας, την προστασία και υποστήριξη των θυμάτων και τη δίωξη των δραστών. Τα προγράμματα ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας συχνά περιλαμβάνουν παροχή βοήθειας σε επιζώντες μορφών βίας που σχετίζονται με το φύλο. Το ζήτημα της βίας κατά των γυναικών τίθεται στο πλαίσιο του διαλόγου για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα ή άλλων μορφών πολιτικού διαλόγου που διεξάγει η ΕΕ με τις περισσότερες από τις χώρες που αναφέρονται στην ερώτηση του Αξιότιμου Μέλους. Τα θέματα των γυναικών επίσης ενσωματώνονται σε πολλές δραστηριότητες αναπτυξιακής συνεργασίας της ΕΕ: εκπαίδευση, υγεία, δικαιώματα των διακινούμενων εργαζομένων, χειραφέτηση των γυναικών.

Στο Μπαγκλαντές, την Ατσέ και την Καμπότζη, οι προσπάθειες της ΕΕ επικεντρώνονται επίσης στην πρόσβαση στη δικαιοσύνη ώστε να διασφαλιστεί ότι η βία κατά των γυναικών αποτελεί αξιόποινη πράξη και ότι λαμβάνονται μέτρα για τη διευκόλυνση της πρόσβασης των θυμάτων στη δικαιοσύνη. Στην περίπτωση της Παπουασίας-Νέας Γουινέας, η καταπολέμηση της βίας κατά των γυναικών βρίσκεται στην κορυφή των δράσεων που υποστηρίζει η ΕΕ. Ο πρόσφατος διάλογος για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα με την Κίνα προσέφερε τη δυνατότητα να συζητηθούν ο αντίκτυπος της πολιτικής του ενός παιδιού, η ενδοοικογενειακή βία και η βία κατά των ιερόδουλων. Στη Σρι Λάνκα, η ΕΕ προωθεί την ενσωμάτωση της ισότητας των φύλων σε όλα τα προγράμματα και παρέχει στήριξη σε συγκεκριμένες δράσεις με στόχο την καταπολέμηση των μορφών βίας που σχετίζονται με το φύλο.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010591/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: UN survey reveals rape crisis in countries of Asia-Pacific

According to a recently published UN report, nearly one quarter of men surveyed — in a wide variety of locations in six Asia-Pacific countries — admitted to raping a woman, often their own partner.

The report was based on anonymous interviews with more than 10 000 men aged between 18 and 49 years in Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea.

Using a definition of non-consensual, penetrative sex as a benchmark, the study reported that 11% of respondents had raped a woman who was not their partner, with this figure rising to nearly 24% when rape of a partner was included.

45% of these men admitted to having raped more than one woman. Alarmingly, half of the rapists identified were teenagers at the time of committing the crime, of whom 12% were younger than 15 years of age. The majority had not faced any legal consequences for their actions.

The highest prevalence of rape was observed in Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, where 62% of respondents admitted to having committed rape. Similar findings were recorded in the neighbouring Indonesian province of Papau, where nearly 49% of respondents admitted to having committed rape.

In light of the above, could the Commission answer the following:

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

(6 November 2013)

The EU Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development 2010-2015 contains commitments for all EU actors in terms of supporting developing countries' efforts to improve the situation of women. Protection against gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the priorities under the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy adopted in 2012. The EU and UN work closely on the implementation of the conclusions of the 57th UN Commission on the Status of Women on prevention and ending violence against women and girls.

EU projects have been developed in order to prevent violence; protect and support victims; prosecute perpetrators. Humanitarian aid projects often include assistance to survivors of GBV. Violence against women is raised in the framework of the Human Rights Dialogues or other forms of political dialogues conducted by the EU with most of the countries mentioned in the Honourable Member's question. Women's issues are also mainstreamed into the EU's development cooperation activities: education, health, rights of the migrant workers; empowerment of women.

In Bangladesh, Aceh and Cambodia, EU efforts have been also focused on access to justice so as to ensure that violence against women is punishable by law and that measures are taken to facilitate victims’ access to justice. In the case of Papua New Guinea, combatting violence against women is at the top of EU supported actions. The recent Human Rights Dialogue with China offered the opportunity to raise the impact of the one-child policy, domestic violence and violence against sex workers. In Sri Lanka, the EU has been promoting mainstreaming gender across all programmes and offering support to specific actions aimed at combating GBV.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010592/13

to the Commission

Julie Girling (ECR)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Infringement proceedings — European health insurance card, Spain

According to newspaper reports, British holidaymakers in need of emergency treatment at Spanish accident and emergency units are being greeted by chip-and-pin machines, as hospitals force them to provide upfront payment details before care is given.

It is understood that the European health insurance card (EHIC) entitles visitors to state‐provided, medically-necessary treatment for the duration of their stay. However it has been reported that medical treatment is being refused unless payments are made first.

Can the Commission please clarify exactly what holiday makers are entitled to when travelling within Europe and using the EHIC, and whether payment before treatment (particularly for serious injuries) is considered acceptable?

Can the Commission please clarify whether the position adopted by Spain is legal?

Can the Commission comment on the status of infringement proceedings initiated against Spain?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The European Health Insurance Card (‘EHIC’) proves that the holder is an ‘insured person’ under the state healthcare scheme of a Member State and entitled to receive medically necessary state healthcare during a stay in another Member State. EHIC holders should receive in the Member State of stay the same treatment (procedures and tariffs) as persons insured in that state. Where an insured person has no EHIC, he or she can obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate (‘PRC’) from the state of insurance. The PRC also proves that the holder is an insured person.

Where holidaymakers seeking healthcare in the public system in Spain have no EHIC or PRC to prove they are insured persons, they can be treated in the same way as Spanish nationals who are not affiliated to the Spanish social security system, namely, they can be required to pay. If in fact the holidaymakers are insured persons under their home state’s healthcare system (but simply had no proof of this), they can request reimbursement of the cost of their treatment either from the health institution of the place of stay, or from the health institution in the state where they are insured. Such reimbursement is made in accordance with the conditions and tariffs in the state of stay. Since most healthcare in Spain is free, this means that, upon presentation of the invoice, 100% reimbursement of any payment made should be possible.

As regards the infringement procedure against Spain, the Honourable Member is referred to the answer to E-010736/2013 (25).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010593/13

to the Commission

Julie Girling (ECR)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Pigs Directive

With 13 Member States now fully compliant with Directive 2008/120/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs and many others confronted with infringement proceedings, when does the Commission expect all Member States to comply with this directive?

Does the Commission expect to have to initiate further infringement proceedings before the end of the year?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

With regard to the requirement for group housing of sows (26), the Member States are making progress towards full compliance. It is difficult for the Commission to give an exact date for when this will have been achieved across the EU as this will depend on the legislative procedures in each of the Member States and how they handle situations that ensue.

Due to the administrative procedures for infringements any further steps will at the earliest occur in November 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010594/13

to the Commission

Julie Girling (ECR)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Eggs and the Ukraine — follow-up to Written Question E-004548/2013

In its answer to Written Question E-004548/2013, the Commission does not specify the time frame for an ‘interim period’. Could the Commission indicate what it considers an ‘interim period’ of time to be?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The draft Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with Ukraine does not indicate the length of the interim period during which the Ukrainian authorities have to approximate the EU legislation on animal welfare. The length of the interim period has not been fixed. Until the process of approximation of animal welfare legislation has been completed the EU will import products of animal origin, including eggs for the processing industry, from Ukraine under the same conditions as for other third countries.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010595/13

aan de Commissie

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(17 september 2013)

Betreft: Ontwikkelingshulp vanuit EU begroting aan boevennest Somalie

Vandaag werd bekend (27) dat de Commissie voornemens is vanuit de EU-begroting de komende drie jaar 650 miljoen euro aan ontwikkelingshulp richting Somalië te sturen. Al tijdens de aankondiging hiervan waren ernstige waarschuwingen aan het adres van de EU te horen: „Terrorist attacks continue to be a stability threat, and human rights, in particular women's rights, remain at risk”. Verder stelde Amnesty International: „Large scale human rights abuses are occurring as people are being forcibly evicted from camps. Sexual violence is widespread and the inability and unwillingness of the Somali authorities to investigate and bring the attackers to justice contributes to a climate of impunity”. Transparency International (28) plaatst het land Somalië qua corruptie en onbetrouwbaar openbaar bestuur op plaats 174. Lager kan niet, want er zijn maar 174 geïndexeerde landen. In dat kader de volgende vraag:

Hoe is het mogelijk dat de Commissie, kennelijk zonder ook maar een greintje verstand, vanuit de EU-begroting zo veel geld van hardwerkende belastingbetalende Nederlanders in dit bestuurlijk totaal onbetrouwbare en corrupte boevennest Somalië stort? Heeft de Commissie volledig haar verstand verloren? Graag een uitgebreide toelichting.

Antwoord van de heer Piebalgs namens de Commissie

(6 november 2013)

De steun van de EU heeft een aanzienlijk verschil in Somalië teweeggebracht, waar wij sinds 2012 voor het eerst getuige waren van een verkozen regering, van een sterk verminderde invloed van Al-Shabaab en van succesvolle aanvallen door piraten die tot een verwaarloosbaar niveau werden  teruggebracht. Er zijn duidelijk nog veel uitdagingen en de aanslagen van de afgelopen maanden in Mogadishu en onlangs in Nairobi door Al-Shabaab moeten aantonen hoe belangrijk het is voor de EU om de veiligheidssector te ondersteunen in het kader van het uitgebreide mandaat voor de EU-opleidingsmissie, van de aanzienlijke financiële middelen  ter ondersteuning van de krachten van de missie van de Afrikaanse-Unie-in-Somalië (AMISOM-krachten) en de talrijke andere programma’s van de Commissie. Veiligheid en ontwikkeling gaan hand in hand en de EU volgt een alomvattende aanpak van Somalië, waarbij zij naast al haar capaciteiten, ook politieke ontwikkelingsmissies en missies ten behoeve van haar gemeenschappelijk veiligheids‐ en defensiebeleid (GVDB) inzet. De EU zal blijven werken om ervoor te zorgen dat deze steun volledig coherent is met andere internationale donoren en overeenkomstig de Somalische behoeften. In dit verband betekende de conferentie in Brussel over een „New Deal” voor Somalië op 16 september 2013 een belangrijke mijlpaal voor het aanpakken van de meest kritieke politieke, veiligheids‐ en sociaaleconomische prioriteiten in Somalië. De EU-steun wordt niet rechtstreeks gericht aan de centrale en lokale overheden, maar de activiteiten worden uitgevoerd door organisaties uit het Europees maatschappelijk middenveld, internationale organisaties of uit agentschappen van de lidstaten op basis van duidelijke en transparante procedures en systemen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010595/13

to the Commission

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Development aid from the EU budget to the den of thieves that is Somalia

Today it was announced (29) that in the next three years the Commission intends to give EUR 650 m in development aid to Somalia. Even at the time of the announcement, the EU was receiving serious warnings: ‘Terrorist attacks continue to be a stability threat, and human rights, in particular women's rights, remain at risk’. Amnesty International has also stated: ‘Large-scale human rights abuses are occurring as people are being forcibly evicted from camps. Sexual violence is widespread and the inability and unwillingness of the Somali authorities to investigate and bring the attackers to justice contributes to a climate of impunity’. Transparency International (30) ranks Somalia in 174th place on the index of corruption and unreliable governance. A lower ranking would not be possible, as only 174 countries are listed.

How is it possible that the Commission, plainly failing to display an ounce of common sense, can transfer so much money from hardworking Dutch taxpayers to the den of thieves that is Somalia, which is administered in a totally unreliable manner and is extremely corrupt? Has the Commission completely taken leave of its senses? Please account for this in detail.

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

EU support has made a substantial difference in Somalia, where since 2012 we have seen a government elected for the first time, Al-Shabaab influence seriously diminished and successful piracy attacks brought back down to negligible levels. There are clearly many challenges remaining, and the attacks in recent months in Mogadishu and recently in Nairobi by Al-Shabaab serve to demonstrate the importance that the EU is placing on supporting the security sector, through the enhanced mandate for the EU Training Mission, the substantial funding in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) forces and the many other Commission programmes. Security and development go hand in hand and the EU takes a Comprehensive Approach to Somalia using all its capabilities, political, developmental and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions. The EU will continue to ensure that this support is fully coherent with other international donors and in line with Somali needs. In this regard the Brussels Conference on a New Deal for Somalia on 16 September 2013 was a major milestone for addressing the most critical political, security, and socioeconomic priorities in Somalia. EU support is not provided directly to the Central and Local authorities but the activities are implemented by European Civil Society Organisations, International Organisations or Member States agencies on the basis of clear and transparent procedures and systems.

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor E-010597/13

upućeno Komisiji (potpredsjednici/Visokoj predstavnici)

Ruža Tomašić (ECR)

(17. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: VP/HR — Sankcije koje je Komisija pokrenula protiv Republike Hrvatske zbog kršenja europskog uhidbenog naloga u slučaju „Lex Perković”

Poštovana gospođo potpredsjednice,

budući da su hrvatski mediji u ponedjeljak, 16. rujna objavili da je Komisija pokrenula sankcije protiv Republike Hrvatske zbog kršenja europskog uhidbenog naloga u slučaju Perković, željela bih znati točan sadržaj i opseg razmatranih sankcija. Nadam se nedvosmislenom i krajnje konkretnom odgovoru kako bi se izbjegle potencijalne manipulacije ovim pitanjem u domaćoj javnosti.

Dopustite mi da istaknem kako se u vrijeme gospodarske krize, s kojom se slabije razvijene zemlje poput Hrvatske posebno teško nose, financijske restrikcije mogu drastično odraziti na daljnji napredak zemlje članice. Čak i ako razmatrane sankcije obuhvaćaju isključivo sredstva za pripremu na zonu Schengena, Hrvatsku se takvim potezom može dugoročno osuditi na ostanak izvan te zone, čime će biti nanesena velika šteta, ne samo našoj zemlji, već i Europskoj uniji.

Ovim Vas putem pozivam da uzmete u obzir i rastući trend euroskepticizma i nepovjerenja prema europskim institucijama kod građana Unije, u čemu Hrvatska ne predstavlja iznimku. Iznimno mala izlaznost građana Republike Hrvatske na izvanredne izbore za Europski parlament, održane u svibnju ove godine, jasan je pokazatelj nepovjerenja Hrvata prema Europskoj uniji. Imajte na umu da će nerazumne odluke ove vlade na svojoj koži najviše osjetiti hrvatski građani koji kaznu ničim nisu zaslužili, čime će se to nepovjerenje dodatno produbiti.

Dopustite građanima Republike Hrvatske da neodgovornost ove vlade kazne na jedini primjeren način — na demokratskim izborima. Dotad Vas pozivam da zajedno s nama zastupnicima u Europskom parlamentu radite na izgradnji povjerenja građana Republike Hrvatske prema europskim institucijama, što je posebno značajno u ovoj izbornoj godini.

Odgovor gđe Reding u ime Komisije

(11. studenog 2013.)

Nakon sastanka održanog 25. rujna 2013. između potpredsjednice Reding i hrvatskog ministra pravosuđa Miljenića (31), Hrvatski sabor donio je 4. listopada 2013. izmjenu Zakona o pravosudnoj suradnji u kaznenim stvarima. Tom izmjenom Zakon se ponovno usklađuje s Okvirnom odlukom o europskom uhidbenom nalogu u pogledu primjene europskog uhidbenog naloga na sva kaznena djela, bez obzira na datum njihova počinjenja, uklanjajući ograničenje kojim se sprječava njegova primjena na kaznena djela počinjena prije 7. kolovoza 2002. Izmjena stupa na snagu do 1. siječnja 2014. i bit će objavljena u Službenom listu Republike Hrvatske, čime svi postupci usmjereni ka sankcijama postaju nepotrebni.

Potpredsjednica Reding pozdravlja korake koje je Republika Hrvatska poduzela kako bi osigurala da počinitelji budu privedeni pravdi te napominje kako će se brzim, učinkovitim i bezuvjetnim usklađivanjem zakona o provedbi europskog uhidbenog naloga s pravnom stečevinom Europske unije omogućiti da svi zahtjevi za predaju osumnjičenih ili osuđenih počinitelja budu obrađeni u okviru sustava europskog uhidbenog naloga bez obzira na datum počinjenja kaznenog djela.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010597/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Ruža Tomašić (ECR)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Sanctions imposed on Croatia by the Commission for violating the European Arrest Warrant in the ‘Lex Perković’ case

Following reports published in the Croatian media on 16 September 2013 which revealed that the Commission had initiated a procedure to sanction Croatia for violating the European Arrest Warrant in the ‘Lex Perković’ case, I would like to know what the precise details and scope of the sanctions under consideration are. I hope to receive an unambiguous and detailed response that will ensure that this issue cannot be distorted in Croatian public discourse.

During an economic crisis that has hit less‐developed countries such as Croatia particularly hard, financial restrictions could have a drastic impact on Croatia's continued progress. Even if the sanctions being considered only affect funds for preparations to join the Schengen zone, imposing such sanctions could condemn Croatia to remain outside the zone for the foreseeable future. This would do a great deal of damage not only to our country, but also to the EU.

I therefore urge you to take the growing euroscepticism and mistrust towards the European institutions felt by EU citizens, including Croatians, into account. The exceptionally low voter turnout for Croatia's special European Parliament elections, which were held in May 2013, is a clear indicator of Croatians' mistrust of the EU. Bear in mind that it is the people of Croatia who will suffer most as a result of the irrational decisions taken by their government. They are entirely innocent, yet it is they who will be punished, and this will only serve to deepen mistrust of the EU.

The Croatian people must be allowed to punish their government's irresponsibility in the only appropriate way — in democratic elections. I urge you to work alongside us, the Members of the European Parliament, to build trust in European institutions among Croatians. This is of particular importance in this election year.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

Subsequent to a meeting on 25 September 2013 between Vice-President Reding and Croatian Minister of Justice Miljenić (32), the Croatian parliament adopted on 4 October 2013 an amendment to the Act on judicial cooperation in criminal matters. This amendment has the effect of returning the Act to compliance with the framework Decision on the European arrest warrant in respect of the application of the European arrest warrant to all offences, irrespective of the date of commission by removing the time limitation preventing its application to crimes committed before 7 August 2002. The amendment will enter into force by 1 January 2014 and will be published in the Official Journal of Croatia, thereby making any procedures leading to sanctions unnecessary.

Vice-President Reding has welcomed the steps taken by the Republic of Croatia to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and has noted that the swift, effective and unconditional alignment of the law implementing the European arrest warrant in line with the acquis communautaire will allow for all requests for the surrender of suspected and convicted criminals to be dealt within the European arrest warrant system irrespective of the date of commission of the crime.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010598/13

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(17 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Sottrazione internazionale di minori — Applicazione della normativa europea ed internazionale in Slovacchia

L'Ufficio del Mediatore del Parlamento europeo per i casi di sottrazione internazionale di minori riceve sempre più spesso richieste da parte di genitori, appartenenti a diverse nazionalità, relative a casi di sottrazione o trattenimento di minori in Slovacchia.

I genitori non slovacchi lamentano numerose difficoltà nell'ottenere, da parte delle autorità slovacche competenti, la corretta applicazione del regolamento (CE) n. 2201/2003 — Brussels II ed il trascorrere di tempi lunghissimi per il riconoscimento e l'esecuzione in Slovacchia di sentenze giudiziarie di altri Stati membri relative a minori di coppie bi-nazionali.

Spesso l'esecuzione in Slovacchia delle sentenze giudiziarie che prevedono il rimpatrio di minori in altri Stati membri, incontrano difficoltà di ordine pratico, che di fatto ne impediscono l'esecuzione rendendo così vano l'intero procedimento espletato ai sensi del regolamento (CE) n. 2201/2003 — Brussels II.

Allo stesso modo alcuni genitori lamentano la non corretta applicazione da parte delle autorità slovacche competenti della convenzione dell'Aia del 25 ottobre 1980 sugli aspetti civili della sottrazione internazionale dei minori, specificatamente in relazione alla richiesta di condizioni «speciali» non previste dalla convenzione stessa per ordinare il rimpatrio del minore nella sua residenza abituale in un altro Stato membro.

Può la Commissione precisare quanto segue:

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(5 novembre 2013)

I casi di sottrazione transfrontaliera di minori da parte di uno dei genitori all'interno dell'Unione europea sono disciplinati dal regolamento (CE) n. 2201/2003 (il regolamento «Bruxelles II bis»), che integra la convenzione dell'Aia del 1980 sugli aspetti civili della sottrazione internazionale dei minori. Il regolamento prevede un procedimento rapido e uniforme grazie al quale il genitore leso nei suoi diritti può ottenere il rientro di un minore che è stato trasferito o trattenuto illecitamente. Per quanto riguarda l'esecuzione, il regolamento permette che le decisioni emanate in uno Stato membro siano eseguite in un altro, in linea con le norme e le procedure nazionali.

La Commissione controlla in vari modi l'applicazione del regolamento da parte degli Stati membri. Al fine di esaminare attentamente le denunce presentate dai cittadini, la Commissione si è informata direttamente presso le autorità slovacche in merito all'applicazione del regolamento in casi specifici. Inoltre, la Commissione collabora con le autorità centrali slovacche designate a norma del regolamento ai fini della sua applicazione e discute il corretto funzionamento dello strumento nel quadro della rete giudiziaria europea in materia civile e commerciale. In caso di violazione del diritto dell'UE, la Commissione farà ricorso alle procedure disponibili a norma del trattato.

La Commissione ha inoltre avviato una revisione del regolamento e adotterà una relazione sul modo in cui è stato applicato in pratica.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010598/13

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International child abduction — application of EU and international law in Slovakia

The European Parliament Mediator for International Parental Child Abductions is increasingly receiving requests from parents, of various nationalities, relating to cases of child abduction or detention in Slovakia.

Non-Slovak parents complain that they have great difficulty getting the competent Slovak authorities to properly implement Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 — Brussels II and that it takes a very long time to have judgments from other Member States, concerning children of binational couples, recognised and enforced in Slovakia.

The enforcement in Slovakia of judgments ordering the return of children to other Member States often runs into practical difficulties, actually hindering enforcement, thus making the whole procedure followed pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 — Brussels II a waste of time.

Likewise, some parents complain that the competent Slovak authorities do not properly implement the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the civil aspects of international child abduction, specifically with regard to the need for ‘special’ conditions not provided for by the convention to order the return of the child to their habitual residence in another Member State.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

Cases of intra-EU cross-border parental child abduction are covered by Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 (the Brussels IIa regulation), which supplements the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The regulation provides for an expeditious uniform procedure whereby the left-behind parent can obtain the return of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained. As regards enforcement, it renders judgments issued in one Member State capable of execution in another, in line with national rules and procedures.

The Commission monitors Member States’ implementation of the regulation in various ways. In order to carefully assess citizens’ complaints the Commission has enquired directly with the Slovak authorities on the application of the regulation in specific cases. Additionally, the Commission works together with the Slovak central authorities designated under the regulation to assist in its application and discusses proper operation of the instrument within the framework of European Judicial Network in Civil and Commercial Matters. Where EC law is breached, the Commission will make use of the procedures available under the Treaty.

Furthermore, the Commission has launched a review of the regulation and will adopt a report on how it has been applied in practice.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010599/13

alla Commissione

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(17 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Richiesta di misure di sostegno nei confronti di 1.400 lavoratori dell'azienda Ilva, «Gruppo Riva», che rischiano di essere licenziati

L'azienda Ilva «Gruppo Riva» è leader nel settore siderurgico; l'attività produttiva del gruppo è principalmente concentrata in acciaio e derivati. Nel 2011 è il primo nel settore in Italia, quarto in Europa e ventitreesimo nel mondo.

Il gruppo Riva, all'indomani del sequestro di beni mobili e immobili e di conti correnti per 916 milioni di euro eseguito dalla Guardia di finanza nell'ambito dell'inchiesta della Procura di Taranto per disastro ambientale, ha deciso di ricorrere alla chiusura immediata di sette stabilimenti e di due società di servizi e trasporti, con la messa in libertà di circa 1.400 addetti. Gli stabilimenti interessati sono quelli di Verona, Caronno Pertusella (Varese), Lesegno (Cuneo), Malegno, Sellero e Cerveno in provincia di Brescia, Annone Brianza (Lecco) e le società sono Riva Energia e Muzzana Trasporti.

Con la sentenza del gip di Taranto vengono sottratti a Riva Acciaio i cespiti aziendali, tra cui gli stabilimenti produttivi, e vengono sequestrati i saldi attivi di conto corrente attuando di conseguenza il blocco delle attività bancarie e impedendo il normale ciclo dei pagamenti aziendali. Questo provvedimento farà perdere il lavoro a millequattrocento operai delle acciaierie.

Può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(6 novembre 2013)

Secondo quanto riportato nel sito web «OpenCoesione» (33)il Gruppo Riva non ha ricevuto alcun finanziamento, erogato attraverso i fondi strutturali europei in Italia.

La Commissione non è in grado di esprimere una valutazione in merito ai fatti riferiti dall'onorevole parlamentare o di stabilire se un'azienda privata abbia ottemperato alle disposizioni nazionali di recepimento delle direttive dell'UE. Spetta alle autorità nazionali competenti, fra cui i tribunali, garantire l'applicazione corretta ed efficace, da parte del datore di lavoro interessato, della normativa nazionale di recepimento delle direttive dell'UE, tenendo conto delle circostanze specifiche di ciascun caso.

Il FSE mira a migliorare le possibilità di occupazione, a promuovere l'istruzione e l'apprendimento permanente nonché ad elaborare politiche di inclusione attiva a norma dell'articolo 162 del trattato. Di per sé il Fondo non fornisce sostegno di emergenza ai lavoratori, quali gli addetti del Gruppo Riva. Questi ultimi possono tuttavia beneficiare delle attività cofinanziate dal FSE e, se sono soddisfatte le condizioni necessarie, dal Fondo europeo di adeguamento alla globalizzazione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010599/13

to the Commission

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Request for measures to support 1 400 workers facing dismissal at Gruppo Riva's Ilva firm

Gruppo Riva’s Ilva firm is a leader in the steel industry, with the group concentrating its production on steel and steel derivatives. In 2011, it was the leading steel company in Italy, the fourth largest in Europe and the twenty-third largest in the world.

The day after Italy’s finance police seized tangible and intangible assets and bank accounts amounting to EUR 916 million as part of the investigation conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Taranto into environmental disaster, Gruppo Riva decided to close with immediate effect 7 plants and 2 services and transport companies, with the dismissal of around 1 400 workers. The plants affected are those in Verona, Caronno Pertusella (Varese), Lesegno (Cuneo), Malegno, Sellero and Cerveno in the province of Brescia, Annone Brianza (Lecco), and the companies are Riva Energia and Muzzana Trasporti.

The ruling of Taranto’s investigating magistrate has deprived Riva Acciaio of its company assets, including its production plants, and seized its bank account balances, consequently blocking banking activities and preventing the normal cycle of company payments. This measure will cost 1 400 steelworkers their jobs.

— Is the Commission aware of direct or indirect EU funding which has been granted to this multinational?

— With regard to the right to information enjoyed by workers in businesses with more than 50 employees, what action does it intend to take to prevent employees of such businesses suddenly finding themselves unemployed, without being given any notice?

— Does it envisage introducing an emergency fund to support workers such as those employed by Gruppo Riva during the next programming period and ESF review?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

According to the ‘Open Cohesion’ website (34), Gruppo Riva has not received any funding from the European structural funds in Italy.

The Commission is not in a position to assess the facts referred to by the Honourable Member or state whether a private company has complied with national provisions implementing EU directives. It is for the competent national authorities, including the courts, to ensure that the national legislation transposing EU Directives is correctly and effectively applied by the employer concerned, having regard to the specific circumstances of the case.

The aim of the ESF is to improve employment opportunities, promote education and life-long learning, and develop active inclusion policies in accordance with Article 162 of the Treaty. As such, it does not provide emergency support to workers such as those employed by Gruppo Riva. However, the workers concerned may benefit from the activities co-financed by the ESF and, if the necessary conditions are met, from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010600/13

aan de Commissie

Ivo Belet (PPE)

(17 september 2013)

Betreft: Gemeenschappelijke aanpak drugshandel

In haar antwoord op vraag E-008717/2013 merkt de Commissie op dat het Nederlandse gedoogbeleid ten aanzien van coffeeshops verband houdt met het beginsel van opportuniteit van vervolging, dat buiten het toepassingsgebied van het kaderbesluit valt.

Overweegt de EC het beginsel van opportuniteit van vervolging van verkoop van drugs mee te nemen in de toekomstige discussies over de prioriteiten van de EU‐drugsstrategie?

Of meent de EC dat dit element geen deel uitmaakt van een coherent Europees drugsbeleid?

Meent de EC dat de verhuizing van Nederlandse coffeeshops vanuit het centrum van Maastricht naar de grens met België in overeenstemming is met het verminderen van de grensoverschrijdende handel en van het faciliteren van activiteiten die dit op het oog hebben (zoals opgenomen in de prioriteiten in de aanbeveling van de Raad over de EU-drugsstrategie 2013-2020)?

Antwoord van mevrouw Reding namens de Commissie

(7 november 2013)

De drugsstrategie van de EU (2013-2020) (35), die in december 2012 door de Raad Justitie en Binnenlandse Zaken is goedgekeurd, omvat het overkoepelend beleidskader en de prioriteiten voor het drugsbeleid van de EU.

In overeenstemming met het algemene kader van de drugsstrategie van de EU maken de lidstaten op nationaal niveau de keuzes die het best bij hun sociale, economische en culturele context passen. De lidstaten mogen dus zelf beslissen hoe zij omgaan met de zogenaamde coffeeshops.

De drugsstrategie van de EU schrijft echter voor dat de lidstaten en de Europese instellingen samenwerken om synergie, communicatie en een doeltreffende uitwisseling van informatie over ontwikkelingen in het drugsbeleid te verzekeren, in overeenstemming met het beginsel van „loyale samenwerking”.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010600/13

to the Commission

Ivo Belet (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Common approach to tackling drugs trafficking

In its response to Question E-008717/2013, the Commission notes that the Netherlands’ policy of tolerance towards coffee shops relates to the principle of discretionary proceedings, which is outside the scope of application of the framework Decision.

Is the Commission considering including the principle of discretionary proceedings in relation to the sale of drugs in future discussions about the EU Drugs Strategy’s priorities?

Or does the Commission believe that this aspect is not part of a coherent European drugs policy?

Does the Commission believe that relocating coffee shops from the centre of Maastricht to close to the Belgian border is consistent with reducing cross-border trafficking and facilitating activities targeting this (as specified in the priorities featuring in the Council’s recommendation on the EU Drugs Strategy 2013-2020)?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The EU Drugs Strategy (2013-2020) (36), which was adopted by the Justice and Home Affairs Council in December 2012, provides the overarching political framework and sets the main priorities for EU drugs policy.

In line with the general framework provided by the EU Drugs Strategy, Member States make, at national level, the choices that suit best their social, economic and cultural context. It is, therefore, within Member States’ discretion to decide on their approach as regards the so-called coffee shops.

However, the EU Drugs Strategy requires the Member States and the EU institutions to cooperate to ensure synergies, communication and an effective exchange of information regarding developments in drugs policy, in line with the principle of ‘sincere cooperation’.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-010601/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Inseguridad jurídica para los investigadores catalanes

Un investigador del Institut Català de Recerca de l'Aigua (ICRA (37)), con sede en Cataluña, solicitó en 2011, para el proyecto de cooperación Greentech, 140 000 euros en la convocatoria europea (7FP) ERA-NET New Indigo-DST (Programa Nacional de Internacionalización de la I+D, modalidad de Proyectos de Investigación Multilaterales) junto con otros participantes: Ciemat PSA (España); Universidad de Amberes (Bélgica); Universidad de Jadavpur (India); TERI (India). Tan solo nueve de las veintiuna propuestas presentadas fueron admitidas en la convocatoria. Al ICRA, coordinador del proyecto, le fueron finalmente concedidos 35 000 euros. El código del proyecto es PRI-Pimnin-2011-1460.

La fecha de inicio del proyecto era el 1 de junio de 2012. El 14 de junio de 2012 el Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad español publicó una resolución provisional positiva de aprobación del proyecto.

El 3 de julio de 2013 el referido investigador catalán recibió un email del Vicedirector Adjunto de Proyectos Internacionales del citado Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad comunicándole que el informe del Ministerio de Hacienda español no respaldaba la participación de organismos de investigación catalanes en el proyecto de referencia. La razón aducida es que el territorio de Cataluña no está cumpliendo con las expectativas de déficit económico fijadas por el Ministerio español en 2012.

Esto constituye una grave e inaceptable discriminación de las autoridades españolas contra los investigadores y organismos de investigación de Cataluña en el marco del programa de la Unión Europea ERA-NET (FP7), en el que las autoridades nacionales y regionales identifican programas de investigación que desean coordinar o iniciar mutuamente.

¿Conoce la Comisión estos hechos?

¿No cree la Comisión que esta actitud del gobierno español atenta contra la seguridad jurídica de los ciudadanos catalanes?

¿No cree la Comisión que esta actitud del gobierno español afecta a la competitividad de los investigadores catalanes?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(15 de noviembre de 2013)

La cuestión planteada se refiere a la negativa por parte del Ministerio de Economía español de financiar la participación de un investigador catalán en un proyecto de colaboración, Greentech, presentado en el marco de la convocatoria lanzada por el programa New Indigo Partnership.

A este respecto, la Comisión observa que el programa New Indigo Partnership tiene por objetivo el apoyo a los proyectos de investigación multilateral y de creación de redes desarrollados entre Europa y la India. En particular, las convocatorias llevadas a cabo dentro del apartado Indigo-DST cubren la colaboración con el Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología de la India.

Conviene subrayar que New Indigo Partnership recibe ayuda del 7° PM ERA-NET solo para los costes relacionados con la coordinación de las acciones que se estén realizando, mientras que las convocatorias que New Indigo decide a su vez poner en marcha están financiadas exclusivamente por las organizaciones nacionales de los países participantes, de acuerdo con sus propias normas.

En este contexto, la Comisión no está en posición de interferir en las normas de subvencionabilidad y financiación establecidas a escala nacional o regional.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010601/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Legal insecurity for Catalan researchers

In 2011 a researcher at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) (38), which is located in Catalonia, applied for EUR 140 000 in funding for a collaborative project, Greentech, under the European FP7 call ERA‐NET NEW INDIGO-DST (national research and development internationalisation programme, multilateral research projects option) along with other participants, namely: CIEMAT PSA (Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research — Almería Solar Platform) (Spain); the University of Antwerp (Belgium); Jadavpur University (India); and TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute, India). Only nine of the 21 proposals submitted in this call were granted. The ICRA, which was the coordinator of the project, was granted EUR 35 000. The project code is PRI-PIMNIN-2011-1460.

The start date for the project was 1 June 2012. On 14 June 2012, the Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness published a positive provisional resolution giving the go‐ahead for the project.

On 3 July 2013, however, the Catalan researcher in question received an email from the Deputy Assistant Director‐General of International Projects at the Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness stating that the Spanish Ministry of Finance did not support the participation of Catalan research institutions in the abovementioned project, on the grounds that Catalonia had not met the ministry’s economic deficit expectations in 2012.

This constitutes serious and unacceptable discrimination by the Spanish ministries against researchers and research institutions in Catalonia in the context of a European Union ERA‐NET scheme (FP7), under which national and regional authorities identify research programmes they wish to coordinate or open up to others.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

Does it not think that the attitude of the Spanish Government is undermining the legal security of Catalan citizens?

Does it not think that the attitude of the Spanish Government is affecting the competitiveness of Catalan researchers?

Answer given by Ms Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

The issue concerns the refuse by the Spanish Ministry for Economy to fund the participation of a Catalan researcher to a collaborative project, Greentech, submitted to a call launched by the NewINDIGO Partnership Programme.

In this regard, the Commission observes that the New INDIGO Partnership Programmeis established to support Indian-European multilateral research and networking projects. In particular, the calls launched under the INDIGO-DST heading, involve collaboration with the Indian Department for Science and Technology.

It should be underlined that New INDIGOPartnership receives support under the FP7 ERA-NET scheme only to cover costs related to the coordination of the actions being carried out, whereas the calls that New INDIGO decides in turn to launch are exclusively funded by national organisations in participating countries, according to their own rules.

In this context, the Commission is not in a position to interfere with eligibility and funding rules established at national or regional level.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010602/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: La exención del IVA en la protección de la infancia y la juventud (III)

Con referencia a la pregunta E-005758/2013, de 28 de junio de 2013, sobre la exención del IVA a los comedores escolares, el Sr. Semeta contestó en nombre de la Comisión: «La Comisión ya ha preguntado a las autoridades españolas sobre este asunto. Cuando reciba una respuesta, la Comisión la analizará y decidirá el curso que dará a dicho asunto».

Ya han empezado las clases del nuevo curso escolar 2013‐2014. ¿Ha tenido la Comisión respuesta de las autoridades españolas? En caso afirmativo, ¿está satisfecha la Comisión con esta respuesta?

Respuesta del Sr. Šemeta en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de octubre de 2013)

La Comisión recibió la respuesta de las autoridades españolas el 23 de septiembre de 2013 y actualmente la está estudiando.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010602/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: VAT exemptions for the protection of children and young people (III)

With reference to Question E-005758/2013 of 28 June 2013, regarding a VAT exemption for school canteens, Mr Šemeta replied on behalf of the Commission: ‘The Commission has already questioned the Spanish authorities about this issue. Once a response is received, it will be analysed, and the Commission will decide on the way forward regarding this matter’.

Classes in the new academic year, 2013‐2014, have now begun. Has the Commission received a response from the Spanish authorities? If so, is the Commission satisfied with this response?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

On 23 September 2013, the Commission has received the reply from the Spanish authorities which it is presently examining.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010604/13

an die Kommission

Birgit Collin-Langen (PPE)

(17. September 2013)

Betrifft: Nachteile für europäische Unternehmen durch deutsches Glücksspielrecht

Freies Unternehmertum ist eines der Kernelemente der EU. Es wird durch die unternehmerische Freiheit (Artikel 16 der Grundrechtecharta), das Eigentumsrecht (Artikel 17 der Grundrechtecharta) und die Freiheit des Binnenmarktes, insbesondere die Dienstleistungs‐ und Niederlassungsfreiheit (Artikel 49, 56 AEUV), begründet. Auch der Gleichbehandlungsgrundsatz (Artikel 20 der Grundrechtecharta) ist wesentlich für das Unternehmertum in der EU.

Der neue deutsche Glücksspielstaatsvertrag widerspricht diesen Grundprinzipien: Private Spielhallen und staatliche Spielbanken werden dort unterschiedlich behandelt. Dies zwingt mehr als die Hälfte der privat geführten Spielhallen zur Geschäftsaufgabe und verletzt somit ihr Eigentumsrecht und ihre unternehmerische Freiheit. Der Glücksspielstaatsvertrag erschwert es auch europäischen Spielhallenbetreibern, sich in Deutschland niederzulassen; dies stellt eine ernsthafte Beschränkung der Unternehmerfreiheit und der Dienstleistungs‐ und Niederlassungsfreiheit dar.

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(13. November 2013)

Der geänderte Staatsvertrag zum Glückspielwesen in Deutschland trat im Juli 2012 in Kraft. Die neuen Bestimmungen werden von den deutschen Behörden derzeit umgesetzt. Um die Einhaltung des EU-Rechts zu gewährleisten, verfolgt die Kommission diesen Umsetzungsprozess im Austausch mit den deutschen Behörden auch in Bezug auf die Regulierung der herkömmlichen Spielkasinos und Spielhallen. Diese Dienstleistungen sind allerdings nur teilweise im Staatsvertrag und mehrheitlich im Länderrecht geregelt, das sich teilweise ebenfalls im Änderungsverfahren befindet. Die Kommission wird dafür sorgen, dass auch diese Gesetze im Einklang mit den EU-Vorschriften stehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010604/13

to the Commission

Birgit Collin-Langen (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Disadvantages for European undertakings as a result of German gambling law

Free enterprise is one of the core elements of the EU. It is based on the freedom to conduct a business (Article 16 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights), the right to property (Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights) and the freedom of the internal market, in particular the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services (Articles 49 and 56 TFEU). The principle of equality (Article 20 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights) is also essential for enterprise within the EU.

The new German State Treaty on Gambling contradicts these fundamental principles: private and state-owned casinos are treated differently there. This forces more than half of the privately run casinos out of business, and thus violates their right to property and freedom to conduct a business. The State Treaty on Gambling also makes it more difficult for European casino operators to establish themselves in Germany, which constitutes a serious restriction of the right to conduct a business, the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

The revised German State Treaty on Gambling entered into force in July 2012 and the German authorities are currently implementing the new provisions. The Commission follows closely the implementation process, in a dialogue with the German authorities, in order to ensure compliance with EU rules. This includes regulation of land-based casinos and gambling halls. However, these services are only partly regulated in the State Treaty and mainly in specific legislation at federal and regional level; partly also under review. The Commission will equally ensure that these laws comply with EU rules.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010606/13

an die Kommission

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL) und Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(17. September 2013)

Betrifft: Personaleinsparungen im öffentlichen Dienst Griechenlands als Konsequenz der europäischen Sparpolitik

In den letzten Monaten häuften sich die Beschwerden griechischer Staatsbürger in Deutschland anlässlich des Vorgehens beim griechischen Generalkonsulat in Düsseldorf. Die Beantragung eines Reisepasses dauert derzeit mindestens drei Monate, die Beantragung anderer Unterlagen wie Geburtsurkunden oder Heiratsurkunden mehrere Monate. Die Mitarbeiter des Generalkonsulats sind telefonisch derzeit überhaupt nicht mehr erreichbar. Diese Verzögerungen beeinträchtigen das Alltagsleben der griechischen Migranten in erheblichem Maße.

Mehrere Gespräche mit Vertretern des griechischen Konsulats führten nicht zu Verbesserungen. Die Angestellten führten an, dass sie aufgrund der Sparmaßnahmen der griechischen Regierung kaum in der Lage sind, die aufkommenden Aufgaben zu bewältigen. Es handelt sich hierbei um reale Folgen aus der Troika-Politik.

Antwort von Herrn Rehn im Namen der Kommission

(26. November 2013)

Die im Rahmen des zweiten Anpassungsprogramms durchgeführte Reform der griechischen öffentlichen Verwaltung zielt auf die Schaffung einer modernen und transparenten öffentlichen Verwaltung ab, die den Bedürfnissen der griechischen Bürger und Unternehmen effizient und wirksam gerecht wird. Vor der Krise war der öffentliche Sektor in Griechenland äußerst ineffizient, belastete die öffentlichen Finanzen und die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und erbrachte keine angemessenen Dienstleistungen. Diese Situation war eindeutig nicht tragbar und erforderte ehrgeizige Reformanstrengungen.

Eine beträchtliche Verschlankung der öffentlichen Verwaltung war zwar unvermeidlich, da das Land sich seinen überdimensionierten öffentlichen Sektor nicht leisten konnte, doch möchte die Kommission hervorheben, dass die Reformbemühungen ehrgeiziger sind und sehr viel mehr umfassen als lediglich einen Personalabbau. Im Rahmen des Programms werden Maßnahmen ergriffen, um den öffentlichen Sektor und dessen Verfahren zu modernisieren, den Verwaltungsaufwand zu verringern und die Qualität der Dienstleistungen zu steigern.

Besonderes Augenmerk wird darauf gelegt, dass geeignete Beamte eingestellt werden, ihre Leistung ordnungsgemäß bewertet wird und sie dort eingesetzt werden, wo man sie wirklich benötigt, damit die Qualität der Dienstleistungen für die griechischen Bürger nicht nur aufrechterhalten, sondern auch verbessert wird.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010606/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL) και Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Μειώσεις προσωπικού στον δημόσιο τομέα της Ελλάδας ως συνέπεια της ευρωπαϊκής πολιτικής λιτότητας

Κατά τους τελευταίους μήνες πολλαπλασιάσθηκαν οι καταγγελίες ελλήνων πολιτών στην Γερμανία λόγω των διαδικασιών που εφαρμόζει το ελληνικό γενικό προξενείο στο Ντύσελντορφ. Για τη χορήγηση διαβατηρίου απαιτούνται τουλάχιστον τρεις μήνες, ενώ η χορήγηση άλλων πιστοποιητικών, όπως πιστοποιητικό γέννησης ή γάμου διαρκεί περισσότερους μήνες. Επί του παρόντος δεν είναι δυνατόν να έρθει κανείς σε επαφή τηλεφωνικά με τους εργαζόμενους στο γενικό προξενείο. Οι καθυστερήσεις αυτές επηρεάζουν σε σημαντικό βαθμό την καθημερινή ζωή των ελλήνων μεταναστών.

Πολυάριθμες συζητήσεις με εκπροσώπους του ελληνικού προξενείου δεν οδήγησαν σε βελτίωση της κατάστασης. Οι εργαζόμενοι ισχυρίσθηκαν ότι, λόγω των μέτρων λιτότητας της ελληνικής κυβέρνησης, δεν είναι πλέον σε θέση να ανταποκριθούν στα τρέχοντα καθήκοντά τους. Πρόκειται στο θέμα αυτό για πραγματικές επιπτώσεις από την πολιτική της τρόικα.

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(26 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Στόχος της μεταρρύθμισης της ελληνικής δημόσιας διοίκησης, η οποία εφαρμόζεται στο πλαίσιο του 2ου προγράμματος προσαρμογής είναι ακριβώς να δημιουργήσει μία σύγχρονη και διαφανή δημόσια διοίκηση, που να εξυπηρετεί αποτελεσματικά και αποδοτικά τους Έλληνες πολίτες και τις επιχειρήσεις. Ο ιδιαίτερα αναποτελεσματικός δημόσιος τομέας πριν από την κρίση συνιστούσε βάρος για τα δημόσια οικονομικά της χώρας και την ανταγωνιστικότητα, και δεν μπόρεσε να παράσχει ικανοποιητικές δημόσιες υπηρεσίες. Αυτό συνιστούσε μία σαφώς μη βιώσιμη τάξη πραγμάτων και απαιτούσε φιλόδοξες μεταρρυθμιστικές προσπάθειες.

Ενώ μια σημαντική συρρίκνωση της δημόσιας διοίκησης ήταν αναπόφευκτη, δεδομένου ότι η χώρα δεν μπορούσε να ανθέξει τον υπερτροφικό δημόσιο τομέα, η Επιτροπή θα ήθελε να τονίσει ότι οι μεταρρυθμιστικές προσπάθειες είναι πολύ πιο ολοκληρωμένες και φιλόδοξες από μια απλή μείωση του προσωπικού. Στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος, λαμβάνονται μέτρα για τον εκσυγχρονισμό του δημόσιου τομέα και των διαδικασιών του, τη μείωση του διοικητικού φόρτου και την αναβάθμιση των υπηρεσιών του δημοσίου τομέα.

Ιδιαίτερη προσοχή καταβάλλεται ώστε να εξασφαλιστεί η βελτίωση της ποιότητας των προσλαμβανόμενων δημοσίων υπαλλήλων, η σωστή αξιολόγηση των επιδόσεών τους και η διαθεσιμότητά τους εκεί όπου πραγματικά χρειάζονται, με στόχο όχι μόνο να διατηρηθεί, αλλά να βελτιωθεί η ποιότητα των παρεχόμενων υπηρεσιών στους Έλληνες πολίτες.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010606/13

to the Commission

Jürgen Klute (GUE/NGL) and Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Public service staff reductions by Greece as a consequence of European austerity policy

In recent months, there have been numerous complaints from Greek citizens in Germany in connection with procedures at the Greek Consulate General in Düsseldorf. The process of applying for a passport currently takes at least three months, and requests for other documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, also take several months. It is currently impossible to reach the staff of the Consulate General by telephone. These delays have a considerable detrimental impact on the day-to-day lives of Greek migrants.

Several talks with representatives of the Greek Consulate have failed to result in any improvements. The employees stated that, on account of the austerity measures taken by the Greek Government, they are barely able to cope with the work that comes in. These are the real-life consequences of the Troika policy.

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2013)

The objective of the reform of the Greek public administration which is being implemented in the context of the 2nd adjustment programme is precisely to create a modern and transparent public administration, which serves efficiently and effectively the Greek citizens and businesses. The highly inefficient public sector prior to the crisis was a burden for the country's public finances and competitiveness and failed to provide adequate public services. This was clearly unsustainable and required ambitious reform efforts.

While a significant downsizing of the public administration was unavoidable as the country could not afford its oversized public sector, the Commission would like to highlight that reform efforts are much more comprehensive and ambitious than a simple reduction of staff. In the context of the programme, measures are being taken to modernise the public sector and its procedures, reducing administrative burden and increasing the quality of public sector services.

Close attention is being paid in particular to ensuring that better civil servants are hired, that their performance is properly evaluated, and that they are available where they are really needed, with the aim to not only maintain but actually improve the quality of services to Greek citizens.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010607/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Εγκατάσταση φωτοβολταϊκών συστημάτων και συστημάτων «Net Metering»

Η αξιοποίηση φωτοβολταϊκών συστημάτων για παραγωγή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στην Κύπρο αντιμετωπίζει σημαντικές δυσκολίες για διάφορους, διοικητικούς, αλλά και καθαρά οικονομικούς λόγους. Παρόλο που η υψηλή ηλιοφάνεια της χώρας προσφέρει τις συνθήκες για προώθηση της πράσινης ενέργειας, το σχετικό πρόγραμμα δεν φαίνεται να σημειώνει ικανοποιητική πρόοδο.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Απάντηση του κ. Oettinger εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(8 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010607/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Installation of photovoltaic systems and net metering systems

The use of photovoltaic systems for electricity production in Cyprus has come up against considerable difficulties for various administrative and purely financial reasons. Although the long hours of sunshine in Cyprus provide the conditions needed for promoting green energy, this programme does not appear to be making satisfactory progress.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 2013)

2 and 3. As the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive falls under the responsibility of the Member States, there are no support mechanisms for the deployment of renewable energy technologies like photovoltaic systems or net metering available at the EU level. However, financial support is available through various EU programmes and instruments aimed at assisting Member States in their implementation of the EU renewable energy policy and initiating associated investments. For instance, under the EU Structural Funds Operational Programme for 2007-2013 (titled ‘Sustainable development and Competitiveness’), it was decided to co-finance the installation of photovoltaic systems in public buildings, including the Presidential Palace, school buildings, army camps and Ministries in Cyprus. Furthermore, the ELENA Facility couldbe accessed to provide technical assistance grants (of up to 90% of eligible costs) to local and regional authorities for development and launch of sustainable energy investments over their territories.

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-010608/13

till kommissionen

Amelia Andersdotter (Verts/ALE)

(17 september 2013)

Angående: Förordningen om den digitala inre marknaden: var är konsekvensbedömningen?

Kommissionen lade nyligen fram ett förslag till förordning om åtgärder för att fullborda den europeiska inre marknaden för elektronisk kommunikation och upprätta en uppkopplad kontinent (KOM(2013)0627). Parlamentet har endast fått en sammanfattning av konsekvensbedömningen, inte den fullständiga bedömningen.

Fanns en fullständig konsekvensbedömning någonstans att få den 12 september 2013? Om så var fallet, varför hade den då inte översänts till parlamentet?

Svar från Neelie Kroes på kommissionens vägnar

(31 oktober 2013)

Den 11 september 2013 överlämnades till Europaparlamentet en fullständig konsekvensbedömning i anslutning till förslaget till Europaparlamentets och rådets förordning om åtgärder för att fullborda den europeiska inre marknaden för elektronisk kommunikation och upprätta en uppkopplad kontinent. Den dagen sände Europeiska kommissionens generalsekretariat en skrivelse (referens ”SG-Greffe (2013) D/13984”) till Francesca Ratti, biträdande generalsekreterare för Europaparlamentet, med förslaget (KOM(2013) 627 final – 2013/0309 (COD)) tillsammans med den fullständiga konsekvensbedömningen (SWD(2013) 331 final) och dess sammanfattning (SWD(2013) 332 final) som åtföljer förslaget.

Den fullständiga konsekvensbedömningen är också tillgänglig på EUR-Lex

(http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2013:0331:FIN:EN:PDF), på IPEX, systemet för informationsutbyte mellan parlamenten

(http://www.ipex.eu/IPEXL-WEB/dossier/document/SWD20130331.do), på Europeiska kommissionens webbplats för konsekvensbedömningar

(http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/ia_carried_out/cia_2013_en.htm#cnect) och på webbplatsen för en digital agenda för Europa

(http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/news/impact-assessment-connected-continent).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010608/13

to the Commission

Amelia Andersdotter (Verts/ALE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Digital Single Market Regulation: where is the impact assessment?

The Commission recently proposed a ‘regulation laying down measures concerning the European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a Connected Continent’ (COM(2013)0627). Parliament has only been given an executive summary of the impact assessment, but has not been provided with a full impact assessment.

Was a full impact assessment available anywhere on 12 September 2013? If so, why was it not transmitted to Parliament?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

On 11 September 2013, the full Impact assessment accompanying the Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down measures concerning the European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a Connected Continent was transmitted to the European Parliament. That day, the Secretariat-General of the European Commission sent a letter (reference ‘SG-Greffe(2013) D/13984’) to Ms Francesca Ratti, Deputy Secretary-General of the European Parliament, transmitting the proposal (COM(2013) 627 final — 2013/0309(COD)) together with the full impact assessment accompanying the proposal (SWD(2013) 331 final) and its summary (SWD(2013) 332 final).

The full impact assessment is also available on Eur-Lex (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2013:0331:FIN:EN:PDF), on IPEX, the platform for EU Interparliamentary Exchange (http://www.ipex.eu/IPEXL-WEB/dossier/document/SWD20130331.do), on the impact assessment website of the European Commission

(http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/ia_carried_out/cia_2013_en.htm#cnect) and on the website of the Digital Agenda for Europe (http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/news/impact-assessment-connected-continent).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010609/13

to the Commission

Catherine Stihler (S&D)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Test-Achat Case

Can the Commission provide me with statistics indicating the impact on insurance premiums following the European Court of Justice ruling in the Test-Achat case, as well as details of how the implementation of this ruling has been monitored?

Can the Commission also confirm whether there is evidence of any inadvertent discrimination as a result of the ruling?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

In its ruling in Case C-236/09 (Test-Achats), which was delivered on 1 March 2011, the Court of Justice of the European Union declared Article 5(2) of the directive 2004/113/EC (41) invalid with effect from 21 December 2012. The Court considered that the possibility for Member States to maintain an exemption from the unisex rule laid down in Article 5(1), Article 5(2) without temporal limitation runs counter to achievement of the objective of equal treatment between men and women in relation to the calculation of insurance premiums and benefits, and is therefore incompatible with Articles 21 and 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

In December 2011, the Commission published guidelines on the implications of the Test-Achats ruling for the application of Directive 2004/113/EC in the insurance sector (42).

The Commission will report in 2014 on the implementation of the directive 2004/113/EC. This report will include as one of its integral elements an analysis of the implementation of the Test-Achats ruling in national law and in insurance practice. The Commission is currently gathering the necessary information to monitor the implementation of the ruling by the Member States and is at this stage not aware of any inadvertent discrimination as a result of the ruling.

In addition, the European Insurance and Occupational Pension Authority (EIOPA) has foreseen in its work programme for 2013 to conduct a survey on the national incorporation of the Test Achats ruling. This survey could also include an analysis of the impact of the ruling on market practice by insurers.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-010610/13

do Komisji

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(17 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Niewłaściwe wdrażanie dyrektywy w sprawie nieuczciwych praktyk handlowych

Właściwe i zharmonizowane wdrażanie prawodawstwa UE ma kluczowe znaczenie dla prawidłowego funkcjonowania jednolitego rynku. Szczegółowa ocena wdrażania dyrektywy w sprawie nieuczciwych praktyk handlowych (dyrektywa 2005/29/WE) pokazuje jednak, że transpozycja dyrektywy do prawa krajowego w niektórych dziedzinach jest niewłaściwa.

W marcu 2013 r. Komisja przyjęła pierwsze sprawozdanie na temat stosowania dyrektywy 2005/29/WE, w którym przedstawiono proces wdrażania dyrektywy w optymistycznych barwach. W sprawozdaniu tym nie wskazano poważnych naruszeń prawodawstwa UE, a w szczególności niewłaściwego wdrażania załącznika I pkt 14 dotyczącego systemów promocyjnych typu „piramida” i decyzji kilku państw członkowskich o utrzymaniu krajowych bezpośrednich zakazów i ograniczeń sprzedaży, które nie są zgodne z dyrektywą w sprawie nieuczciwych praktyk handlowych.

W świetle powyższego jakie kroki zamierza podjąć Komisja, aby zapewnić właściwe i zharmonizowane wdrażanie tej dyrektywy w całej UE oraz aby przeciwdziałać wyżej wspomnianym naruszeniom?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Viviane Reding w imieniu Komisji

(7 listopada 2013 r.)

Komisja pragnie odesłać do swojej odpowiedzi na zapytanie nr E-002171/2013 udzielonej dnia 25 kwietnia 2013 r.

Ponadto szanowna Pani poseł powinna wiedzieć, że niedawno wszczęto wobec pewnej liczby państw członkowskich postępowania w sprawie uchybienia zobowiązaniom państwa członkowskiego ze względu na nieprawidłową transpozycję dyrektywy 2005/29/WE w sprawie nieuczciwych praktyk handlowych. Niektóre z tych postępowań dotyczyły w szczególności nieprawidłowej transpozycji przepisów punktu nr 14 załącznika I do tej dyrektywy.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010610/13

to the Commission

Małgorzata Handzlik (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Improper implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive

Correct, harmonised implementation of EU legislation is key to the proper functioning of the single market. A thorough assessment of the implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) (Directive 2005/29/EC) shows, however, that it has not been properly transposed into national legislation in some areas.

In March 2013 the Commission adopted its ‘First Report on the Application of Directive 2005/29/EC’, which provided an optimistic picture of the implementation of that directive. However, the report did not point out serious breaches of EU legislation, particularly when it comes to the incorrect implementation of Annex I(14) on pyramid promotional schemes and the decision of several Member States to maintain national direct selling bans and restrictions that are not in line with the UCPD.

In the light of the above, what steps is the Commission going to take to ensure the proper, harmonised implementation of the directive across the EU and to stop the abovementioned breaches?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Commission would like to refer to its reply to Question E-002171/2013 given on 25 April 2013.

Furthermore, the Honourable Member should be aware that infringement procedures for inadequate transposition of Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices have been recently opened against a number of Member States some of which had, in particular, not adequately transposed No 14 of Annex I to Directive.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010612/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(17 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Παρακολούθηση του δικτύου της Belgacom από την NSA

Σύμφωνα με αναφορές των βελγικών μέσων ενημέρωσης που βασίζονται σε στοιχεία που ήρθαν στο φως εξαιτίας της υπόθεσης Snowden, η Εθνική Υπηρεσία Ασφαλείας των ΗΠΑ (NSA) φέρεται να έχει προβεί σε ηλεκτρονικές παρακολουθήσεις του δικτύου του βελγικού δημόσιου οργανισμού τηλεπικοινωνιών (Belgacom) το 2011.

Οι υποκλοπές είχαν κυρίως στόχο την BICS (Belgacom International Carrier Services) που είναι θυγατρική εταιρία της Belgacom και έχει ως αντικείμενο την διαχείριση των διεθνών τηλεπικοινωνιών. Οι υποκλοπές αφορούσαν τηλεφωνικές συνδιαλέξεις με χώρες όπως η Υεμένη, η Συρία και άλλες που θεωρούνται «ύποπτες» από τις ΗΠΑ.

Σύμφωνα με τις βελγικές υπηρεσίες ασφαλείας, είναι σαφές ότι υπάρχει ανάμειξη της NSA στην υπόθεση μολονότι δεν έχει αποδειχθεί τυπικά κάτι τέτοιο. Σύμφωνα με τις αναφορές, η Πρέσβης των ΗΠΑ στο Βέλγιο ενδέχεται να κληθεί για να δώσει εξηγήσεις ενώ η Belgacom έχει ήδη υποβάλει τα υπάρχοντα στοιχεία στην βελγική ομοσπονδιακή εισαγγελία.

Ο Βέλγος Πρωθυπουργός Elio Di Rupo έχει δηλώσει ότι, εάν επιβεβαιωθούν οι καταγγελίες, τότε θα πρόκειται για υπόθεση ηλεκτρονικής κατασκοπείας την οποία η κυβέρνησή του καταδικάζει αυστηρά ως παρεμβολή και παραβίαση της λειτουργίας ενός δημόσιου φορέα τηλεπικοινωνιών.

Απάντηση της κ. Reding εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(7 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει τον κ. βουλευτή στην απάντησή της στη γραπτή ερώτηση E-009773/2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010612/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: NSA monitors Belgacom network

According to reports in the Belgian media based on the revelations of the ‘Snowden’ case, the US National Security Agency (NSA) allegedly monitored the network of Belgacom (the Belgian public telecommunications company) in 2011.

The intercepts mainly targeted Belgacom’s subsidiary BICS (Belgacom International Carrier Services), which is responsible for the management of international telecommunications. They were made on telephone conversations with countries such as Yemen, Syria and others deemed ‘suspicious’ by the US.

According to the Belgian security authorities, it is clear that the NSA was involved in the case, although the claim has not been formally proven. The reports state that the US Ambassador to Belgium may be asked to explain; meanwhile, Belgacom has already submitted the information available to the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office.

The Belgian Prime Minister, Elio Di Rupo, has said that if the allegations are confirmed, then this would indeed be a case of electronic espionage and the government would strongly condemn such interference in, and violation of, the functioning of a public telecommunications company.