# Jornal Oficial C 197/2014

| | ISSN 1977-1010 |
| --- | --- |
| Jornal Oficial
  da União Europeia | C 197 |
| | |
| Edição em língua portuguesa | Comunicações e Informações | 57.° ano26 de junho de 2014 |

ISSN 1977-1010

Jornal Oficial

da União Europeia

C 197

Edição em língua portuguesa

Comunicações e Informações

57.° ano26 de junho de 2014

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| Número de informação | Índice | Página |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Informações |
| | INFORMAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES, ÓRGÃOS E ORGANISMOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA |
| | Parlamento Europeu |
| | PERGUNTAS ESCRITAS E SUA RESPOSTA |
| 2014/C 197/01 | Perguntas escritas apresentadas por deputados ao Parlamento Europeu e respetiva resposta dada por uma instituição da União Europeia | 1 |

Número de informação

Índice

Página

IV   Informações

INFORMAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES, ÓRGÃOS E ORGANISMOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA

Parlamento Europeu

PERGUNTAS ESCRITAS E SUA RESPOSTA

2014/C 197/01

Perguntas escritas apresentadas por deputados ao Parlamento Europeu e respetiva resposta dada por uma instituição da União Europeia

1

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| Nota ao leitor
  A presente publicação contém perguntas escritas apresentadas por deputados ao Parlamento Europeu e a respetiva resposta dada por uma instituição da União Europeia.
  Para cada pergunta e resposta é apresentada, antes de uma eventual tradução, a versão na língua original.
  Por vezes, a resposta pode ser dada numa língua que não seja a da pergunta. Isto depende da língua de trabalho da comissão a quem é requerida a resposta.
  Estas perguntas e respostas são publicadas nos termos dos artigos 117.o e 118.o do Regimento do Parlamento Europeu.
  Todas as perguntas e respostas são acessíveis através do website do Parlamento Europeu (Europarl) na rubrica Perguntas parlamentares:

  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/pt/parliamentary-questions.html |
| --- |

Nota ao leitor

A presente publicação contém perguntas escritas apresentadas por deputados ao Parlamento Europeu e a respetiva resposta dada por uma instituição da União Europeia.

Para cada pergunta e resposta é apresentada, antes de uma eventual tradução, a versão na língua original.

Por vezes, a resposta pode ser dada numa língua que não seja a da pergunta. Isto depende da língua de trabalho da comissão a quem é requerida a resposta.

Estas perguntas e respostas são publicadas nos termos dos artigos 117.o e 118.o do Regimento do Parlamento Europeu.

o

o

Todas as perguntas e respostas são acessíveis através do website do Parlamento Europeu (Europarl) na rubrica Perguntas parlamentares:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/pt/parliamentary-questions.html

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/pt/parliamentary-questions.html

| SIGNIFICADO DAS SIGLAS DOS GRUPOS POLÍTICOS






  PPE | Grupo do Partido Popular Europeu (Democratas-Cristãos) |
| --- | --- |
| S&D | Grupo da Aliança Progressista dos Socialistas e Democratas no Parlamento Europeu |
| ALDE | Grupo da Aliança dos Democratas e Liberais pela Europa |
| Verts/ALE | Grupo dos Verdes/Aliança Livre Europeia |
| ECR | Conservadores e Reformistas Europeus |
| GUE/NGL | Grupo Confederal da Esquerda Unitária Europeia/Esquerda Nórdica Verde |
| EFD | Europa da Liberdade e da Democracia |
| NI | Não Inscritos |

SIGNIFICADO DAS SIGLAS DOS GRUPOS POLÍTICOS

PPE

Grupo do Partido Popular Europeu (Democratas-Cristãos)

S&D

Grupo da Aliança Progressista dos Socialistas e Democratas no Parlamento Europeu

ALDE

Grupo da Aliança dos Democratas e Liberais pela Europa

Verts/ALE

Grupo dos Verdes/Aliança Livre Europeia

ECR

Conservadores e Reformistas Europeus

GUE/NGL

Grupo Confederal da Esquerda Unitária Europeia/Esquerda Nórdica Verde

EFD

Europa da Liberdade e da Democracia

NI

Não Inscritos

| PT | |
| --- | --- |

PT

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IV Informações

INFORMAÇÕES ORIUNDAS DAS INSTITUIÇÕES, ÓRGÃOS E ORGANISMOS DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA

Parlamento Europeu

PERGUNTAS ESCRITAS E SUA RESPOSTA

| 26.6.2014 | PT | Jornal Oficial da União Europeia | C 197/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.6.2014

PT

Jornal Oficial da União Europeia

C 197/1

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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEBPERGUNTAS ESCRITAS E SUA RESPOSTA

Perguntas escritas apresentadas por deputados ao Parlamento Europeu e respetiva resposta dada por uma instituição da União Europeia

(2014/C 197/01)

Índice

E-009966/13 by Konrad Szymański to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Situation of Coptic Christians in Egypt

| Wersja polska | 35 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 36 |
| --- | --- |

E-009967/13 by Konrad Szymański to the Commission

Subject: Infringement of the TIR Convention by Russia

| Wersja polska | 37 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 38 |
| --- | --- |

P-009968/13 by Sari Essayah to the Commission

Subject: Special scheme for small enterprises concerning VAT obligations

| Suomenkielinen versio | 39 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 40 |
| --- | --- |

E-009969/13 by Baroness Sarah Ludford to the Council

Subject: Kurdish political settlement

| English version | 41 |
| --- | --- |

P-009970/13 by Vicky Ford to the Commission

Subject: Health and Safety at Work Framework Directive

| English version | 42 |
| --- | --- |

E-009971/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Increasing immigration pressures on the EU's maritime borders

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 43 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 44 |
| --- | --- |

E-009972/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Greece's borrowing requirements up to 2020

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 45 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 46 |
| --- | --- |

E-009973/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Managing food

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 47 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 48 |
| --- | --- |

E-009974/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Missing children

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 49 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 50 |
| --- | --- |

E-009975/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 51 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 52 |
| --- | --- |

E-009976/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Non-perishable food and consumer safety

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 53 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 54 |
| --- | --- |

E-009977/13 by Georgios Papanikolaou to the Commission

Subject: Continuation of the ‘Work-Life Balance’ initiative in Greece after 2014

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 55 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 56 |
| --- | --- |

E-009978/13 by Alain Cadec to the Commission

Subject: Application of Regulation (EC) No 812/2004 laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans

| Version française | 57 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 58 |
| --- | --- |

E-009979/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Armenia's move away from EU integration

| Wersja polska | 59 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 60 |
| --- | --- |

E-009980/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: Problems concerning the transport of goods beyond the EU's eastern border

| Wersja polska | 61 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 62 |
| --- | --- |

E-009981/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Municipality of Buonconvento — possible infringement of the rules on the sale of building land through public auctions

| Versione italiana | 63 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 64 |
| --- | --- |

P-009982/13 by Francesca Barracciu to the Commission

Subject: New bluetongue emergency in Sardinia — non-compliance and inefficiency

| Versione italiana | 65 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 66 |
| --- | --- |

P-009983/13 by Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz to the Commission

Subject: EU legislation to ease transport congestion, and determination of the level of E-tolls

| Magyar változat | 67 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 68 |
| --- | --- |

E-009984/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Common strategy for the Danube region — flood protection

| Deutsche Fassung | 69 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 71 |
| --- | --- |

E-009985/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Eco-design directive and revision of the EU F-Gas regulation

| Deutsche Fassung | 72 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 74 |
| --- | --- |

E-009986/13 by Willy Meyer to the Council

Subject: UK spying on EU Member States

| Versión española | 76 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 77 |
| --- | --- |

E-009987/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: UK spying on EU Member States

| Versión española | 78 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 79 |
| --- | --- |

E-009988/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Preliminary draft bill on national parks

| Versión española | 80 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 81 |
| --- | --- |

E-009990/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Secret airlifts of funds

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 82 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 83 |
| --- | --- |

E-009991/13 by Chris Davies to the Commission

Subject: Import controls on IUU fisheries products

| English version | 84 |
| --- | --- |

E-009992/13 by Phil Prendergast to the Commission

Subject: European civil service recruitment

| English version | 85 |
| --- | --- |

E-009993/13 by Jill Evans to the Commission

Subject: Genetically modified animals

| English version | 86 |
| --- | --- |

E-009994/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Environmental education: challenges for Europe

| Versione italiana | 87 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 88 |
| --- | --- |

E-009995/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Still another attack on Camp Ashraf — review of UN Rules of Engagement

| Versione italiana | 89 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 91 |
| --- | --- |

E-009996/13 by Evelyne Gebhardt to the Commission

Subject: Removability of waste batteries and accumulators

| Deutsche Fassung | 92 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 93 |
| --- | --- |

E-009997/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Council

Subject: Risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 94 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 95 |
| --- | --- |

E-009998/13 by Antigoni Papadopoulou to the Commission

Subject: Risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 96 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 97 |
| --- | --- |

E-009999/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Consumption and distribution of foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 98 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 99 |
| --- | --- |

E-010000/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Spiralling Greek public debt

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 100 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 101 |
| --- | --- |

E-010001/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: ROP Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 102 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 103 |
| --- | --- |

E-010002/13 by Derk Jan Eppink to the Commission

Subject: Real Madrid ‘Bale out’

| Nederlandse versie | 104 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 105 |
| --- | --- |

E-010003/13 by Dubravka Šuica to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of Regulation (EU) No 531/2012 in Croatia

| Hrvatska verzija | 106 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 107 |
| --- | --- |

E-010004/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Factory closures and layoffs in Europe for no economic reason

| Version française | 108 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 109 |
| --- | --- |

E-010005/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Middle East Peace Plan

| Version française | 110 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 112 |
| --- | --- |

E-010006/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: Bovine tuberculosis in Europe

| Version française | 113 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 115 |
| --- | --- |

E-010007/13 by Philippe De Backer to the Commission

Subject: Recommendations — Belgian 2013 National Reform Programme — service sector

| Nederlandse versie | 116 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 117 |
| --- | --- |

E-010008/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Availability of information and documents on the websites of the Commission and the other EU institutions in all 24 official languages

| Versiunea în limba română | 118 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 119 |
| --- | --- |

E-010009/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Review of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and associated legislation

| Versiunea în limba română | 120 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 121 |
| --- | --- |

E-010011/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Status report on the preparatory action ‘Environmental monitoring of the Black Sea Basin and a common European framework programme for development of the Black Sea region’

| Versiunea în limba română | 122 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 123 |
| --- | --- |

E-010012/13 by Silvia-Adriana Ţicău to the Commission

Subject: Increasing the energy efficiency of urban transport systems

| Versiunea în limba română | 124 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 125 |
| --- | --- |

P-010013/13 by Bernd Lange to the Commission

Subject: Safety in swimming pools

| Deutsche Fassung | 126 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 127 |
| --- | --- |

E-010014/13 by Maria Eleni Koppa to the Commission

Subject: Heavy pollution of the River Nestos

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 128 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 129 |
| --- | --- |

E-010015/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Protecting small, external vendors from restrictive standardisation practices inside standard-setting organisations

| English version | 130 |
| --- | --- |

E-010016/13 by Alexander Alvaro to the Council

Subject: Breaches of the Council decision on the conclusion of the TFTP Agreement

| Deutsche Fassung | 131 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 132 |
| --- | --- |

E-010017/13 by Alexander Alvaro to the Commission

Subject: Breaches of the Council Decision on the conclusion of the TFTP Agreement

| Deutsche Fassung | 133 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 134 |
| --- | --- |

E-010019/13 by Alexander Alvaro to the Commission

Subject: Breaches of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme II Agreement

| Deutsche Fassung | 135 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 137 |
| --- | --- |

E-010020/13 by Eduard Kukan to the Commission

Subject: Rising interethnic tensions in Croatia

| Slovenské znenie | 138 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 139 |
| --- | --- |

E-010021/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

| English version | 140 |
| --- | --- |

E-010022/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations

| English version | 141 |
| --- | --- |

E-010023/13 by Charles Tannock to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Decision by Pakistani Government to downsize the Federal Ministry of Human Rights

| English version | 142 |
| --- | --- |

E-010024/13 by Franziska Katharina Brantner to the Commission

Subject: Baden-Württemberg state housing support programme 2013

| Deutsche Fassung | 143 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 144 |
| --- | --- |

E-010025/13 by Franziska Keller to the Commission

Subject: Mock town for German army training in the Altmark region (Land of Saxony-Anhalt) — supplementary question relating to previous question and answer E-008442/2013

| Deutsche Fassung | 145 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 146 |
| --- | --- |

E-010026/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible funding for repairing the damage done to agriculture by wild or feral animals

| Versione italiana | 147 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 149 |
| --- | --- |

E-010027/13 by Tanja Fajon to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up question to Commissioner Mimica's answer no E-007391/2013

| Slovenska različica | 150 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 151 |
| --- | --- |

E-010028/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: Inditex's agreement for decent work

| Versión española | 152 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 153 |
| --- | --- |

E-010029/13 by Spyros Danellis to the Commission

Subject: Review websites and protection of EU businesses and consumers

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 154 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 156 |
| --- | --- |

E-010030/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: Post-programme surveillance and economic governance

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 158 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 159 |
| --- | --- |

E-010031/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: EU Guidelines on support to Israeli entities and Horizon 2020

| English version | 160 |
| --- | --- |

E-010032/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Company directorships

| English version | 161 |
| --- | --- |

E-010033/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Gibraltar and collaboration on tax, financial services and money laundering matters

| English version | 162 |
| --- | --- |

E-010034/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Gibraltar and European Union law

| English version | 163 |
| --- | --- |

E-010035/13 by Sir Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject: Study on the potential for reducing mercury pollution from dental amalgam and batteries, final report

| English version | 164 |
| --- | --- |

E-010036/13 by Peter Skinner to the Commission

Subject: Helicopters ferrying workers to offshore drilling installations

| English version | 165 |
| --- | --- |

E-010037/13 by Peter Skinner to the Commission

Subject: Biofuels

| English version | 166 |
| --- | --- |

E-010038/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: ‘Energy island’ states

| Version française | 167 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 168 |
| --- | --- |

E-010039/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Definition of energy solidarity

| Version française | 169 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 170 |
| --- | --- |

E-010040/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Impact of energy supply decisions on consumer prices

| Version française | 171 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 172 |
| --- | --- |

E-010041/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Negotiations on infrastructure projects

| Version française | 173 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 174 |
| --- | --- |

E-010042/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Infringements in relation to the energy package

| Version française | 175 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 176 |
| --- | --- |

E-010043/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Study on generation capacities

| Version française | 177 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 179 |
| --- | --- |

E-010050/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Internal electricity market

| Version française | 177 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 179 |
| --- | --- |

E-010052/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Generation adequacy in Europe

| Version française | 177 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 179 |
| --- | --- |

E-010044/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Coordination of infrastructure projects

| Version française | 181 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 182 |
| --- | --- |

E-010045/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Energy interconnection

| Version française | 183 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 184 |
| --- | --- |

E-010046/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Construction of regional liquefied natural gas terminals

| Version française | 185 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 186 |
| --- | --- |

E-010047/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Congestion management

| Version française | 187 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 188 |
| --- | --- |

E-010048/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Gas — abuse of a dominant position

| Version française | 189 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 190 |
| --- | --- |

E-010049/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: National support mechanisms

| Version française | 191 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 192 |
| --- | --- |

E-010051/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Deployment of flexibility resources

| Version française | 193 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 194 |
| --- | --- |

E-010053/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Ancillary services

| Version française | 195 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 196 |
| --- | --- |

E-010054/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Profitable new market structures

| Version française | 197 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 198 |
| --- | --- |

E-010055/13 by Nikola Vuljanić to the Commission

Subject: Taxation of cash transactions in outdoor contexts

| Hrvatska verzija | 199 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 201 |
| --- | --- |

E-010056/13 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: Incredibly lucrative pension scheme for EU officials

| Nederlandse versie | 203 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 204 |
| --- | --- |

E-010057/13 by Adam Bielan to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Islamist capture of the Christian town of Maaloula in Syria

| Wersja polska | 205 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 206 |
| --- | --- |

E-010058/13 by João Ferreira to the Commission

Subject: EU support for parenting associations

| Versão portuguesa | 207 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 208 |
| --- | --- |

P-010069/13 by Catherine Trautmann to the Commission

Subject: Voting rights of dual nationals in European elections

| Version française | 209 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 210 |
| --- | --- |

E-010070/13 by Eva Ortiz Vilella, Pilar Ayuso, María Auxiliadora Correa Zamora, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Esther Herranz García, Gabriel Mato Adrover and Pablo Zalba Bidegain to the Commission

Subject: Chinese investigation into European wines

| Versión española | 211 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 212 |
| --- | --- |

E-010071/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: Bringing the curtain down on the financial transaction tax proposal

| Nederlandse versie | 213 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 215 |
| --- | --- |

E-010073/13 by Franco Bonanini to the Commission

Subject: Misuse of ‘Cinque Terre’ designation

| Versione italiana | 217 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 218 |
| --- | --- |

E-010074/13 by João Ferreira and Inês Cristina Zuber to the Commission

Subject: Reduced funding for food aid in the EU

| Versão portuguesa | 219 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 220 |
| --- | --- |

E-010075/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: European Energy Community

| Version française | 221 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 222 |
| --- | --- |

E-010076/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: Horizon 2020 funding

| Version française | 223 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 224 |
| --- | --- |

E-010080/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Rules on state aid

| Version française | 225 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 226 |
| --- | --- |

E-010081/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Social housing that complies with energy standards

| Version française | 227 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 228 |
| --- | --- |

E-010082/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Off-the-shelf financial instruments for energy

| Version française | 229 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 230 |
| --- | --- |

E-010083/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Maritime strategy in the Adriatic

| Version française | 231 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 232 |
| --- | --- |

E-010087/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: IMP-MED project for the Adriatic

| Version française | 231 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 232 |
| --- | --- |

E-010084/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Regulating fishing in the Adriatic

| Version française | 233 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 234 |
| --- | --- |

E-010085/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Specific advisory body for the Adriatic

| Version française | 235 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 236 |
| --- | --- |

E-010086/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Inventory of environmental and tourism protection measures

| Version française | 237 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 238 |
| --- | --- |

E-010088/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of formal and informal learning, internships and voluntary work

| Version française | 239 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 240 |
| --- | --- |

E-010090/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Relief plan for Member States where there is more than 25% youth unemployment

| Version française | 241 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 242 |
| --- | --- |

E-010091/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Report on vocational training systems

| Version française | 243 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 244 |
| --- | --- |

E-010093/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Dual education for key occupations

| Version française | 245 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 246 |
| --- | --- |

E-010095/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Two million Syrian refugees

| Versão portuguesa | 247 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 248 |
| --- | --- |

E-010096/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Acidification of the oceans

| Versão portuguesa | 249 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 250 |
| --- | --- |

E-010097/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Portable biosensor for detecting certain types of cancer

| Versão portuguesa | 251 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 252 |
| --- | --- |

E-010098/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Cosmetics and cleaning products may be responsible for skin allergies

| Versão portuguesa | 253 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 254 |
| --- | --- |

E-010099/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Espionage by the United States

| Versão portuguesa | 255 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 256 |
| --- | --- |

E-010100/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Child exploitation in Tanzanian gold mines

| Versão portuguesa | 257 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 258 |
| --- | --- |

E-010101/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Cancer-causing genetic mutations

| Versão portuguesa | 259 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 260 |
| --- | --- |

E-010102/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Melanoma

| Versão portuguesa | 261 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 262 |
| --- | --- |

E-010103/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Hepatitis D and liver cancer

| Versão portuguesa | 263 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 264 |
| --- | --- |

E-010104/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Hepatitis C treatment

| Versão portuguesa | 265 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 266 |
| --- | --- |

P-010148/13 by Burkhard Balz to the Commission

Subject: Restructuring of the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg

| Deutsche Fassung | 267 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 268 |
| --- | --- |

P-010149/13 by Edit Herczog to the Commission

Subject: Framework mortgage loans

| Magyar változat | 269 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 270 |
| --- | --- |

E-010150/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Harassment and attacks against homosexuals in Russia

| Versión española | 271 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 272 |
| --- | --- |

E-010151/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Extradition of Alexandr Pavlov

| Versión española | 273 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 274 |
| --- | --- |

E-010152/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: 3D printers and air pollution

| Versión española | 275 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 276 |
| --- | --- |

E-010153/13 by Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández to the Commission

Subject: Boost for renewable energy

| Versión española | 277 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 278 |
| --- | --- |

E-010156/13 by Ole Christensen to the Commission

Subject: Use of letter box companies in the transport sector

| Dansk udgave | 279 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 280 |
| --- | --- |

E-010157/13 by Axel Voss to the Commission

Subject: UK traffic light system for nutrition labelling of foodstuffs

| Deutsche Fassung | 281 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 282 |
| --- | --- |

E-010158/13 by Franz Obermayr to the Commission

Subject: Postponement of the bonus ceiling for bank managers

| Deutsche Fassung | 283 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 284 |
| --- | --- |

E-010159/13 by Nikolaos Chountis to the Commission

Subject: ‘Friendly arrangement’ between Cosco and Piraeus Port Authority

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 285 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 286 |
| --- | --- |

E-010160/13 by Marian Harkin to the Commission

Subject: Incorrect transposition of Directive 85/337/EEC

| English version | 287 |
| --- | --- |

E-010161/13 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Water demand

| Versione italiana | 288 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 289 |
| --- | --- |

E-010163/13 by Matteo Salvini to the Commission

Subject: Clarification regarding communication protocol security

| Versione italiana | 290 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 291 |
| --- | --- |

E-010164/13 by Mojca Kleva Kekuš to the Commission

Subject: Large-scale selling of lubricating oils and liquid lubricants to natural persons

| Slovenska različica | 292 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 293 |
| --- | --- |

E-010165/13 by Mojca Kleva Kekuš to the Commission

Subject: Commission support for employee takeovers of companies in crisis

| Slovenska različica | 294 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 295 |
| --- | --- |

E-010166/13 by Mojca Kleva Kekuš to the Commission

Subject: Coach operators

| Slovenska različica | 296 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 297 |
| --- | --- |

E-010167/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Air pollution and the risk of lung cancer

| Versão portuguesa | 298 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 299 |
| --- | --- |

E-010168/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Possible treatment for autism and depression

| Versão portuguesa | 300 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 301 |
| --- | --- |

E-010169/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: New treatment for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

| Versão portuguesa | 302 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 303 |
| --- | --- |

E-010170/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Techniques to tackle erosion following forest fires

| Versão portuguesa | 304 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 305 |
| --- | --- |

E-010171/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Early treatment of high-risk cancer

| Versão portuguesa | 306 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 307 |
| --- | --- |

E-010172/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Sale of out-of-date products

| Versão portuguesa | 308 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 309 |
| --- | --- |

E-010173/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Legal vacuum with regard to immigration and refugees in the EU

| Versão portuguesa | 310 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 311 |
| --- | --- |

E-010174/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Malaria vaccine

| Versão portuguesa | 312 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 313 |
| --- | --- |

P-010175/13 by Paweł Zalewski to the Commission

Subject: Assistance for Belarusian NGOs

| Wersja polska | 314 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 316 |
| --- | --- |

P-010176/13 by Kartika Tamara Liotard to the Commission

Subject: Pesticide contamination of fruit and vegetables exceeding acute reference dose

| Nederlandse versie | 317 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 318 |
| --- | --- |

E-010177/13 by Andrea Češková to the Commission

Subject: Missing manufacture and ‘use-by’ dates on cosmetic products

| České znění | 319 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 320 |
| --- | --- |

E-010178/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Discovery of the bodies of eight Sahrawis killed by the Moroccan army

| Versión española | 321 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 322 |
| --- | --- |

E-010179/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Commission

Subject: More money for Greece

| Nederlandse versie | 323 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 324 |
| --- | --- |

E-010180/13 by Glenis Willmott and Bill Newton Dunn to the Commission

Subject: Retrofit Emission Control

| English version | 325 |
| --- | --- |

E-010181/13 by Filip Kaczmarek and Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa to the Commission

Subject: Integrity of humanitarian aid

| Wersja polska | 326 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 327 |
| --- | --- |

E-010182/13 by Nikola Vuljanić to the Commission

Subject: EU Youth Guarantee

| Hrvatska verzija | 328 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 329 |
| --- | --- |

E-010183/13 by Niccolò Rinaldi to the Commission

Subject:  AGCOM — Online copyright infringement

| Versione italiana | 330 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 332 |
| --- | --- |

E-010741/13 by Patrizia Toia and Luigi Berlinguer to the Commission

Subject:  AGCOMregulation implementing Directive 2000/31/EC

| Versione italiana | 330 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 332 |
| --- | --- |

E-010184/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Cape Verde

| Versão portuguesa | 334 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 341 |
| --- | --- |

E-010185/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Comoros

| Versão portuguesa | 334 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 341 |
| --- | --- |

E-010186/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Côte d'Ivoire

| Versão portuguesa | 334 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 341 |
| --- | --- |

E-010187/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — The Gambia

| Versão portuguesa | 335 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 341 |
| --- | --- |

E-010188/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Greenland

| Versão portuguesa | 335 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 342 |
| --- | --- |

E-010189/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Guinea

| Versão portuguesa | 335 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 342 |
| --- | --- |

E-010190/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Equatorial Guinea

| Versão portuguesa | 336 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 342 |
| --- | --- |

E-010191/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Kiribati

| Versão portuguesa | 336 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 342 |
| --- | --- |

E-010192/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Gabon

| Versão portuguesa | 336 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 343 |
| --- | --- |

E-010193/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Guinea-Bissau

| Versão portuguesa | 337 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 343 |
| --- | --- |

E-010194/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Mauritania

| Versão portuguesa | 337 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 343 |
| --- | --- |

E-010195/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Micronesia

| Versão portuguesa | 337 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 343 |
| --- | --- |

E-010196/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Mozambique

| Versão portuguesa | 338 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 343 |
| --- | --- |

E-010197/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — São Tomé and Principe

| Versão portuguesa | 338 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 344 |
| --- | --- |

E-010198/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Senegal

| Versão portuguesa | 338 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 344 |
| --- | --- |

E-010199/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Seychelles

| Versão portuguesa | 339 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 344 |
| --- | --- |

E-010200/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Madagascar

| Versão portuguesa | 339 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 344 |
| --- | --- |

E-010201/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Morocco

| Versão portuguesa | 339 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 345 |
| --- | --- |

E-010202/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Mauritius

| Versão portuguesa | 340 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 345 |
| --- | --- |

E-010203/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Solomon Islands

| Versão portuguesa | 340 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 345 |
| --- | --- |

E-010204/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Institutional advertising in a very limited number of media outlets

| Versión española | 346 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 347 |
| --- | --- |

E-010205/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Royal College of Spain in Bologna (Italy)

| Versión española | 348 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 349 |
| --- | --- |

E-010206/13 by Bendt Bendtsen to the Commission

Subject: No approval of an energy agreement

| Dansk udgave | 350 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 351 |
| --- | --- |

E-010207/13 by Auke Zijlstra to the Council

Subject: SWIFT under European standards

| Nederlandse versie | 352 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 353 |
| --- | --- |

E-010208/13 by Sandrine Bélier, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Michèle Rivasi, Catherine Grèze and Eva Joly to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Protection of national park in Guinea-Bissau

| Versión española | 354 |
| --- | --- |

| Version française | 355 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 356 |
| --- | --- |

E-010209/13 by Francesco Enrico Speroni to the Commission

Subject: Limit on purchases made in Louis Vuitton stores

| Versione italiana | 357 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 358 |
| --- | --- |

E-010210/13 by Francesco Enrico Speroni and Giancarlo Scottà to the Commission

Subject: Cost of the procedure for answering parliamentary questions

| Versione italiana | 359 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 360 |
| --- | --- |

E-010211/13 by Francesco Enrico Speroni to the Commission

Subject: Tax on financial products and activities in the EU — incompatibility of Italian Law No 214/2011 with EU legislation

| Versione italiana | 361 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 362 |
| --- | --- |

E-010212/13 by Alfredo Pallone, Aldo Patriciello, Gino Trematerra, Fabrizio Bertot and Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris to the Commission

Subject: Design and construction of Sofia's high-speed northern bypass using European funds

| Versione italiana | 363 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 364 |
| --- | --- |

E-010213/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Obstacles, borders and charges impeding freedom of movement

| Version française | 365 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 366 |
| --- | --- |

E-010214/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Points of single contact

| Version française | 367 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 368 |
| --- | --- |

E-010215/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Protecting languages

| Version française | 369 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 370 |
| --- | --- |

E-010216/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: Protecting languages

| Version française | 371 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 372 |
| --- | --- |

E-010217/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Council

Subject: EMSS and shortcomings of the 2007 IMP

| Version française | 373 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 374 |
| --- | --- |

E-010218/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — EMSS and shortcomings of the 2007 IMP

| Version française | 375 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 376 |
| --- | --- |

E-010219/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: EMSS and shortcomings of the 2007 IMP

| Version française | 375 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 376 |
| --- | --- |

E-010220/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: GALILEO and the Arctic

| Version française | 377 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 378 |
| --- | --- |

E-010221/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Belarus and human rights

| Version française | 379 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 380 |
| --- | --- |

P-010248/13 by Patrick Le Hyaric to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Closure of tunnels and humanitarian situation in Gaza

| Version française | 381 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 383 |
| --- | --- |

E-010249/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Drones — right to privacy

| English version | 384 |
| --- | --- |

E-010251/13 by William to the Commission

Subject: Drones — EU bases

| English version | 385 |
| --- | --- |

E-010252/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Drones — military capacity

| English version | 386 |
| --- | --- |

E-010253/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Foreign drones in EU skies

| English version | 387 |
| --- | --- |

E-010254/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Solar panels — job losses

| English version | 388 |
| --- | --- |

E-010255/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Solar panels — lobbying by Member States

| English version | 389 |
| --- | --- |

E-010256/13 by William (The Earl of) Dartmouth to the Commission

Subject: Solar panels — USA

| English version | 390 |
| --- | --- |

P-010257/13 by Mário David to the Commission

Subject: GSP+ status for Pakistan

| Versão portuguesa | 391 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 392 |
| --- | --- |

P-010258/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Serious threats to wild bird conservation in Italy as a result of hunting being carried out in clear breach of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)

| Versione italiana | 393 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 394 |
| --- | --- |

E-010259/13 by María Irigoyen Pérez to the Commission

Subject: The future of a European strategy for the Atlantic area

| Versión española | 395 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 396 |
| --- | --- |

E-010260/13 by María Irigoyen Pérez to the Commission

Subject: Poverty and the shrinking welfare state in Europe

| Versión española | 397 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 398 |
| --- | --- |

E-010261/13 by María Irigoyen Pérez to the Commission

Subject: Increased labour demand in the healthcare sector

| Versión española | 399 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 401 |
| --- | --- |

E-010262/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Breach of the Late Payment Directive and ‘SOC’

| Versión española | 402 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 403 |
| --- | --- |

E-010263/13 by Andrew Henry William Brons to the Commission

Subject: EUROGENDFOR

| English version | 404 |
| --- | --- |

E-010264/13 by Bas Eickhout and Rui Tavares to the Commission

Subject: Portuguese companies avoiding tax via the Netherlands

| Nederlandse versie | 405 |
| --- | --- |

| Versão portuguesa | 406 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 407 |
| --- | --- |

E-010265/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: MALE RPAS

| Version française | 408 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 409 |
| --- | --- |

E-010267/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Common binding principles to govern administrative procedure in the Union's administration

| Version française | 410 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 411 |
| --- | --- |

E-010269/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Prospects for the creative and cultural sectors (CCS)

| Version française | 412 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 413 |
| --- | --- |

E-010270/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Child protection

| Version française | 414 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 415 |
| --- | --- |

E-010271/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Fundamental rights of minors

| Version française | 416 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 417 |
| --- | --- |

E-010272/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Legal guidelines on the protection of minors

| Version française | 418 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 419 |
| --- | --- |

E-010273/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of master crafts

| Version française | 420 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 421 |
| --- | --- |

E-010274/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Samsung's misuse of patents

| Version française | 422 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 423 |
| --- | --- |

E-010275/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Defence overcapacity

| Version française | 424 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 425 |
| --- | --- |

E-010276/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Defence and security objectives

| Version française | 426 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 427 |
| --- | --- |

E-010277/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Closure of the Bassano del Grappa Court in the Province of Vicenza and efficiency of the Italian justice system

| Versione italiana | 428 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 429 |
| --- | --- |

E-010278/13 by Niccolò Rinaldi to the Commission

Subject: Equal treatment of Italian teaching staff

| Versione italiana | 430 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 431 |
| --- | --- |

E-010279/13 by Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă to the Commission

Subject: Maintaining milk production in mountain areas, less-favoured areas and the outermost regions following expiry of the milk quota system

| Versiunea în limba română | 432 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 433 |
| --- | --- |

E-010280/13 by Elena Băsescu to the Commission

Subject: Action by the Commission in response to pressure on Eastern European partners

| Versiunea în limba română | 434 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 435 |
| --- | --- |

P-010328/13 by Gabriel Mato Adrover to the Commission

Subject: Payment of fishing licence fee

| Versión española | 436 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 437 |
| --- | --- |

E-010330/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: Multidisclinary approach to the treatment of cardiac patients

| Versione italiana | 438 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 439 |
| --- | --- |

E-010331/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: EU measures in response to the report entitled ‘The sustainable energy for all global tracking framework’

| Versione italiana | 440 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 442 |
| --- | --- |

E-010333/13 by Oreste Rossi to the Commission

Subject: New type of low-cost battery as a possible reserve for renewable energies

| Versione italiana | 443 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 444 |
| --- | --- |

E-010335/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Violation of the right to equal access to higher education

| Versión española | 445 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 446 |
| --- | --- |

E-010383/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — US sending light weapons to Syria

| Versión española | 447 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 448 |
| --- | --- |

P-010385/13 by Ruža Tomašić to the Commission

Subject: Croatia's right to declare economic zone in the Adriatic Sea

| Hrvatska verzija | 449 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 450 |
| --- | --- |

E-010386/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda, Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Willy Meyer, Raimon Obiols, Maria Badia i Cutchet and Salvador Sedó i Alabart to the Commission

Subject: Fascist attacks on the Catalan Government delegation in Madrid

| Versión española | 451 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 452 |
| --- | --- |

E-010387/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Paramilitary activity in Cacarica (Chocó): the Colombian Government's and armed forces' inaction in response to the serious risk of paramilitary incursion and massacre

| Versión española | 453 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 454 |
| --- | --- |

E-010388/13 by Glenis Willmott and Claude Moraes to the Commission

Subject: Air Quality Directive and Member States' responsibility to monitor air quality

| English version | 455 |
| --- | --- |

E-010389/13 by Georgios Koumoutsakos, Roberta Angelilli, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Alexander Alvaro and Keith Taylor to the Commission

Subject: Concrete action to establish a European Day against Bullying and School Violence

| Versión española | 456 |
| --- | --- |

| Deutsche Fassung | 458 |
| --- | --- |

| Ελληνική έκδοση | 460 |
| --- | --- |

| Versione italiana | 462 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 464 |
| --- | --- |

E-010390/13 by Emma McClarkin to the Commission

Subject: European Schools

| English version | 465 |
| --- | --- |

E-010391/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Hyperthermia deaths of children left inside cars and need for a review of sectoral EU legislation in order to prevent such incidents

| Versione italiana | 466 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 467 |
| --- | --- |

E-010392/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination in aquifers in the province of Verona

| Versione italiana | 468 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 469 |
| --- | --- |

E-010393/13 by Andrea Zanoni to the Commission

Subject: Toxic milk scandal in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and progress in the study and monitoring of aflatoxins in foodstuffs

| Versione italiana | 470 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 472 |
| --- | --- |

E-010394/13 by Mara Bizzotto to the Commission

Subject: Chinese-run massage centres: risk to citizens' health and protection of professional beauticians

| Versione italiana | 473 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 474 |
| --- | --- |

E-010396/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Antigua and Barbuda

| Versão portuguesa | 475 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 500 |
| --- | --- |

E-010397/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Bahamas

| Versão portuguesa | 475 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 500 |
| --- | --- |

E-010398/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Barbados

| Versão portuguesa | 475 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 500 |
| --- | --- |

E-010399/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Belize

| Versão portuguesa | 476 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 501 |
| --- | --- |

E-010400/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Angola

| Versão portuguesa | 476 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 501 |
| --- | --- |

E-010401/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Benin

| Versão portuguesa | 476 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 501 |
| --- | --- |

E-010402/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Botswana

| Versão portuguesa | 477 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 502 |
| --- | --- |

E-010403/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Burkina Faso

| Versão portuguesa | 477 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 502 |
| --- | --- |

E-010404/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Burundi

| Versão portuguesa | 477 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 502 |
| --- | --- |

E-010405/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Cape Verde

| Versão portuguesa | 478 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 503 |
| --- | --- |

E-010413/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Dominica

| Versão portuguesa | 478 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 503 |
| --- | --- |

E-010414/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Cameroon

| Versão portuguesa | 478 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 503 |
| --- | --- |

E-010415/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Chad

| Versão portuguesa | 479 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 504 |
| --- | --- |

E-010416/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Comoros

| Versão portuguesa | 479 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 504 |
| --- | --- |

E-010417/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Côte d'Ivoire

| Versão portuguesa | 479 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 504 |
| --- | --- |

E-010418/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Djibouti

| Versão portuguesa | 480 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 505 |
| --- | --- |

E-010419/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Eritrea

| Versão portuguesa | 480 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 505 |
| --- | --- |

E-010420/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Ethiopia

| Versão portuguesa | 480 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 505 |
| --- | --- |

E-010421/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Micronesia

| Versão portuguesa | 481 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 506 |
| --- | --- |

E-010422/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Fiji

| Versão portuguesa | 481 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 506 |
| --- | --- |

E-010423/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Grenada

| Versão portuguesa | 481 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 506 |
| --- | --- |

E-010424/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Guyana

| Versão portuguesa | 482 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 507 |
| --- | --- |

E-010425/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Haiti

| Versão portuguesa | 482 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 507 |
| --- | --- |

E-010426/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Cook Islands

| Versão portuguesa | 482 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 507 |
| --- | --- |

E-010427/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Equatorial Guinea

| Versão portuguesa | 483 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 508 |
| --- | --- |

E-010428/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Gabon

| Versão portuguesa | 483 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 508 |
| --- | --- |

E-010429/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and The Gambia

| Versão portuguesa | 483 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 508 |
| --- | --- |

E-010430/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Ghana

| Versão portuguesa | 484 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 509 |
| --- | --- |

E-010431/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Guinea

| Versão portuguesa | 484 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 509 |
| --- | --- |

E-010432/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Guinea-Bissau

| Versão portuguesa | 484 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 509 |
| --- | --- |

E-010433/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Dominican Republic

| Versão portuguesa | 485 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 510 |
| --- | --- |

E-010434/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Samoa

| Versão portuguesa | 485 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 510 |
| --- | --- |

E-010435/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Saint Lucia

| Versão portuguesa | 485 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 510 |
| --- | --- |

E-010436/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

| Versão portuguesa | 486 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 511 |
| --- | --- |

E-010437/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Rwanda

| Versão portuguesa | 486 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 511 |
| --- | --- |

E-010438/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and São Tomé and Príncipe

| Versão portuguesa | 486 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 511 |
| --- | --- |

E-010439/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Senegal

| Versão portuguesa | 487 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 512 |
| --- | --- |

E-010440/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Sierra Leone

| Versão portuguesa | 487 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 512 |
| --- | --- |

E-010441/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Republic of the Congo

| Versão portuguesa | 487 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 512 |
| --- | --- |

E-010442/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Saint Kitts and Nevis

| Versão portuguesa | 488 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 513 |
| --- | --- |

E-010443/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Suriname

| Versão portuguesa | 488 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 513 |
| --- | --- |

E-010444/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Trinidad and Tobago

| Versão portuguesa | 488 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 513 |
| --- | --- |

E-010445/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and East Timor

| Versão portuguesa | 489 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 514 |
| --- | --- |

E-010446/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Tonga

| Versão portuguesa | 489 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 514 |
| --- | --- |

E-010447/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Seychelles

| Versão portuguesa | 489 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 514 |
| --- | --- |

E-010448/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Somalia

| Versão portuguesa | 490 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 515 |
| --- | --- |

E-010449/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Swaziland

| Versão portuguesa | 490 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 515 |
| --- | --- |

E-010450/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Sudan

| Versão portuguesa | 490 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 515 |
| --- | --- |

E-010451/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Tanzania

| Versão portuguesa | 491 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 516 |
| --- | --- |

E-010452/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Togo

| Versão portuguesa | 491 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 516 |
| --- | --- |

E-010453/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Uganda

| Versão portuguesa | 491 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 516 |
| --- | --- |

E-010454/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Zimbabwe

| Versão portuguesa | 492 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 517 |
| --- | --- |

E-010455/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Zambia

| Versão portuguesa | 492 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 517 |
| --- | --- |

E-010456/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Tuvalu

| Versão portuguesa | 492 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 517 |
| --- | --- |

E-010457/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Vanuatu

| Versão portuguesa | 493 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 518 |
| --- | --- |

E-010458/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Jamaica

| Versão portuguesa | 493 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 518 |
| --- | --- |

E-010459/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Solomon Islands

| Versão portuguesa | 493 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 518 |
| --- | --- |

E-010460/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Lesotho

| Versão portuguesa | 494 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 519 |
| --- | --- |

E-010461/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Liberia

| Versão portuguesa | 494 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 519 |
| --- | --- |

E-010462/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Madagascar

| Versão portuguesa | 494 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 519 |
| --- | --- |

E-010463/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Malawi

| Versão portuguesa | 495 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 520 |
| --- | --- |

E-010464/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mali

| Versão portuguesa | 495 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 520 |
| --- | --- |

E-010465/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mauritius

| Versão portuguesa | 495 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 520 |
| --- | --- |

E-010466/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mauritania

| Versão portuguesa | 496 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 521 |
| --- | --- |

E-010467/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mozambique

| Versão portuguesa | 496 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 521 |
| --- | --- |

E-010468/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Kenya

| Versão portuguesa | 496 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 521 |
| --- | --- |

E-010469/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Kiribati

| Versão portuguesa | 497 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 522 |
| --- | --- |

E-010470/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Nauru

| Versão portuguesa | 497 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 522 |
| --- | --- |

E-010471/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Palau

| Versão portuguesa | 497 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 522 |
| --- | --- |

E-010472/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Papua New Guinea

| Versão portuguesa | 498 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 523 |
| --- | --- |

E-010473/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

| Versão portuguesa | 498 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 523 |
| --- | --- |

E-010474/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Namibia

| Versão portuguesa | 498 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 523 |
| --- | --- |

E-010475/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Niger

| Versão portuguesa | 498 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 524 |
| --- | --- |

E-010476/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Nigeria

| Versão portuguesa | 499 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 524 |
| --- | --- |

E-010477/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Central African Republic

| Versão portuguesa | 499 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 524 |
| --- | --- |

E-010406/13 by Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, María Muñiz De Urquiza, Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, Iratxe García Pérez and Emilio Menéndez del Valle to the Commission

Subject: The impact of austerity policies on education

| Versión española | 526 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 528 |
| --- | --- |

E-010407/13 by Willy Meyer to the Commission

Subject: VP/HR — The EU's strategy regarding the prosecution of Edward Snowden

| Versión española | 529 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 530 |
| --- | --- |

E-010408/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Scholarships in Spain and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)

| Versión española | 531 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 533 |
| --- | --- |

E-010409/13 by Francisco Sosa Wagner to the Commission

Subject: Partial use of the EU Structural Funds for the EU Youth Strategy

| Versión española | 534 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 535 |
| --- | --- |

E-010411/13 by Barbara Matera to the Commission

Subject: EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement

| Versione italiana | 536 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 537 |
| --- | --- |

P-010478/13 by Kerstin Westphal to the Commission

Subject: ERDF support for broadband in Germany

| Deutsche Fassung | 538 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 539 |
| --- | --- |

P-010479/13 by Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein to the Commission

Subject: Commission settlement with Google

| Wersja polska | 540 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 542 |
| --- | --- |

E-010480/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda, Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández, Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Raimon Obiols, Willy Meyer and Izaskun Bilbao Barandica to the Commission

Subject: Potential non-compliance by the Spanish State with Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999

| Versión española | 544 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 545 |
| --- | --- |

E-010481/13 by Andrés Perelló Rodríguez to the Commission

Subject: Funding for the ‘Crea Escola’ programme and the condition of the Emilio Lluch state school in Náquera

| Versión española | 546 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 547 |
| --- | --- |

E-010482/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: EIB funding for SMEs

| Versión española | 548 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 549 |
| --- | --- |

E-010483/13 by Raül Romeva i Rueda to the Commission

Subject: Mining operations in Castile and Leon

| Versión española | 550 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 551 |
| --- | --- |

E-010484/13 by Olga Sehnalová to the Commission

Subject: Own-brand OTC medicines

| České znění | 552 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 553 |
| --- | --- |

E-010485/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Future of the EU High Level Group on Administrative Burdens

| Deutsche Fassung | 554 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 555 |
| --- | --- |

E-010486/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: European internal Internet

| Deutsche Fassung | 556 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 557 |
| --- | --- |

E-010487/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Members of the Expert Group of the European Securities Committee (EGESC)

| Deutsche Fassung | 558 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 559 |
| --- | --- |

E-010488/13 by Marc Tarabella to the Commission

Subject: Statistics on the protection of minors

| Version française | 560 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 561 |
| --- | --- |

E-010489/13 by Gaston Franco to the Commission

Subject: Towards a special partnership agreement between Monaco and the European Union

| Version française | 562 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 564 |
| --- | --- |

E-010490/13 by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells to the Commission

Subject: Participants in the Catalan Way Towards Independence are intimidated, persecuted and compared to Nazis

| Versión española | 565 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 566 |
| --- | --- |

E-010491/13 by Paweł Zalewski and Robert Sturdy to the Commission

Subject: Ongoing EU-Russia trade dispute over vehicle recycling fees

| Wersja polska | 567 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 568 |
| --- | --- |

E-010492/13 by Lucas Hartong to the Commission

Subject: Follow-up questions concerning the penalty points system in the fisheries sector

| Nederlandse versie | 569 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 570 |
| --- | --- |

E-010493/13 by Nikola Vuljanić to the Commission

Subject: Croatian shipyards and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)

| Hrvatska verzija | 571 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 572 |
| --- | --- |

E-010494/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Sri Lanka

| Versão portuguesa | 573 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 590 |
| --- | --- |

E-010495/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Sudan

| Versão portuguesa | 573 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 590 |
| --- | --- |

E-010496/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Swaziland

| Versão portuguesa | 573 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 590 |
| --- | --- |

E-010497/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Tanzania

| Versão portuguesa | 573 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 590 |
| --- | --- |

E-010498/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Togo

| Versão portuguesa | 574 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 591 |
| --- | --- |

E-010499/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Tunisia

| Versão portuguesa | 574 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 591 |
| --- | --- |

E-010500/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Tuvalu

| Versão portuguesa | 574 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 591 |
| --- | --- |

E-010501/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Uganda

| Versão portuguesa | 574 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 591 |
| --- | --- |

E-010502/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Uruguay

| Versão portuguesa | 574 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 591 |
| --- | --- |

E-010503/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Vietnam

| Versão portuguesa | 575 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 592 |
| --- | --- |

E-010504/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Zambia

| Versão portuguesa | 575 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 592 |
| --- | --- |

E-010505/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Zimbabwe

| Versão portuguesa | 575 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 592 |
| --- | --- |

E-010506/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and India

| Versão portuguesa | 575 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 592 |
| --- | --- |

E-010507/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Indonesia

| Versão portuguesa | 576 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 593 |
| --- | --- |

E-010508/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Jamaica

| Versão portuguesa | 576 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 593 |
| --- | --- |

E-010509/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Lebanon

| Versão portuguesa | 576 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 593 |
| --- | --- |

E-010510/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Macedonia

| Versão portuguesa | 576 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 593 |
| --- | --- |

E-010511/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Malawi

| Versão portuguesa | 577 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 593 |
| --- | --- |

E-010512/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Laos

| Versão portuguesa | 577 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 594 |
| --- | --- |

E-010513/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Liberia

| Versão portuguesa | 577 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 594 |
| --- | --- |

E-010514/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Madagascar

| Versão portuguesa | 577 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 594 |
| --- | --- |

E-010515/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Malaysia

| Versão portuguesa | 577 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 594 |
| --- | --- |

E-010516/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Mauritania

| Versão portuguesa | 578 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 595 |
| --- | --- |

E-010517/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Mali

| Versão portuguesa | 578 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 595 |
| --- | --- |

E-010518/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Morocco

| Versão portuguesa | 578 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 595 |
| --- | --- |

E-010519/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Mozambique

| Versão portuguesa | 578 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 595 |
| --- | --- |

E-010520/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Namibia

| Versão portuguesa | 579 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 595 |
| --- | --- |

E-010521/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Nicaragua

| Versão portuguesa | 579 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 596 |
| --- | --- |

E-010522/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Niger

| Versão portuguesa | 579 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 596 |
| --- | --- |

E-010523/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Nigeria

| Versão portuguesa | 579 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 596 |
| --- | --- |

E-010524/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Pakistan

| Versão portuguesa | 579 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 596 |
| --- | --- |

E-010525/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Panama

| Versão portuguesa | 580 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 597 |
| --- | --- |

E-010526/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Paraguay

| Versão portuguesa | 580 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 597 |
| --- | --- |

E-010527/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Peru

| Versão portuguesa | 580 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 597 |
| --- | --- |

E-010528/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Rwanda

| Versão portuguesa | 580 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 597 |
| --- | --- |

E-010529/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Senegal

| Versão portuguesa | 581 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 597 |
| --- | --- |

E-010530/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Serbia

| Versão portuguesa | 581 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 598 |
| --- | --- |

E-010531/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Sierra Leone

| Versão portuguesa | 581 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 598 |
| --- | --- |

E-010532/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Somalia

| Versão portuguesa | 581 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 598 |
| --- | --- |

E-010533/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Kenya

| Versão portuguesa | 581 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 598 |
| --- | --- |

E-010534/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Kiribati

| Versão portuguesa | 582 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 599 |
| --- | --- |

E-010535/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe

| Versão portuguesa | 582 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 599 |
| --- | --- |

E-010536/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Azerbaijan

| Versão portuguesa | 582 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 599 |
| --- | --- |

E-010537/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Algeria

| Versão portuguesa | 582 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 599 |
| --- | --- |

E-010538/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and the Bahamas

| Versão portuguesa | 583 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 599 |
| --- | --- |

E-010539/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Bangladesh

| Versão portuguesa | 583 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 600 |
| --- | --- |

E-010540/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Bolivia

| Versão portuguesa | 583 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 600 |
| --- | --- |

E-010541/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Botswana

| Versão portuguesa | 583 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 600 |
| --- | --- |

E-010542/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Burkina Faso

| Versão portuguesa | 583 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 600 |
| --- | --- |

E-010543/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Albania

| Versão portuguesa | 584 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 601 |
| --- | --- |

E-010544/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Armenia

| Versão portuguesa | 584 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 601 |
| --- | --- |

E-010545/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Cape Verde

| Versão portuguesa | 584 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 601 |
| --- | --- |

E-010546/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Cambodia

| Versão portuguesa | 584 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 601 |
| --- | --- |

E-010547/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Cameroon

| Versão portuguesa | 585 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 601 |
| --- | --- |

E-010548/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Chad

| Versão portuguesa | 585 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 602 |
| --- | --- |

E-010549/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Chile

| Versão portuguesa | 585 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 602 |
| --- | --- |

E-010550/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and China

| Versão portuguesa | 585 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 602 |
| --- | --- |

E-010551/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Colombia

| Versão portuguesa | 585 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 602 |
| --- | --- |

E-010552/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Côte d'Ivoire

| Versão portuguesa | 586 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 603 |
| --- | --- |

E-010553/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Costa Rica

| Versão portuguesa | 586 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 603 |
| --- | --- |

E-010554/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Djibouti

| Versão portuguesa | 586 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 603 |
| --- | --- |

E-010555/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Egypt

| Versão portuguesa | 586 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 603 |
| --- | --- |

E-010556/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Ecuador

| Versão portuguesa | 587 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 603 |
| --- | --- |

E-010557/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Eritrea

| Versão portuguesa | 587 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 604 |
| --- | --- |

E-010558/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Ethiopia

| Versão portuguesa | 587 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 604 |
| --- | --- |

E-010559/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Gabon

| Versão portuguesa | 587 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 604 |
| --- | --- |

E-010560/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Gambia

| Versão portuguesa | 587 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 604 |
| --- | --- |

E-010561/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Ghana

| Versão portuguesa | 588 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 605 |
| --- | --- |

E-010562/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Guatemala

| Versão portuguesa | 588 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 605 |
| --- | --- |

E-010563/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Guinea-Bissau

| Versão portuguesa | 588 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 605 |
| --- | --- |

E-010564/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Haiti

| Versão portuguesa | 588 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 605 |
| --- | --- |

E-010565/13 by Nuno Melo to the Commission

Subject: International trade — European Union and Honduras

| Versão portuguesa | 589 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 605 |
| --- | --- |

P-010566/13 by Hans-Peter Martin to the Commission

Subject: Wastage of taxpayers' money in connection with the rescue of banks in southern Europe

| Deutsche Fassung | 607 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 608 |
| --- | --- |

P-010567/13 by Alfredo Pallone to the Commission

Subject: Opening of municipal solid waste dump in Falcognana (Rome)

| Versione italiana | 609 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 610 |
| --- | --- |

E-010568/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Qualifications and training in the tourism sector

| Versión española | 611 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 613 |
| --- | --- |

E-010569/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Identifying demand and accessible tourism

| Versión española | 611 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 613 |
| --- | --- |

E-010570/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: Developing the EU's tourism offer

| Versión española | 611 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 613 |
| --- | --- |

E-010571/13 by Rosa Estaràs Ferragut to the Commission

Subject: European Tourism Day

| Versión española | 615 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 616 |
| --- | --- |

E-010572/13 by Amelia Andersdotter to the Commission

Subject: Digital single market regulation: impact assessment

| Svensk version | 617 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 618 |
| --- | --- |

E-010573/13 by Giommaria Uggias and Gianni Vattimo to the Commission

Subject: MUOS station in Niscemi

| Versione italiana | 619 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 620 |
| --- | --- |

E-010574/13 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject: Possible violation of the rules on equal treatment of the Italian local police

| Versione italiana | 621 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 622 |
| --- | --- |

E-010575/13 by Sari Essayah to the Commission

Subject: Declaration of nominal organic daily load determined by means of a standard test: follow-up to Question E-003933/2013

| Suomenkielinen versio | 623 |
| --- | --- |

| English version | 624 |
| --- | --- |

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-009966/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Konrad Szymański (ECR)

(6 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Sytuacja chrześcijan koptyjskich w Egipcie

Od 3 lipca 2013 r. Stowarzyszenie Braci Muzułmanów spaliło 85 kościołów w Egipcie i zaatakowało wielu ludzi, niszcząc ich mienie i naruszając ich prawo do szacunku i nietykalności cielesnej.

Egipscy chrześcijanie żyją w strachu po serii ataków na ich kościoły, firmy i domy. W piątek 17 sierpnia zwolennicy obalonego prezydenta Mursiego zgromadzili się po modlitwie i podpalili dwa kościoły oraz kilka prowadzonych przez chrześcijan sklepów w Mallawi niedaleko miasta Al-Minja w Egipcie. Odnotowano wiele podobnych przypadków, które zostały dobrze udokumentowane za pomocą zdjęć i nagrań wideo, dostępnych obecnie w internecie.

Christian Science Monitor opublikował raport wskazujący, że co najmniej kilka takich ataków dokonano z premedytacją: domy i sklepy chrześcijan w jednej wiosce zostały oznaczone czerwonym napisem o treści „Ślubujemy przelać krew, aby bronić mandatu wyborczego Mursiego”.

Przemoc na tle religijnym nie jest w Egipcie zjawiskiem nowym, ale przybiera obecnie nowy wymiar – stwierdził Ishak Ibrahim, pracownik badawczy Egipskiej Inicjatywy na rzecz Praw Osobistych. W Egipcie nigdy nie dochodziło do tak brutalnych napaści.

| 1. | Jakie kroki podjęła Europejska Służba Działań Zewnętrznych (ESDZ) oraz delegatura UE w Kairze w celu ochrony praw podstawowych Koptów, jednej z najstarszych wspólnot chrześcijańskich na świecie? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Jakie kroki podjęła Europejska Służba Działań Zewnętrznych (ESDZ) oraz delegatura UE w Kairze w celu ochrony praw podstawowych Koptów, jednej z najstarszych wspólnot chrześcijańskich na świecie?

| 2. | Czy Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel uważa, że władze UE traktują tę kwestię z należytym zainteresowaniem i uwagą? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Czy Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel uważa, że władze UE traktują tę kwestię z należytym zainteresowaniem i uwagą?

| 3. | Jakie działania polityczne można zrealizować, aby nakłonić władze egipskie do wzięcia odpowiedzialności za sytuację prześladowanych chrześcijan i podjęcia bardziej stanowczych kroków w celu ochrony ich praw? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Jakie działania polityczne można zrealizować, aby nakłonić władze egipskie do wzięcia odpowiedzialności za sytuację prześladowanych chrześcijan i podjęcia bardziej stanowczych kroków w celu ochrony ich praw?

| 4. | Jak opisywane wydarzenia wpłyną na stosunki dwustronne między UE a Egiptem, przy uwzględnieniu faktu, że Egipt jest prawnie związany układem o stowarzyszeniu, który wszedł w życie w 2004 r.? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Jak opisywane wydarzenia wpłyną na stosunki dwustronne między UE a Egiptem, przy uwzględnieniu faktu, że Egipt jest prawnie związany układem o stowarzyszeniu, który wszedł w życie w 2004 r.?

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

(13 listopada 2013 r.)

Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca wyraźnie potępiła przypadki skrajnej przemocy, zabójstw i ataków, np. na kościoły, które nastąpiły w wyniku rozpędzenia w połowie sierpnia demonstracji wspieranych przez Stowarzyszenie Braci Muzułmanów. W dniu 21 sierpnia Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca Komisji zwołała nadzwyczajne posiedzenie Rady do Spraw Zagranicznych w sprawie Egiptu, gdzie ministrowie spraw zagranicznych państw UE przyjęli konkluzje, w których odnieśli się w szczególności do licznych przypadków zniszczeń kościołów i ataków na wspólnotę koptyjską.

UE jest zaniepokojona ograniczeniami, jakim podlegają różne mniejszości religijne w Egipcie, i potępia wszelkie formy nietolerancji, dyskryminacji i przemocy ze względu na religię lub przekonania, niezależnie od tego, gdzie ma to miejsce i o jaką religię chodzi. Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca regularnie wzywa egipskie władze do zapewnienia wolności wyznania i przekonań w tym kraju.

Delegatura UE w Kairze uważnie śledzi przypadki przemocy na tle wyznaniowym i w swoich kontaktach z władzami egipskimi podkreśla znaczenie unikania dyskryminacji z przyczyn religijnych. Aby wesprzeć poprawę wolności wyznania lub przekonań w Egipcie, Wysoka Przedstawiciel/Wiceprzewodnicząca z zaangażowaniem współpracuje z wszelkimi zainteresowanymi stronami w tym kraju, a także z regionalnymi i międzynarodowymi organizacjami podzielającymi wartości i cele UE w tym zakresie. UE stwierdza, że współpraca i dialog polityczny są najbardziej odpowiednimi kanałami zachęcania rządu i wywierania na niego presji, aby podjął konkretne działania w celu ochrony Koptów i innych mniejszości religijnych.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009966/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Konrad Szymański (ECR)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Situation of Coptic Christians in Egypt

Since 3 July 2013, the Muslim Brotherhood has burned 85 churches in Egypt and attacked numerous people, destroying their property and violating their right to respect and bodily integrity.

Egypt’s Christians are living in fear after a string of attacks against their churches, businesses and homes. On Friday 17 August, supporters of ousted president Morsi gathered after prayer and burned two churches and some Christian-owned shops in the village of Mallawi near Minya, Egypt. Many similar cases were noted and are well documented with pictures and movies that are available online.

The Christian Science Monitor published a report suggesting that at least some of the attacks were premeditated, with Christian homes and shops in one village being marked with red graffiti ‘vowing to protect Morsi’s electoral legitimacy with blood’.

‘Sectarian violence is nothing new in Egypt, but it takes a new dimension’ said Ishak Ibrahim, a researcher for the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. Such a violent onslaught has never happened before in Egypt.

| 1. | What steps have been taken by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Delegation in Cairo to protect the basic human rights of the Copts, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What steps have been taken by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Delegation in Cairo to protect the basic human rights of the Copts, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities?

| 2. | Does the Vice-President/High Representative think that the issue is being treated with adequate seriousness and attention by EU authorities? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Vice-President/High Representative think that the issue is being treated with adequate seriousness and attention by EU authorities?

| 3. | What kind of political action can be taken to urge the Egyptian authorities to take responsibility for the situation of persecuted Christians and start making more decisive moves to protect their rights? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What kind of political action can be taken to urge the Egyptian authorities to take responsibility for the situation of persecuted Christians and start making more decisive moves to protect their rights?

| 4. | How will these events affect bilateral relations between the EU and Egypt, taking into account the fact that Egypt is legally bound by the Association Agreement which came into force in 2004? |
| --- | --- |

4.

How will these events affect bilateral relations between the EU and Egypt, taking into account the fact that Egypt is legally bound by the Association Agreement which came into force in 2004?

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

(13 November 2013)

HR/VP condemned in the clearest possible terms the extreme violence, killings and attacks e.g. on churches that followed the dispersal in mid-August of the Muslim Brotherhood supported sit-ins. On 21 August, the HR/VP convened an extra-ordinary Foreign Affairs Council on Egypt where EU Foreign Ministers adopted conclusions which also specifically referred to the destruction of many churches and the targeting of the Coptic community.

The EU is aware and concerned about the constraints that different religious minorities face in Egypt and condemns all forms of intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons because of their religion or belief, wherever it takes place and regardless of the religion. The HR/VP is repeatedly calling on the Egyptian authorities to ensure freedom of religion or belief in the country.

The EU Delegation in Cairo is closely following cases of sectarian violence and emphasises the importance of avoiding discrimination on religious grounds in its contacts with Egyptian authorities. In order to support the improvement of freedom of religion or belief in Egypt, the HR/VP is keen to engage with the relevant stakeholders in the country as well as with the regional and international organisations sharing EU's values and objectives in this respect. The EU considers that cooperation and political dialogue are the most appropriate channels to encourage and put pressure on the government so that it will undertake concrete actions in order to protect Copts and other religious minorities.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-009967/13

do Komisji

Konrad Szymański (ECR)

(6 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Naruszenie konwencji TIR przez Rosję

Od dnia 14 września rosyjscy celnicy zaczną wymagać od przewoźników, by kupowali w Rosji dodatkowe gwarancje uiszczenia cła i podatków, niezależne od karnetów TIR. Z powodu tej decyzji Federalnej Służby Celnej Rosji nasilają się obawy o paraliż transportu drogowego z Rosją, na co szczególnie narażona jest Polska, jako kraj sąsiedzki.

Ponadto Federalna Służba Celna Rosji ogłosiła, że od 1 grudnia wypowiada umowę gwarancyjną z rosyjskim stowarzyszeniem międzynarodowych przewoźników ASMAP, które odpowiada w Rosji za realizację zobowiązań z tytułu konwencji TIR.

Decyzje te doprowadzą do powstania zatorów na granicach, podniesienia kosztów przewozu towarów oraz zatamują międzynarodowy handel.

Jest to naruszenie przez Rosję nie tylko konwencji TIR, ale także przepisów porozumienia UE – Rosja z 2005 r., porozumienia w sprawie taryf celnych i handlu GATT oraz konwencji wiedeńskiej o prawie traktatów międzynarodowych.

Czy Komisja podjęła jakąkolwiek interwencję w celu wpłynięcia na zmianę decyzji Rosji i jeśli tak, z jakim skutkiem?

Jakie działania zamierza podjąć Komisja w tym celu i w jaki sposób zareaguje na takie naruszenie?

Czy sprawa ta zostanie podjęta w relacjach dwustronnych UE-Rosja na najbliższym szczycie?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Algirdasa Šemetę w imieniu Komisji

(28 października 2013 r.)

Komisja podjęła bezzwłoczne działania: Komisarz Šemeta przystąpił do wymiany listów z szefem rosyjskiej Federalnej Służby Celnej (FCS), Andriejem Bieljaninowem , i wezwał do odroczenia podjęcia środków ze względu na ich ewentualne wycofanie. Następnie przeprowadzono telekonferencję z rosyjską służbą celną i misję wyjaśniającą w Moskwie. Ponadto Komisja aktywnie zajmowała się tą kwestią na szczeblu wielostronnym. Jej działania obejmowały wystosowanie pisma do Sekretarza Wykonawczego Europejskiej Komisji Gospodarczej ONZ, zwołanie nadzwyczajnego posiedzenia Rady Wykonawczej TIR, a także podjęcie konsultacji z Międzynarodowym Związkiem Transportu Drogowego i jego członkami spoza UE, którzy graniczą z Rosją. Działania te były koordynowane z państwami członkowskimi, zwłaszcza na forum Komitetu Kodeksu Celnego. W następstwie tych działań FCS zdecydowała się na ograniczenie wdrożenia tych środków od dnia 14 września w okręgach celnych Syberii i Dalekiego Wschodu, a od dnia 9 października odnosić się to będzie także do okręgu nadwołżańskiego i uralskiego, co de facto odroczy ich stosowanie przy granicy z UE i tym samym będzie dotyczyło większości działalności transportowej przewoźników unijnych do dnia 1 grudnia 2013 r.

FCS rozwiązał umowę ze stowarzyszeniem poręczającym z dniem 1 grudnia. Od tej daty poręczenia TIR nie będą dłużej stosowane w Rosji, jednak formalnie kraj ten nie może naruszać warunków Konwencji TIR. Komisja będzie w dalszym ciągu poruszać tę kwestię na odpowiednich forach wielostronnych (tj. w organach Konwencji TIR w ramach EKG ONZ) oraz dwustronnych, by zapewnić, że poręczenia TIR będą dostępne w Rosji także po tej dacie. W zależności od rozwoju sytuacji, Komisja będzie podejmowała odpowiednie działania, w tym działania na szczeblu politycznym.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009967/13

to the Commission

Konrad Szymański (ECR)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Infringement of the TIR Convention by Russia

From 14 September Russian customs officials will require hauliers to purchase extra customs and duty payment guarantees when entering Russia, in addition to the TIR carnet. This decision by Russia’s Federal Customs Service has intensified fears that road links with Russia will come to a standstill, which would have a particularly adverse impact on the neighbouring county of Poland.

Russia’s Federal Customs Service has also announced that from 1 December it will terminate its guarantee agreement with the Russian Association of International Road Transport Carriers (ASMAP), which is responsible for meeting the country’s obligations under the TIR Convention.

These decisions will mean hold-ups at border crossings, an increase in freight haulage costs and barriers to international trade.

Russia is infringing not only the TIR Convention, but also the provisions of the EU-Russia agreement signed in 2005, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Has the Commission taken any action to influence Russia’s decision, and, if so, what was the outcome?

What measures does the Commission intend to take in this respect, and how will it respond to this infringement?

Will this issue be raised in bilateral talks between the EU and Russia at the forthcoming summit?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The Commission acted promptly: Commissioner Šemeta engaged in an exchange of letters with the Head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service (FCS), Andrey Belyaninov, and called for a postponement of the measures with a view to their eventual withdrawal. A teleconference with Russian Customs and a fact-finding mission to Moscow followed. In addition, the Commission was active in handling the issue at the multilateral level, which included a letter to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, an extraordinary session of the TIR Executive Board, as well as consultations with the International Road Transport Union and its non-EU members sharing land borders with Russia. These activities were coordinated with Member States, notably in the Customs Code Committee. Subsequent to this, the FCS decided to limit the implementation of the measures as of 14 September to the Siberian and Far East customs districts, extended on 9 October to the Volga and Ural districts, de facto postponing their application at the border with the EU, and thus with regard to most transport operations performed by EU hauliers, to 1 December 2013.

The FCS has revoked the contract of the national guaranteeing association as of 1 December. From that date TIR guarantees will no longer be applicable in Russia but, formally, the country might not be in breach of the TIR Convention. The Commission will nevertheless continue to raise this issue in the appropriate multilateral (i.e. the TIR bodies within the UNECE framework) and bilateral fora with a view to ensuring that TIR guarantees remain available in Russia after that date. Depending on the development of the situation the Commission will take appropriate initiatives including at the political level.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys P-009968/13

komissiolle

Sari Essayah (PPE)

(6. syyskuuta 2013)

Aihe: Pienten yritysten ALV-velvoitteiden erityisjärjestelmästä

ALV-direktiivissä 2006/112/EY säädetään pieniä yrityksiä koskevasta erityisjärjestelmästä, jonka tarkoituksena on yksinkertaistaa ja keventää pienten yritysten ALV-velvoitteita. Erityisjärjestelmän mukaan jäsenvaltiot voivat vapauttaa pienet yritykset ALV-velvoitteista, mikäli yrityksen liikevaihto ei ylitä direktiivissä määrättyjä enimmäisraja-arvoja. Nämä liikevaihdon enimmäisraja-arvot kuitenkin vaihtelevat jäsenvaltioista toiseen, johtuen muun muassa historiallisista syistä ja EU:n laajentumisen yhteydessä jäsenvaltioille myönnetyistä poikkeuksista. Komissio on myöntänyt, että näiden säännösten seurauksena jäsenvaltiot eivät ole lainkaan samanarvoisessa asemassa. Komissio on myös aika ajoin ehdottanut järjestelmän yhtenäistämistä, esimerkiksi säätämällä erityisjärjestelmästä hyötyvien pienten yritysten liikevaihdon enimmäisraja-arvon 100 000 euron tasolle kaikissa jäsenvaltioissa. Näin jäsenvaltiot voisivat oman harkintansa mukaan soveltaa pienten yritysten erityisjärjestelmää kansallisella tasolla tämän enimmäisraja-arvon sallimissa rajoissa.

| 1. | Mihin toimiin komissio aikoo ryhtyä, jotta ALV-direktiivin pienten yritysten erityisjärjestelmä ei johtaisi jäsenvaltioiden väliseen epätasa-arvoon? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Mihin toimiin komissio aikoo ryhtyä, jotta ALV-direktiivin pienten yritysten erityisjärjestelmä ei johtaisi jäsenvaltioiden väliseen epätasa-arvoon?

| 2. | Aikooko komissio ryhtyä toimiin, jotta ALV-direktiivin salliman pienten yritysten erityisjärjestelmän mukainen liikevaihdon enimmäisraja-arvo olisi sama, esimerkiksi 100 000 euroa tai vastaava määrä, kaikissa jäsenvaltioissa? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Aikooko komissio ryhtyä toimiin, jotta ALV-direktiivin salliman pienten yritysten erityisjärjestelmän mukainen liikevaihdon enimmäisraja-arvo olisi sama, esimerkiksi 100 000 euroa tai vastaava määrä, kaikissa jäsenvaltioissa?

Algirdas Šemetan komission puolesta antama vastaus

(30. syyskuuta 2013)

Jäsenvaltioille annetaan ALV-direktiivillä mahdollisuus soveltaa pieniin yrityksiin tiettyjä yksinkertaistettuja yksityiskohtaisia sääntöjä (1) niiden vaikeuksien ratkaisemiseksi, joita yrityksillä voi olla ALV-velvoitteidensa noudattamisessa. Tarkemmin sanottuna jäsenvaltiot voivat vapauttaa arvonlisäverosta erittäin pienet yritykset (yleisesti ottaen ne, joiden liikevaihto on alle 5 000 euroa vuodessa, joskin muutamille jäsenvaltioille on annettu erityislupa soveltaa korkeampaa raja-arvoa). Yritykset, joihin tällaista järjestelmää sovelletaan, eivät kanna myynneistään arvonlisäveroa, joten niillä ei ole myöskään ostoihin liittyvää vähennysoikeutta.

Komissio teki vuonna 2004 ehdotuksen (2), jolla jäsenvaltioille annetaan oikeus asettaa 100 000 euroa liikevaihdon ylärajaksi, jonka alle jäävät yritykset voidaan vapauttaa arvonlisäverosta. Komissio katsoo, että jäsenvaltioilla olisi säilyttävä vapaus määritellä raja-arvo joustavasti, jotta ne voisivat luoda itsenäisesti sellaisen järjestelmän, jota pitävät maansa talouden rakenteen kannalta tarkoituksenmukaisimpana. Ehdotuksen myötä kaikkia jäsenvaltioita kohdeltaisiin kuitenkin samalla tavalla. Ehdotuksesta ei ole vielä päästy neuvostossa yksimielisyyteen.

Komissio toteaa arvonlisäveron tulevaisuudesta antamassaan tiedonannossa (3), että yritysten, ja erityisesti kaikkein pienimpien yritysten taakan keventäminen on sille edelleen keskeinen painopiste. Erityisesti pk-yrityksiä koskevista lisätoimenpiteistä ei ole kuitenkaan vielä päätetty.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-009968/13

to the Commission

Sari Essayah (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Special scheme for small enterprises concerning VAT obligations

The VAT Directive 2006/112/EC provides for a special scheme for small enterprises, the purpose of which is to simplify and alleviate VAT obligations for SMEs. Under this special scheme, the Member States may exempt small enterprises from VAT obligations if the firm’s turnover does not exceed the ceilings specified in the directive. However, these turnover ceilings vary from one Member State to another, partly for historical reasons and because of exemptions granted to the Member States in the course of EU enlargement. The Commission concedes that, as a result of these rules, the Member States do not enjoy anything like a level playing field. It has also from time to time proposed harmonising the system, e.g. by setting the turnover ceiling for small enterprises benefiting from the special scheme at EUR 100 000 for all Member States. This would enable the Member States to adapt the special scheme for SMEs at national level at their own discretion within the limits of this ceiling.

| 1. | What measures does the Commission propose to take to ensure that the special scheme for small enterprises under the VAT Directive does not lead to inequality between the Member States? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to ensure that the special scheme for small enterprises under the VAT Directive does not lead to inequality between the Member States?

| 2. | Does the Commission propose to take measures to ensure that the turnover ceiling allowed under the special scheme for small enterprises in the VAT Directive is the same in all Member States, say EUR 100 000 or equivalent? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission propose to take measures to ensure that the turnover ceiling allowed under the special scheme for small enterprises in the VAT Directive is the same in all Member States, say EUR 100 000 or equivalent?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(30 September 2013)

The VAT Directive provides an option for Member States to apply certain simplified procedures for small enterprises (4) to address possible difficulties such enterprises might have in complying with their VAT obligations. Specifically, Member States are allowed to exempt from VAT very small businesses (generally those with a turnover of less than EUR 5 000 per year, although a number of Member States have been specifically authorised to apply a higher threshold). Businesses benefitting from such a regime do not charge VAT on their sales, and accordingly have no right of deduction on their purchases.

The Commission adopted a proposal in 2004 (5) which gives the Member States the right to set a threshold of up to EUR 100 000 below which businesses can be exempted from VAT. The Commission considers that Member States should keep flexibility in determining the threshold which should give them the autonomy to set up a regime they consider the most appropriate in view of the structure of their national economy. The proposal would however treat all Member states in the same way. However, no unanimous agreement has yet been reached in Council on this proposal.

In the communication on the future of VAT (6), easing the burdens on businesses and notably on the smallest ones, remains a key priority for the Commission. No decision has however yet been taken on additional measures specifically targeted at SMEs.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009969/13

to the Council

Baroness Sarah Ludford (ALDE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Kurdish political settlement

President-in-Office of the Council Lucinda Creighton spoke in a debate in Parliament on 6 February 2013 of how the ‘terrible and brutal killings of three PKK activists in Paris’ in January ‘serve to underline to all of us the importance of settling the Kurdish issue [...] in the interests of all concerned. A settlement would play a vital role in helping ensure the security and the stability of the region’.

In contrast to this sentiment, however, Adem Uzun of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), one of the main Kurdish negotiators meeting with high-level Turkish government representatives in the so-called ‘Oslo Process’ to achieve peace through the resumption of negotiations between Turkey and the Kurds, remains detained without trial in France, having been arrested in France on 6 October 2012.

Would the Council consider it appropriate to delist the PKK as a terrorist organisation in order to help promote a political settlement and give recognition to the contribution that the Kurdish community in the EU can make to the attainment of this objective?

Reply

(28 October 2013)

The Council has not discussed the specific question raised by the Honourable Member.

The PKK remains on the EU list of terrorist organisations. On 21 March 2013, the EU High Representative and Commissioner Füle welcomed the call on the PKK to lay down arms and withdraw beyond Turkey's borders and the positive reactions to that call. They recalled that the EU had repeatedly encouraged all parties to work unremittingly to bring peace and prosperity for all citizens of Turkey. Finally, they indicated that the EU gave its full support to this process and stood ready to help, including through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-009970/13

to the Commission

Vicky Ford (ECR)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Health and Safety at Work Framework Directive

Given that the ‘Top 10’ consultation has identified the Health and Safety at Work Framework Directive as one of the most burdensome pieces of EU legislation for SMEs, how will the Commission now act to reduce the costs that this legislation causes small businesses?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 2013)

The Commission follow-up to the top 10 consultation is set out in a recent Communication which, as regards this directive, mainly refers to the ongoing ex-post evaluation of OSH Directives (7). The outcome is expected for 2015. It will address relevance, research and new scientific knowledge in the various fields in question, and include an assessment of the benefits and costs of the directives, including for SMEs and the society. This evaluation will cover compliance costs and administrative burdens but also the benefits in terms of reduced number of accidents and work related health problems. The recent evaluation of the EU Occupational Safety and Health Strategy has shown that EU level action is efficient and necessary (8). The Commission will inform the other EU institutions and bodies of the results and of any suggestions on how to improve the operation of the regulatory framework. Pending the results, it is not envisaged to propose at this stage any initiative to repeal or consolidate existing legislation in the area of health and safety at work (9).

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009971/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Αύξηση των μεταναστευτικών πιέσεων στα θαλάσσια σύνορα της ΕΕ

Κατά τη διάρκεια του καλοκαιριού παρατηρήθηκε αύξηση των μεταναστευτικών πιέσεων στα σύνορα των κρατών μελών που βρίσκονται στην περιοχή της Μεσογείου. Μάλιστα, η συγκεκριμένη αύξηση απειλεί να υπερβεί τις δυνατότητες φιλοξενίας που έχουν τα κέντρα φιλοξενίας και πρώτης υποδοχής των κρατών μελών.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Διαθέτει στοιχεία αναφορικά με τις διαδρομές στη Μεσόγειο όπου παρατηρήθηκαν οι μεγαλύτερες αυξήσεις μεταναστευτικών ροών; |
| --- | --- |

—

Διαθέτει στοιχεία αναφορικά με τις διαδρομές στη Μεσόγειο όπου παρατηρήθηκαν οι μεγαλύτερες αυξήσεις μεταναστευτικών ροών;

Απάντηση της κ. Malmström εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(21 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Σύμφωνα με τις πληροφορίες που συνέλεξε η Frontex και οι οποίες αντικατοπτρίζουν την κατάσταση μεταξύ Ιανουαρίου και Αυγούστου 2013, η μεγαλύτερη αύξηση της μεταναστευτικής ροής, σε σύγκριση με την ίδια περίοδο του 2012, σημειώθηκε στη μεταναστευτική διαδρομή της Κεντρικής Μεσογείου. Ακριβέστερα, κατά την εν λόγω χρονική περίοδο ανιχνεύθηκαν 19 599 παράτυποι μετανάστες, αριθμός που αντιστοιχεί σε αύξηση 217%.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009971/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Increasing immigration pressures on the EU's maritime borders

Over the summer, there has been an increase in immigration pressures on Member State frontiers in the Mediterranean region. Moreover, the increase threatens to exceed the hosting resources available at the hospitality and initial reception centres of the Member States.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| — | Does it have data on the routes in the Mediterranean area that have recorded the greatest increases in immigration flows? |
| --- | --- |

—

Does it have data on the routes in the Mediterranean area that have recorded the greatest increases in immigration flows?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

According to the information obtained from Frontex and which reflects the situation between January and August 2013, the Central Mediterranean migratory route has recorded the greatest increases in immigration flows compared to the same period of 2012. More precisely, within that period 19 599 irregular immigrants were detected, which represents a 217% increase.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009972/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Δανειακές ανάγκες της Ελλάδας μέχρι το 2020

Σε επίσημο έγγραφο του γερμανικού υπουργείου Οικονομικών από τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2012, που επικαλείται η γερμανική εφημερίδα Bild και που φέρεται να υπογράφει ο υφυπουργός οικονομικών, επισημαίνεται ότι «η Ελλάδα χρειάζεται ακόμα 77,7 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ» για τις χρηματοδοτικές της ανάγκες κατά την περίοδο 2015-2020. Από την πλευρά του, το Υπουργείο Οικονομικών απέρριψε τον ισχυρισμό αυτό, κάνοντας λόγο για «σύγχυση μεταξύ μικτού και καθαρού ποσού».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Οι εκτιμήσεις που αναφέρονται στο έγγραφο επιβεβαιώνονται από τα επίσημα στοιχεία της Επιτροπής; Το γερμανικό Υπουργείο Οικονομικών συμβουλεύτηκε την Επιτροπή προκειμένου να εκτιμήσει το ύψος του ποσού; |
| --- | --- |

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Οι εκτιμήσεις που αναφέρονται στο έγγραφο επιβεβαιώνονται από τα επίσημα στοιχεία της Επιτροπής; Το γερμανικό Υπουργείο Οικονομικών συμβουλεύτηκε την Επιτροπή προκειμένου να εκτιμήσει το ύψος του ποσού;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(4 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Οι ακαθάριστες κρατικές δανειακές ανάγκες περιλαμβάνουν τα εξής:

| — | το έλλειμμα της Γενικής Κυβέρνησης (πρωτογενές έλλειμμα και πληρωμές τόκων) |
| --- | --- |

—

το έλλειμμα της Γενικής Κυβέρνησης (πρωτογενές έλλειμμα και πληρωμές τόκων)

| — | εξαγορές (βραχυπρόθεσμες και μακροπρόθεσμες, εμπορεύσιμες και μη εμπορεύσιμες) |
| --- | --- |

—

εξαγορές (βραχυπρόθεσμες και μακροπρόθεσμες, εμπορεύσιμες και μη εμπορεύσιμες)

| — | λοιπές ανάγκες χρηματοδότησης (π.χ. ανακεφαλαιοποίηση των τραπεζών). |
| --- | --- |

—

λοιπές ανάγκες χρηματοδότησης (π.χ. ανακεφαλαιοποίηση των τραπεζών).

Οι καθαρές δανειακές ανάγκες, με τη σειρά τους, αποτελούν το αναμενόμενο ποσό δανεισμού που θα χρειαστεί μετά την προσφυγή σε προγραμματισμένη μείωση των περιουσιακών στοιχείων (π.χ. χρήση ταμειακών αποθεμάτων ασφαλείας, ιδιωτικοποιήσεις, άλλα έσοδα).

Οι υπηρεσίες της Επιτροπής δημοσιεύουν τακτικά εκτιμήσεις των δανειακών αναγκών της Ελλάδας στις σχετικές εκθέσεις ανασκόπησης — η τελευταία δημοσιεύτηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2013 (10). Κατά την τρέχουσα ανασκόπηση καταρτίζεται επικαιροποιημένη εκτίμηση των δανειακών αναγκών της Ελλάδας και θα κοινοποιηθεί στα σχετικά έγγραφα του προγράμματος.

Τα 77 δισ. ευρώ που αναφέρει το Αξιότιμο Μέλος δεν προέρχονται από εκτιμήσεις της Επιτροπής.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009972/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Greece's borrowing requirements up to 2020

An official German Finance Ministry document of September 2012, quoted by the German newspaper Bild and reportedly signed by the Deputy Finance Minister, states that ‘Greece still needs EUR 77.7 billion’ for its funding needs during the 2015-2020 period. The Finance Ministry, however, has rejected this statement, claiming that there is confusion between the gross and net sum.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| — | Are the estimates mentioned in the documents confirmed by the Commission’s official data? Did the German Finance Ministry consult the Commission when estimating the size of the sum? |
| --- | --- |

—

Are the estimates mentioned in the documents confirmed by the Commission’s official data? Did the German Finance Ministry consult the Commission when estimating the size of the sum?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

Sovereign gross financing needs include:

| — | General government deficit (primary deficit and interest payments) |
| --- | --- |

—

General government deficit (primary deficit and interest payments)

| — | Sovereign redemptions (short‐ and long-term, market and non-market) |
| --- | --- |

—

Sovereign redemptions (short‐ and long-term, market and non-market)

| — | Other financing needs (e.g. bank recapitalisations.). |
| --- | --- |

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Other financing needs (e.g. bank recapitalisations.).

Net financing needs, in turn, represent the expected amount of borrowing that would be needed following the recourse to planned reduction of assets (e.g. use of cash buffer, privatisations, other income).

The Commission services publish regularly the assessment of Greece's financing needs in their review reports — the latest in July 2013. (11) An updated assessment of Greece's financing needs is being prepared during the ongoing review and will be communicated in the related programme documents.

The EUR 77 billion mentioned by the Honourable Member does not come from estimates made by the Commission.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009973/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Διαχείριση τροφίμων

Σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο, υπολογίζεται ότι περίπου το 40% των παραγόμενων τροφίμων καταλήγουν στα σκουπίδια των ανεπτυγμένων χωρών.

Είναι σε θέση να με ενημερώσει η Επιτροπή για τα συγκριτικά στοιχεία που προκύπτουν για το συγκεκριμένο ζήτημα στα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ; Διαπιστώνει ότι βελτιώνεται η ικανότητα των κρατών μελών όσον αφορά την ορθή διαχείριση των τροφίμων; Ποια η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας;

Απάντηση του κ. Borg εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(18 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Σύμφωνα με τη χρηματοδοτούμενη από την ΕΕ «Προπαρασκευαστική μελέτη για τα απορρίμματα τροφίμων στην ΕΕ των 27 (12)» το 45% του συνόλου των απορριμμάτων τροφίμων που παρήχθησαν στην Ευρώπη το 2006, διατέθηκε σε χωματερές. Πρόκειται για περίπου 40 εκατομμύρια τόνους.

Η Επιτροπή δεν διαθέτει καμία πληροφορία σχετικά με τις ιδιαιτερότητες κάθε κράτους μέλους και τη συγκεκριμένη κατάταξη της Ελλάδας.

Η Επιτροπή έχει αρχίσει να εξετάζει με τους ενδιαφερομένους τον τρόπο ελαχιστοποίησης των απορριμμάτων τροφίμων, χωρίς να τεθεί σε κίνδυνο η ασφάλεια των τροφίμων. Επίσης, η Επιτροπή θα ζητήσει τη γνώμη των κρατών μελών και των εμπειρογνωμόνων, προκειμένου να καθοριστούν οι πλέον κατάλληλες ενέργειες σε επίπεδο ΕΕ ώστε να ολοκληρωθούν οι δράσεις που διεξάγονται σε εθνικό και τοπικό επίπεδο.

Επιπλέον, η Επιτροπή έχει ως στόχο να διευκολύνει την ανταλλαγή ορθών πρακτικών σχετικά με τη μείωση των απορριμμάτων τροφίμων και για αυτό το λόγο θα δημιουργήσει μια βάση δεδομένων που θα αποτελείται από ορθές πρακτικές σχετικά με τη μείωση των απορριμμάτων τροφίμων.

Επιπλέον, η δημόσια διαβούλευση για τα «βιώσιμα τρόφιμα (13)», που περιλαμβάνει ένα κεφάλαιο για τα απορρίμματα τροφίμων, ξεκίνησε από την Επιτροπή στις 9 Ιουλίου 2013 και διήρκεσε έως την 1η Οκτωβρίου 2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009973/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Managing food

Worldwide, it is estimated that 40% of food that is produced goes to waste in developed countries.

Can the Commission provide comparative data on this specific issue in respect of the EU Member States? Does it consider that the ability of Member States is improving concerning the proper management of food? How does Greece rank?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(18 October 2013)

The EU funded ‘Preparatory study on food waste across EU 27 (14)’ estimates that 45% of the total amount of food waste generated in Europe in 2006 was disposed of to landfills. This is about 40 million tonnes.

The Commission has no information about the specific situation in each Member State and the particular ranking of Greece.

The Commission has started to analyse with relevant stakeholders how to minimise food waste without compromising food safety. The Commission will also consult Member States and experts in order to define the most appropriate actions at EU level to complement the actions carried out at national and local level.

Furthermore, the Commission aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices on food waste reduction and will set up a data base consisting of good practices on food waste reduction2.

In addition, the public consultation on ‘Sustainable Food (15)’, including a chapter on food waste, was launched by the Commission on 9 July 2013 and was open till 1 October 2013.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009974/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Εξαφανισμένα παιδιά

Συγκεντρώνει η Επιτροπή συγκριτικά στοιχεία από τα κράτη μέλη αναφορικά με τον αριθμό των εξαφανισμένων παιδιών στην Ένωση; Είναι σε θέση να μου τα παραθέσει; Αξιολογεί ότι το νομοθετικό πλαίσιο των κρατών μελών στον τομέα πρόληψης και αποτροπής σχετικών περιστατικών είναι επαρκές; Διαπιστώνει διευρυμένη και ικανοποιητική συνεργασία των κρατών μελών για την επίλυση του προβλήματος;

Απάντηση της κ. Reding εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(11 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή συλλέγει στοιχεία από τα κράτη μέλη μέσω της μελέτης με τίτλο «Study on missing children: Mapping, data collection and statistics on missing children in the European Union» (Μελέτη για τα εξαφανισμένα παιδιά: χαρτογράφηση, συλλογή δεδομένων και στατιστικών για τα εξαφανισμένα παιδιά στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση) (16) η οποία περιλαμβάνει τη συγκέντρωση συγκρίσιμων στοιχείων. Η μελέτη βρίσκεται στο τελικό στάδιο και αναμένεται να δημοσιευθεί σύντομα.

Εκτός από τη συλλογή και ανάλυση των διαθέσιμων επίσημων στοιχείων για τα εξαφανισμένα παιδιά, η μελέτη συγκέντρωσε παρατηρήσεις, ορθές πρακτικές και συστάσεις από τις αρχές των κρατών μελών και άλλα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη που δραστηριοποιούνται στον τομέα, ιδίως όσον αφορά την καταγραφή και επεξεργασία δεδομένων.

Οι συστάσεις επικεντρώνονται κατά κύριο λόγο σε τρεις τομείς: πρακτικές καταγραφής δεδομένων· λειτουργικοί κανόνες και ορισμοί· και ευαισθητοποίηση και ενημέρωση.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009974/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Missing children

Is the Commission compiling comparative data from the Member States on the number of children that go missing in the EU? Is it in a position to provide this information? Does it consider that the legislative framework of the Member States in the area of prevention and avoidance of such incidents is adequate? Does it believe that there is broader and satisfactory cooperation between Member States in addressing this problem?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(11 October 2013)

The Commission has been gathering data from the Member States through its ‘Study on missing children: Mapping, data collection and statistics on missing children in the European Union’ (17) which includes the compilation of comparative data. The study has reached its final stages and should be published soon.

In addition to collecting and analysing the available official data on missing children, the study has gathered observations and good practices and recommendations from Member State authorities and other stakeholders working in the field, specifically related to data recording and handling.

The recommendations focus primarily on three areas: data recording practices; operational rules and definitions; and awareness-raising and information.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009975/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Εφαρμογή της πολιτικής «εγγύηση για τους νέους»

Στις 27 Ιουνίου 2013 το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο και η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή συμφώνησαν στην άμεση κινητοποίηση πόρων 8 δισεκατομμυρίων ευρώ για την αντιμετώπιση της νεανικής ανεργίας σε χώρες που αντιμετωπίζουν ιδιαίτερο πρόβλημα. Προτεραιότητα δόθηκε στη χρηματοδότηση των «εγγυήσεων για τους νέους».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Είναι σε θέση να με ενημερώσει για την κατανομή των πόρων ανά κράτος και για το πόσα προγράμματα (αντίστοιχα και το ύψος χρηματοδότησής τους) βρίσκονται σήμερα σε εξέλιξη στην ΕΕ και στα κράτη μέλη ειδικότερα; |
| --- | --- |

—

Είναι σε θέση να με ενημερώσει για την κατανομή των πόρων ανά κράτος και για το πόσα προγράμματα (αντίστοιχα και το ύψος χρηματοδότησής τους) βρίσκονται σήμερα σε εξέλιξη στην ΕΕ και στα κράτη μέλη ειδικότερα;

| — | Καθώς το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο έχει τον τελευταίο χρόνο επανειλημμένως καλέσει τα κράτη μέλη να εφαρμόσουν την πολιτική των «εγγυήσεων για τους νέους», είναι σε θέση να γνωρίζει ποια από αυτά το έχουν ήδη κάνει; |
| --- | --- |

—

Καθώς το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο έχει τον τελευταίο χρόνο επανειλημμένως καλέσει τα κράτη μέλη να εφαρμόσουν την πολιτική των «εγγυήσεων για τους νέους», είναι σε θέση να γνωρίζει ποια από αυτά το έχουν ήδη κάνει;

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Σε εξέλιξη βρίσκονται οι διαπραγματεύσεις για τα κριτήρια επιλεξιμότητας σχετικά με τη χρηματοδότηση της πρωτοβουλίας για την απασχόληση των νέων, η υλοποίηση της οποίας θα ξεκινήσει το 2014. Επομένως, η Επιτροπή δεν είναι ακόμη σε θέση να αναφέρει τα πραγματικά ποσά που θα κατανεμηθούν σε κάθε κράτος μέλος.

Το 50% των 6 δισεκατομμυρίων ευρώ του προϋπολογισμού στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας για την απασχόληση των νέων, πρέπει να διατεθεί από εθνικές χορηγήσεις του ΕΚΤ για την περίοδο 2014-20. Ωστόσο, τα κράτη μέλη μπορούν επίσης να επενδύσουν σε άλλους πόρους του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινωνικού Ταμείου για τους νέους για την περίοδο 2014-20, πέρα από εκείνους που προορίζονται στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας για την απασχόληση των νέων.

Τα κράτη μέλη που είναι επιλέξιμα για ενίσχυση στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας για την απασχόληση των νέων πρέπει να υποβάλουν σχέδια υλοποίησης εγγυήσεων για τη νεολαία έως το τέλος του 2013, ενώ τα άλλα κράτη μέλη πρέπει να υποβάλουν τα σχέδια αυτά έως την άνοιξη του 2014. Είναι επομένως πολύ νωρίς για την Επιτροπή να παράσχει κατάλογο των κρατών μελών που έχουν ήδη εφαρμόσει εγγυητικούς μηχανισμούς για τους νέους. Ωστόσο, το έγγραφο εργασίας που συνοδεύει την πρόταση σύστασης του Συμβουλίου για τη θέσπιση ενός εγγυητικού μηχανισμού για τους νέους (18) παρέχει ορισμένα καλά παραδείγματα μέτρων που εφαρμόζονται από τα κράτη μέλη και που προσομοιάζουν με σχέδια εγγυήσεων για τους νέους.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009975/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Implementation of the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme

On 27 June 2013, the European Council and the European Commission agreed on the immediate mobilisation of EUR 8 billion to combat youth unemployment in countries facing particular difficulties. Priority has been given to funding the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| — | Can it inform me about State distribution of the funds and the number of programmes currently under way in the EU and in specific Member States, and their levels of funding? |
| --- | --- |

—

Can it inform me about State distribution of the funds and the number of programmes currently under way in the EU and in specific Member States, and their levels of funding?

| — | As the European Parliament has repeatedly called on Member States over the past year to implement the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme, does the Commission know which Member States have already done so? |
| --- | --- |

—

As the European Parliament has repeatedly called on Member States over the past year to implement the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme, does the Commission know which Member States have already done so?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

Negotiations are currently under way on the eligibility criteria for allocations under the Youth Employment Initiative, the implementation of which will begin in 2014. The Commission is therefore not yet able to state the actual amounts to be allocated to individual Member States.

Half of the EUR 6 billion budget for the Youth Employment Initiative is to be earmarked among ESF national allocations for 2014-20. However, the Member States may also invest other European Social Fund resources in young people in 2014-20, in addition to those earmarked for the Youth Employment Initiative.

The Member States eligible for support under the Youth Employment Initiative need to submit Youth Guarantee implementation plans by the end of 2013 and the other Member States are to submit such plans by spring 2014. It is therefore too early for the Commission to provide a list of Member States that have already implemented Youth Guarantee schemes. Nonetheless, the Staff Working Document accompanying the proposal for a Council Recommendation on Establishing a Youth Guarantee (19) provides several good examples of measures implemented by Member States and approximating to Youth Guarantee schemes.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009976/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Μη ευαλλοίωτα τρόφιμα και ασφάλεια καταναλωτών

Σε ολοένα και περισσότερα κράτη μέλη, σταδιακά, επιτρέπεται η τοποθέτηση μη ευαλλοίωτων τροφίμων με περασμένη ημερομηνία λήξης και σε χαμηλότερες τιμές σε ράφια των καταστημάτων και επομένως η διάθεσή τους προς τους καταναλωτές.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Υπάρχουν σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο συστηματοποιημένες μελέτες για τις αλλαγές που υφίστανται, με την πάροδο του χρόνου, τα μη ευαλλοίωτα τρόφιμα; Προκύπτουν κίνδυνοι για την ανθρώπινη υγεία; |
| --- | --- |

—

Υπάρχουν σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο συστηματοποιημένες μελέτες για τις αλλαγές που υφίστανται, με την πάροδο του χρόνου, τα μη ευαλλοίωτα τρόφιμα; Προκύπτουν κίνδυνοι για την ανθρώπινη υγεία;

| — | Σε ποια κράτη μέλη σήμερα διαθέτονται προς κατανάλωση μη ευαλλοίωτα τρόφιμα με περασμένη αρχική ημερομηνία λήξης; |
| --- | --- |

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Σε ποια κράτη μέλη σήμερα διαθέτονται προς κατανάλωση μη ευαλλοίωτα τρόφιμα με περασμένη αρχική ημερομηνία λήξης;

Απάντηση του κ. Borg εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(4 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Tα προσυσκευασμένα τρόφιμα, με λίγες εξαιρέσεις, πρέπει να φέρουν την ημερομηνία ελάχιστης διατηρησιμότητας με την ένδειξη «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από» ή «ημερομηνία λήξης ...». Η ημερομηνία της κατα προτίμηση ανάλωσης του προϊόντος είναι η ημερομηνία έως την οποία το τρόφιμο διατηρεί τις αναμενόμενες ιδιότητες. Η ισχύουσα νομοθεσία της ΕΕ (20) ορίζει ότι η «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από ...» πρέπει να αντικατασταθεί από την τελική ημερομηνία ανάλωσης «ημερομηνία λήξης ...» όταν, από μικροβιολογική άποψη, ένα τρόφιμο είναι εξαιρετικά ευαλλοίωτο και συνεπώς, ενδέχεται, έπειτα από σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα να αποτελέσει άμεσο κίνδυνο για την ανθρώπινη υγεία. Τρόφιμα με ληγμένη ημερομηνία ανάλωσης δεν πρέπει να διατίθενται στην αγορά της Ένωσης. Ωστόσο, τα τρόφιμα εξακολουθούν να είναι ασφαλή για κατανάλωση και μετά τη λήξη της ημερομηνίας για την «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από ...», υπό την προϋπόθεση ότι τηρούνται οι οδηγίες αποθήκευσης και η συσκευασία δεν είναι φθαρμένη. Ο υπεύθυνος της επιχείρησης τροφίμων είναι αρμόδιος να προσδιορίσει πότε ένα προϊόν θα πρέπει να φέρει επισήμανση χρησιμοποίησης κατά ημερομηνία. Ο νέος κανονισμός σχετικά με την παροχή πληροφοριών για τα τρόφιμα στους καταναλωτές (21) διατηρεί τις ισχύουσες διατάξεις (22).

Πρόσφατα, η Επιτροπή ενημερώθηκε για το ελληνικό μέτρο αυτό που απαιτείται ότι τα τρόφιμα των οποίων η ημερομηνία «ανάλωσης κατά προτίμηση πριν από ...» έχει λήξει θα πρέπει να τοποθετούνται σε χωριστά ράφια σε επίπεδο λιανικής πώλησης με μειωμένες τιμές. Το μέτρο αυτό δεν έρχεται σε αντίθεση με τους ισχύοντες κανόνες της Ένωσης.

Όσον αφορά τα τρόφιμα των οποίων η ημερομηνία «ανάλωσης κατά προτίμηση πριν από ...» έχει λήξει, η Επιτροπή δεν έχει εκπονήσει συστηματικές μελέτες για τις αλλοιώσεις που επέρχονται στα τρόφιμα με την πάροδο του χρόνου από την άποψη των κινδύνων για την υγεία, επειδή τα τρόφιμα αυτά θα πρέπει να είναι ασφαλή για κατανάλωση· διαφορετικά, η ημερομηνία «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από ...» θα έπρεπε να είχε αντικατασταθεί από την ένδειξη «ημερομηνία λήξης ...». Η Επιτροπή δεν γνωρίζει τυχόν περιπτώσεις στις οποίες κάποια τρόφιμα με περασμένη «ημερομηνία λήξης ...» διατίθενται στην αγορά της Ένωσης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009976/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Non-perishable food and consumer safety

An increasing number of Member States are allowing non-perishable food beyond its use-by date to be placed on retail shelves at reduced prices, and thus made available to the consumers.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| — | Have any systematic studies been conducted focusing on the changes that take place in non-perishable food over time? Are there any consequent risks to human health? |
| --- | --- |

—

Have any systematic studies been conducted focusing on the changes that take place in non-perishable food over time? Are there any consequent risks to human health?

| — | In which Member States is non-perishable food that is past the original use-by date now available for consumption? |
| --- | --- |

—

In which Member States is non-perishable food that is past the original use-by date now available for consumption?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 2013)

Pre-packed foods, with few exceptions, must bear a date of minimum durability (‘best before’ date) or a ‘use by’ date. The ‘best before’ date indicates the date until which the food retains its expected qualities. The existing EU legislation (23) specifies that the ‘best before’ date should be replaced by a ‘use by’ date when, from a microbiological point of view, a food is highly perishable and is therefore likely after a short period to constitute an immediate danger to human health. Foods with expired ‘use by’ date must not be placed on the Union market. However, foods beyond their ‘best before’ date are still safe to be consumed, provided that storage instructions are respected and packaging is not damaged. It is the responsibility of the food business operator to determine when a product should be labelled with a use by date. The new Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers (24) maintains the existing rules. (25)

Recently, the Commission has been informed of a Greek measure that required that foods beyond their ‘best before’ date should be placed in separate shelves at retail level at reduced prices. This measure is not in contradiction with the existing Union rules.

As regards foods beyond their ‘best before’ date, the Commission has not conducted systematic studies on the changes that take place over time in terms of health hazards, as such foods should be safe to be consumed; otherwise, the ‘best before’ date should have been replaced with a ‘use by’ date. The Commission is not aware of any cases where foods with expired ‘use by’ dates are placed on the Union market.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009977/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Συνέχιση της δράσης «Εναρμόνιση Οικογενειακής και Επαγγελματικής ζωής» στην Ελλάδα από το 2014

Η δράση «Εναρμόνιση Οικογενειακής και Επαγγελματικής ζωής» έχει αποδειχθεί ιδιαίτερα επιτυχημένη στην Ελλάδα. Ενδεικτικά, σε μια δύσκολη οικονομική συγκυρία, χιλιάδες οικογένειες εξασφάλισαν και φέτος πρόσβαση των παιδιών τους με πολύ μειωμένο κόστος σε παιδικούς και βρεφονηπιακούς σταθμούς για το νέο σχολικό έτος. Καθώς το 2013 ολοκληρώνεται το τρέχον πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο από το οποίο υποστηρίζεται η συγκεκριμένη δράση, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Δεδομένου ότι ανάλογες πολιτικές έχουν ισχυρό θετικό κοινωνικό αντίκτυπο και βοηθούν σημαντικά οικογένειες με σοβαρά οικονομικά προβλήματα, σκοπεύει η Επιτροπή να συνεχίσει να ενισχύει τα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα σχετικών δράσεων κατά την ερχόμενη δημοσιονομική περίοδο; |
| --- | --- |

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Δεδομένου ότι ανάλογες πολιτικές έχουν ισχυρό θετικό κοινωνικό αντίκτυπο και βοηθούν σημαντικά οικογένειες με σοβαρά οικονομικά προβλήματα, σκοπεύει η Επιτροπή να συνεχίσει να ενισχύει τα χρηματοδοτικά μέσα σχετικών δράσεων κατά την ερχόμενη δημοσιονομική περίοδο;

| — | Καθώς η ζήτηση για την συγκεκριμένη δράση είναι τόσο αυξημένη, ώστε στο μέλλον δεν είναι δεδομένη η ικανοποίηση του συνόλου των αιτημάτων και των οικογενειών που χρήζουν βοήθειας στην Ελλάδα, εκτιμά η Επιτροπή ότι σε ενδεχόμενο σχετικό αίτημα κράτους μέλους, θα μπορούσαν να αυξηθούν οι διαθέσιμοι κοινοτικοί πόροι προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση; |
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Καθώς η ζήτηση για την συγκεκριμένη δράση είναι τόσο αυξημένη, ώστε στο μέλλον δεν είναι δεδομένη η ικανοποίηση του συνόλου των αιτημάτων και των οικογενειών που χρήζουν βοήθειας στην Ελλάδα, εκτιμά η Επιτροπή ότι σε ενδεχόμενο σχετικό αίτημα κράτους μέλους, θα μπορούσαν να αυξηθούν οι διαθέσιμοι κοινοτικοί πόροι προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση;

Απάντηση του κ. Andor εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Σύμφωνα με τις προτάσεις για τoυς κανονισμούς περί της πολιτικής συνοχής (26), οι εν λόγω επενδυτικές προτεραιότητες, όπως ο συνδυασμός της επαγγελματικής και της ιδιωτικής ζωής μπορεί να επιλεγούν να χρηματοδοτηθούν από το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινωνικό Ταμείο (ΕΚΤ) στο πλαίσιο του θεματικού στόχου για την προώθηση της απασχόλησης και την υποστήριξη της κινητικότητας του εργατικού δυναμικού κατά την προσεχή περίοδο προγραμματισμού (2014-20). Κατά τον ίδιο τρόπο, οι δράσεις για τη βελτίωση της πρόσβασης σε οικονομικά προσιτές, βιώσιμες και υψηλής ποιότητας υπηρεσίες, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των κοινωνικών υπηρεσιών γενικού συμφέροντος, μπορεί να επιλεγούν για υποστήριξη από το ΕΚΤ στο πλαίσιο του θεματικού στόχου για την προώθηση της κοινωνικής ένταξης και την καταπολέμηση της φτώχειας. Η παροχή χρηματοδότησης στο πλαίσιο θεματικών στόχων θα υπόκεινται σε διαπραγμάτευση μεταξύ του ενδιαφερόμενου κράτους μέλους και της Επιτροπής, με βάση την πρόταση των κρατών μελών και τους ισχύοντες κανόνες.

Σύμφωνα με το κανονιστικό πλαίσιο που διέπει το ΕΚΤ, τα κράτη μέλη είναι υπεύθυνα για την επιλογή, το σχεδιασμό και τη διαχείριση των μεμονωμένων έργων που συγχρηματοδοτούνται από το ΕΚΤ. Μέχρι σήμερα, η Επιτροπή δεν έχει λάβει καμία αίτηση από την Ελλάδα για αύξηση του προϋπολογισμού για το συνδυασμό της επαγγελματικής και της οικογενειακής ζωής, ο οποίος θα πρέπει να συζητηθεί και να αποφασιστεί σε εθνικό επίπεδο, τηρουμένων όλων των στόχων του ΕΚΤ και των επιδιώξεων που καθορίζονται στα επιχειρησιακά προγράμματα του ΕΚΤ.

Επιπλέον, πρόσφατα η Επιτροπή τόνισε ότι η παροχή εγκαταστάσεων παιδικής μέριμνας στην ΕΕ εξακολουθεί να μην είναι σύμφωνη με τους στόχους της Βαρκελώνης. Αυτό αντιμετωπίστηκε στην πρόσφατη δέσμη μέτρων για κοινωνικές επενδύσεις και έγιναν πολλές ειδικές συστάσεις ανά χώρα στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού εξαμήνου. Η Ελλάδα ιδίως, δεν πέτυχε κανέναν από τους στόχους της Βαρκελώνης όσον αφορά τη μέριμνα για τα παιδιά (27).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009977/13

to the Commission

Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Continuation of the ‘Work-Life Balance’ initiative in Greece after 2014

The ‘Work-Life Balance’ initiative has proved particularly successful in Greece. In difficult economic circumstances, thousands of families secured access to nurseries and kindergartens for their children in the new academic year at a greatly reduced cost. As the current multiannual budgetary framework which supports this initiative is coming to an end in 2013, will the Commission say:

| — | Given that such policies have a strong positive social impact and provide important assistance to families in serious financial difficulty, does the Commission intend to strengthen financial support for the relevant initiatives further during the coming financial period? |
| --- | --- |

—

Given that such policies have a strong positive social impact and provide important assistance to families in serious financial difficulty, does the Commission intend to strengthen financial support for the relevant initiatives further during the coming financial period?

| — | As demand for the initiative has increased to the extent that meeting all therequests from families that need assistance in Greece cannot be ensured inthe future, will the Commission consider increasing the Community funds available inthis area if so requested by a Member State? |
| --- | --- |

—

As demand for the initiative has increased to the extent that meeting all therequests from families that need assistance in Greece cannot be ensured inthe future, will the Commission consider increasing the Community funds available inthis area if so requested by a Member State?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

In accordance with the proposals for the Cohesion Policy Regulations (28), such investment priorities as reconciling work and private life may be selected for European Social Fund (ESF) support under the thematic objective for Promoting employment and supporting labour mobility in the forthcoming programming period (2014-20). In the same way, actions to improve access to affordable, sustainable and high-quality services, including social services of general interest, may be selected for ESF support under the thematic objective for Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty. Allocation of funding under thematic objectives will be subject to negotiation, between the Member State concerned and the Commission, based on the Member States' proposal and applicable rules.

In accordance with the regulatory framework governing the ESF, the Member States are responsible for selecting, designing and managing individual projects co-financed by the ESF. To date the Commission has received no request from Greece for an increase in the budget for Reconciling work and family life, which should be discussed and decided at national level in full respect for the ESF’s objectives and the objectives and targets set in the ESF operational programmes.

Moreover, the Commission recently stressed that the provision of childcare facilities in the EU is still not in line with the Barcelona targets. This has been addresses in the recent Social Investment Package and several country specific recommendations in the context of the European Semester. Greece, in particular, has not met any of the Barcelone targets on childcare (29)

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-009978/13

à la Commission

Alain Cadec (PPE)

(6 septembre 2013)

Objet: Application du règlement (CE) n° 812/2004 établissant des mesures relatives aux captures accidentelles de cétacés

Le 14 août, les autorités britanniques ont contrôlé un navire fileyeur breton sur lequel elles ont relevé l'absence de répulsifs acoustiques. Ce fileyeur doit dès lors s'en équiper d'ici le 1er septembre 2013, ce qui est un investissement coûteux.

Si le règlement du Conseil (CE) n° 812/2004 rend les répulsifs acoustiques obligatoires sur tous les navires d'une longueur de plus de 12 mètres dans la zone VII, l'application de ce règlement semble avoir été reportée étant donné les difficultés techniques de sa mise en œuvre.

Un citoyen français nous a signalé des difficultés d'application du règlement qui entraîneraient une différence de traitement entre professionnels de la pêche en fonction des États membres dans lesquels ils sont contrôlés. Il s'ensuit également une différence de sanctions étant donné l'absence d'harmonisation au niveau européen des sanctions liées aux infractions en matière de pêche.

La Commission peut-elle indiquer s'il existe des difficultés d'application de ce règlement?

La Commission peut-elle publier une synthèse de l'état d'avancement de l'application du règlement précité?

La Commission compte-t-elle réviser ce règlement lors de l'application de la nouvelle politique commune de la pêche le 1er janvier 2014?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(23 octobre 2013)

La Commission a procédé à deux réexamens distincts du règlement (CE) n° 812/2004 en 2009 (30) et 2011 (31). Ils soulignent tous les deux des améliorations dans la mise en œuvre dudit règlement mais constatent également des faiblesses inhérentes au système d'échantillonnage requis par le présent règlement ainsi que la réticence des pêcheurs à utiliser des dispositifs de dissuasion acoustiques en raison de problèmes pratiques et économiques.

Dans sa dernière communication, la Commission a indiqué que la modification du règlement ne serait pas efficace car la procédure serait longue et ne serait finalement pas conforme à l'objectif de la nouvelle politique commune de la pêche (PCP) visant la régionalisation de la prise de décisions, lorsque des mesures sont adaptées aux différentes activités de pêche.

Sur cette base la Commission envisage d'introduire des mesures de réduction des risques dans un nouveau cadre de mesures techniques qui reflèterait cette approche régionalisée. La présente proposition doit être adoptée par la Commission en 2014. La surveillance des cétacés et d'autres espèces protégées sera intégrée dans le nouveau cadre applicable à la collecte de données (32).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009978/13

to the Commission

Alain Cadec (PPE)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Application of Regulation (EC) No 812/2004 laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans

On 14 August 2013 the UK authorities carried out an inspection aboard a driftnetter from Brittany, and found that it had no acoustic deterrent devices. The vessel must therefore be fitted with the devices by 1 September 2013, which is a costly investment.

Although Council Regulation (EC) No 812/2004 makes acoustic deterrent devices mandatory on all vessels of more than 12 metres in length in area VII, the application of this regulation seems to have been held up due to the technical difficulties in implementing it.

A French citizen has drawn our attention to some difficulties in applying the regulation, which see fishing operators treated differently depending on the Member State in which they are inspected. Penalties also differ, because of the absence of harmonised penalties for fisheries infringements at EU level.

Can the Commission say whether there are any difficulties in applying this regulation?

Can it publish a summary report on the progress made in applying this regulation?

Does it intend to revise this regulation when the new common fisheries policy is implemented on 1 January 2014?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission has carried out two separate reviews of Regulation (EC) No 812/2004 in 2009 (33) and 2011 (34). Both of them highlight improvements in the implementation of the Regulation but also conclude that there are inherent weaknesses relating to the sampling regime required under the regulation and also the reluctance of fishermen to use acoustic deterrent devices due to practical and economic concerns.

In the latest Communication, the Commission indicated that amending this regulation would not be on effective way forward as the procedure would be lengthy and would ultimately not be in accordance with the objective of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of moving to regionalised decision-making, where measures are tailored to different fisheries.

On this basis the Commission is considering introducing mitigation measures into a new framework for technical measures that would reflect this regionalised approach. This proposal is scheduled to be adopted by the Commission in 2014. The monitoring of cetaceans and other protected species will be incorporated under the new Data Collection Framework (35).

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-009979/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Adam Bielan (ECR)

(6 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – Odejście Armenii od integracji z UE

Prezydent Armenii Serż Sarkisjan, podczas niedawnego spotkania z przywódcą Rosji wyraził gotowość przystąpienia swojego kraju do Unii Celnej oraz zadeklarował chęć tworzenia Eurazjatyckiej Unii Gospodarczej. Decyzja ta oznacza diametralny zwrot w polityce zagranicznej Erywania, jednoznacznie przekreślając proeuropejskie dotychczas aspiracje kraju. Pod znakiem zapytania staje możliwość podpisania wynegocjowanego już układu stowarzyszeniowego, co odczytywać należy jako prestiżową porażkę europejskiej dyplomacji i jej strategii w zakresie Partnerstwa Wschodniego.

W związku z powyższym zwracam się z prośbą o wyjaśnienie:

| Na skutek jakich błędów w polityce wschodniej Bruksela utraciła zainteresowanie integracją ze strony armeńskich władz? |
| --- |

Na skutek jakich błędów w polityce wschodniej Bruksela utraciła zainteresowanie integracją ze strony armeńskich władz?

| Czy w zaistniałej sytuacji możliwe jest jeszcze parafowanie umowy stowarzyszeniowej z Armenią, planowane podczas listopadowego szczytu Partnerstwa Wschodniego, czy też przedsięwzięcie to uznać należy za bezpodstawne? |
| --- |

Czy w zaistniałej sytuacji możliwe jest jeszcze parafowanie umowy stowarzyszeniowej z Armenią, planowane podczas listopadowego szczytu Partnerstwa Wschodniego, czy też przedsięwzięcie to uznać należy za bezpodstawne?

| Czy i w jaki sposób stanowisko Armenii wpłynie na europejski kierunek polityki innych członków Partnerstwa, przede wszystkim Ukrainy, Gruzji i Mołdawii? |
| --- |

Czy i w jaki sposób stanowisko Armenii wpłynie na europejski kierunek polityki innych członków Partnerstwa, przede wszystkim Ukrainy, Gruzji i Mołdawii?

| Zmiana kursu politycznego, w szczególności odejście od polityki integracji z Unią Europejską, może zostać oprotestowane przez armeńskie społeczeństwo. Czy ESDZ dysponuje odpowiednią strategią dyplomatyczną na wypadek zaistnienia powyższej sytuacji, celem podtrzymania proeuropejskich aspiracji Ormian? |
| --- |

Zmiana kursu politycznego, w szczególności odejście od polityki integracji z Unią Europejską, może zostać oprotestowane przez armeńskie społeczeństwo. Czy ESDZ dysponuje odpowiednią strategią dyplomatyczną na wypadek zaistnienia powyższej sytuacji, celem podtrzymania proeuropejskich aspiracji Ormian?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Štefana Fülego w imieniu Komisji

(29 października 2013 r.)

| 1. | UE została poinformowana przez Armenię, że jej niedawna decyzja wynika z kilku okoliczności, w tym także z silnych powiązań Armenii z Rosją. Ponadto armeńskie władze wyraźnie zasygnalizowały, że są zainteresowane kontynuacją współpracy z UE we wszystkich obszarach zgodnych z ich niedawnym wyborem politycznym. |
| --- | --- |

1.

UE została poinformowana przez Armenię, że jej niedawna decyzja wynika z kilku okoliczności, w tym także z silnych powiązań Armenii z Rosją. Ponadto armeńskie władze wyraźnie zasygnalizowały, że są zainteresowane kontynuacją współpracy z UE we wszystkich obszarach zgodnych z ich niedawnym wyborem politycznym.

| 2. | UE zawsze informowała Armenię, że układ o stowarzyszeniu / umowa DCFTA i członkostwo w unii celnej byłyby niespójne. Ze względu na tę niezgodność, plan Armenii by przystąpić do unii celnej, jak zostało to zapowiedziane w dniu 3 września 2013 r., spowodował wycofanie się z parafowania układu o stowarzyszeniu / umowy DCFTA. |
| --- | --- |

2.

UE zawsze informowała Armenię, że układ o stowarzyszeniu / umowa DCFTA i członkostwo w unii celnej byłyby niespójne. Ze względu na tę niezgodność, plan Armenii by przystąpić do unii celnej, jak zostało to zapowiedziane w dniu 3 września 2013 r., spowodował wycofanie się z parafowania układu o stowarzyszeniu / umowy DCFTA.

| 3. | Na tle innych krajów Partnerstwa Wschodniego, sytuacja Armenii jest wyjątkowa. Ukraina, Gruzja i Mołdawia nadal demonstrują swoją gotowość do podpisania/parafowania układu o stowarzyszeniu / umowy DCFTA na nadchodzącym szczycie Partnerstwa Wschodniego w Wilnie. Nie ma zatem przesłanek wskazujących na „efekt domina” wywołanego wyborem Armenii, jeśli chodzi o politykę proeuropejską w innych krajach Partnerstwa Wschodniego. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Na tle innych krajów Partnerstwa Wschodniego, sytuacja Armenii jest wyjątkowa. Ukraina, Gruzja i Mołdawia nadal demonstrują swoją gotowość do podpisania/parafowania układu o stowarzyszeniu / umowy DCFTA na nadchodzącym szczycie Partnerstwa Wschodniego w Wilnie. Nie ma zatem przesłanek wskazujących na „efekt domina” wywołanego wyborem Armenii, jeśli chodzi o politykę proeuropejską w innych krajach Partnerstwa Wschodniego.

| 4. | UE powinna zbudować fundament pod przyszłe stosunki z Armenią w świetle jej decyzji o przystąpieniu do unii celnej. UE w dalszym ciągu wykazuje zaangażowanie i zobowiązuje się do ścisłej dwustronnej współpracy z Armenią. |
| --- | --- |

4.

UE powinna zbudować fundament pod przyszłe stosunki z Armenią w świetle jej decyzji o przystąpieniu do unii celnej. UE w dalszym ciągu wykazuje zaangażowanie i zobowiązuje się do ścisłej dwustronnej współpracy z Armenią.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009979/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Adam Bielan (ECR)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Armenia's move away from EU integration

During a recent meeting with the Russian President, the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said that his country was willing to join the Customs Union and intended to help establish a Eurasian Economic Union. This decision represents a complete U-turn in Yerevan’s foreign policy, which has to date been clearly focused on the country’s pro-European ambitions. A question mark now hangs over the signature of the association agreement which has already been negotiated, signifying a high-profile failure of European diplomacy and its Eastern Partnership strategy.

I should therefore like to ask the following questions:

| What errors in Brussels’ Eastern Partnership policy have led to the Armenian authorities losing interest in integration? |
| --- |

What errors in Brussels’ Eastern Partnership policy have led to the Armenian authorities losing interest in integration?

| As things stand, is there still any chance of the association agreement with Armenia being initialled during the November Eastern Partnership summit as planned, or would this be pointless? |
| --- |

As things stand, is there still any chance of the association agreement with Armenia being initialled during the November Eastern Partnership summit as planned, or would this be pointless?

| Will Armenia’s position affect the pro-European policies of other members of the Eastern Partnership, in particular Ukraine, Georgia and Moldavia, and if so how? |
| --- |

Will Armenia’s position affect the pro-European policies of other members of the Eastern Partnership, in particular Ukraine, Georgia and Moldavia, and if so how?

| Armenian society may protest at this policy swing, in particular the move away from political integration with the EU. Does the EEAS have an appropriate diplomatic strategy in place for such an eventuality, in order to support the pro-European ambitions of the Armenian people? |
| --- |

Armenian society may protest at this policy swing, in particular the move away from political integration with the EU. Does the EEAS have an appropriate diplomatic strategy in place for such an eventuality, in order to support the pro-European ambitions of the Armenian people?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

| 1. | The EU has been informed by Armenia that its recent decision was based on a number of circumstances, including Armenia's deep ties with Russia. Moreover, Armenian authorities clearly signalled that they are interested in pursuing cooperation with the EU in all areas compatible with their recent policy choice. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The EU has been informed by Armenia that its recent decision was based on a number of circumstances, including Armenia's deep ties with Russia. Moreover, Armenian authorities clearly signalled that they are interested in pursuing cooperation with the EU in all areas compatible with their recent policy choice.

| 2. | The EU had always communicated to Armenia that the Association Agreement/ Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (AA/DCFTA) and membership of the Customs Union would be incompatible. Due to this incompatibility, Armenia's intention to join the Customs Union, as announced on 3 September 2013, has put the initialling of an AA/DCFTA off the table. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The EU had always communicated to Armenia that the Association Agreement/ Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (AA/DCFTA) and membership of the Customs Union would be incompatible. Due to this incompatibility, Armenia's intention to join the Customs Union, as announced on 3 September 2013, has put the initialling of an AA/DCFTA off the table.

| 3. | Armenia's situation is unique among Eastern Partnership countries. Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova continue to demonstrate their commitment for signing/initialling the AA/DCFTA at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius. Thus, there are no indications of any ‘domino effect’ of Armenia’s choice as concerns the pro-European policies of other members of the Eastern Partnership. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Armenia's situation is unique among Eastern Partnership countries. Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova continue to demonstrate their commitment for signing/initialling the AA/DCFTA at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius. Thus, there are no indications of any ‘domino effect’ of Armenia’s choice as concerns the pro-European policies of other members of the Eastern Partnership.

| 4. | The EU should establish the future basis for its relations with Armenia in the light of Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union. The EU remains engaged and is committed to a strong bilateral relationship with Armenia. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The EU should establish the future basis for its relations with Armenia in the light of Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union. The EU remains engaged and is committed to a strong bilateral relationship with Armenia.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-009980/13

do Komisji

Adam Bielan (ECR)

(6 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Problemy z transportem towarów za wschodnią granicę UE

Pod zarzutem naruszania w przeszłości przepisów celnych, białoruscy celnicy od kilku tygodni przetrzymują na brzeskim przejściu kilkanaście polskich ciężarówek. Szczegółowe zarzuty dotyczą nielegalnych przewozów na terenie Unii Celnej. Przewoźnicy są wzywani na kosztowne rozprawy sądowe. W sprawie interweniowało polskie Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych, dotychczas jednak bezskutecznie.

W kontekście bieżących wydarzeń związanych ze zbliżającym się szczytem Partnerstwa Wschodniego nietrudno dopatrzyć się, w przytoczonym działaniu Białorusinów, rosyjskiej inspiracji. Tym bardziej, że służby celne Rosji nie rezygnują z prób zaostrzenia przepisów dotyczących transportu na swoim terytorium towarów z wykorzystaniem karnetów TIR, co zostało już oprotestowane przez Brukselę i ONZ. Forsowane przez Moskwę zmiany uderzą w szczególności w polskie firmy spedycyjne, realizujące większość zleceń przewozowych do krajów WNP.

W oparciu o powyższe zwracam się z prośbą o następujące informacje:

| Czy Komisji znana jest sytuacja związana z przetrzymywaniem polskich transportów w Brześciu i czy rozważane jest jej zaangażowanie, celem wsparcia polskiego MSZ w dążeniu do osiągnięcia porozumienia? |
| --- |

Czy Komisji znana jest sytuacja związana z przetrzymywaniem polskich transportów w Brześciu i czy rozważane jest jej zaangażowanie, celem wsparcia polskiego MSZ w dążeniu do osiągnięcia porozumienia?

| Jakie działania zostały, bądź są podejmowane w celu powstrzymania Rosji przed wprowadzeniem niekorzystnych dla europejskich przewoźników zmian w zakresie stosowania konwencji TIR? |
| --- |

Jakie działania zostały, bądź są podejmowane w celu powstrzymania Rosji przed wprowadzeniem niekorzystnych dla europejskich przewoźników zmian w zakresie stosowania konwencji TIR?

| Czy możliwe są unijne rekompensaty dla przedsiębiorców, którzy ponieśli straty na skutek zatrzymania ich transportów do Białorusi? |
| --- |

Czy możliwe są unijne rekompensaty dla przedsiębiorców, którzy ponieśli straty na skutek zatrzymania ich transportów do Białorusi?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Algirdasa Šemetę w imieniu Komisji

(29 października 2013 r.)

Komisja otrzymała od polskiego Ministerstwa Finansów szczegółowe informacje o przetrzymywaniu polskich samochodów ciężarowych przez władze białoruskie. Ewentualne działania podejmowane przez Komisję zależą od rozwoju sytuacji i będą koordynowane z polską administracją.

Jeśli chodzi o stosowanie konwencji TIR w Rosji, Komisja podjęła konkretne kroki, by wyegzekwować zmianę decyzji przez Rosję natychmiast po otrzymaniu informacji o nowych wymogach TIR. Podjęto działania w wymiarze dwustronnym, jak i na odpowiednich forach wielostronnych. W ramach wspomnianych działań wystosowano pisma: od członka Komisji odpowiedzialnego za podatki do szefa rosyjskiej służby celnej oraz od służb Komisji do Sekretarza Wykonawczego Europejskiej Komisji Gospodarczej ONZ. Zorganizowano ponadto: sesję specjalną Komitetu Kodeksu Celnego w Brukseli i Rady Wykonawczej TIR w Genewie, telekonferencję pomiędzy Komisją i rosyjską służbą celną oraz specjalną misję Komisji do Moskwy. Komisja koordynuje swoje działania z państwami członkowskimi.

Na chwilę obecną rosyjska służba celna podjęła decyzję o niewdrażaniu środków, jednak z wyjątkiem okręgów celnych Uralu, Syberii, Dalekiego Wschodu i Wołgi, gdzie dotyczy to bardzo niewielkiej liczby przedsiębiorstw unijnych. Rozwój sytuacji jest stale monitorowany.

Obecnie wygląda na to, że w tym przypadku nie ma możliwości uzyskania rekompensaty UE, jednak przewoźnicy mogą w tej sprawie przedstawić wniosek do władz państw trzecich, jeżeli krajowe ustawodawstwo na to pozwala.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009980/13

to the Commission

Adam Bielan (ECR)

(6 September 2013)

Subject: Problems concerning the transport of goods beyond the EU's eastern border

Belarusian customs officials at the Brest border crossing have been detaining around a dozen Polish lorries for several weeks due to alleged past violations of customs rules, or more specifically illegal shipments into the territory of the Customs Union. The hauliers have been summoned to appear in court, which will cost them a great deal of money. The interventions undertaken by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs have so far been unsuccessful.

Given the recent events in the run-up to the forthcoming Eastern Partnership summit, it is not hard to imagine that Russia might be behind these measures by Belarus, particularly since the Russian customs services are still attempting to tighten up the rules regarding use of the TIR carnet for freight shipments into Russian territory, even though both Brussels and the UN have already registered their protests at such a move. These changes being pushed through by Moscow will have a particularly adverse impact on Polish shipping companies, which deliver most of their freight to CIS countries.

I should therefore like to ask the following questions:

| Is the Commission aware of the detention of Polish lorries in Brest, and does it intend to intervene to support the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its attempts to reach an agreement? |
| --- |

Is the Commission aware of the detention of Polish lorries in Brest, and does it intend to intervene to support the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its attempts to reach an agreement?

| What measures have been or will be taken with a view to dissuading Russia from changing its rules on the application of the TIR Convention, to the disadvantage of European hauliers? |
| --- |

What measures have been or will be taken with a view to dissuading Russia from changing its rules on the application of the TIR Convention, to the disadvantage of European hauliers?

| Is there any possibility that the EU will pay compensation to the entrepreneurs who have suffered losses as a result of the detention of their shipments to Belarus? |
| --- |

Is there any possibility that the EU will pay compensation to the entrepreneurs who have suffered losses as a result of the detention of their shipments to Belarus?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The Commission has received detailed information from the Polish Ministry of Finance about the detention of Polish lorries by Belarusian authorities. Possible actions by the Commission depend on future developments and will be coordinated with the Polish administration.

Concerning the application of TIR Convention in Russia, the Commission has taken concrete steps to request the change of the decision by Russia immediately after receiving information on the new TIR requirements. Steps have been taken at the bilateral level and via the relevant multilateral forums, including a letter from the Member of the Commission responsible for Taxation to the Head of Russian Customs, a letter from the Commission services to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the organisation of a special session of the Customs Code Committee in Brussels and of the TIR Executive Board in Geneva, a teleconference between the Commission and the Russian Customs, and a specific Commission mission to Moscow. The Commission has coordinated its activities with Member States.

Russian Customs have decided not to implement the measures for the time being, except in the Ural, Siberian, Far East and Volga customs districts, where extremely limited EU businesses are concerned. The development of the situation is being monitored.

At present there appears to be no possibility for EU compensation in this case but hauliers may present such request to the third countries authorities, if the national legislation so allows it.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-009981/13

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(9 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Comune di Buonconvento: possibile violazione delle norme sulla vendita di terreni edificabili tramite asta pubblica

Nel 2005 il Comune di Buonconvento, in provincia di Siena, ha messo in vendita undici lotti di terreni edificabili di sua proprietà in località Poderuccio attraverso un avviso di asta pubblica. Secondo la ricostruzione effettuata da due consiglieri comunali in un esposto del 2009, vi sarebbero state macroscopiche irregolarità nello svolgimento dell'asta pubblica. In particolare, sarebbe stato ammesso a partecipare un soggetto privato già titolare di un'impresa edile, in contrasto con quanto espressamente previsto dal bando stesso che vietava la partecipazione di soggetti privati già titolari di imprese edili o di cooperative edilizie. Inoltre, nell'offerta depositata da tale soggetto figurerebbe un importo complessivo per un lotto non determinato, lasciando così all'Amministrazione comunale la facoltà di decidere quale lotto degli undici messi all'asta assegnare a questa impresa in netto contrasto con quanto stabilito dal bando. Infine, conclusa l'asta, sembrerebbe che nell'assegnazione definitiva dei lotti sia stato assegnato a questo soggetto un lotto di valore di gran lunga superiore all'offerta, creando un danno erariale all'Amministrazione comunale.

Tutto ciò premesso, può la Commissione far sapere:

| se siano state violate le norme a tutela della concorrenza; |
| --- |

se siano state violate le norme a tutela della concorrenza;

| se la situazione descritta contiene elementi che fanno ravvisare aiuti di Stato; |
| --- |

se la situazione descritta contiene elementi che fanno ravvisare aiuti di Stato;

| se siano state violate le norme della direttiva 2004/18/CE in materia di appalti pubblici; |
| --- |

se siano state violate le norme della direttiva 2004/18/CE in materia di appalti pubblici;

| se è in grado di fornire un quadro generale della situazione? |
| --- |

se è in grado di fornire un quadro generale della situazione?

Risposta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(25 novembre 2013)

La Commissione ringrazia l'onorevole deputato per averle segnalato l'eventualità che l'asta pubblica indetta dal Comune di Buonconvento per la vendita di terreni edificabili non sia compatibile con le norme UE in materia di appalti pubblici, concorrenza e aiuti di Stato.

Sulla base delle informazioni limitate fornite dall'onorevole deputato, la Commissione non è in grado di indicare se la suddetta asta sia compatibile o meno con il diritto dell'UE.

La Commissione, in primo luogo, osserva tuttavia che la vendita di beni, compresi i terreni edificabili, non è considerata un appalto pubblico ai sensi del diritto dell'UE; pertanto la direttiva 2004/18/CE, relativa al coordinamento delle procedure di aggiudicazione degli appalti pubblici, non si applica all'asta contestata.

In secondo luogo, al fine di determinare se la vendita contestata contiene elementi di aiuto di Stato, la Commissione rimanda l'onorevole deputato alla sua comunicazione relativa agli elementi di aiuto di Stato connessi alle vendite di terreni e fabbricati da parte di pubbliche autorità (36). Detta comunicazione offre alle autorità pubbliche due metodi per escludere la presenza di aiuti di Stato nelle transazioni fondiarie: la vendita di terreni ed edifici tramite una procedura d'offerta aperta e incondizionata (simile ad una vendita all'asta) e aggiudicata al migliore o all'unico offerente, oppure una valutazione preliminare eseguita da un perito indipendente per stabilire il valore di mercato, che rappresenta il prezzo minimo di vendita che può essere accettato senza configurare un aiuto di Stato. Quando non viene applicato nessuno di questi due metodi, la presenza di un aiuto di Stato dipende dal fatto che il prezzo di vendita del terreno ne rifletta adeguatamente il valore di mercato, in modo da escludere la possibilità che la vendita in questione conferisca un vantaggio economico all'acquirente di tale terreno.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009981/13

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Municipality of Buonconvento — possible infringement of the rules on the sale of building land through public auctions

In 2005, the municipality of Buonconvento, in the province of Siena, announced that it was selling 11 lots of building land in the Poderuccio district by public auction. According to the review carried out by two town councillors in 2009, there were gross irregularities in the way the public auction was conducted. More specifically, a private person who already owns a construction company was apparently allowed to take part, contrary to the express provisions of the auction notice which prohibited the participation of private owners of construction companies or building cooperatives. Moreover, that person allegedly submitted a bid which consisted of a specific amount for an unspecified lot, leaving it up to the municipal authority to decide which of the 11 lots put up for auction to assign to that company, contrary to the provisions of the auction notice. In the end, in the final allocation of the lots after the auction, this person was apparently assigned a lot the value of which far exceeded the bid, thus resulting in a loss of revenue for the Town Council.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following questions:

| Have competition rules been infringed? |
| --- |

Have competition rules been infringed?

| Does the situation described contain elements which constitute state aid? |
| --- |

Does the situation described contain elements which constitute state aid?

| Have the provisions of Directive 2004/18/EC concerning public contracts been infringed? |
| --- |

Have the provisions of Directive 2004/18/EC concerning public contracts been infringed?

| Can it give an overview of the situation? |
| --- |

Can it give an overview of the situation?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 2013)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for drawing its attention to possible concerns related to the compatibility of the public auction for the sale of building land by the the municipality of Buonconvento with EU rules on public procurement, competition and state aid.

On the basis of the limited information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission cannot provide an indication of whether the abovementioned auction might raise concerns of compatibility with EC law.

However, the Commission notes, first, that the sale of goods, including building land, is not considered as public procurement according to EC law; therefore Directive 2004/18/EC on the coordination of procedures for the award of public contracts does not apply to the contested auction.

Second, for the purpose of determining whether the contested sale contains state aid elements, the Commission refers the Honourable Member to its communication on state aid elements in sales of land and buildings by public authorities (37). That Communication provides two methods for public authorities to rule out the presence of state aid from land sale transactions: first, a sale of land and buildings following a well-publicised, open and unconditional bidding procedure, comparable to an auction, accepting the best or only bid; and, second, an ex-ante valuation report prepared by an independent expert in order to establish the market value, which is the minimum purchase price that can be agreed without granting state aid. Where neither of these methods has been followed, the presence of state aid depends on whether the price at which the land was sold adequately reflects the market value of that land, so as to rule out that that sale confers an economic advantage on the purchaser of that land.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-009982/13

alla Commissione

Francesca Barracciu (S&D)

(9 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Nuova emergenza Blue Tongue nella Regione Sardegna — Inadempienze e inefficienze

Il fenomeno Blue Tongue nella Regione Sardegna vive una nuova emergenza: più di 5 000 capi morti e più di 2 500 focolai in 15 000 aziende. Anni di emergenze con conseguenze devastanti sul lungo periodo.

L'articolo 18 della direttiva 2000/75/CE del 20 novembre 2000 stabilisce che «La Commissione esamina i piani (di intervento) allo scopo di determinare se essi consentano di raggiungere l'obiettivo perseguito e suggerisce allo Stato membro interessato qualsiasi modifica necessaria» e che il piano di profilassi regionale individuava gli interventi integrati di bonifica e di sanificazione/disinfestazione quale obiettivo contro il riemergere della Blue Tongue.

Il periodo utile alle vaccinazioni contro la febbre catarrale degli ovini va da gennaio a marzo, per le più basse temperature di quel periodo e per non incidere sulla stagione della riproduzione e degli allattamenti mentre, da notizie fornite dalla stampa e dalle organizzazioni di categoria, si apprende che esse sono iniziate a luglio e proseguono in questi giorni provocando aborti e cali di produzione di latte.

Si ricorda anche che il regolamento (CE) n. 349/2005, all'articolo 2, lettera a), definisce «indennizzo rapido ed adeguato» quello versato entro 90 giorni dall’abbattimento degli animali.

Infine, in data 31 gennaio 2013, l'interrogante ha presentato una interrogazione sul tema, classificata col numero P-001022/2013, e nella risposta fornita in data 25 febbraio 2013, si legge che da novembre 2012 a febbraio 2013 non sono pervenute alla Commissione altre informazioni dall'Italia circa il pagamento degli indennizzi mentre, da notizie fornite dalla stampa e dalle organizzazioni di categoria, numerosi allevatori, in particolare nel Sulcis, non hanno ancora ricevuto gli indennizzi per capi morti nel 2012.

Secondo la Commissione vi sono state inadempienze da parte delle autorità italiane nel dare attuazione al piano di profilassi? In caso di risposta positiva, in capo a chi devono ascriversi tali responsabilità? In quale modo intende intervenire affinché la drammatica situazione arrivi a un punto di svolta positiva?

Quali informazioni ha ricevuto in merito agli indennizzi dopo novembre 2012? Può confermare che gli allevatori i cui capi sono morti nel 2012 non hanno ancora ricevuto gli indennizzi, in chiara violazione del regolamento (CE) n. 349/2005? È a conoscenza di altri ritardi? È a conoscenza dei ritardi nelle vaccinazioni ed ha notizia delle ragioni per cui essi si sono determinati?

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(27 settembre 2013)

La Commissione è consapevole del fatto che in Sardegna, Sicilia e Corsica si sono manifestati e sono in corso focolai di febbre catarrale degli ovini e che la situazione è particolarmente grave in Sardegna.

La Commissione non ha motivi per ritenere che le autorità italiane abbiano violato la normativa sulla febbre catarrale degli ovini. Secondo le informazioni fornite dalle autorità italiane in occasione della riunione del Comitato permanente per la catena alimentare e la salute degli animali (SCOFCAH), svoltasi il 10 e l’11 aprile 2013, nella Sardegna meridionale era in pieno svolgimento un piano di vaccinazione mirante a ottenere una protezione immunitaria di massa degli animali delle specie ovina e caprina.

La situazione della febbre catarrale degli ovini e l’esito del suddetto piano di vaccinazione saranno esaminati durante la riunione SCOFCAH prevista per il 7 ottobre 2013.

La Commissione non ha ricevuto alcuna informazione né richiesta di sostegno finanziario da parte dell’Italia, nel quadro del regolamento (CE) n. 349/2005 o della decisione 2009/470/CE del Consiglio. Il contributo finanziario UE previsto dai suddetti atti riguarda comunque solo le spese sostenute dagli Stati membri per indennizzare i proprietari i cui animali siano stati abbattuti e distrutti e non per animali deceduti a causa della malattia.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-009982/13

to the Commission

Francesca Barracciu (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: New bluetongue emergency in Sardinia — non-compliance and inefficiency

Bluetongue disease has once again broken out in Sardinia: more than 5 000 sheep have died and there have been more than 2 500 outbreaks on 15 000 farms. Such emergencies have been going on for years, with devastating long-term consequences.

Article 18 of Directive 2000/75/EC of 20 November 2000 states that ‘The Commission shall examine the (contingency) plans, in order to determine whether they enable the desired objective to be attained, and shall suggest to the Member State concerned any modification required’. The regional prevention plan is supposed to set a target relating to integrated remediation measures and cleaning/disinfecting measures in order to prevent the re-emergence of bluetongue.

The vaccination period for bluetongue in sheep is from January to March, due to the lower temperatures in that period and so as not to affect the breeding and suckling season. However, according to information provided by the press and professional organisations, the vaccinations apparently began in July and are still continuing, leading to miscarriages and a decline in milk production.

It should also be noted that Article 2(a) of Regulation (EC) No 349/2005 defines the payment to be made within 90 days of the animals’ slaughter as being ‘swift and adequate compensation’.

On 31 January 2013, I tabled a question on this subject, registered as No P-001022/2013. The Commission’s reply, dated 25 February 2013, states that from November 2012 to February 2013 the Commission received no further information from Italy regarding the payment of compensation. However, according to information from the press and professional organisations, many farmers, especially in the Sulcis area, have not yet received any compensation for the head of livestock that died in 2012.

In the Commission’s view, have there been any infringements on the part of the Italian authorities with regard to the implementation of the prevention plan? If so, who is responsible? What action will the Commission take to ensure that this terrible situation can be resolved?

What information has the Commission received about compensation after November 2012? Can it confirm that the farmers whose sheep died in 2012 have not yet received any compensation, in clear breach of Regulation (EC) No 349/2005? Is it aware of any other delays? Is it aware of the delays in carrying out vaccinations and does it know why this has occurred?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(27 September 2013)

The Commission is aware that bluetongue outbreaks are ongoing in Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica and that the disease situation is particularly serious in Sardinia.

The Commission does not have grounds to consider the Italian authorities to have infringed EU legislation on bluetongue. In accordance with the information provided by Italy at the meeting of the Standing Commitee of the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH) held on 10 and 11 April 2013, a vaccination plan was ongoing in southern Sardinia in order to ensure massive immunization of sheep and goats.

The bluetongue situation including the outcome of the above vaccination plan will be reviewed at the SCOFCAH meeting scheduled for 7 October 2013.

The Commission has not received any information nor financial claim from Italy in the context of Regulation (EC) No 349/2005 or Council Decision 2009/470/EC. However, the EU financial contribution provided by these rules only concerns the costs incurred by the Member States in compensating livestock owners for slaughter and destruction of animals and not for animals that died due to the disease.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés P-009983/13

a Bizottság számára

Gáll-Pelcz Ildikó (PPE)

(2013. szeptember 9.)

Tárgy: A közlekedés tehermentesítésének uniós szintű szabályozása és az e-útdíj mértékének meghatározása

A „fenntartható mobilitás”, azaz a mobilitásnak az általa okozott káros hatásoktól való elválasztása, már jó néhány éve kiemelt helyet foglal el az EU közlekedéspolitikájában. Az EU politikájának célja a leginkább túlterhelt közlekedési módok fokozatos tehermentesítése, ezzel párhuzamosan pedig közös díjszabási keretek kidolgozása volt. Jelenleg a nehéz gépjárművek esetében fizetni kell egyes infrastruktúrák használatáért, és speciális előírások vannak hatályban a vasúti infrastruktúrát illetően is. Egyes tagállamokban a probléma kezelésére eltérő gyakorlatok alakultak ki, s ez különösen igaz az e-útdíj mértékének meghatározására. Az évek során a Bizottság kitartóan hangsúlyozta, hogy a politikai célkitűzések eléréséhez mennyire fontos a gazdasági eszközök felhasználása.

Ezzel kapcsolatban a következő kérdéseket szeretném feltenni az Bizottságnak:

| Tervezi-e a Bizottság egy olyan egységes modell létrehozását, amely a gyakorlatban is segítené a fent említett célkitűzések elérését? |
| --- |

Tervezi-e a Bizottság egy olyan egységes modell létrehozását, amely a gyakorlatban is segítené a fent említett célkitűzések elérését?

| Tervezi-e a Bizottság az e-útdíjak mértékének uniós szinten történő meghatározását? |
| --- |

Tervezi-e a Bizottság az e-útdíjak mértékének uniós szinten történő meghatározását?

| Tervezi-e a Bizottság a meglévő rendszerek összehasonlítását működési modell és díjak tekintetében? |
| --- |

Tervezi-e a Bizottság a meglévő rendszerek összehasonlítását működési modell és díjak tekintetében?

Siim Kallas válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2013. szeptember 25.)

| 1. és 2. kérdés: | A nehéz tehergépjárművekre egyes infrastruktúrák használatáért kivetett díjakról szóló, 1999. június 17-i, 1999/62/EK európai parlamenti és tanácsi rendelet (38) („Euromatrica-irányelv”) meghatározta a nehéz tehergépjárművekre kivetett járműadók és úthasználati díjak uniós kereteit. Az irányelv 2006-os és 2011-es módosítása nagyobb összhangot teremtett az uniós útdíjszedési keretrendszerben, és lehetővé tette, hogy az útdíjak jobban tükrözzék a közlekedés igénybevevői által okozott költségeket. |
| --- | --- |

1. és 2. kérdés:

A nehéz tehergépjárművekre egyes infrastruktúrák használatáért kivetett díjakról szóló, 1999. június 17-i, 1999/62/EK európai parlamenti és tanácsi rendelet (38) („Euromatrica-irányelv”) meghatározta a nehéz tehergépjárművekre kivetett járműadók és úthasználati díjak uniós kereteit. Az irányelv 2006-os és 2011-es módosítása nagyobb összhangot teremtett az uniós útdíjszedési keretrendszerben, és lehetővé tette, hogy az útdíjak jobban tükrözzék a közlekedés igénybevevői által okozott költségeket.

A 2011-ben megjelent, közlekedésről szóló fehér könyv (39) olyan stratégiára tett javaslatot, melynek alapján kötelező úthasználati díjak fokozatos bevezetésére kerülne sor, egységes árstruktúrával és költségelemekkel. Képviselő asszony kérdésére válaszolva: jelenleg a Bizottság nincs abban a helyzetben, hogy kijelentse, fogja-e javasolni (és ha igen, mikor) egy közös modell létrehozását és a díjak szintjének egységesítését a tagállamok között.

| 3. kérdés: | A jelenleg hatályos jogszabályok előírják, hogy a tagállamok tájékoztassák a Bizottságot a nehéz tehergépjárművekre vonatkozó új útdíjszedési intézkedéseikről, és alátámasszák az általuk alkalmazott útdíjszámítási módszert. A Bizottság ezen információk alapján véleményt ad ki az intézkedésekről. 2014. október 16-ig a tagállamoknak jelentést kell benyújtaniuk a Bizottságnak a területükön alkalmazott, nehéz tehergépjárművekre kivetett díjakról. A tagállami jelentések és egyéb információk alapján a Bizottság is jelentést fog készíteni az 1999/62/EK irányelv végrehajtásáról és hatásairól az Európai Parlament és a Tanács részére. |
| --- | --- |

3. kérdés:

A jelenleg hatályos jogszabályok előírják, hogy a tagállamok tájékoztassák a Bizottságot a nehéz tehergépjárművekre vonatkozó új útdíjszedési intézkedéseikről, és alátámasszák az általuk alkalmazott útdíjszámítási módszert. A Bizottság ezen információk alapján véleményt ad ki az intézkedésekről. 2014. október 16-ig a tagállamoknak jelentést kell benyújtaniuk a Bizottságnak a területükön alkalmazott, nehéz tehergépjárművekre kivetett díjakról. A tagállami jelentések és egyéb információk alapján a Bizottság is jelentést fog készíteni az 1999/62/EK irányelv végrehajtásáról és hatásairól az Európai Parlament és a Tanács részére.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-009983/13

to the Commission

Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (PPE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: EU legislation to ease transport congestion, and determination of the level of E-tolls

‘Sustainable mobility’ — separating mobility from its damaging impact — has already been a prominent element in the EU’s transport policy for some years. The aim of EU policy has been to gradually ease pressure on the most over-loaded modes of transport, while in parallel devising common frameworks for charging. At present, operators of heavy vehicles have to pay for the use of some infrastructure, and special rules are in force regarding rail infrastructure too. In some Member States, disparate practices have developed to tackle the problem, and this is particularly the case as regards determining the level of E-tolls. Over the years, the Commission has consistently stressed how important it is to use economic tools to attain the aims of policies.

| 1. | Is the Commission planning to establish a uniform model which would also help to attain the above aims in practice? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission planning to establish a uniform model which would also help to attain the above aims in practice?

| 2. | Is the Commission planning to standardise the amounts of E-tolls at EU level? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Is the Commission planning to standardise the amounts of E-tolls at EU level?

| 3. | Is the Commission planning to compare the existing systems with regard to their operating models and charges? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Is the Commission planning to compare the existing systems with regard to their operating models and charges?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(25 September 2013)

1 and 2. Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999 on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructure (40) (‘Eurovignette Directive’) sets the framework for vehicle taxes, tolls and user charges imposed on heavy goods vehicles in the EU. With the amendments made to this directive in 2006 and 2011, the framework gained a greater consistency in road charging across the EU and made road charges better reflect the different costs generated by transport users.

The 2011 Transport White Paper (41) proposed a strategy to phase in mandatory charges for road transport, with common tariff structure and cost components. At this moment, the Commission is not in a position to say whether and when it would propose the establishment of a uniform model and standardisation of toll levels across Member States, as asked by the Honourable Member.

| 3. | Current legislation requires Member States to notify to the Commission their new tolling arrangements applied to heavy goods vehicles and explain the rationale at the basis of the calculation of the tolls, on which the Commission gives its opinion. By 16 October 2014, Member States will have to report to the Commission on the heavy goods vehicle tolls levied on their territories. On the basis of these reports and other sources of information, the Commission will present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation and effects of Directive 1999/62/EC. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Current legislation requires Member States to notify to the Commission their new tolling arrangements applied to heavy goods vehicles and explain the rationale at the basis of the calculation of the tolls, on which the Commission gives its opinion. By 16 October 2014, Member States will have to report to the Commission on the heavy goods vehicle tolls levied on their territories. On the basis of these reports and other sources of information, the Commission will present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation and effects of Directive 1999/62/EC.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-009984/13

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(9. September 2013)

Betrifft: Gemeinsame Donauraumstrategie — Hochwasserschutz

Die Flutkatastrophe im Mai/Juni 2013 an Donau und Elbe hat in diesem Jahr offensichtlich gemacht, dass Hochwasserschutz nicht nur aus fortwährendem Deichausbau bestehen kann. Würden Deiche in Deutschland und Österreich an der Donau einfach immer weiter erhöht werden, würde das Wasser der Donau nur umso schneller und massiver stromabwärts preschen und dann ungeschützte Bereiche in anderen Mitgliedstaaten der EU überfluten. Hochwasserschutz betrifft folglich alle Anrainerstaaten der Donau und die Aktionen von einzelnen Mitgliedstaaten haben Auswirkungen auf die Bedrohungen anderer Mitgliedstaaten. Dazu ergeben sich eine Reihe von Fragen:

| Beinhaltet die Donauraumstrategie der EU auch das Thema Hochwasserschutz? |
| --- |

Beinhaltet die Donauraumstrategie der EU auch das Thema Hochwasserschutz?

| Wenn ja, wie gedenkt die Kommission die dargestellten Abhängigkeiten des zunehmenden Deichbaus zu verhindern? |
| --- |

Wenn ja, wie gedenkt die Kommission die dargestellten Abhängigkeiten des zunehmenden Deichbaus zu verhindern?

| Sind zum Deichbau alternative Lösungsvorschläge wie eine Renaturierungen mit natürlichen Überschwemmungs-flächen (Auen) oder andere Ideen vorhanden? |
| --- |

Sind zum Deichbau alternative Lösungsvorschläge wie eine Renaturierungen mit natürlichen Überschwemmungs-flächen (Auen) oder andere Ideen vorhanden?

| Sieht die Kommission die Möglichkeit, im Rahmen der Donauraumstrategie vernetzte Flächenwidmungs‐ und Bebauungspläne unter den „Donau“-Mitgliedstaaten zu erwirken, um die Abstimmung und damit den Schutz aller „Donau“-Mitgliedstaaten zu erhöhen? |
| --- |

Sieht die Kommission die Möglichkeit, im Rahmen der Donauraumstrategie vernetzte Flächenwidmungs‐ und Bebauungspläne unter den „Donau“-Mitgliedstaaten zu erwirken, um die Abstimmung und damit den Schutz aller „Donau“-Mitgliedstaaten zu erhöhen?

| Wie steht die Kommission einer Idee gegenüber, ein modernes und vernetztes Hochwasserfrühwarnsystem einzurichten, das unter Verwendung digitalisierter und analoger Wetterdaten, den Pegeldaten, Social-Media-Daten und ggf. Satellitendaten zur Bodenfeuchte, eine europaweite (beinahe) Echtzeitprognose von Hochwassergefahren ermöglichen würde? |
| --- |

Wie steht die Kommission einer Idee gegenüber, ein modernes und vernetztes Hochwasserfrühwarnsystem einzurichten, das unter Verwendung digitalisierter und analoger Wetterdaten, den Pegeldaten, Social-Media-Daten und ggf. Satellitendaten zur Bodenfeuchte, eine europaweite (beinahe) Echtzeitprognose von Hochwassergefahren ermöglichen würde?

Antwort von Herrn Hahn im Namen der Kommission

(5. November 2013)

| 1. | Eines der Schwerpunktgebiete der EU-Strategie für den Donauraum sind „Umweltrisiken“, worunter auch die Hochwasservorsorge fällt. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Eines der Schwerpunktgebiete der EU-Strategie für den Donauraum sind „Umweltrisiken“, worunter auch die Hochwasservorsorge fällt.

| 2. | Im Rahmen des Projekts „Danube Floodrisk“ wurden abgestimmte Gefahren‐ und Risikokarten erstellt, die die Grundlage für einen gemeinsamen übergreifenden Hochwasserrisikomanagementplan bis 2015 bilden sollen. Das Projekt SEERISK (42), das derzeit umgesetzt wird, hat eine schnellere und effizientere gemeinsame Reaktion im Katastrophenfall zum Ziel. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Im Rahmen des Projekts „Danube Floodrisk“ wurden abgestimmte Gefahren‐ und Risikokarten erstellt, die die Grundlage für einen gemeinsamen übergreifenden Hochwasserrisikomanagementplan bis 2015 bilden sollen. Das Projekt SEERISK (42), das derzeit umgesetzt wird, hat eine schnellere und effizientere gemeinsame Reaktion im Katastrophenfall zum Ziel.

| 3. | Die derzeitige EU-Politik zur ländlichen Entwicklung sieht den Erhalt und die Wiederherstellung von Auen und natürlichen Überschwemmungsgebieten als Alternative zum Deichbau vor; dieser Ansatz wird auch im Zeitraum 2014-2020 weiterverfolgt. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Die derzeitige EU-Politik zur ländlichen Entwicklung sieht den Erhalt und die Wiederherstellung von Auen und natürlichen Überschwemmungsgebieten als Alternative zum Deichbau vor; dieser Ansatz wird auch im Zeitraum 2014-2020 weiterverfolgt.

| 4. | Die beschriebenen Wechselwirkungen zwischen Ober‐ und Unterlieger sollten durch die korrekte Umsetzung der Hochwasserrichtlinie (43) geregelt werden, die auf Flusseinzugsgebietsebene koordinierte Hochwasserrisikomanagementpläne vorsieht; diese dürfen keine Maßnahmen enthalten, die das Hochwasserrisiko anderer Länder flussaufwärts oder flussabwärts im selben Einzugsgebiet oder Teileinzugsgebiet erheblich erhöhen, es sei denn, es wurde zwischen den betroffenen Mitgliedstaaten eine gemeinsame Lösung gefunden. In den Plänen sind Gebiete mit dem Potenzial zur Retention von Hochwasser, z. B. natürliche Überschwemmungsgebiete, zu berücksichtigen. Bevor Infrastrukturprojekte zur Hochwasservorsorge und zum Hochwasserschutz ins Auge gefasst werden, sollte ein Ansatz verfolgt werden, der natürliche Methoden des Hochwasserrisikomanagements umfasst. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Die beschriebenen Wechselwirkungen zwischen Ober‐ und Unterlieger sollten durch die korrekte Umsetzung der Hochwasserrichtlinie (43) geregelt werden, die auf Flusseinzugsgebietsebene koordinierte Hochwasserrisikomanagementpläne vorsieht; diese dürfen keine Maßnahmen enthalten, die das Hochwasserrisiko anderer Länder flussaufwärts oder flussabwärts im selben Einzugsgebiet oder Teileinzugsgebiet erheblich erhöhen, es sei denn, es wurde zwischen den betroffenen Mitgliedstaaten eine gemeinsame Lösung gefunden. In den Plänen sind Gebiete mit dem Potenzial zur Retention von Hochwasser, z. B. natürliche Überschwemmungsgebiete, zu berücksichtigen. Bevor Infrastrukturprojekte zur Hochwasservorsorge und zum Hochwasserschutz ins Auge gefasst werden, sollte ein Ansatz verfolgt werden, der natürliche Methoden des Hochwasserrisikomanagements umfasst.

| 5. | Das Europäische Hochwasserfrühwarnsystem (EFAS) (44) bietet allen Donau-Anrainerstaaten zweimal täglich Hochwasserfrühwarnungen. Ferner ist es Aufgabe der Mitgliedstaaten, künftige Maßnahmen zur Hochwasservorsorge und die strategische Zuweisung von Finanzmitteln für den Zeitraum 2014-2020 zu planen, wobei sie die EU-Strategie für den Donauraum als Plattform zur verbesserten Koordinierung nutzen und alle relevanten Akteure, u. a. die Arbeitsgremien der EU-Strategie und Partnerschaften mit Experten (45), mobilisieren sollten. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Das Europäische Hochwasserfrühwarnsystem (EFAS) (44) bietet allen Donau-Anrainerstaaten zweimal täglich Hochwasserfrühwarnungen. Ferner ist es Aufgabe der Mitgliedstaaten, künftige Maßnahmen zur Hochwasservorsorge und die strategische Zuweisung von Finanzmitteln für den Zeitraum 2014-2020 zu planen, wobei sie die EU-Strategie für den Donauraum als Plattform zur verbesserten Koordinierung nutzen und alle relevanten Akteure, u. a. die Arbeitsgremien der EU-Strategie und Partnerschaften mit Experten (45), mobilisieren sollten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009984/13

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Common strategy for the Danube region — flood protection

The disastrous flooding of the Danube and the Elbe in May and June 2013 clearly showed that flood protection in the form of continuous dyke reinforcement is not adequate. If dykes along the Danube in Germany and Austria were simply made higher and higher, the waters of the Danube would flow more and more quickly as one body downstream and flood unprotected areas in other Member States. Flood protection thus affects all countries through which the Danube flows, and the actions of individual Member States will have an impact on the risks faced by others. This gives rise to a number of questions:

| Does the EU’s strategy for the Danube region include the issue of flood protection? |
| --- |

Does the EU’s strategy for the Danube region include the issue of flood protection?

| If so, how does the Commission intend to prevent the abovementioned dependencies caused by increased dyke construction? |
| --- |

If so, how does the Commission intend to prevent the abovementioned dependencies caused by increased dyke construction?

| Are any alternatives to dyke construction available, such as renaturalisation by means of natural flood areas? |
| --- |

Are any alternatives to dyke construction available, such as renaturalisation by means of natural flood areas?

| In the Commission’s view, would it be possible, under the strategy for the Danube region, for integrated zoning and development plans to be drawn up among the ‘Danube’ Member States, with the aim of increasing coordination and, as a result, the protection of all the countries involved? |
| --- |

In the Commission’s view, would it be possible, under the strategy for the Danube region, for integrated zoning and development plans to be drawn up among the ‘Danube’ Member States, with the aim of increasing coordination and, as a result, the protection of all the countries involved?

| How does the Commission view the idea of installing a modern, integrated flood early warning system which would use digital and analogue weather data, water level information, social media information and possibly also satellite data on soil moisture content to produce a Europe-wide, virtually real-time forecast of flood risk? |
| --- |

How does the Commission view the idea of installing a modern, integrated flood early warning system which would use digital and analogue weather data, water level information, social media information and possibly also satellite data on soil moisture content to produce a Europe-wide, virtually real-time forecast of flood risk?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

1 The EU Strategy for the Danube region has a priority area dealing with ‘Environmental risks’, which covers flood prevention.

2 The Danube Floodrisk project established harmonised hazard and risk maps, as a first step towards the adoption of a single overarching flood management plan for 2015. The SEERISK (46) project, under implementation, is working towards faster and more effective joint response to disasters.

3 As an alternative to dyke construction, the conservation and restoration of wetlands and floodplains is currently offered by the EU's rural development policy and will continue to be available in the period 2014-2020.

4 The mentioned dependencies should be addressed by properly implementing the Floods Directive (47) which requires that Flood Risk Management Plans ensure coordination within river basin districts, avoiding measures that significantly increase flood risks upstream or downstream, unless agreed between the concerned Member States. They should take into account areas which have the potential to retain flood water, such as natural floodplains. A natural flood risk management approach should be considered prior to infrastructure projects for flood prevention and protection.

5 The European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) (48) provides early flood forecasting information twice daily to all Danube countries. Furthermore, it is for the Member States to take forward future flood prevention actions and plan strategic deployment of funds available in 2014-2020, using the EU Strategy for the Danube region as a platform to increase coordination, through the mobilisation of all relevant actors, including the working bodies of the strategyand expert partners (49)

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-009985/13

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(9. September 2013)

Betrifft: Ökodesignrichtlinie und Überarbeitung EU-F-Gas-Verordnung

Die EU arbeitet im Moment an der Novelle der F-Gase-Verordnung aus dem Jahr 2006. Zusammen mit der Ökodesignrichtlinie zielt diese darauf ab, die anthropogenen Treibhausgasemissionen zu reduzieren. Dabei scheint vorwiegend der GWP-Wert (Global Warming Potential) der verwendeten Kältemittel im Fokus der Überlegungen zu stehen. Auch im Rahmen der Ökodesignrichtlinie werden Raumklimageräte bis 12 kW mit einem 10 % Bonus in den Leistungs‐ und Arbeitszahlen versehen, sofern sie mit Kältemitteln unter einem GWP-Wert von 150 arbeiten. Leider setzen sich diese Geräte bisher kaum durch. Dazu ergeben sich eine Reihe von Fragen:

| Wurden bei der Entscheidung, Kältemittel mit GWP-Werten unter 150 zu verlangen und zu fördern, auch der Stromverbrauch im Lebenszyklus eines jeweiligen Gerätes sowie die Grenzen der Anwendbarkeit in Hinblick auf Entflammbarkeit und Sicherheit bedacht? |
| --- |

Wurden bei der Entscheidung, Kältemittel mit GWP-Werten unter 150 zu verlangen und zu fördern, auch der Stromverbrauch im Lebenszyklus eines jeweiligen Gerätes sowie die Grenzen der Anwendbarkeit in Hinblick auf Entflammbarkeit und Sicherheit bedacht?

| Hält die Kommission in Anbetracht der schlechteren Effizienz (20-40 %), die solche Geräte mit Kältemitteln unter einem GWP-Wert von 150 aufweisen, den Anreiz von 10 % in den Kennzahlen (siehe oben) für ausreichend? |
| --- |

Hält die Kommission in Anbetracht der schlechteren Effizienz (20-40 %), die solche Geräte mit Kältemitteln unter einem GWP-Wert von 150 aufweisen, den Anreiz von 10 % in den Kennzahlen (siehe oben) für ausreichend?

| Welche Kältemittel mit GWP-Wert unter 150 sind der Kommission bekannt, die über den gesamten durchschnittlichen Lebenszyklus betrachtet, also GWP-Wert des Kältemittels plus Emissionen des Stromverbrauchs in dessen Betrieb, bessere Werte als das momentan moderne Kältemittel R32 (GWP-Wert 675) besitzen? |
| --- |

Welche Kältemittel mit GWP-Wert unter 150 sind der Kommission bekannt, die über den gesamten durchschnittlichen Lebenszyklus betrachtet, also GWP-Wert des Kältemittels plus Emissionen des Stromverbrauchs in dessen Betrieb, bessere Werte als das momentan moderne Kältemittel R32 (GWP-Wert 675) besitzen?

| Warum wurde der Tatsache, dass bei der Gesamtbetrachtung der Emissionen eines Klimagerätes in seinem Lebenszyklus bis zu 90 % indirekt durch den Stromverbrauch im Betrieb entstehen, bei der Gesetzgebung scheinbar nicht ausreichend Rechnung getragen? Wie ist diese verkürzte, rein GWP-basierte Betrachtung, zu erklären? |
| --- |

Warum wurde der Tatsache, dass bei der Gesamtbetrachtung der Emissionen eines Klimagerätes in seinem Lebenszyklus bis zu 90 % indirekt durch den Stromverbrauch im Betrieb entstehen, bei der Gesetzgebung scheinbar nicht ausreichend Rechnung getragen? Wie ist diese verkürzte, rein GWP-basierte Betrachtung, zu erklären?

| Welche Unternehmen oder Interessensvertretungen haben die Kommission bei der Ökodesignrichtlinie konkret beraten? Welche machten/machen dies im Moment bei der Überarbeitung der EU-F-Gas-Verordnung? Wie setzt sich der legislative Fußabdruck exakt zusammen? |
| --- |

Welche Unternehmen oder Interessensvertretungen haben die Kommission bei der Ökodesignrichtlinie konkret beraten? Welche machten/machen dies im Moment bei der Überarbeitung der EU-F-Gas-Verordnung? Wie setzt sich der legislative Fußabdruck exakt zusammen?

Antwort von Herrn Oettinger im Namen der Kommission

(29. Oktober 2013)

| 1. | Ja. Die Verordnung (EU) Nr. 206/2012 (50) über Raumklimageräte berücksichtigt den Stromverbrauch und die damit zusammenhängenden Emissionen während des gesamten Lebenszyklus eines Geräts. Danach werden effiziente Geräte, in denen Kältemittel mit höherem Treibhauspotenzial (GWP) verwendet werden, und etwas weniger effiziente Geräte, in denen Kältemittel mit geringem Treibhauspotenzial zum Einsatz kommen, gleich behandelt. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Ja. Die Verordnung (EU) Nr. 206/2012 (50) über Raumklimageräte berücksichtigt den Stromverbrauch und die damit zusammenhängenden Emissionen während des gesamten Lebenszyklus eines Geräts. Danach werden effiziente Geräte, in denen Kältemittel mit höherem Treibhauspotenzial (GWP) verwendet werden, und etwas weniger effiziente Geräte, in denen Kältemittel mit geringem Treibhauspotenzial zum Einsatz kommen, gleich behandelt.

Bei der Ausarbeitung der Verordnung wurden die Entflammbarkeit, andere Sicherheitsaspekte und die Kosten der verschiedenen Kältemittel berücksichtigt.

| 2. | Ja, 10 % ist der beste Kompromiss zwischen der Förderung der Effizienz und der Förderung des Einsatzes von Kältemitteln mit geringem Treibhauspotenzial. Bei einem anderen Prozentsatz wären die Emissionen höher. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Ja, 10 % ist der beste Kompromiss zwischen der Förderung der Effizienz und der Förderung des Einsatzes von Kältemitteln mit geringem Treibhauspotenzial. Bei einem anderen Prozentsatz wären die Emissionen höher.

| 3. | Geräte, in denen Kältemittel wie Propan, CO2 und HFO1234yf eingesetzt werden, können ähnlich effizient sein wie Geräte mit R32. So ist beispielsweise Propan beim Heizen und Kühlen etwa 7 % effizienter als traditionelle Kältemittel. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Geräte, in denen Kältemittel wie Propan, CO2 und HFO1234yf eingesetzt werden, können ähnlich effizient sein wie Geräte mit R32. So ist beispielsweise Propan beim Heizen und Kühlen etwa 7 % effizienter als traditionelle Kältemittel.

| 4. | Die Tatsache, dass die meisten der CO2-äquivalenten Emissionen von Raumklimageräten indirekt entstehen, wird berücksichtigt. Der Grund für den relativ niedrigen Bonus für Raumklimageräte mit Kältemittel mit geringem GWP-Wert sind die beim Betrieb entstehenden indirekten Emissionen, die höher als die direkten Emissionen sind. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Die Tatsache, dass die meisten der CO2-äquivalenten Emissionen von Raumklimageräten indirekt entstehen, wird berücksichtigt. Der Grund für den relativ niedrigen Bonus für Raumklimageräte mit Kältemittel mit geringem GWP-Wert sind die beim Betrieb entstehenden indirekten Emissionen, die höher als die direkten Emissionen sind.

| 5. | Die Frage der Raumklimageräte wurde in einer vorbereitenden Studie analysiert, an der die Stakeholder und die Mitgliedstaaten beteiligt waren. Am 22. Juni 2009 fand eine Sitzung des Ökodesign-Konsultationsforums statt. Daran nahmen Sachverständige aus den Mitgliedstaaten und der Industrie sowie von nichtstaatlichen Umwelt‐ und Verbraucherschutzverbänden teil. Für den Vorschlag für die F-Gas-Verordnung erstellten technische Sachverständige eine vorbereitende Studie mit Unterstützung einer Expertengruppe aus Vertretern der Mitgliedstaaten, der Industrie und nichtstaatlicher Organisationen. Anschließend wurde eine Online-Konsultation der Stakeholder durchgeführt, und am 13. Februar 2012 fand ein offenes Stakeholder-Treffen statt. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Die Frage der Raumklimageräte wurde in einer vorbereitenden Studie analysiert, an der die Stakeholder und die Mitgliedstaaten beteiligt waren. Am 22. Juni 2009 fand eine Sitzung des Ökodesign-Konsultationsforums statt. Daran nahmen Sachverständige aus den Mitgliedstaaten und der Industrie sowie von nichtstaatlichen Umwelt‐ und Verbraucherschutzverbänden teil. Für den Vorschlag für die F-Gas-Verordnung erstellten technische Sachverständige eine vorbereitende Studie mit Unterstützung einer Expertengruppe aus Vertretern der Mitgliedstaaten, der Industrie und nichtstaatlicher Organisationen. Anschließend wurde eine Online-Konsultation der Stakeholder durchgeführt, und am 13. Februar 2012 fand ein offenes Stakeholder-Treffen statt.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009985/13

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Eco-design directive and revision of the EU F-Gas regulation

The EU is currently working on the revision of the 2006 F-Gas regulation. The aim of both this regulation and the eco-design directive is to reduce man-made greenhouse gas emissions. The main focus appears to be on the GWP (global warming potential) value of the coolants used. Under the eco-design directive, air-conditioning appliances up to 12 kW receive a 10% bonus on their performance data provided that they use refrigerants with less than 150 GWP. Unfortunately, very few of these appliances have been sold to date.

| 1. | Did the decision to require and promote refrigerants with less than 150 GWP also take account of electricity consumption throughout the life-cycle of the product concerned and the limits on possible use in terms of flammability and safety? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Did the decision to require and promote refrigerants with less than 150 GWP also take account of electricity consumption throughout the life-cycle of the product concerned and the limits on possible use in terms of flammability and safety?

| 2. | Does the Commission consider the above 10% incentive to be sufficient, given the lower level of efficiency (20-40%) achieved by appliances using refrigerants with less than 150 GWP? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission consider the above 10% incentive to be sufficient, given the lower level of efficiency (20-40%) achieved by appliances using refrigerants with less than 150 GWP?

| 3. | What refrigerants with less than 150 GWP does the Commission know of which show better values than the present-day modern refrigerant R32 (675 GWP) over the entire average product life-cycle, i.e. GWP of the refrigerant plus emissions from electricity consumption during operation? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What refrigerants with less than 150 GWP does the Commission know of which show better values than the present-day modern refrigerant R32 (675 GWP) over the entire average product life-cycle, i.e. GWP of the refrigerant plus emissions from electricity consumption during operation?

| 4. | Why was the fact that an overall calculation of the emissions produced by an air-conditioning appliance throughout its life-cycle shows that up to 90% are indirect emissions in the form of electricity consumption apparently not adequately taken into account when the legislation was drawn up? What is the explanation for this abbreviated calculation based on GWP alone? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Why was the fact that an overall calculation of the emissions produced by an air-conditioning appliance throughout its life-cycle shows that up to 90% are indirect emissions in the form of electricity consumption apparently not adequately taken into account when the legislation was drawn up? What is the explanation for this abbreviated calculation based on GWP alone?

| 5. | What undertakings or interest groups provided specific advice to the Commission in relation to the eco-design directive? What undertakings or interest groups have provided or are currently providing such advice in relation to the EU F-Gas regulation? What is the precise composition of the legislative footprint? |
| --- | --- |

5.

What undertakings or interest groups provided specific advice to the Commission in relation to the eco-design directive? What undertakings or interest groups have provided or are currently providing such advice in relation to the EU F-Gas regulation? What is the precise composition of the legislative footprint?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

| 1. | Yes. Regulation 206/2012 (51) on air conditioners takes into account the electricity consumption and associated emissions throughout the life cycle of the appliance. The approach gives an equal treatment to both efficient appliances that use a refrigerant with higher GWP and slightly less efficient appliances using a low GWP refrigerant. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Yes. Regulation 206/2012 (51) on air conditioners takes into account the electricity consumption and associated emissions throughout the life cycle of the appliance. The approach gives an equal treatment to both efficient appliances that use a refrigerant with higher GWP and slightly less efficient appliances using a low GWP refrigerant.

Flammability, other safety issues and the cost of different refrigerants were taken into account when developing the regulation.

| 2. | Yes, 10% represents the best compromise between promoting efficiency and low GWP refrigerants. A different value would result in increased emissions. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Yes, 10% represents the best compromise between promoting efficiency and low GWP refrigerants. A different value would result in increased emissions.

| 3. | Refrigerants such as propane, CO2 and HFO1234yf allow for products with efficiencies comparable to those of products using R32. For instance, propane is some 7% more efficient in heating and cooling mode than traditional refrigerants. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Refrigerants such as propane, CO2 and HFO1234yf allow for products with efficiencies comparable to those of products using R32. For instance, propane is some 7% more efficient in heating and cooling mode than traditional refrigerants.

| 4. | The fact that most of the equivalent CO2 emissions for air conditioners are indirect is taken into account.The relatively small bonus given for air conditioners using a low GWP refrigerant is a result of higher indirect emissions during the use phase than direct emisions. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The fact that most of the equivalent CO2 emissions for air conditioners are indirect is taken into account.The relatively small bonus given for air conditioners using a low GWP refrigerant is a result of higher indirect emissions during the use phase than direct emisions.

| 5. | Air Conditioners were analysed during a preparatory study which involved stakeholders and Member States. A Consultation Forum meeting under the Ecodesign Directive took place on 22 June 2009. The participants in this meeting included experts from Member States, industry and environmental and consumer NGOs. For the F-gas proposal, a preparatory study carried out by technical experts was accompanied by an expert group composed of Member States, industry and NGOs. Subsequently an online stakeholder consultation took place and an open stakeholder meeting was held on 13 February 2012. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Air Conditioners were analysed during a preparatory study which involved stakeholders and Member States. A Consultation Forum meeting under the Ecodesign Directive took place on 22 June 2009. The participants in this meeting included experts from Member States, industry and environmental and consumer NGOs. For the F-gas proposal, a preparatory study carried out by technical experts was accompanied by an expert group composed of Member States, industry and NGOs. Subsequently an online stakeholder consultation took place and an open stakeholder meeting was held on 13 February 2012.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-009986/13

al Consejo

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(9 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Espionaje del Reino Unido a Estados miembros de la UE

En recientes informaciones aparecidas en el periódico británico The Guardian a raíz de las filtraciones facilitadas por Snowden, el Cuartel General de Comunicaciones (GCHQ por sus siglas en inglés) intercepta todo tipo de comunicaciones de los Estados miembros de la Unión a través de los cables submarinos de comunicaciones.

Esta agencia del Gobierno británico, según las informaciones aparecidas en la prensa, habría contado con la colaboración, voluntaria o no, de las grandes empresas multinacionales al cargo de estos cables submarinos de comunicaciones para intervenir 14 de ellos y tener acceso a la práctica totalidad de las comunicaciones de los Estados miembros.

Esta información puede suponer un escándalo para la Unión Europea, puesto que uno de sus Estados miembros intercepta las comunicaciones de todos los demás miembros y además las facilita a Estados Unidos. Se trata de un ataque directo a las bases de la colaboración y cooperación que supone la Unión Europea por parte de uno de sus Estados miembros, que ha violado masivamente los derechos fundamentales de todos los demás, no solo por su propio interés, sino también para facilitar información a un tercer país.

¿Está el Consejo investigando las informaciones aparecidas para confirmar las intercepciones?

¿Ha solicitado información sobre estos hechos a las empresas potencialmente implicadas?

¿Planteará el Consejo la detección y eliminación de las citadas intercepciones en los cables submarinos de telecomunicaciones para garantizar el derecho a la intimidad de los ciudadanos europeos?

¿Qué sanciones plantea interponer el Consejo al Gobierno británico por la violación masiva de los derechos de los ciudadanos europeos y los demás Estados miembros?

Respuesta

(21 de octubre de 2013)

No corresponde al Consejo comentar artículos publicados en la prensa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009986/13

to the Council

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: UK spying on EU Member States

According to recent reports in the British newspaper The Guardian, documents leaked by Edward Snowden reveal that GCHQ, the British Government’s listening agency, has been intercepting all kinds of communications from EU Member States, by tapping undersea communications cables.

According to the newspaper, GCHQ collected vast amounts of data from EU Member States by tapping 14 undersea communications cables, to which they were given access, voluntarily or not, by the large multinational firms that operate them.

This could blow up into a scandal for the European Union, since one of its Member States has been found to be intercepting data from all the others and, what is more, passing it on to the United States. It is a direct attack by a Member State on the principles of collaboration and cooperation on which the European Union is built and constitutes a massive violation of the fundamental rights of all the other Member States. The UK has engaged in these activities not only to further its own interests, but also to provide information to a non-Member State.

Is the Council investigating the details contained in these reports in order to verify the allegations?

Has it asked the companies allegedly involved to provide relevant information?

Does the Council see scope for locating and removing the taps installed on these undersea communications cables so as to safeguard the right to privacy in the EU?

How does the Council intend to penalise the British Government for this massive violation of rights, not just those of Member States but also those of individual European citizens?

Reply

(21 October 2013)

It is not for the Council to comment on articles appearing in the press.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-009987/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(9 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Espionaje del Reino Unido a Estados miembros de la UE

En recientes informaciones aparecidas en el periódico británico The Guardian a raíz de las filtraciones facilitadas por Snowden, el Cuartel General de Comunicaciones (GCHQ por sus siglas en inglés) intercepta todo tipo de comunicaciones de los Estados miembros de la Unión a través de los cables submarinos de comunicaciones.

Esta agencia del Gobierno británico, según las informaciones aparecidas en la prensa, habría contado con la colaboración, voluntaria o no, de las grandes empresas multinacionales al cargo de estos cables submarinos de comunicaciones para intervenir catorce de ellos y tener acceso a la práctica totalidad de las comunicaciones de los Estados miembros.

Esta información puede suponer un escándalo para la Unión Europea, puesto que uno de sus Estados miembros intercepta las comunicaciones de todos los demás miembros y además las facilita a los Estados Unidos. Se trata de un ataque directo a las bases de la colaboración y cooperación que supone la Unión Europea por parte de uno de sus Estados miembros, que ha violado masivamente los derechos fundamentales de todos los demás, no solo por su propio interés, sino también para facilitar información a un tercer país.

¿Está la Comisión investigando las informaciones aparecidas para confirmar las intercepciones?

¿Ha solicitado la Comisión información sobre estos hechos a las empresas potencialmente implicadas?

¿Planteará la Comisión la detección y eliminación de las citadas intercepciones en los cables submarinos de telecomunicaciones, a fin de garantizar el derecho a la intimidad de los ciudadanos europeos?

¿Qué sanciones plantea interponer la Comisión al Gobierno británico por la violación masiva de los derechos de los ciudadanos europeos y los demás Estados miembros?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(4 de noviembre de 2013)

Se remite a Su Señoría a las respuestas de la Comisión a las preguntas escritas E-006783/2013 y E-007934/2013.

Además, la Comisión toma nota de que el Comité de seguridad e inteligencia del Parlamento del Reino Unido ha anunciado una revisión de las disposiciones legales que regulan el acceso a información de carácter privado por parte de los servicios de inteligencia en dicho país, así como una investigación para estudiar el equilibrio adecuado entre el derecho a la privacidad y la seguridad.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009987/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: UK spying on EU Member States

According to recent reports in the British newspaper The Guardian, documents leaked by Edward Snowden reveal that GCHQ, the British Government’s listening agency, has been intercepting all kinds of communications from EU Member States, by tapping undersea communications cables.

According to the newspaper, GCHQ collected vast amounts of data from EU Member States by tapping 14 undersea communications cables, to which they were given access, voluntarily or not, by the large multinational firms that operate them.

This could blow up into a scandal for the European Union, since one of its Member States has been found to be intercepting data from all the others and, what is more, passing it on to the United States. It is a direct attack by a Member State on the principles of collaboration and cooperation on which the European Union is built and constitutes a massive violation of the fundamental rights of all the other Member States. The UK has engaged in these activities not only to further its own interests, but also to provide information to a non-Member State.

Is the Commission investigating the details contained in these reports in order to verify the allegations?

Has it asked the companies allegedly involved to provide relevant information?

Does the Commission see scope for locating and removing the taps installed on these undersea communications cables so as to safeguard the right to privacy in the EU?

How does the Commission intend to penalise the British Government for this massive violation of rights, not just those of Member States but also those of individual European citizens?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to written questions E-006783/2013 and E-007934/2013.

The Commission also takes note that the Intelligence and Security Committee of the UK Parliament announced a review of the UK's laws governing the intelligence agencies' access to private information and an inquiry to examine the appropriate balance between privacy and security.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-009988/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(9 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Anteproyecto de Ley de Parques Nacionales

El Consejo de Ministros del Gobierno de España aprobó a principios de septiembre un anteproyecto de nueva Ley de Parques Nacionales. Estos parques han supuesto históricamente la más importante figura de protección ambiental que existe en la legislación española, y el anteproyecto prevé el desarrollo de actividades económicas que podrían poner en peligro el patrimonio ecológico del país.

El anteproyecto de ley pretende arrebatar la gestión de dichas áreas de conservación a las Comunidades Autónomas, así como dar más protagonismo a los propietarios en la misma.

Entre las actividades permitidas se incluyen como posibles usos la navegación o el vuelo sin motor, abriendo la puerta a actividades turísticas que pueden poner en peligro los diferentes hábitats que se encuentran protegidos bajo esta figura del Parque Nacional. Fauna y flora de dichas áreas gozan de especial protección por su escasez y singularidad, y el impacto que puede generar este tipo de actividades, por pequeño que sea, puede suponer pérdidas irreparables.

Las actividades que se podrían permitir entran en claro conflicto con el acervo ambiental europeo, debido a que degradarían la forma de protección del Parque Nacional a niveles que pueden entrar en conflicto con determinadas directivas europeas.

¿Ha examinado la Comisión el citado anteproyecto de ley?

¿Considera que dicho anteproyecto cumple con lo establecido en la Directiva 92/43/CEE del Consejo, de 21 de mayo de 1992, relativa a la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres?

¿Considera que dicho anteproyecto cumple con lo establecido en la Directiva 2009/147/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 30 de noviembre de 2009, relativa a la conservación de las aves silvestres?

¿Qué medidas prevé para que el Gobierno de España plantee un anteproyecto de ley que se atenga a las citadas directivas y a los principios de la conservación ambiental en los Parques Nacionales?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(30 de octubre de 2013)

La Comisión ha examinado el anteproyecto de nueva Ley de Parques Nacionales, que ha sido examinado con el Consejo de Ministros español y se encuentra actualmente en fase de consulta pública (52).

Las áreas cubiertas por los parques nacionales españoles se solapan en muchos casos con los lugares Natura 2000 designados en virtud de las Directivas sobre Hábitats (53) y Aves (54). El desarrollo de actividades económicas en los lugares Natura 2000, en particular las actividades turísticas, el uso público y la participación activa de los propietarios de los terrenos en la gestión de dichos lugares, puede ser compatible, si se lleva a cabo adecuadamente, con los objetivos de conservación de los lugares Natura 2002. Además, la Ley citada no transpone las Directivas sobre Hábitats y Aves, sino que se circunscribe a abordar el estatuto de los parques nacionales designados a nivel nacional. El grado en el que ciertas actividades estén o no permitidas en los parques nacionales, siempre que estas sean conformes con la normativa de la UE, es competencia exclusiva de los Estados miembros.

Teniendo en cuenta la información facilitada por Su Señoría, la Comisión no ha detectado ninguna incompatibilidad entre el anteproyecto de Ley sobre Parques Nacionales español y las Directivas sobre Hábitats y Aves.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009988/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Preliminary draft bill on national parks

The Spanish cabinet approved a preliminary draft bill on national parks in early September 2013.National parks have historically represented the highest form of environmental protection afforded by Spanish law, yet this preliminary draft bill opens the way for economic activities to take place that could destroy the natural heritage of the country.

The new bill seeks to wrest control over conservation areas from regional authorities and would give a more active role to landowners.

Among the activities to be permitted are sailing and gliding, paving the way for use by tourists that could threaten habitats protected under existing national park legislation.The flora and fauna of these areas are subject to special protection because they are rare and unique, and the impact that these kind of activities would have, however minimal, could cause irreparable losses.

The activities that could be allowed are clearly at odds with the traditions of environmental protection in Europe. They would downgrade the protection normally afforded by a National Park to levels that could be in breach of certain EU directives.

Has the Commission examined this preliminary draft bill?

Does it consider it to be in compliance with the rules laid down by Council Directive 92/43/EC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora?

Does it consider it to be in compliance with the rules laid down by Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds?

What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that the Spanish Government draws up a preliminary draft bill that complies with the above directives and the principles of environmental protection in national parks?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

The Commission has examined the preliminary draft bill on national parks, which has been discussed by the Spanish Council of Ministers and is currently subject to a process of public consultation (55).

The areas covered by the Spanish National Parks overlap in many cases with Natura 2000 sites designated under the Habitats (56) and the Birds (57) Directives. The development of economic activities in Natura 2000 sites — including tourist activities, public use and the active involvement of land owners in the management of these sites — can if properly designed, be compatible with the conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 sites. Moreover, this bill does not transpose the Habitats and Birds Directives, but addresses the stricter status of nationally designated National Parks. The level to which certain activities are allowed or not in National Parks is — as long as these are in line with the provisions of the EU legislation — entirely a competence of the Member States.

In view of the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission has not identified any incompatibility between the preliminary draft bill on national parks and the Habitats or the Birds Directives.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009990/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Μυστικές αεροπορικές μεταφορές χρημάτων

Πρόσφατο δημοσίευμα της βρετανικής εφημερίδας Daily Mail, αποκαλύπτει μυστικές αεροπορικές μεταφορές χρημάτων στην Ελλάδα και την Κύπρο, με εντολή της Ευρωπαϊκής Κεντρικής Τράπεζας και της τρόικας. Ο βρετανός οικονομικός δημοσιογράφος Φαϊζάλ Ισλάμ παραθέτει στοιχεία σύμφωνα με τα οποία ελληνικά στρατιωτικά αεροσκάφη και αεροσκάφη της εταιρείας Maersk, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για αποστολές χρημάτων, με την πρώτη πτήση να πραγματοποιείται τον Ιούνιο του 2011 προς την Αθήνα. Σύμφωνα με τον συγγραφέα, στόχος αυτών των «μυστικών αερομεταφορών» ήταν η προστασία και η παράταση της ζωής του ευρώ.

Ερωτάται λοιπόν η Επιτροπή:

| — | Έχουν όντως πραγματοποιηθεί τέτοιου είδους μεταφορές χρημάτων; |
| --- | --- |

—

Έχουν όντως πραγματοποιηθεί τέτοιου είδους μεταφορές χρημάτων;

| — | Αν η απάντηση στο πιο πάνω ερώτημα είναι θετική, ποιος ήταν ο άμεσος στόχος αυτών των μεταφορών; |
| --- | --- |

—

Αν η απάντηση στο πιο πάνω ερώτημα είναι θετική, ποιος ήταν ο άμεσος στόχος αυτών των μεταφορών;

| — | Έχουν γίνει τέτοιου είδους μυστικές αποστολές και σε άλλες χώρες μέλη της ΕΕ, όπου αντιμετωπίζονται προβλήματα για διάσωση της ευρωζώνης και του κοινού νομίσματος; |
| --- | --- |

—

Έχουν γίνει τέτοιου είδους μυστικές αποστολές και σε άλλες χώρες μέλη της ΕΕ, όπου αντιμετωπίζονται προβλήματα για διάσωση της ευρωζώνης και του κοινού νομίσματος;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(24 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Το Ευρωσύστημα είναι αρμόδιο για τη διασφάλιση του ομαλού εφοδιασμού της ζώνης του ευρώ σε τραπεζογραμμάτια. Το Αξιότιμο Μέλος καλείται να απευθύνει την ερώτησή του στην ΕΚΤ.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009990/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Secret airlifts of funds

According to a recent report by the British Daily Mail newspaper, secret airlifts of funds to Greece and Cyprus have been taking place on the instructions of the European Central Bank and the Troika. British economics editor Faisal Islam indicates that the funds were transferred in Maersk cargo planes and Greek military aircraft, commencing with a flight to Athens in June 2011, the purpose being to protect and sustain the euro.

In view of this:

| — | Can the Commission say whether such airlifts have in fact been organised? |
| --- | --- |

—

Can the Commission say whether such airlifts have in fact been organised?

| — | If so, what was the immediate purpose thereof? |
| --- | --- |

—

If so, what was the immediate purpose thereof?

| — | Have similar clandestine consignments been received by other EU Member States struggling to ensure the continued survival of the euro area and the common currency? |
| --- | --- |

—

Have similar clandestine consignments been received by other EU Member States struggling to ensure the continued survival of the euro area and the common currency?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

The Eurosystem is responsible for ensuring a smooth supply of banknotes to the euro area. The Honourable Member is therefore invited to address his question to the ECB.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009991/13

to the Commission

Chris Davies (ALDE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Import controls on IUU fisheries products

Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 is the legal tool in the EU’s fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. In conjunction with Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 (the Control Regulation), it provides a framework allowing illegal fish to be seized at European ports, flag states to be incentivised to improve their monitoring and control, and European nationals to be sanctioned for involvement in IUU fishing around the world.

In its Article 55, Regulation No 1005/2008 requires the Commission to draw up a report on its application . The report, based on information provided by Member States every two years, as well as on the Commission’s own observations, shall provide ‘an evaluation of the impact of this regulation on IUU fishing’.

Accurate information on the levels of controls on imports of fish in each Member State is crucial in order to identify the potential risk areas for entry of IUU fisheries products into the EU market and pinpoint where the Commission’s increased focus is required to ensure the equitable application of the regulation across the EU. In this regard, could the Commission report on whether the abovementioned report will include:

| data on the volume of imports of fisheries products in each Member State; |
| --- |

data on the volume of imports of fisheries products in each Member State;

| data on consignment verifications and import rejections in each Member State; |
| --- |

data on consignment verifications and import rejections in each Member State;

| data on Member States’ efforts to identify EU nationals supporting or engaged in IUU fishing and sanctions imposed in accordance; |
| --- |

data on Member States’ efforts to identify EU nationals supporting or engaged in IUU fishing and sanctions imposed in accordance;

| the Commission’s proposed actions for strengthening the implementation of the EU IUU Regulation by Member States? |
| --- |

the Commission’s proposed actions for strengthening the implementation of the EU IUU Regulation by Member States?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

Article 55 (2) Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (IUU Regulation) requires the Commission to prepare a report for submission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of the IUU Regulation, based on reports transmitted by EU Member States to the Commission (Art. 55 (1) IUU Regulation) and its own observations.

In order to have best available and up-to-date information on the state of play of implementation of all aspects of the IUU Regulation by various stakeholders, and in particular Member States, the Commission has also launched a study. The study will analyse available trade and statistical data, including data submitted or made available by Member States. It should be noted that the IUU Regulation does not create additional or specific requirements for the collection of data for imports of fisheries products; such data is collected by Eurostat.

Based on the outcome of this study and all other available information, the Commission will draw up its report and outline what follow-up may be appropriate. This could include as appropriate actions to strengthen the implementation of the regulation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009992/13

to the Commission

Phil Prendergast (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: European civil service recruitment

In the year 2010, how many Irish nationals were recruited to full-time positions in the European civil service having successfully passed the ‘concours’ examination?

In the year 2011, how many Irish nationals were recruited to full-time positions in the European civil service having successfully passed the ‘concours’ examination?

In the year 2012, how many Irish nationals were recruited to full-time positions in the European civil service having successfully passed the ‘concours’ examination?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The European Commission can only provide information as regards its own staff.

In 2010, two Irish nationals having successfully passed a competition were recruited by the Commission.

In 2011, one Irish national having successfully passed a competition was recruited by the Commission.

In 2012, four Irish nationals having successfully passed a competition were recruited by the Commission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009993/13

to the Commission

Jill Evans (Verts/ALE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Genetically modified animals

I have received a large amount of correspondence from constituents concerned about the use of genetically modified (GM) animals in farming in the EU.

There are a number of reasons why the EU should not allow the use of GM animals in farming. The first relates to animal welfare: the methods for producing GM animals can have unpredictable results and lead to GM animals suffering from diseases, organ failure and deformities. Furthermore, a large number of animals are needed in order to carry out tests and these animals are often kept in deplorable conditions.

There is also an ethical issue about changing the genetic makeup of species and mixing genes from different species. Huge problems could also occur if GM animals are allowed to breed with non-GM animals.

Finally, there is a risk to human health. There has been a great deal of debate surrounding GMOs, especially following the publication by Professor Gilles-Éric Séralini of the results of his research on the effects of GMOs on rats. These results showed that GMOs caused the rats to develop large tumours. In light of these findings, the EU needs a real debate on whether GM animals have a legitimate role to play in its farming.

| 1. | Does the Commission agree that there are many issues surrounding GM animals, such as animal welfare and ethical issues? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission agree that there are many issues surrounding GM animals, such as animal welfare and ethical issues?

| 2. | Does the Commission agree that Professor Séralini’s report has highlighted the dangers of GMOs? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission agree that Professor Séralini’s report has highlighted the dangers of GMOs?

| 3. | Does the Commission agree that the EU needs a proper debate on the issue of GMOs, including GM animals, and that such a debate should take place as soon as possible? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Does the Commission agree that the EU needs a proper debate on the issue of GMOs, including GM animals, and that such a debate should take place as soon as possible?

| 4. | When is such a debate on the future of GMOs likely to be held? |
| --- | --- |

4.

When is such a debate on the future of GMOs likely to be held?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

1, 3 and 4. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to written questions P-8721/2013 and E-8934/2013 (58). The Commission would also like to inform the Member that it has organised three open debates with stakeholders and the civil society (59) in 2011 and 2012 on risk assessment and management of GMOs, socioeconomic impacts of GMOs, and Environmental Monitoring of GMOs.

| 2. | GMOs can be authorised in the EU only after having been through a stringent risk assessment performed by EFSA (60) demonstrating that they are safe for human and animal health and for the environment. On 28 November 2012 EFSA published its final scientific review on the study by Seralini et al (61), which reaffirmed its initial assessment, along with opinions already provided by six food safety agencies of the Member States, that the authors' conclusions cannot be regarded as scientifically sound because of inadequacies in the design, reporting and analysis of the study. EFSA finds there is no need to re-examine its previous safety evaluations of the GM maize NK 603 or to consider these findings in the ongoing assessment of glyphosate. |
| --- | --- |

2.

GMOs can be authorised in the EU only after having been through a stringent risk assessment performed by EFSA (60) demonstrating that they are safe for human and animal health and for the environment. On 28 November 2012 EFSA published its final scientific review on the study by Seralini et al (61), which reaffirmed its initial assessment, along with opinions already provided by six food safety agencies of the Member States, that the authors' conclusions cannot be regarded as scientifically sound because of inadequacies in the design, reporting and analysis of the study. EFSA finds there is no need to re-examine its previous safety evaluations of the GM maize NK 603 or to consider these findings in the ongoing assessment of glyphosate.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-009994/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(9 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Educazione ambientale: quali sfide per l'Europa

Insegnare già nelle scuole di educazione primaria a rapportarsi in modo sostenibile con gli ecosistemi, potrebbe essere una nuova sfida per tutti gli Stati membri e per l'Europa. Inserire l'educazione ambientale nei programmi ambientali e negli accordi di partenariato con gli Stati membri potrebbe essere un ulteriore strumento per rendere più efficace la conoscenza e l'attuazione delle politiche ambientali. La cosiddetta enviromental education in realtà era già stata oggetto di dibattito all'Università del Michigan e poi, ufficializzata dall’Unesco come missione pedagogica, alla conferenza di Tbilisi. Oggi i dibattiti sui temi ambientali e la diffusione delle tecnologie legate alle città intelligenti sono oramai all'ordine del giorno ed evidentemente i risultati educativi sono molto variabili.

Il tema dell'educazione ambientale andrebbe affrontato con un approccio integrato ed europeo, coinvolgendo maggiormente tutti gli attori interessati, in primis le famiglie e in particolare i bambini.

Può la Commissione far sapere se intende predisporre linee guida che incoraggino e promuovano l'educazione ambientale attraverso la figura degli educatori ambientali nella comunità di insegnanti e formatori, affrontando con gli strumenti educativi i problemi reali, quali quelli della sostenibilità ambientale, che spesso le stesse istituzioni non arrivano a cogliere, ad esempio, promuovendo campagne che legano i temi ambientali all'educazione tradizionale, come lo stile di vita, la sostenibilità e l'avvicinamento alla natura dei cittadini europei?

Risposta di Androulla Vassiliou a nome della Commissione

(4 novembre 2013)

L'onorevole deputato senz'altro saprà che, conformemente all'articolo 165 del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea, la responsabilità del contenuto e dell'organizzazione dei sistemi di istruzione e formazione compete esclusivamente agli Stati membri.

Tuttavia, la raccomandazione relativa a competenze chiave per l'apprendimento permanente (Gazzetta ufficiale L 394 del 30.12.2006) definisce le conoscenze, le abilità e le attitudini in relazione all'ambiente naturale quali componenti essenziali delle competenze di base nel campo della scienza e tecnologia.

Attraverso il metodo di coordinamento aperto (MCA) la Commissione aiuta gli Stati membri a identificare le pratiche ottimali nel campo dell'educazione scientifica e promuove l'inclusione delle conoscenze, abilità e attitudini ambientali tra gli obiettivi generali dell'educazione scientifica. Essa aiuta inoltre gli Stati membri a prendere in carico tutte le competenze chiave. Tuttavia, l'elaborazione di linee guida specifiche, quali suggerite nell'interrogazione dell'onorevole deputato, esulerebbe dalle competenze della Commissione statuite nel trattato.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009994/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Environmental education: challenges for Europe

Teaching children as young as primary school age to interact sustainably with the environment is a new challenge for Member States and Europe as a whole. Incorporating environmental education into environmental programmes and partnership agreements with Member States could raise environmental awareness and make environmental policies more effective. Environmental education had already been the subject of debate at the University of Michigan before it was officially established as an educational discipline by Unesco at the Tbilisi Conference. Although the environment and smart city technologies are now highly topical issues, environmental education in general remains very patchy.

A holistic, EU‐wide approach needs to be taken to environmental education, based on the closer involvement of all stakeholders, including families and, in particular, children.

Does the Commission intend to draw up guidelines promoting environmental education through the appointment of environmental educators who will use bespoke teaching methods to address real issues, such as environmental sustainability, which schools are often unable to cover themselves, and implement campaigns which seek to make green topics such as lifestyles, sustainability and closeness to nature part of the standard curriculum?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The Honourable Member will be aware that, in accordance with Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the responsibility for the content and organisation of education and training systems rests entirely with Member States.

However, the recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (Official Journal L 394 of 30.12.2006) highlights environmental knowledge, skills and attitudes as essential component of basic competences in science and technology.

The Commission, through the open method for coordination (OMC), helps Member States to identify best practices in science education and promotes the inclusion of environmental knowledge, skills and attitudes within the overall goals of science education. It also supports Member States in addressing all key competences. However, drafting specific guidelines as suggested in the Honourable Member's question would fall outside the Commission's competence as foreseen in the Treaty.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-009995/13

alla Commissione (Vicepresidente/Alto Rappresentante)

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(9 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: VP/HR — Ennesimo attacco contro Camp Ashraf — Revisione delle regole di ingaggio dell'ONU

Lo scorso 1o settembre si è assistito, ancora una volta sotto la noncuranza delle istituzioni europee e nel silenzio della comunità internazionale, all'ennesimo attacco contro Camp Ashraf, che è costato la vita a 52 profughi residenti. L'esecuzione fatta per le strade e all'interno dell'ospedale è stata di una violenza inaudita, un vero atto di guerra da parte di soldati armati e con il volto coperto. I media mostrano l'azione delle milizie irachene e gli iraniani feriti, che verranno poi trovati morti, giustiziati con un colpo alla testa. Da ormai troppo tempo numerose associazioni umanitarie denunciano le stragi compiute ai danni di questi oppositori al regime iraniano, tuttavia le loro denunce rimangono inascoltate. I residenti di Camp Ashraf — originariamente sede di 3 400 esuli iraniani, per la maggior parte membri e sostenitori dell'Organizzazione dei mojahedeen del popolo iraniano che erano stati accolti in Iraq da Saddam Hussein negli anni Ottanta — hanno riferito che le forze di sicurezza irachene hanno attaccato il campo uccidendo decine di persone, parecchie delle quali arrestate e ammanettate prima di essere giustiziate. Le autorità irachene hanno invece attribuito le morti a scontri avvenuti all'interno del campo.

Già in occasione di precedenti attacchi, le autorità irachene non hanno indagato in modo efficace né trasparente, lasciando gli abitanti del campo in uno stato di paura permanente. Camp Ashraf ospitava un centinaio di persone dopo che negli ultimi anni la maggior parte dei residenti era stata trasferita a Camp Liberty, a nordest della capitale Baghdad.

Anche Camp Liberty è stato attaccato nel corso del 2013, con decine di feriti e oltre 10 morti, in due attacchi avvenuti il 9 febbraio e il 15 giugno, e rivendicati dall'Esercito del mukhtar, una milizia sciita.

Si chiede allora all'Alto Rappresentante dell'UE:

| — | Può inserire come assolutamente prioritaria nell'agenda politica estera e di sicurezza comune, l'incolumità dei residenti di Camp Ashraf, poiché l'UE non può e non deve tollerare alcuna forma di violenza, da qualsiasi parte provenga? |
| --- | --- |

—

Può inserire come assolutamente prioritaria nell'agenda politica estera e di sicurezza comune, l'incolumità dei residenti di Camp Ashraf, poiché l'UE non può e non deve tollerare alcuna forma di violenza, da qualsiasi parte provenga?

| — | Può chiedere un'indagine approfondita e pubblica alle autorità irachene? |
| --- | --- |

—

Può chiedere un'indagine approfondita e pubblica alle autorità irachene?

| — | Può prendere una ferma posizione di condanna di tali atti nei confronti della comunità internazionale e farsi portatore presso l'ONU della necessità di rivedere le regole d'ingaggio, le competenze, le responsabilità di tale organizzazione, affinché tutta la comunità internazionale ed europea sia chiamata a rispondere delle proprie azioni, disponendo come necessario un mandato ai sensi del Capitolo VII della Carta dell'ONU, con chiare regole di ingaggio che autorizzino l'uso della forza, specialmente per prevenire simili attacchi contro i civili, i campi profughi, i villaggi e gli operatori umanitari, gli agenti di polizia, nonché a fini di autodifesa? |
| --- | --- |

—

Può prendere una ferma posizione di condanna di tali atti nei confronti della comunità internazionale e farsi portatore presso l'ONU della necessità di rivedere le regole d'ingaggio, le competenze, le responsabilità di tale organizzazione, affinché tutta la comunità internazionale ed europea sia chiamata a rispondere delle proprie azioni, disponendo come necessario un mandato ai sensi del Capitolo VII della Carta dell'ONU, con chiare regole di ingaggio che autorizzino l'uso della forza, specialmente per prevenire simili attacchi contro i civili, i campi profughi, i villaggi e gli operatori umanitari, gli agenti di polizia, nonché a fini di autodifesa?

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

(7 novembre 2013)

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente segue da vicino la situazione in Iraq, compresi gli sviluppi riguardanti i residenti di Camp Hurriya e Camp Achraf.

All'indomani dell'attacco del 1o settembre, l'AR/VP ha espresso pubblicamente la sua ferma condanna e ha chiesto che i responsabili siano chiamati a risponderne, ribadendo la sua posizione l'11 settembre, durante una conversazione telefonica con il ministro degli Esteri iracheno Hoshyar Zebari, e il 24 settembre, quando si è recata personalmente a New York.

L'AR/VP continuerà a insistere affinché il governo dell'Iraq svolga indagini approfondite sull'attacco e si assuma le proprie responsabilità garantendo la sicurezza dei residenti, che da allora si sono trasferiti tutti a Camp Hurriya, in conformità del protocollo d'intesa del 25 dicembre 2011 tra il governo dell'Iraq e le Nazioni Unite.

L'Alta Rappresentante/Vicepresidente ha sottolineato ripetutamente il suo pieno sostegno al processo in atto per il reinsediamento dei residenti dei campi in paesi terzi giudicandolo l'unica soluzione pacifica e duratura. L'UE ha dato il contributo più ingente al processo, cofinanziando l'operazione con una dotazione finanziaria di 14 milioni di euro insieme alle agenzie delle Nazioni Unite interessate, in particolare l'UNHCR e l'UNOPS. Gli attacchi a Camp Ashraf e Camp Hurriya ribadiscono l'urgente necessità di accelerare tale processo, in collaborazione con i residenti e con i paesi terzi disposti ad accoglierli.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009995/13

to the Commission (Vice-Présidente / Haute Représentante)

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Still another attack on Camp Ashraf — review of UN Rules of Engagement

On 1 September 2013, 52 refugees lost their lives in yet another attack on Camp Ashraf — once again amid the indifference of the European institutions and silence from the international community. An unprecedented level of violence was used in the attack, which was carried out by masked gunmen in the camp's streets and hospital. Media reports show images of the acts committed by the Iraqi militia men and of wounded Iranians, who were later finished off with a bullet to the head. Although numerous humanitarian organisations have long condemned the attacks on these opponents of the Iranian regime, their calls for action continue to fall on deaf ears. Residents of Camp Ashraf — once home to 3 400 Iranian exiles, most of whom were members and supporters of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran who were allowed to settle in Iraq by Saddam Hussein during the 1980s — have reported that Iraqi security forces attacked the camp, killing dozens of people, many of whom were captured and restrained before being executed. The Iraqi authorities, however, maintain that the deaths were caused by fighting inside the camp.

Following previous attacks, the Iraqi authorities have failed to conduct effective, transparent investigations, leaving camp residents in a permanent state of fear. At the time of the latest attack, Camp Ashraf was home to some 100 people, as most of the residents have been transferred to Camp Liberty, to the north‐east of Baghdad, over the past few years.

Camp Liberty has itself been targeted in 2013, with dozens injured and more than 10 people killed in attacks on 9 February and 15 June, for which the Mukhtar Army, a Shi’a militia, claimed responsibility.

— Given that the EU cannot and must not tolerate any form of violence from any group whatsoever, will the High Representative make the safety of the residents of Camp Ashraf an absolute priority of EU common foreign and security policy?

— Will she call on the Iraqi authorities to conduct an in‐depth public inquiry?

— Will she firmly condemn such acts and press within the UN for a review of the organisation's Rules of Engagement, duties and responsibilities, in order to ensure that Europe and the international community as a whole shoulder their responsibility, where necessary on the basis of a mandate pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, laying down clear rules of engagement authorising the use of force to prevent similar attacks on civilians, refugee camps, villages, aid workers and police officers in particular, and in self‐defence?

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

(7 November 2013)

The HR/VP is following the situation in Iraq very closely including developments concerning the residents from Camp Hurriya and Achraf.

In the wake of the 1 September attack, the HR/VP publicly condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be held accountable. She has since repeated this call when speaking by telephone with Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on 11 September and again in person in New York on 24 September.

The HR/VP will continue to insist that the Government of Iraq conducts a full investigation into to the attack. She will also continue to call on the Government of Iraq to fulfill its duties and responsibilities by ensuring the safety of the residents, who have since all moved to Camp Hurriya, in accordance with the memorandum of understanding of 25 December 2011 between the Government of Iraq and the United Nations.

The HR/VP has repeatedly stressed her full support to the ongoing process of resettlement of the camp residents to third countries as the only peaceful and durable solution. The EU has been the biggest contributor to this effort, co-financing the operation with an envelope of 14 million euro together with the United Nations agencies involved — notably the UNHCR and UNOPS. The attacks on Camp Ashraf and the previous on Camp Hurriya, remind us of the urgency to accelerate this process, with the cooperation of both the residents and third countries that are ready to receive them.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-009996/13

an die Kommission

Evelyne Gebhardt (S&D)

(9. September 2013)

Betrifft: Entnehmbarkeit von Altbatterien und -akkumulatoren

Nach Artikel 11 der Richtlinie 2006/66/EG über Batterien und Akkumulatoren sowie Altbatterien und Altakkumulatoren müssen Mitgliedstaaten sicherstellen, „dass die Hersteller die Geräte so entwerfen, dass Altbatterien und ‐akkumulatoren problemlos entnommen werden können“. Weiterhin werden jedoch Produkte auf den Markt gebracht, die dieser Anforderung nicht genügen. Es ist zu bezweifeln, dass im Falle von Geräten wie Mobiltelefonen oder GPS-Navigationssystemen Gründe, die das Fehlen problemlos entnehmbarer Altbatterien oder ‐akkumulatoren rechtfertigen würden, wie die Notwendigkeit einer ununterbrochene Stromversorgung und einer ständigen Verbindung zwischen dem Gerät und der Batterie oder dem Akkumulator, vorliegen.

Welche Erkenntnisse liegen der Kommission über die Umsetzung einer Entnehmbarkeitspflicht für Geräte, in die Batterien und Akkumulatoren eingebaut sind, in den Mitgliedstaaten vor?

Wie lässt sich das Inverkehrbringen von innerhalb des Binnenmarktes hergestellten Produkten ohne problemlos entnehmbare Batterien bzw. Akkumulatoren rechtfertigen?

Welche Schritte gedenkt die Kommission zu unternehmen, sofern die Mitgliedstaaten keine ausreichenden Maßnahmen unternehmen, um der gleichermaßen verbraucher‐ wie auch umweltpolitischen Zielsetzung problemlos entnehmbarer Altbatterien und ‐akkumulatoren nachzukommen?

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(19. November 2013)

Die Kommission hat die Anwendung von Artikel 11 der Richtlinie 2006/66/EG (62) in der Sitzung des zuständigen Ausschusses für technische Anpassung am 5. November 2012 (63) mit Mitgliedstaaten erörtert. Eine genaue Übersicht über die diesbezüglich in den Mitgliedstaaten getroffenen Maßnahmen liegt jedoch nicht vor.

Im Rahmen der jüngsten interinstitutionellen Beratungen zur Änderung der Richtlinie 2006/66/EG (64) wurde vereinbart, bestimmte Aspekte von Artikel 11 (etwa die Frage, wer Batterien aus den Geräten entnehmen darf, oder Anleitungen zum Entnehmen von Batterien) zu klären.

Um den Mitgliedstaaten weitere Hinweise zur Umsetzung der Richtlinie auch in Bezug auf den neuen Wortlaut von Artikel 11 und Aspekte der Entnehmbarkeit zu geben, wird die Kommission in Kürze das Dokument mit den häufig gestellten Fragen zu der Richtlinie überprüfen und aktualisieren.

Die Kommission wird die Umsetzung der überarbeiteten Richtlinie durch die Mitgliedstaaten überwachen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009996/13

to the Commission

Evelyne Gebhardt (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Removability of waste batteries and accumulators

In accordance with Article 11 of Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators, Member States must ensure ‘that manufacturers design appliances in such a way that waste batteries and accumulators can be readily removed’. However, products that do not meet this requirement continue to be placed on the market. In the case of devices like mobile phones or GPS navigation systems, it is doubtful whether there are any reasons that would justify the absence of waste batteries or accumulators that can be readily removed, such as the need for continuity of power supply or a permanent connection between the device and the battery or accumulator.

What information does the Commission have concerning the implementation of a ready removability obligation for appliances into which batteries and accumulators are incorporated in the Member States?

How can the placing on the market of products manufactured within the internal market without readily removable batteries or accumulators be justified?

What steps does the Commission intend to take if the Member States do not take adequate measures to meet the objective of both consumer and environmental policy alike of readily removable waste batteries and accumulators?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

The Commission discussed the implementation of Article 11 of Directive 2006/66/EC (65) with Member States at a meeting of the relevant Technical Adaption Committee held on 5 November 2012 (66). However, there is no detailed overview of measures taken at national level in this respect.

In the context of the recent interinstitutional discussions on the amendment of Directive 2006/66/EC (67) it was agreed to clarify certain aspects of Article 11 (e.g. who should be able to remove batteries from appliances and instructions for the removal of batteries).

To give further guidance to Member States on the implementation of the directive, including as regards the new wording of Article 11 and removability aspects, the Commission will shortly review and update the Frequently Asked Questions document on the directive.

The Commission will monitor the implementation of the revised directive by Member States.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009997/13

προς το Συμβούλιο

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Κίνδυνοι ξεπλύματος χρήματος και χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας

Σύμφωνα με στοιχεία που περιλαμβάνονται στο Basel AML Index 2013, τα οποία δόθηκαν πρόσφατα στη δημοσιότητα από το Basel Institute on Governance (68), αρκετά κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ βρίσκονται ψηλά στο δείκτη κινδύνου ξεπλύματος χρήματος και χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας. Τέτοιες χώρες είναι η Ελλάδα (6,39), το Λουξεμβούργο (6,24), η Αυστρία (5,79), η Γερμανία (5,79), η Ιταλία (5,54), η Ισπανία (5,18) κ.λπ. (όσο πιο ψηλή η τιμή του δείκτη τόσο πιο μεγάλος ο κίνδυνος).

Η Κύπρος με 5,03, κατατάσσεται πιο χαμηλά από τις πιο πάνω χώρες και αξιολογείται ως χώρα μέσου κινδύνου, ευρισκόμενη περίπου στα ίδια επίπεδα με την Ολλανδία (5,01), τη Λεττονία 4,93 και το ΗΒ (4,81). Και όμως, η Κύπρος είναι η μοναδική χώρα στην οποία εντελώς προσχηματικά και ατεκμηρίωτα επιβλήθηκαν βαρύτατες κυρώσεις για το πιο πάνω θέμα.

Ερωτάται το Συμβούλιο:

| — | Είναι ενήμερο σχετικά με τα πιο πάνω στοιχεία και την πραγματική κατάσταση που επικρατεί στα διάφορα κράτη μέλη όσον αφορά το ξέπλυμα χρήματος και τον κίνδυνο χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας; |
| --- | --- |

—

Είναι ενήμερο σχετικά με τα πιο πάνω στοιχεία και την πραγματική κατάσταση που επικρατεί στα διάφορα κράτη μέλη όσον αφορά το ξέπλυμα χρήματος και τον κίνδυνο χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας;

| — | Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει έναντι των χωρών υψηλού κινδύνου, ώστε να ελαχιστοποιηθούν οι κίνδυνοι από τέτοιες παράνομες δραστηριότητες; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει έναντι των χωρών υψηλού κινδύνου, ώστε να ελαχιστοποιηθούν οι κίνδυνοι από τέτοιες παράνομες δραστηριότητες;

| — | Γιατί εξαντλήθηκε όλη η αυστηρότητα έναντι της Κύπρου, ενώ δεν φαίνεται να έχουν ληφθεί οποιαδήποτε μέτρα κατά άλλων κρατών μελών, πολλά από τα οποία μάλιστα εμφανίζουν υψηλότερο κίνδυνο παράνομων ενεργειών; |
| --- | --- |

—

Γιατί εξαντλήθηκε όλη η αυστηρότητα έναντι της Κύπρου, ενώ δεν φαίνεται να έχουν ληφθεί οποιαδήποτε μέτρα κατά άλλων κρατών μελών, πολλά από τα οποία μάλιστα εμφανίζουν υψηλότερο κίνδυνο παράνομων ενεργειών;

| — | Αντιλαμβάνεται το Συμβούλιο ότι με την εφαρμογή δύο μέτρων και δύο σταθμών τίθεται σε κίνδυνο η ίδια η συνοχή της Ένωσης και δημιουργούνται αντιευρωπαϊκά αισθήματα στους πολίτες των κρατών μελών που καθίστανται θύματα τέτοιων δυσμενών διακρίσεων; |
| --- | --- |

—

Αντιλαμβάνεται το Συμβούλιο ότι με την εφαρμογή δύο μέτρων και δύο σταθμών τίθεται σε κίνδυνο η ίδια η συνοχή της Ένωσης και δημιουργούνται αντιευρωπαϊκά αισθήματα στους πολίτες των κρατών μελών που καθίστανται θύματα τέτοιων δυσμενών διακρίσεων;

| — | Τι προτίθεται να πράξει το Συμβούλιο για την αποκατάσταση των ζημιών που έχουν υποστεί χιλιάδες κυπριακά νοικοκυριά και επιχειρήσεις από τις άδικες και αψυχολόγητες αποφάσεις της ΕΕ και του Eurogroup για την Κύπρο; |
| --- | --- |

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Τι προτίθεται να πράξει το Συμβούλιο για την αποκατάσταση των ζημιών που έχουν υποστεί χιλιάδες κυπριακά νοικοκυριά και επιχειρήσεις από τις άδικες και αψυχολόγητες αποφάσεις της ΕΕ και του Eurogroup για την Κύπρο;

Απάντηση

(25 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Στις 22 Μαΐου 2013, Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο αποφάσισε ότι η φοροδιαφυγή, η φορολογική απάτη και η νομιμοποίηση εσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες πρέπει να καταπολεμηθούν τόσο εντός της εσωτερικής αγοράς όσο και έναντι μη συνεργάσιμων τρίτων χωρών και εδαφών, κατά τρόπο ολοκληρωμένο. Και στις δύο περιπτώσεις, είναι σημαντικό ρόλο να οριστεί ο πραγματικός δικαιούχος, όσον αφορά, π.χ. εταιρίες, ενώσεις εταιριών και ιδρύματα. Η αναθεώρηση της τρίτης οδηγίας για την καταπολέμηση της νομιμοποίησης εσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες πρέπει να εγκριθεί έως το τέλος του έτους (69).

Όσον αφορά την Κύπρο, στις 13 Μαΐου 2013, η Ευρωομάδα εξέφρασε ικανοποίηση για την ολοκλήρωση των ανεξάρτητων αξιολογήσεων συμμόρφωσης με το πλαίσιο καταπολέμησης της νομιμοποίησης προσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες στην Κύπρο. Τα θεσμικά όργανα της τρόικας υπέβαλαν τα κυριότερα πορίσματά τους στην Ευρωομάδα, ενώ συστάσεις για τη διόρθωση των αδυναμιών περιλήφθηκαν στο σχέδιο δράσης κατά της νομιμοποίησης προσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες, το οποίο συμφωνήθηκε μεταξύ της τρόικας και των κυπριακών αρχών.

Σύμφωνα με την εκτελεστική απόφαση του Συμβουλίου της 13ης Σεπτεμβρίου 2013 για την έγκριση προγράμματος μακροοικονομικής σταθερότητας για την Κύπρο και την κατάργηση της απόφασης 2013/236/ΕΕ (70) του Συμβουλίου, το πρόγραμμα προβλέπει την περαιτέρω ενίσχυση του πλαισίου καταπολέμησης της νομιμοποίησης εσόδων από παράνομες δραστηριότητες και την εκτέλεση σχεδίου δράσης που διασφαλίζει την εφαρμογή βελτιωμένων πρακτικών όσον αφορά τη δέουσα επιμέλεια για τον πελάτη και τη διαφάνεια των οικονομικών οντοτήτων, σύμφωνα με τις βέλτιστες πρακτικές.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009997/13

to the Council

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism

According to information contained in the Basel AML Index 2013 published recently by the Basel Institute on Governance, (71) several EU Member States have high risk indices for money laundering and financing of terrorism. They include Greece (6.39), Luxembourg (6.24), Austria (5.79), Germany (5.79), Italy (5.54), Spain (5.18) and others (the higher the number the greater the risk).

Cyprus (5.03) is lower than the above countries and is classed as a medium-risk country, on a par with the Netherlands (5.01), Latvia (4.93) and the UK (4.81). However, Cyprus is the only country on which serious penalties have been imposed for the above activities on wholly untenable and unsubstantiated grounds.

In view of the above, will the Council say:

| — | Is it aware of the above figures and the actual situation in the various Member States as regards money laundering and the risk of financing of terrorism? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it aware of the above figures and the actual situation in the various Member States as regards money laundering and the risk of financing of terrorism?

| — | What measures does it intend to take against high-risk countries in order to minimise the risk of such illegal activities? |
| --- | --- |

—

What measures does it intend to take against high-risk countries in order to minimise the risk of such illegal activities?

| — | Why is Cyprus the only country to have been on the receiving end of this strict approach and why do no measures appear to have been taken against other Member States, many of which present a greater risk of illegal activities? |
| --- | --- |

—

Why is Cyprus the only country to have been on the receiving end of this strict approach and why do no measures appear to have been taken against other Member States, many of which present a greater risk of illegal activities?

| — | Does the Council understand that the application of double standards is putting the very cohesion of the Union at risk and giving rising to anti-European sentiment among the citizens of the Member States which are being made into the butt of this discrimination? |
| --- | --- |

—

Does the Council understand that the application of double standards is putting the very cohesion of the Union at risk and giving rising to anti-European sentiment among the citizens of the Member States which are being made into the butt of this discrimination?

| — | What does the Council intend to do to compensate for the losses sustained by thousands of Cypriot households and businesses from unfair and ill-considered decisions passed by the EU and the Eurogroup on Cyprus? |
| --- | --- |

—

What does the Council intend to do to compensate for the losses sustained by thousands of Cypriot households and businesses from unfair and ill-considered decisions passed by the EU and the Eurogroup on Cyprus?

Reply

(25 November 2013)

On 22 May 2013, the European Council concluded that there is a need to deal with tax evasion and fraud and to fight money laundering, within the internal market and vis-à-vis non-cooperative third countries and jurisdictions, in a comprehensive manner. In both cases the identification of beneficial ownership in respect of, for instance, companies, trusts and foundations, is essential. The revision of the third anti-money laundering Directive should be adopted by the end of the year (72).

As regards Cyprus, on 13 May 2013 the Eurogroup welcomed the completion of independent assessments of compliance with the anti-money laundering framework in Cyprus. The Troika institutions have reported the key findings to the Eurogroup, and recommendations to rectify deficiencies were integrated in the anti-money laundering action plan agreed between the Troika institutions and the Cyprus authorities.

According to the Council Implementing Decision of 13 September 2013 on approving the macroeconomic adjustment programme for Cyprus and repealing Decision 2013/236/EU (73), the programme shall provide for further strengthening of the anti-money laundering framework and implement an action plan designed to improve practice on customer due diligence and entity transparency, in line with best practice.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009998/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Κίνδυνοι ξεπλύματος χρήματος και χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας

Σύμφωνα με στοιχεία που περιλαμβάνονται στο Basel AML Index 2013, τα οποία δόθηκαν πρόσφατα στη δημοσιότητα από το Basel Institute on Governance (74), αρκετά κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ βρίσκονται ψηλά στο δείκτη κινδύνου ξεπλύματος χρήματος και χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας. Τέτοιες χώρες είναι η Ελλάδα (6,39), το Λουξεμβούργο (6,24), η Αυστρία (5,79), η Γερμανία (5,79), η Ιταλία (5,54), η Ισπανία (5,18) κ.λπ. (όσο πιο ψηλή η τιμή του δείκτη τόσο πιο μεγάλος ο κίνδυνος).

Η Κύπρος με 5,03, κατατάσσεται πιο χαμηλά από τις πιο πάνω χώρες και αξιολογείται ως χώρα μέσου κινδύνου, ευρισκόμενη περίπου στα ίδια επίπεδα με την Ολλανδία (5,01), τη Λεττονία 4,93 και το ΗΒ (4,81). Και όμως, η Κύπρος είναι η μοναδική χώρα στην οποία εντελώς προσχηματικά και ατεκμηρίωτα επιβλήθηκαν βαρύτατες κυρώσεις για το πιο πάνω θέμα.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Είναι ενήμερη σχετικά με τα πιο πάνω στοιχεία και την πραγματική κατάσταση που επικρατεί στα διάφορα κράτη μέλη όσον αφορά το ξέπλυμα χρήματος και τον κίνδυνο χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας; |
| --- | --- |

—

Είναι ενήμερη σχετικά με τα πιο πάνω στοιχεία και την πραγματική κατάσταση που επικρατεί στα διάφορα κράτη μέλη όσον αφορά το ξέπλυμα χρήματος και τον κίνδυνο χρηματοδότησης της τρομοκρατίας;

| — | Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει έναντι των χωρών υψηλού κινδύνου, ώστε να ελαχιστοποιηθούν οι κίνδυνοι από τέτοιες παράνομες δραστηριότητες; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να λάβει έναντι των χωρών υψηλού κινδύνου, ώστε να ελαχιστοποιηθούν οι κίνδυνοι από τέτοιες παράνομες δραστηριότητες;

| — | Γιατί εξαντλήθηκε όλη η αυστηρότητα έναντι της Κύπρου, ενώ δεν φαίνεται να έχουν ληφθεί οποιαδήποτε μέτρα κατά άλλων κρατών μελών, πολλά από τα οποία μάλιστα εμφανίζουν υψηλότερο κίνδυνο παράνομων ενεργειών; |
| --- | --- |

—

Γιατί εξαντλήθηκε όλη η αυστηρότητα έναντι της Κύπρου, ενώ δεν φαίνεται να έχουν ληφθεί οποιαδήποτε μέτρα κατά άλλων κρατών μελών, πολλά από τα οποία μάλιστα εμφανίζουν υψηλότερο κίνδυνο παράνομων ενεργειών;

| — | Αντιλαμβάνεται η Επιτροπή ότι με την εφαρμογή δύο μέτρων και δύο σταθμών τίθεται σε κίνδυνο η ίδια η συνοχή της Ένωσης και δημιουργούνται αντιευρωπαϊκά αισθήματα στους πολίτες των κρατών μελών που καθίστανται θύματα τέτοιων δυσμενών διακρίσεων; |
| --- | --- |

—

Αντιλαμβάνεται η Επιτροπή ότι με την εφαρμογή δύο μέτρων και δύο σταθμών τίθεται σε κίνδυνο η ίδια η συνοχή της Ένωσης και δημιουργούνται αντιευρωπαϊκά αισθήματα στους πολίτες των κρατών μελών που καθίστανται θύματα τέτοιων δυσμενών διακρίσεων;

| — | Τι προτίθεται να πράξει η Επιτροπή για την αποκατάσταση των ζημιών που έχουν υποστεί χιλιάδες κυπριακά νοικοκυριά και επιχειρήσεις από τις άδικες και αψυχολόγητες αποφάσεις της ΕΕ και του Eurogroup για την Κύπρο; |
| --- | --- |

—

Τι προτίθεται να πράξει η Επιτροπή για την αποκατάσταση των ζημιών που έχουν υποστεί χιλιάδες κυπριακά νοικοκυριά και επιχειρήσεις από τις άδικες και αψυχολόγητες αποφάσεις της ΕΕ και του Eurogroup για την Κύπρο;

Απάντηση του κ. Barnier εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(31 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη σχετικά με τον Basel Index, ο οποίος βασίζεται σε συλλογή παραγόντων όπως είναι οι εκθέσεις αξιολόγησης από την ομάδα χρηματοοικονομικής δράσης (της οποίας η Επιτροπή είναι πλήρες μέλος) και της ομάδας Moneyval (όπου είναι παρατηρητής).

Η Επιτροπή επιβεβαιώνει ότι παρακολουθεί τη συμμόρφωση των κρατών μελών με τη νομοθεσία της ΕΕ και την πρόοδο των αξιολογήσεων των κρατών μελών και των διαδικασιών παρακολούθησης που θεσπίστηκαν από την ειδική ομάδα χρηματοοικονομικής δράσης και την MONEYVAL, οι οποίες παρέχουν λεπτομερή συμπεράσματα και επακόλουθες ενέργειες παρά με μια γενική κατάταξη. Κατά συνέπεια, η Επιτροπή θεωρεί ότι είναι σκοπιμότερο να εξετάσουμε τη συνολική εικόνα αντί της κατάταξης.

Η Επιτροπή δεν θεωρεί ότι τα μέτρα που λαμβάνονται σε σχέση με την Κύπρο συνιστούν διπλά μέτρα και σταθμά. Οι περιστάσεις στην Κύπρο ήταν πρωτοφανείς και, κατά συνέπεια, διενεργήθηκαν δύο επικεντρωμένοι έλεγχοι σε συμφωνία με τις κυπριακές αρχές.

Όπως έχει ήδη αναγνωριστεί ευρέως, επίσης από τις κυπριακές αρχές, η οικονομική κατάσταση στην Κύπρο δεν ήταν βιώσιμη και απαιτείτο η διόρθωσή τους. Η Επιτροπή έχει επίγνωση των δυσκολιών των προσαρμογών που συνεπάγονται για τον πληθυσμό γενικότερα. Ωστόσο, η Επιτροπή σημειώνει επίσης ότι τουλάχιστον ορισμένα από τα βάρη αυτά επωμίζονται και μη μόνιμοι κάτοικοι. Επιπλέον, πρέπει να σημειωθεί ότι η διεθνής βοήθεια υπό μορφήν δανείου που χορηγήθηκε από τον ΕΜΣ, ο οποίος παρέχει το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της χρηματοδοτικής στήριξης, έχει δοθεί με πολύ ευνοϊκό επιτόκιο (σήμερα περίπου 0,25%) σε σύγκριση με τα επιτόκια της αγοράς. Εξάλλου, η Επιτροπή έχει επιταχύνει και αυξήσει την καταβολή κονδυλίων από τα διαρθρωτικά ταμεία της ΕΕ στην Κύπρο και είναι έτοιμη να υποστηρίξει τον κυπριακό πληθυσμό με κάθε δυνατό τρόπο σε αυτούς τους δύσκολους καιρούς.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009998/13

to the Commission

Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism

According to information contained in the Basel AML Index 2013 published recently by the Basel Institute on Governance, (75) several EU Member States have high risk indices for money laundering and financing of terrorism. They include Greece (6.39), Luxembourg (6.24), Austria (5.79), Germany (5.79), Italy (5.54), Spain (5.18) and others (the higher the number the greater the risk).

Cyprus (5.03) is lower than the above countries and is classed as a medium-risk country, on a par with the Netherlands (5.01), Latvia (4.93) and the UK (4.81). However, Cyprus is the only country on which serious penalties have been imposed for the above activities on wholly untenable and unsubstantiated grounds.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| — | Is it aware of the above figures and the actual situation in the various Member States as regards money laundering and the risk of financing of terrorism? |
| --- | --- |

—

Is it aware of the above figures and the actual situation in the various Member States as regards money laundering and the risk of financing of terrorism?

| — | What measures does it intend to take against high-risk countries in order to minimise the risk of such illegal activities? |
| --- | --- |

—

What measures does it intend to take against high-risk countries in order to minimise the risk of such illegal activities?

| — | Why is Cyprus the only country to have been on the receiving end of this strict approach and why do no measures appear to have been taken against other Member States, many of which present a greater risk of illegal activities? |
| --- | --- |

—

Why is Cyprus the only country to have been on the receiving end of this strict approach and why do no measures appear to have been taken against other Member States, many of which present a greater risk of illegal activities?

| — | Does the Commission understand that the application of double standards is putting the very cohesion of the Union at risk and giving rising to anti-European sentiment among the citizens of the Member States which are being made into the butt of this discrimination? |
| --- | --- |

—

Does the Commission understand that the application of double standards is putting the very cohesion of the Union at risk and giving rising to anti-European sentiment among the citizens of the Member States which are being made into the butt of this discrimination?

| — | What does the Commission intend to do to compensate for the losses sustained by thousands of Cypriot households and businesses from unfair and ill-considered decisions passed by the EU and the Eurogroup on Cyprus? |
| --- | --- |

—

What does the Commission intend to do to compensate for the losses sustained by thousands of Cypriot households and businesses from unfair and ill-considered decisions passed by the EU and the Eurogroup on Cyprus?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

The Commission is aware of the Basel Index, which is based on a collection of factors including evaluation reports from the Financial Action Task Force (where the Commission is a full member) and MONEYVAL (where it is an observer).

The Commission can confirm that it monitors Member States' compliance with the relevant EU legislation and the progress of Member State evaluations and follow-up procedures established by the Financial Action Task Force and MONEYVAL, which provide detailed findings and follow-up rather than an overall ranking. The Commission, therefore, considers it more relevant to look at the overall picture, rather than a ranking.

The Commission does not consider the action taken in relation to Cyprus as imposing double standards. The circumstances in Cyprus were unprecedented, and thus two focused audits were carried out in agreement with the Cypriot authorities.

As has been widely recognised, also by the Cypriot authorities themselves, the financial situation in Cyprus was unsustainable and needed to be corrected. The Commission is aware of the hardship the adjustments entail for the population at large. However, the Commission also notes that at least some of the burden is also shared by non-residents. Moreover, it should be noticed that the international assistance loan granted by the ESM, which provides for the bulk of the financial support, has been given at a very favourable interest rate (currently around 0,25%) compared to the rates on the market. Moreover, the Commission has accelerated and increased the payment of EU Structural Funds to Cyprus and stands ready to support the Cypriot population in any way it can in these difficult times.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-009999/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Κατανάλωση και διακίνηση τροφίμων περασμένης διατηρησιμότητας

Η ελληνική κυβέρνηση, από την 1.9.2013, έθεσε σε εφαρμογή το άρθρο 9 της Οδηγίας 2000/13/ΕΚ, που επιτρέπει τη διάθεση τροφίμων περασμένης χρονολογίας, ελάχιστης διατηρησιμότητας. Τα τρόφιμα αυτά θα πωλούνται σαφώς διαχωρισμένα από τα υπόλοιπα τρόφιμα, ενώ σε πινακίδα που θα αναρτάται σε αυτά, θα αναγράφεται, με κεφαλαία γράμματα, η φράση «ΤΡΟΦΙΜΑ ΠΕΡΑΣΜΕΝΗΣ ΔΙΑΤΗΡΗΣΙΜΟΤΗΤΑΣ».

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Από τη θέσπιση της σχετικής με την επισήμανση, την παρουσίαση και τη διαφήμιση των τροφίμων Οδηγίας 2000/13/ΕΚ και των τροποποιήσεών της, ποια κράτη μέλη έχουν εφαρμόσει το μέτρο αυτό; Υπό ποιες υγειονομικές προϋποθέσεις; |
| --- | --- |

—

Από τη θέσπιση της σχετικής με την επισήμανση, την παρουσίαση και τη διαφήμιση των τροφίμων Οδηγίας 2000/13/ΕΚ και των τροποποιήσεών της, ποια κράτη μέλη έχουν εφαρμόσει το μέτρο αυτό; Υπό ποιες υγειονομικές προϋποθέσεις;

| — | Επιτρέπει η κοινοτική οδηγία την ελεύθερη διακίνηση τροφίμων περασμένης διατηρησιμότητας εντός της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης καθώς και την εισαγωγή τους από τρίτες χώρες; |
| --- | --- |

—

Επιτρέπει η κοινοτική οδηγία την ελεύθερη διακίνηση τροφίμων περασμένης διατηρησιμότητας εντός της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης καθώς και την εισαγωγή τους από τρίτες χώρες;

| — | Επιτρέπεται από την κοινοτική νομοθεσία η εντός του αυτού επιχειρηματικού ομίλου διακίνηση τροφίμων περασμένης διατηρησιμότητας εντός της ΕΕ; |
| --- | --- |

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Επιτρέπεται από την κοινοτική νομοθεσία η εντός του αυτού επιχειρηματικού ομίλου διακίνηση τροφίμων περασμένης διατηρησιμότητας εντός της ΕΕ;

Απάντηση του κ. Borg εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(4 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Τα προσυσκευασμένα τρόφιμα, εκτός από λίγες εξαιρέσεις, πρέπει να φέρουν την ημερομηνία ελάχιστης διάρκειας (ημερομηνία «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από») ή την ημερομηνία «ανάλωση έως». Η ημερομηνία «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από» δείχνει την ημερομηνία έως την οποία το τρόφιμο διατηρεί την προσδοκώμενη ποιότητα του. Η υπάρχουσα ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία (76) διευκρινίζει ότι η ημερομηνία «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πρίν από» πρέπει να αντικατασταθεί από την ημερομηνία «ανάλωση έως» όταν, μικροβιολογικώς, κάποιο τρόφιμο είναι εξαιρετικά αλλοιώσιμο και ενδέχεται επομένως μετά από ένα σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα να αποτελέσει άμεσο κίνδυνο για την ανθρώπινη υγεία.

Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 17 παράγραφος 1 και το άρθρο 19 του κανονισμού 178/2002, οι υπεύθυνοι επιχείρησης τροφίμων πρέπει να διασφαλίσουν ότι η προμήθεια τροφίμων είναι ασφαλής. Εναπόκειται επίσης στην ευθύνη τους να αποφασίσουν αν ένα προϊόν πρέπει να φέρει την ετικέτα για ημερομηνία «ανάλωση έως». Ο νέο κανονισμός σχετικά με την παροχή πληροφοριών για τα τρόφιμα στους καταναλωτές (77) διατηρεί τους υπάρχοντες κανόνες (78).

Πρόσφατα, η Επιτροπή ενημερώθηκε για το ελληνικό μέτρο που απαιτούσε τα τρόφιμα πέραν της ημερομηνίας «ανάλωση κατά προτίμηση πριν από» και όχι τα τρόφιμα με ληγμένες ημερομηνίες «ανάλωση έως», να τοποθετούνται σε χωριστά ράφια σε επίπεδο λιανικής σε μειωμένες τιμές. Πέραν των ειδικών νομοθετικών διατάξεων, όπως στην περίπτωση των αυγών για άμεση κατανάλωσή τους από τον άνθρωπο (79), η εμπορία των τροφίμων μετά τη λήξη της ημερομηνίας τους ελάχιστης διατηρησιμότητας δεν απαγορεύεται από τη νομοθεσία της Ένωσης, υπό την προϋπόθεση ότι τα εν λόγω τρόφιμα εξακολουθούν να είναι ασφαλή και η παρουσίασή τους δεν είναι παραπλανητική.

Η Επιτροπή δεν γνωρίζει την ύπαρξη παρόμοιου ρυθμιστικού πλαισίου σε άλλα κράτη μέλη.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-009999/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Consumption and distribution of foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date

The Greek Government started to apply Article 9 of Directive 2000/13/EC, which allows highly perishable foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date to be distributed, on 1 September 2013. These foodstuffs will be sold while clearly separated from other foodstuffs and under a sign on which the words ‘FOOD PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE’ are written in capital letters.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| — | since Directive 2000/13/EC relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs and the amendments thereto were enacted, which Member States have applied this measure? Subject to what public health requirements: |
| --- | --- |

—

since Directive 2000/13/EC relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs and the amendments thereto were enacted, which Member States have applied this measure? Subject to what public health requirements:

| — | does the Community Directive permit the free distribution of foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date within the European Union and their importation by third countries? |
| --- | --- |

—

does the Community Directive permit the free distribution of foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date within the European Union and their importation by third countries?

| — | does Community legislation allow foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date to be distributed within the same business group in the EU? |
| --- | --- |

—

does Community legislation allow foodstuffs past their ‘best before’ date to be distributed within the same business group in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

Pre-packed foods, with few exceptions, must bear a date of minimum durability (‘best before’ date) or a ‘use by’ date. The ‘best before’ date indicates the date until which the food retains its expected qualities. The existing EU legislation (80) specifies that the ‘best before’ date should be replaced by a ‘use by’ date when, from a microbiological point of view, a food is highly perishable and is therefore likely after a short period to constitute an immediate danger to human health.

According to Article 17(1) and Article 19 of Regulation 178/2002 food business operators have to ensure that the food supply is safe. It is also their responsibility to determine when a product may be labelled with a ‘use by’ date. The new Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers (81) maintains the existing rules. (82)

Recently, the Commission has been informed of a Greek measure that required that foods beyond their ‘best before’ date, and not foods with expired ‘use by’ dates, should be placed in separate shelves at retail level at reduced prices. Apart from specific legislation, such as for eggs for direct human consumption (83), the marketing of foods after their date of minimum durability is not prohibited by Union law, provided that the foods concerned are still safe and their presentation is not misleading.

The Commission is not aware of the existence of similar framework rules in other Member States.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010000/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Εκτίναξη του ελληνικού δημόσιου χρέους

Σύμφωνα με την έκθεση της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής για το Δεύτερο Πρόγραμμα Οικονομικής Προσαρμογής του Μαρτίου 2012 (Occasional Paper 94), το χρέος της Γενικής Κυβέρνησης της Ελλάδας για το 2013 προβλεπόταν στο 164,3% του ΑΕΠ. Αντίστοιχα, στην πιο πρόσφατη αναθεώρηση (τρίτη αναθεώρηση — Occasional Paper 159, Ιούλιος 2013) του Δεύτερου Προγράμματος Οικονομικής Προσαρμογής της Ελλάδας, το δημόσιο χρέος για το 2013 προβλεπόταν να φτάσει στο μέγιστο επίπεδο, το οποίο προσδιοριζόταν στο 175,6% του ΑΕΠ.

Ωστόσο, σύμφωνα με την ανακοίνωση του ελληνικού Υπουργείου Οικονομικών στις 25.8.2013, το Δημόσιο Χρέος της Κεντρικής Κυβέρνησης για το πρώτο εξάμηνο του 2013 ανήλθε σε 321 δισεκατομμύρια ευρώ ή σε 180% του ΑΕΠ. Αν συνυπολογιστεί και το χρέος των υπόλοιπων δημόσιων θεσμικών μονάδων, τότε εύκολα συμπεραίνουμε ότι το Δημόσιο Χρέος της Γενικής Κυβέρνησης είναι πολύ μεγαλύτερο.

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω στοιχεία, που αποδεικνύουν την πλήρη αποτυχία των προβλέψεων της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής, αλλά και το γεγονός ότι, από το 2010, στην Ελλάδα εφαρμόζεται ένα σκληρό πρόγραμμα οικονομικής προσαρμογής, με καταστροφικά αποτελέσματα στην ελληνική οικονομία και κοινωνία, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Για ποιους λόγους, αυτή τη φορά, «ξέφυγε» το ελληνικό χρέος από τους στόχους που είχαν οριστεί από την τρόικα; |
| --- | --- |

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Για ποιους λόγους, αυτή τη φορά, «ξέφυγε» το ελληνικό χρέος από τους στόχους που είχαν οριστεί από την τρόικα;

| — | Πόσο υπολογίζεται το χρηματοδοτικό κενό της Ελλάδας, μετά και την τελευταία αξιολόγηση της τρόικας; Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να εισηγηθεί η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή στο Eurogroup για την κάλυψη αυτού του κενού; |
| --- | --- |

—

Πόσο υπολογίζεται το χρηματοδοτικό κενό της Ελλάδας, μετά και την τελευταία αξιολόγηση της τρόικας; Ποια μέτρα προτίθεται να εισηγηθεί η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή στο Eurogroup για την κάλυψη αυτού του κενού;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(5 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Όπως και στο παρελθόν, το χρέος της κεντρικής κυβέρνησης είναι υψηλότερο από το χρέος της γενικής κυβέρνησης, λόγω της ενοποίησης που λαμβάνει χώρα επειδή και άλλοι τομείς της κυβέρνησης κατέχουν μέρος του χρέους της κεντρικής κυβέρνησης. Επομένως, δεν είναι σωστό να χρησιμοποιείται το χρέος της κεντρικής κυβέρνησης για τους πρώτους έξι μήνες προκειμένου να συναχθούν συμπεράσματα όσον αφορά τις εξελίξεις του χρέους της γενικής κυβέρνησης.

Στο πλαίσιο του δεύτερου προγράμματος οικονομικής προσαρμογής, έχει σημειωθεί σημαντική πρόοδος όσον αφορά την εξασφάλιση της βιωσιμότητας του ελληνικού χρέους. Ο λόγος του χρέους προς το ΑΕΠ προβλέπεται να συνεχίσει την πτωτική πορεία του το 2014, και να διαμορφωθεί σε επίπεδο κάτω του 120% έως το 2021, με την προϋπόθεση της συνέχισης της πλήρους εφαρμογής του προγράμματος οικονομικής προσαρμογής.

Στον πίνακα 9 της έκθεσης συμμόρφωσης (84) που δημοσιεύθηκε από την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή μετά την τρίτη αποστολή ελέγχου, εμφαίνεται ένα σχετικά μικρό χρηματοδοτικό κενό της τάξης των 3,8 δισ. ευρώ μέχρι το τέλος του 2014. Ετοιμάζεται μια ενημερωμένη εκτίμηση των χρηματοδοτικών αναγκών της Ελλάδας στο πλαίσιο της εν εξελίξει αναθεώρησης, εκτίμηση που θα κοινοποιηθεί στα σχετικά έγγραφα του προγράμματος. Στο παρόν στάδιο, δεν δικαιολογείται να διακινδυνεύσουμε οποιεσδήποτε προβλέψεις για το μέγεθος του χρηματοδοτικού κενού και τους πιθανούς τρόπους κάλυψής του.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010000/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Spiralling Greek public debt

According to a report by the European Commission on the Second Economic Adjustment Programme for March 2012 (Occasional Paper 94), Greece’s general government debt was expected to be 164.3% of GDP in 2013. Similarly, in the most recent (third) review of the Second Economic Adjustment Programme for Greece (Occasional Paper 159, July 2013), the public debt was forecast to peak at 175.6% of GDP in 2013.

However, according to a press release by the Greek Ministry of Finance dated 25 August 2013, central government public debt for the first half of 2013 was EUR 321 billion or 180% of GDP. If the debt of the other institutional units is added, this suggests that general government public debt is much higher.

In view of the above figures, which illustrate that the European Commission’s forecast was completely off the mark, and the fact that a harsh economic adjustment programme has been in force in Greece since 2010, with catastrophic results for the Greek economy and society, will the Commission say:

| — | Why, this time, has the Greek debt overshot the targets set by the Troika? |
| --- | --- |

—

Why, this time, has the Greek debt overshot the targets set by the Troika?

| — | What is Greece’s funding gap calculated to be following the Troika’s last assessment? What measures does the European Commission intend to propose to the Eurogroup in order to bridge that gap? |
| --- | --- |

—

What is Greece’s funding gap calculated to be following the Troika’s last assessment? What measures does the European Commission intend to propose to the Eurogroup in order to bridge that gap?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

Historically, central government debt is higher than general government debt because of the consolidation that takes place as other government sectors hold part of the debt of central government. It is therefore not correct to use the central government debt figure for the first six months to infer the general government debt developments.

In the context of the second Economic Adjustment Programme, significant progress is being made towards securing the sustainability of the Greek debt. The debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to resume a declining path in 2014, and should become lower than 120% by 2021, assuming that the economic adjustment programme continues to be fully implemented.

Table 9 of the compliance report (85) published by European Commission following the third review mission reflects a relatively small financing gap of EUR 3.8 billion until the end of 2014. An updated assessment of Greece's financing needs is being prepared during the ongoing review and will be communicated in the related programme documents. Speculation at this stage about the size of the gap and possible ways to cover it is not warranted.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010001/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: ΠΕΠ Θεσσαλίας-Στερεάς Ελλάδας-Ηπείρου

Η ύφεση που πλήττει την ελληνική οικονομία έχει οδηγήσει, για 5η συνεχόμενη χρονιά, σε μια οικονομική και κοινωνική καταστροφή. Οι ελληνικές περιφέρειες, που για δεκαετίες προσπαθούσαν να συγκλίνουν προς τον εθνικό και κοινοτικό μέσο όρο, αποκλίνουν επικίνδυνα, με τα ποσοστά ανεργίας να είναι από τα μεγαλύτερα στην ΕΕ.

Χαρακτηριστικά παραδείγματα είναι οι περιφέρειες της Θεσσαλίας με ανεργία στο 22,6%, της Ηπείρου, με ανεργία στο 22,9% και της Στερεάς Ελλάδας, με ανεργία στο 27,8%.

Με δεδομένα τα παραπάνω, αλλά και το γεγονός ότι η αξιοποίηση και η καλύτερη χρήση των κοινοτικών κονδυλίων και συγκεκριμένα των Περιφερειακών Επιχειρησιακών Προγραμμάτων θα μπορούσαν να βοηθήσουν στην ανάσχεση της οικονομικής κατάρρευσης των ελληνικών περιφερειών, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| — | Ποιο είναι το ποσοστό απορροφητικότητας του ΠΕΠ Θεσσαλίας-Στερεάς Ελλάδας-Ηπείρου της περιόδου 2007-2013 για κάθε χωρική ενότητα και για τους αντίστοιχους Άξονες Προτεραιότητας; Ποιοι από αυτούς τους άξονες παρουσιάζουν τα μεγαλύτερα προβλήματα και καθυστερήσεις και γιατί; Διαθέτει σχετικούς πίνακες; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ποιο είναι το ποσοστό απορροφητικότητας του ΠΕΠ Θεσσαλίας-Στερεάς Ελλάδας-Ηπείρου της περιόδου 2007-2013 για κάθε χωρική ενότητα και για τους αντίστοιχους Άξονες Προτεραιότητας; Ποιοι από αυτούς τους άξονες παρουσιάζουν τα μεγαλύτερα προβλήματα και καθυστερήσεις και γιατί; Διαθέτει σχετικούς πίνακες;

| — | Ποια είναι, κατά τη γνώμη της Επιτροπής, τα σημαντικότερα έργα που παρουσιάζουν καθυστερήσεις και τι μέτρα προτείνει για την αύξηση της απορροφητικότητας του συγκεκριμένου ΠΕΠ; Έχουν δρομολογηθεί αλλαγές στη δομή και την κατεύθυνσή του, ώστε να συνάδει με τις νέες οικονομικές και κοινωνικές ανάγκες των συγκεκριμένων περιφερειών; |
| --- | --- |

—

Ποια είναι, κατά τη γνώμη της Επιτροπής, τα σημαντικότερα έργα που παρουσιάζουν καθυστερήσεις και τι μέτρα προτείνει για την αύξηση της απορροφητικότητας του συγκεκριμένου ΠΕΠ; Έχουν δρομολογηθεί αλλαγές στη δομή και την κατεύθυνσή του, ώστε να συνάδει με τις νέες οικονομικές και κοινωνικές ανάγκες των συγκεκριμένων περιφερειών;

Απάντηση του κ. Hahn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(6 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

| 1. | Ο κ. βουλευτής μπορεί να βρει συνημμένο πίνακα (στοιχεία που απέστειλαν οι ελληνικές αρχές στις 15 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013), ο οποίος παρουσιάζει τη δημοσιονομική πρόοδο ανά περιφέρεια και προτεραιότητα για το πρόγραμμα «Θεσσαλία-Στερεά Ελλάδα-Ήπειρος». |
| --- | --- |

1.

Ο κ. βουλευτής μπορεί να βρει συνημμένο πίνακα (στοιχεία που απέστειλαν οι ελληνικές αρχές στις 15 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013), ο οποίος παρουσιάζει τη δημοσιονομική πρόοδο ανά περιφέρεια και προτεραιότητα για το πρόγραμμα «Θεσσαλία-Στερεά Ελλάδα-Ήπειρος».

Παρ’ όλο που το ποσοστό απορροφητικότητας του προγράμματος είναι ικανοποιητικό, ορισμένα έργα αντιμετωπίζουν καθυστερήσεις που οφείλονται στις οικονομικές δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζουν οι τελικοί δικαιούχοι, στη διαδικασία υποβολής προσφορών για τις συμβάσεις και στις χρονοβόρες διαδικασίες απαλλοτρίωσης ή σε διάφορες ανάγκες αδειοδότησης. Περαιτέρω πληροφορίες σχετικά με την πρόοδο της εφαρμογής των έργων που υποστηρίζονται από το πρόγραμμα «Θεσσαλία-Στερεά Ελλάδα-Ήπειρος» διατίθενται στον ακόλουθο δικτυακό τόπο: www.anaptyxi.gov.gr

| 2. | Όσον αφορά τα μέτρα που λαμβάνονται από την Επιτροπή υπέρ της Ελλάδας για να αντισταθμίσουν τις αρνητικές επιπτώσεις της κρίσης, η Επιτροπή θα ήθελε να παραπέμψει τον κ. βουλευτή στην απάντησή της στις γραπτές ερωτήσεις E-9221/2013 και E-9608/2013. Το πρόγραμμα «Θεσσαλία-Στερεά Ελλάδα-Ήπειρος» έχει επωφεληθεί, ιδίως, από την αύξηση του ποσοστού συγχρηματοδότησης σε 85% για τις περιφέρειες της Θεσσαλίας και της Ηπείρου και από την αναθεώρηση όλων των περιφερειακών ελληνικών προγραμμάτων, που πραγματοποιήθηκε τον Δεκέμβριο του 2012, με στόχο την ενίσχυση της ανταγωνιστικότητας μέσω στοχοθετημένων δράσεων για την υποστήριξη των ΜΜΕ. Με σκοπό την ενίσχυση, κυρίως, της προτεραιότητας προσβασιμότητας για τη Θεσσαλία, οι ελληνικές αρχές υπέβαλαν περαιτέρω αναθεώρηση του προγράμματος στην Επιτροπή, το οποίο και βρίσκεται, επί του παρόντος, στο στάδιο της αξιολόγησης. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Όσον αφορά τα μέτρα που λαμβάνονται από την Επιτροπή υπέρ της Ελλάδας για να αντισταθμίσουν τις αρνητικές επιπτώσεις της κρίσης, η Επιτροπή θα ήθελε να παραπέμψει τον κ. βουλευτή στην απάντησή της στις γραπτές ερωτήσεις E-9221/2013 και E-9608/2013. Το πρόγραμμα «Θεσσαλία-Στερεά Ελλάδα-Ήπειρος» έχει επωφεληθεί, ιδίως, από την αύξηση του ποσοστού συγχρηματοδότησης σε 85% για τις περιφέρειες της Θεσσαλίας και της Ηπείρου και από την αναθεώρηση όλων των περιφερειακών ελληνικών προγραμμάτων, που πραγματοποιήθηκε τον Δεκέμβριο του 2012, με στόχο την ενίσχυση της ανταγωνιστικότητας μέσω στοχοθετημένων δράσεων για την υποστήριξη των ΜΜΕ. Με σκοπό την ενίσχυση, κυρίως, της προτεραιότητας προσβασιμότητας για τη Θεσσαλία, οι ελληνικές αρχές υπέβαλαν περαιτέρω αναθεώρηση του προγράμματος στην Επιτροπή, το οποίο και βρίσκεται, επί του παρόντος, στο στάδιο της αξιολόγησης.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010001/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: ROP Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus

The recession which is now in its fifth consecutive year has brought Greece to the brink of economic and social collapse. The Greek regions, which for decades have been endeavouring to converge towards the national and EU average, are now dangerously adrift, with unemployment rates among the highest in the EU.

Typical examples are the regions of Thessaly, with unemployment at 22.6%, Epirus, with unemployment at 22.9%, and Mainland Greece, with unemployment at 27.8%.

Given the above, and the fact that the utilisation or better use of EU funds, in particular the Regional Operational Programmes, could help check the economic collapse of the Greek regions, will the Commission say:

| What is the take-up rate for the ROP Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus in 2007-2013 for each territorial unit and the corresponding Priority Axes? Which of these axes faces the greatest problems and delays and why? Does it have any tables on this matter? |
| --- |

What is the take-up rate for the ROP Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus in 2007-2013 for each territorial unit and the corresponding Priority Axes? Which of these axes faces the greatest problems and delays and why? Does it have any tables on this matter?

| What, in the Commission's opinion, are the most important projects facing delays and what measures does it propose to increase the take-up rate for this specific ROP? Have any changes been initiated in the structure and orientation of this programme in order to reflect the new economic and social needs of specific regions? |
| --- |

What, in the Commission's opinion, are the most important projects facing delays and what measures does it propose to increase the take-up rate for this specific ROP? Have any changes been initiated in the structure and orientation of this programme in order to reflect the new economic and social needs of specific regions?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

| 1. | The Honourable Member will find attached a table (data sent by the Greek authorities on 15 September 2013) which presents the financial progress by region and priority for the ‘Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus’ programme. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Honourable Member will find attached a table (data sent by the Greek authorities on 15 September 2013) which presents the financial progress by region and priority for the ‘Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus’ programme.

Even though the absorption rate of the programme is satisfactory, some projects face delays due to financial difficulties the final beneficiaries are facing, the tendering procedure for contracts and the lengthy expropriation procedures or various needs of licensing. Further information concerning progress of implementation of projects supported by the ‘Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus’ programme can be found on the following website: www.anaptyxi.gov.gr

| 2. | As regards measures taken by the Commission in favour of Greece to offset the negative effects of the crisis the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written questions E-9221/2013 and E-9608/2013. The ‘Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus’ programme has benefited, in particular, from an increase of the co-financing rate to 85% for the regions of Thessaly and Epirus and from the revision of all the regional Greek programmes, which took place in December 2012 with a view to reinforcing competitiveness through targeted actions for SME support. With the view to boosting, mainly, the accessibility priority for Thessaly, the Greek authorities have submitted a further revision of the programme to the Commission and it is currently under assessment. |
| --- | --- |

2.

As regards measures taken by the Commission in favour of Greece to offset the negative effects of the crisis the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written questions E-9221/2013 and E-9608/2013. The ‘Thessaly — Mainland Greece — Epirus’ programme has benefited, in particular, from an increase of the co-financing rate to 85% for the regions of Thessaly and Epirus and from the revision of all the regional Greek programmes, which took place in December 2012 with a view to reinforcing competitiveness through targeted actions for SME support. With the view to boosting, mainly, the accessibility priority for Thessaly, the Greek authorities have submitted a further revision of the programme to the Commission and it is currently under assessment.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010002/13

aan de Commissie

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(9 september 2013)

Betreft: „Bale out” bij Real Madrid

Op 1 september 2013 kondigde de Spaanse voetbalploeg Real Madrid de transfer van Gareth Bale aan voor een recordbedrag van 100 miljoen euro. Real Madrid heeft de afgelopen jaren een aanzienlijke schuldenberg opgebouwd. De aankoop van Bale wordt voor een groot deel gefinancierd door de Spaanse regionale bank Caja de Madrid, die nu deel uitmaakt van Bankia. Nog niet zo lang geleden werd Bankia gered door middel van een „bail out” in het kader van het Europees stabiliteitsmechanisme voor niet minder dan 18 miljard euro. Bijgevolg lijkt het dat Europese middelen worden gebruikt  ter ondersteuning van onhoudbare praktijken in het Spaanse voetbal.

| 1. | Beschouwt de Commissie deze financiële regelingen als een verstoring van de concurrentie tussen de clubs die strijden op Europees niveau? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Beschouwt de Commissie deze financiële regelingen als een verstoring van de concurrentie tussen de clubs die strijden op Europees niveau?

| 2. | Keurt de Commissie de betrokkenheid goed van een door het Europees stabiliteitsmechanisme gesteunde bank bij dergelijke buitensporige recordtransfer, met de Europese belastingbetaler als uiteindelijk vangnet? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Keurt de Commissie de betrokkenheid goed van een door het Europees stabiliteitsmechanisme gesteunde bank bij dergelijke buitensporige recordtransfer, met de Europese belastingbetaler als uiteindelijk vangnet?

Antwoord van de heer Almunia namens de Commissie

(24 oktober 2013)

De Commissie heeft geen standpunt ingenomen over de voetbaltransfer waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid verwijst.

Zoals vermeld in haar antwoord op schriftelijke vraag E-8303/2013 bekijkt de Commissie niet elke lening die Bankia aan ondernemingen verstrekt. Zij houdt daarentegen toezicht op de uitvoering van het in 2012 door de Commissie goedgekeurde herstructureringsplan en de daarin aangegane verbintenissen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010002/13

to the Commission

Derk Jan Eppink (ECR)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Real Madrid ‘Bale out’

On 1 September 2013, the Spanish football club Real Madrid announced the signing of Gareth Bale for the record price of EUR 100 million. Real Madrid has built up a considerable amount of debt in recent years. The acquisition of Bale is in large part financed by the Spanish regional bank Caja de Madrid, which is now part of Bankia. Recently, Bankia has been bailed out by the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) for no less than EUR 18 billion. Therefore, it appears that European funds are being used as a backstop for unsustainable practices in Spanish football.

| 1. | Does the Commission regard these financial arrangements as a distortion of competition between clubs competing on a Europe-wide level? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission regard these financial arrangements as a distortion of competition between clubs competing on a Europe-wide level?

| 2. | Does the Commission approve of the involvement of an ESM-backed bank in such an extravagant record deal with the European taxpayer as its ultimate backstop? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission approve of the involvement of an ESM-backed bank in such an extravagant record deal with the European taxpayer as its ultimate backstop?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

The Commission has not taken a view on the football player transfer referred to by the Honourable Member.

As indicated in its answer to Written Question E-8303/2013, the Commission does not review every loan that Bankia grants to undertakings. Rather, it monitors the implementation of the restructuring plan approved by the Commission in November 2012 and the commitments contained in it.

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor E-010003/13

upućeno Komisiji

Dubravka Šuica (PPE)

(9. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: Provedba Uredbe (EU) br. 531/2012 u Hrvatskoj

Budući da je nova Uredba o roamingu jedno od najznačajnijih postignuća na putu prema ujedinjenom europskom telekomunikacijskom tržištu te budući da velik broj korisnika hrvatskog pružatelja usluga VIPnet-a još uvijek plaća bitno više naknade za roaming od standardnih, smatra li Komisija da je hrvatski nacionalni regulator HAKOM postupio ispravno kad je 29. srpnja 2013. o tome donio rješenje kojim potvrđuje da je VIPnet djelovao u skladu s Uredbom (EU) br. 531/2012 Europskog parlamenta i Vijeća o roamingu u javnim pokretnim komunikacijskim mrežama u Uniji?

Smatra li Komisija da je HAKOM prekršio Direktivu 2002/21/EZ kad je onemogućio udrugu potrošača koja je prijavila nepravilnost VIPnet-a i uložila žalbu protiv odluke HAKOM-a o naknadama za roaming?

Ako VIP-net i HAKOM ne djeluju u skladu s pravom EU-a, koje mjere Komisija namjerava poduzeti kako bi osigurala da korisnici telekomunikacija u Republici Hrvatskoj imaju standardne cijene roaminga u skladu s novom Uredbom o roamingu?

Ako je odluka VIPnet-a i HAKOM-a u skladu s propisima EU-a, smatra li Komisija da se Uredbom o roamingu prikladno štite prava njezinih korisnika?

Odgovor gđe Kroes u ime Komisije

(28. listopada 2013.)

Europska komisija potvrđuje važnost smanjenja cijena roaminga za građane EU-a te u tom smislu osigurava da se sve države članice pridržavaju Uredbe 531/2012. Uredba o roamingu primjenjuje se izravno, a pri nadzoru i provedbi glavnu ulogu imaju nacionalna regulatorna tijela u državama članicama koja osiguravaju da se telekomunikacijski operateri u njihovom području nadležnosti pridržavaju Uredbe. U slučaju Hrvatske odluku je donio HAKOM kao nadležno regulatorno tijelo.

Kako je navedeno i u samoj odluci HAKOM-a, protiv odluke može se uložiti žalba Visokom upravnom sudu Republike Hrvatske, što je u skladu s Člankom 4. Direktive 2002/21/EZ (Pravo žalbe).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010003/13

to the Commission

Dubravka Šuica (PPE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Implementation of Regulation (EU) No 531/2012 in Croatia

As the new regulation on roaming is one of the most significant achievements on the way towards a unified European telecommunications market, and given that a large number of users of the Croatian provider VIPnet still pay significantly higher charges than standard roaming charges, does the Commission consider that the Croatian national regulator, HAKOM, proceeded correctly when it issued a decision on 29 July 2013 to the effect that actions taken by VIPnet were in compliance with Regulation (EU) No 531/2012 of the European Parliament and Council on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the Union?

Does the Commission consider HAKOM to have breached Directive 2002/21/EC when it disable d the consumer association, which reported the VIPnet irregularity and brought an appeal against the HAKOM decision on roaming fees?

If VIPnet and HAKOM are not acting in accordance with EC law, what measures does the Commission intend to take in order to ensure that telecommunications customers in the Republic of Croatia enjoy standard roaming prices pursuant to the new regulation on roaming?

If VIPnet and the HAKOM decision comply with EU regulations, does the Commission consider that the regulation on roaming adequately protects the rights of its users?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The European Commission recognises importance of reducing roaming prices for EU citizens and in this respect it is ensuring that regulation 531/2012 is respected across all member states. The Roaming Regulation applies directly and national regulatory authorities (NRA) in Member States play the primary supervision and enforcement role to ensure compliance of telecoms operators with the regulation within their jurisdictions. In the specific case, Croatian NRA (HAKOM) took a decision.

As indicated in the concerned HAKOM's decision itself the decision can be challenged before the administrative court ‘Visoki upravni sud Republike Hrvatske’. This is in accordance with Article 4 of the directive 2002/21/EC (Right of appeal).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010004/13

à la Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(9 septembre 2013)

Objet: Fermetures d'usines et licenciements dépourvus de motifs économiques en Europe

Le 30 août, le conseil des prud'hommes en France annonçait dans son jugement sur le licenciement de plus de 1 113 travailleurs de Continental-Clairoix, qui faisait suite à la fermeture de l'usine en 2009, que celui-ci était dépourvu de motifs économiques.

Ce jugement affirme que «la suppression du site de production de Clairoix et donc de l'emploi des salariés ne se justifiait que par la volonté d'accroître encore davantage les profits au bénéfice du groupe».

Malheureusement pour les salariés des grandes multinationales, les fermetures d'usines et les licenciements sont aujourd'hui un des moyens privilégiés pour accroître les profits de ces grandes entreprises, qui délocalisent dans le seul but d'augmenter les dividendes.

| 1. | La Commission dispose-t-elle de données fiables des profits générés par les grands groupes industriels qui annoncent des fermetures dans plusieurs pays européens? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission dispose-t-elle de données fiables des profits générés par les grands groupes industriels qui annoncent des fermetures dans plusieurs pays européens?

| 2. | Quelles mesures envisage la Commission afin de protéger les travailleurs de ces licenciements dépourvus de motifs économiques? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Quelles mesures envisage la Commission afin de protéger les travailleurs de ces licenciements dépourvus de motifs économiques?

| 3. | La Commission n'estime-t-elle pas qu'il y a lieu de considérer ces fermetures et licenciements comme une fraude à l'ensemble de l'économie de l'Union? |
| --- | --- |

3.

La Commission n'estime-t-elle pas qu'il y a lieu de considérer ces fermetures et licenciements comme une fraude à l'ensemble de l'économie de l'Union?

Réponse donnée par M. Andor au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

1 - 2. La Commission ne dispose pas d'informations sur les profits générés par les entreprises qui procèdent à des restructurations et n'a pas le pouvoir d'intervenir dans leurs décisions spécifiques. Elle les incite, cependant, à suivre de bonnes pratiques en matière d'anticipation des besoins en capital humain et de gestion socialement responsable des restructurations.

Dans le prolongement de son livre vert de janvier 2012 (86) et de l'adoption par le Parlement européen, le 15 janvier 2013, du rapport Cercas, la Commission publiera une communication établissant un cadre de qualité, qui encadrera la législation de l'UE ainsi que les initiatives concernant les restructurations et présentera les meilleures pratiques à suivre par les parties concernées.

En particulier, dans le secteur automobile, la Commission élabore, dans le cadre du plan d'action CARS 2020 (87) et en étroite coopération avec toutes les parties concernées, des actions de politique industrielle ciblées visant à améliorer la compétitivité de ce secteur et à protéger la production et les emplois européens.

La Commission souligne qu'en cas de restructuration, les employeurs doivent se conformer à leurs obligations en matière d'information et de consultation, conformément à la législation de l'UE (88).

La Commission souligne aussi que les travailleurs touchés par une restructuration peuvent prétendre à un soutien du Fonds social européen et, si les conditions requises sont remplies, du Fonds européen d'ajustement à la mondialisation.

| 3. | Les autorités et parties intéressées devraient évaluer chaque opération de restructuration en fonction de ses caractéristiques propres et à la lumière des circonstances particulières de chaque cas. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Les autorités et parties intéressées devraient évaluer chaque opération de restructuration en fonction de ses caractéristiques propres et à la lumière des circonstances particulières de chaque cas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010004/13

to the Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Factory closures and layoffs in Europe for no economic reason

On 30 August, the French Industrial Tribunal ruled that there were no economic grounds for laying off over 1 113 workers from Continental Clairoix, following the closure of its plant in 2009.

This ruling states that ‘the only grounds for removal of the production site at Clairoix and the subsequent loss of jobs was the desire to further increase the group’s profits’.

Unfortunately for the employees of large multinationals, factory closures and layoffs are now one of the preferred means of increasing the profits of these big companies, who are turning to outsourcing for the sole purpose of increasing dividends.

| 1. | Does the Commission have reliable data on the profits generated by the large industrial groups who are announcing closures in a number of EU countries? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission have reliable data on the profits generated by the large industrial groups who are announcing closures in a number of EU countries?

| 2. | What measures does the Commission envisage to protect workers from job losses of this kind where there are no economic reasons? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What measures does the Commission envisage to protect workers from job losses of this kind where there are no economic reasons?

| 3. | Does the Commission not think these closures and layoffs should be considered as defrauding the entire EU economy? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Does the Commission not think these closures and layoffs should be considered as defrauding the entire EU economy?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

1 and 2. The Commission has no information on profits generated by companies that engage in restructuring and has no power to interfere in specific company decisions. It urges them, however, to follow good practice in the anticipation of human capital needs and socially responsible management of restructuring.

Following its January 2012 Green Paper (89) and Parliament’s adoption of the Cercas report on 15 January 2013, the Commission will issue a communication establishing a Quality Framework that will frame the EU legislation and initiatives relating to restructuring and will present best practice to be followed by stakeholders.

Specifically in the automotive sector, the Commission develops in the framework of the CARS 2020 Action Plan (90) and in close cooperation with all the stakeholders concerned, targeted industrial policy actions aimed at improving the competitiveness of the industry and at safeguarding European production and jobs.

The Commission would point out that, in the event of the restructuring, the employers must comply with their obligations relating to worker information and consultation in accordance with EC law (91).

The Commission would also point out that workers affected by restructuring may qualify for support from the European Social Fund and, provided the relevant conditions are met, from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

| 3. | The stakeholders and authorities should assess each restructuring operation on its own merits and in the light of the special circumstances of each case. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The stakeholders and authorities should assess each restructuring operation on its own merits and in the light of the special circumstances of each case.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010005/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(9 septembre 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Plan de paix au Proche-Orient

Malgré les négociations de paix directes qui sont en jeu, une fois de plus, des soldats israéliens ont abattu trois Palestiniens et en ont blessé une vingtaine d'autres le lundi 26 août lors d'affrontements dans le camp palestinien de Qalandiya, près de Jérusalem. Ces violences ont eu lieu après l'intervention avant l'aube d'unités de gardes-frontières israéliens qui ont pénétré dans le camp pour procéder à l'arrestation d'un activiste présumé qui venait d'être libéré.

Ce scénario est le même que dans le camp de Jénine, où un jeune a été abattu la semaine dernière lors d'un raid de l'armée. Ces deux incursions ont eu lieu en zone A, une nouvelle fois en violation des accords d'Oslo.

Depuis le début de l'année, 13 Palestiniens sont morts lors d'affrontements avec l'armée israélienne. C'est trois fois plus que l'année dernière sur la même période.

Par ailleurs, le gouvernement israélien a annoncé la construction de plus de 2 000 logements dans les colonies de Cisjordanie et à Jérusalem-Est.

Au vu de l'attitude d'Israël et des événements, tels que massacres, violations des Droits de l'homme, poursuite de la politique de colonisation, qui ont lieu tous les jours en violation flagrante du droit international, les questions suivantes se posent.

| 1. | Quelle est la position de la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Quelle est la position de la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante?

| 2. | Quel rôle compte jouer la Commission, en tant que négociateur des traités, vis-à-vis d'Israël, qui continue dans son escalade de violence et qui n'a aucune intention de dialoguer avec l'Autorité palestinienne? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Quel rôle compte jouer la Commission, en tant que négociateur des traités, vis-à-vis d'Israël, qui continue dans son escalade de violence et qui n'a aucune intention de dialoguer avec l'Autorité palestinienne?

| 3. | La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante ne pense-t-elle pas que l'attitude d'Israël a pour but de détruire le processus de paix? |
| --- | --- |

3.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante ne pense-t-elle pas que l'attitude d'Israël a pour but de détruire le processus de paix?

| 4. | La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante ne pense-t-elle pas que l'Union doit dénoncer et sanctionner les provocations israéliennes? |
| --- | --- |

4.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante ne pense-t-elle pas que l'Union doit dénoncer et sanctionner les provocations israéliennes?

| 5. | La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante compte-t-elle demander la constitution d'une commission internationale pour enquêter sur ces nouveaux crimes commis par les forces d'occupation israéliennes ou soutenir la demande du gouvernement palestinien en ce sens? |
| --- | --- |

5.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante compte-t-elle demander la constitution d'une commission internationale pour enquêter sur ces nouveaux crimes commis par les forces d'occupation israéliennes ou soutenir la demande du gouvernement palestinien en ce sens?

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

(25 octobre 2013)

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante se félicite des efforts déployés récemment par les parties et par les autres acteurs clés pour relancer des négociations approfondies et structurées en vue de trouver une solution globale au conflit israélo-palestinien et les encourage à poursuivre dans ce sens. Elle salue et soutient l'initiative diplomatique américaine visant à faciliter ce processus. La conclusion d'un accord ouvrirait la voie à l'instauration d'une coopération approfondie et renforcée entre l'Union européenne et l'ensemble des pays de la région.

Dans le même temps, la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante suit de près l'évolution de la situation sur le terrain et reste préoccupée par tous les problèmes qui menacent la viabilité de la solution fondée sur la coexistence de deux États. Elle reconnaît la gravité de la situation en Cisjordanie occupée, où le droit international humanitaire et les Droits de l'homme ne sont pas respectés. Elle demeure fermement opposée à l'implantation de colonies de peuplement israéliennes et l'a fait savoir à ses homologues israéliens à tous les niveaux ainsi qu'au sein de diverses enceintes internationales.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante déplore les récentes violences et pertes de vies humaines, tout en reconnaissant pleinement les préoccupations légitimes d'Israël en matière de sécurité, et a souligné à plusieurs reprises que ses interventions militaires doivent être retenues et proportionnées. À cet effet, l'UE a également renforcé sa coopération avec l'Autorité palestinienne dans les domaines de la justice et des affaires intérieures.

L'UE doit appuyer sans réserve les engagements politiques courageux pris tant par le président Abbas que par le premier ministre Netanyahou de relancer les négociations directes en vue de parvenir à une solution fondée sur la coexistence de deux États ainsi que les efforts qu'ils déploient pour surmonter tous les obstacles liés à la politique, à l'économie et à la sécurité et toute forme d'incitation pour préserver la dynamique actuelle du processus de paix au Proche-Orient.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010005/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Middle East Peace Plan

Despite direct peace talks being at stake, once again, Israeli troops killed 3 Palestinians and wounded some 20 others on Monday, 26 August during clashes in the Palestinian camp of Qalandiya near Jerusalem. The violence occurred during an early morning raid by Israeli border police who entered the camp to arrest an alleged activist who had just been released.

This is the same scenario that we saw in the Jenin refugee camp, where a young man was gunned down last week during an army raid. Both raids took place in zone A, yet another breach of the Oslo Accords.

Since the beginning of the year, 13 Palestinians have been killed in clashes with the Israeli army. This number is three times greater than over the same period last year.

What is more, the Israeli Government has announced the construction of more than 2 000 homes in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Given Israel’s attitude and given the daily occurrence of massacres, human rights violations and the continued policy of settlement-building in flagrant violation of international law, the following questions need to be asked.

| 1. | What is the position of the VP/HR? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What is the position of the VP/HR?

| 2. | What role does the Commission intend to play, as treaty negotiator, with regard to Israel, which continues to step up the violence and has no intention of entering into dialogue with the Palestinian Authority? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What role does the Commission intend to play, as treaty negotiator, with regard to Israel, which continues to step up the violence and has no intention of entering into dialogue with the Palestinian Authority?

| 3. | Does the VP/HR not think that the intention behind Israel’s attitude is to destroy the peace process? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Does the VP/HR not think that the intention behind Israel’s attitude is to destroy the peace process?

| 4. | Does the VP/HR not think that the EU should denounce and punish Israeli provocations? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Does the VP/HR not think that the EU should denounce and punish Israeli provocations?

| 5. | Does the VP/HR intend to call for the establishment of an international commission to investigate these new crimes committed by the Israeli occupying forces or support the Palestinian Government’s demands in this regard? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Does the VP/HR intend to call for the establishment of an international commission to investigate these new crimes committed by the Israeli occupying forces or support the Palestinian Government’s demands in this regard?

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

(25 October 2013)

The HR/VP has welcomed and further encourages recent efforts by the parties and by other key actors to re-launch substantial and structured negotiations aiming at a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She commends and supports the United States diplomatic initiative to facilitate this process. If an agreement is reached, the door would open to deepened and enhanced cooperation between the European Union and all the countries of the region.

At the same time, the HR/VP closely follows developments on the ground and continues to address all issues that put the viability of the two-state solution at risk. She recognises the gravity of the situation in the occupied West Bank in breach of the international humanitarian law and human rights law. The HR/VP remains firmly opposed to Israeli settlement activities and this message has been conveyed to the EU's Israeli counterparts at all levels as well as in various international fora.

The HR/VP regrets recent cases of violence and loss of life, and while fully recognising Israel's legitimate security concerns, has repeteadly stressed that its military interventions must be restrained and proportioned. Towards this end, the EU has also enhanced its cooperation in justice and interior fields with the Palestinian Authority.

Current momentum in the Middle East peace process demands the EU's full support for courageous political commitments by both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu to resumption of direct negotiations leading to a two-state solution and for their efforts to overcome all political, economic and security related obstacles and forms of incitement.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010006/13

à la Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(9 septembre 2013)

Objet: Tuberculose bovine en Europe

Selon le Sunday Times du 7 juillet dernier, 28 000 carcasses de bœuf infectées par le bacille de la tuberculose bovine en provenance du Royaume-Uni seraient exportées chaque année vers la France, la Belgique et les Pays-Bas et destinées à la consommation. Il est clair que la traçabilité n'est pas assurée, puisque les lots sont expédiés en Europe sans mention particulière. De quoi inquiéter les éleveurs français puisque, si la France est indemne de tuberculose bovine, l'Angleterre est fortement touchée.

Des contrôles sur plusieurs cheptels bovins en France, en Belgique et en Espagne ont confirmé la présence d'un foyer de Mycobacterium bovis, ce qui provoque une grande préoccupation parmi les exploitants qui sont obligés de sacrifier les animaux infectés.

La tuberculose bovine — due à Mycobacterium bovis — se transmet dans les troupeaux par inhalation de gouttelettes infectées par le bacille et consommation d'herbages souillés par la bactérie. Cette forme de tuberculose peut affecter les bovins mais aussi nombre d'autres animaux sauvages ou domestiques.

Depuis 2001, la France est considérée comme «officiellement indemne de tuberculose bovine»; cependant, chaque année, il persiste en élevage une centaine de foyers malgré les mesures de lutte mises en place.

| 1. | La Commission est-elle au courant de ces nouveaux cas de tuberculose bovine? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission est-elle au courant de ces nouveaux cas de tuberculose bovine?

| 2. | La Commission prend-elle des mesures pour aider les exploitations touchées par le bacille Mycobacterium bovis? |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Commission prend-elle des mesures pour aider les exploitations touchées par le bacille Mycobacterium bovis?

| 3. | Quelles mesures sont prises pour contenir et prévenir la propagation de la maladie dans l'ensemble de l'Union? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Quelles mesures sont prises pour contenir et prévenir la propagation de la maladie dans l'ensemble de l'Union?

| 4. | Quelles mesures la Commission a-t-elle l'intention de prendre afin de revoir ses politiques en matière d'étiquetage et de traçabilité des produits à base de viande et en matière de surveillance des circuits alimentaires? Comment envisage-t-elle d'effectuer des contrôles plus efficaces des aliments issus de la production animale à chaque étape de la chaîne alimentaire y compris dans les pays d'origine? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Quelles mesures la Commission a-t-elle l'intention de prendre afin de revoir ses politiques en matière d'étiquetage et de traçabilité des produits à base de viande et en matière de surveillance des circuits alimentaires? Comment envisage-t-elle d'effectuer des contrôles plus efficaces des aliments issus de la production animale à chaque étape de la chaîne alimentaire y compris dans les pays d'origine?

Réponse donnée par M. Borg au nom de la Commission

(28 octobre 2013)

La Commission suit de près la situation de la tuberculose bovine dans l'ensemble de l'UE. De plus, tous les foyers de tuberculose bovine qui se déclarent dans des États membres ou régions officiellement indemnes de cette maladie doivent être notifiés à la Commission dans un délai d'une semaine après leur confirmation. La Commission est donc dûment informée en temps voulu de ces foyers.

Des programmes d'éradication de la tuberculose bovine sont en place dans les États membres qui ne sont pas officiellement indemnes de tuberculose bovine et une contribution financière importante de l'Union, s'élevant 136 650 000 euros, a été accordée à ces programmes ces deux dernières années, pour couvrir notamment 50 % des coûts encourus par les États membres pour la compensation versée aux propriétaires pour la valeur des animaux infectés abattus.

En plus des dispositions de l'UE sur l'éradication (92) obligatoire de la tuberculose bovine, il existe dans la directive 64/432/CEE du Conseil (93) des règles strictes relatives aux mouvements du bétail en ce qui concerne la tuberculose bovine.

La viande n'est mise sur le marché qu'après de rigoureux contrôles à l'abattoir, incluant à la fois des contrôles sanitaires de l'animal vivant et des contrôles après l'abattage.

De plus, des règles très sévères de traçabilité sont appliquées à tous les aliments, et notamment à la viande bovine.

La Commission ne s'est pas engagée à revoir ses politiques proprement dites en matière d'étiquetage des produits à base de viande, mais à procéder aux actions nécessaires prévues dans le règlement (UE) n° 1169/2011 (94), qui entrera en vigueur le 13 décembre 2014, concernant l'information des consommateurs sur les denrées alimentaires.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010006/13

to the Commission

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Bovine tuberculosis in Europe

According to the Sunday Times on 7 July 2013, 28 000 carcasses of cattle infected with the bovine tuberculosis bacillus are being exported from the UK each year to France, Belgium and the Netherlands for consumption. Traceability is obviously not ensured, as the batches are being shipped to Europe without any specific reference. French farmers are rightly worried by this because, although France is free of bovine tuberculosis, it has hit England hard.

Controls on a number of cattle herds in France, Belgium and Spain have confirmed the outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis, causing great alarm among farmers who have had to have their infected animals slaughtered.

Bovine tuberculosis — caused by Mycobacterium bovis — is spread among cattle through the inhalation of droplets infected by the bacillus and the consumption of grass contaminated by the bacteria. This form of TB can affect cattle but also many other wild or domestic animals.

Since 2001, France has been considered ‘officially free of bovine tuberculosis’; however, every year, it still affects a hundred or so farms despite the control measures in place.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of these new cases of bovine tuberculosis? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of these new cases of bovine tuberculosis?

| 2. | Is the Commission taking action to help farms affected by the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Is the Commission taking action to help farms affected by the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus?

| 3. | What measures are being taken to contain and prevent the spread of the disease across the EU? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What measures are being taken to contain and prevent the spread of the disease across the EU?

| 4. | What measures does the Commission intend to take to review its policies on meat product labelling and traceability, and monitoring of the food supply chain? How will the Commission ensure that more stringent checks are carried out at every stage in the meat production chain, including in the country of origin? |
| --- | --- |

4.

What measures does the Commission intend to take to review its policies on meat product labelling and traceability, and monitoring of the food supply chain? How will the Commission ensure that more stringent checks are carried out at every stage in the meat production chain, including in the country of origin?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The Commission follows closely the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) situation in the whole EU. Furthermore, all bTB outbreaks occurring in officially bTB-free Member States or regions thereof must be notified to the Commisison within one week of its confirmation. Therefore, the Commission is fully and timely aware of these outbreaks.

EU co-financed programmes for the eradication of bTB are in place in Member States not officially bTB-free and a susbstantial Union financial contribution has been allocated to these programmes in the last two years amounting to 136  650  000 EUR, in particular to cover 50% of the costs incurred by the Member States for the compensation paid to owners for the value of infected animals slaughtered.

On top of the EU provisions on compulsory bTB eradication (95) there are stringent rules on the requirements for the movements of cattle as regards bTB laid down in Council Directive 64/432/EEC (96).

Meat is placed on the market only after stringent controls at the slaughterhouse which includes both health checks of the live animal and checks following the slaughter. In addition, stringent rules on traceability are applied to all food, in particular bovine meat.

The Commission has not committed to review its policies on meat product labelling as such, but to proceed with necessary actions foreseen in Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (97) on the provision of food information to consumers, which will enter into application on 13 December 2014.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010007/13

aan de Commissie

Philippe De Backer (ALDE)

(9 september 2013)

Betreft: Aanbevelingen nationaal hervormingsprogramma 2013 België — dienstensector

Eerder dit jaar formuleerde de Europese Commissie aanbevelingen over het nationale hervormingsprogramma 2013 van België. De derde aanbeveling betrof het loonvormingsmechanisme.

De Commissie raadde aan om de loonindexering te hervormen om zo het concurrentievermogen te herstellen.

| 1. | Acht de Commissie het nodig om een loonindexering zoals momenteel toegepast in België af te schaffen of kan een hervorming voldoende zijn om het concurrentievermogen te verhogen? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Acht de Commissie het nodig om een loonindexering zoals momenteel toegepast in België af te schaffen of kan een hervorming voldoende zijn om het concurrentievermogen te verhogen?

| 2. | Is enige vorm van loonindexering nefast voor de concurrentiepositie van een land? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Is enige vorm van loonindexering nefast voor de concurrentiepositie van een land?

| 3. | Welke andere maatregelen acht de Commissie noodzakelijk om loonvorming te laten aansluiten bij de productiviteitsontwikkelingen? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welke andere maatregelen acht de Commissie noodzakelijk om loonvorming te laten aansluiten bij de productiviteitsontwikkelingen?

Antwoord van de heer Andor namens de Commissie

(29 oktober 2013)

De Commissie verwijst het geachte Parlementslid naar de aanbeveling van de Raad (98) over het nationale hervormingsprogramma 2013 van België en met een advies van de Raad over het stabiliteitsprogramma van België voor de periode 2012-2016 en op het begeleidend werkdocument van de diensten van de Commissie (99).

| 1. | Het erom dat België op lange  termijn concurrentievermogen verliest door verschillende oorzaken, waaronder het loonvormingsmechanisme maar ook inefficiënte productmarkten en concurrentiekwesties die niet met kosten te maken hebben. Het zal duidelijk zijn dat de Commissie nooit heeft opgeroepen tot de afschaffing van de Belgische praktijk van automatische loonindexering. Het loonvormingsmechanisme zou echter wel kunnen worden hervormd om het doel ervan (bescherming van de koopkracht) beter te laten aansluiten op de noodzaak om werkgelegenheid te beschermen en zelfs te doen groeien. Verbeteringen kunnen worden overwogen in de wijze waarop het loonvormingsmechanisme op veranderingen van de productiviteit reageert, subregionale en lokale verschillen in productiviteit en arbeidsmarktvoorwaarden weerspiegelt, en automatische correcties toepast wanneer de loonontwikkelingen het kostenconcurrentievermogen dreigen te ondermijnen. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Het erom dat België op lange  termijn concurrentievermogen verliest door verschillende oorzaken, waaronder het loonvormingsmechanisme maar ook inefficiënte productmarkten en concurrentiekwesties die niet met kosten te maken hebben. Het zal duidelijk zijn dat de Commissie nooit heeft opgeroepen tot de afschaffing van de Belgische praktijk van automatische loonindexering. Het loonvormingsmechanisme zou echter wel kunnen worden hervormd om het doel ervan (bescherming van de koopkracht) beter te laten aansluiten op de noodzaak om werkgelegenheid te beschermen en zelfs te doen groeien. Verbeteringen kunnen worden overwogen in de wijze waarop het loonvormingsmechanisme op veranderingen van de productiviteit reageert, subregionale en lokale verschillen in productiviteit en arbeidsmarktvoorwaarden weerspiegelt, en automatische correcties toepast wanneer de loonontwikkelingen het kostenconcurrentievermogen dreigen te ondermijnen.

| 2. | Loonindexeringssystemen kunnen de ontwikkeling van het concurrentievermogen van een land schaden indien daardoor de ontwikkelingen van lonen niet in overeenstemming zijn met de ontwikkeling van de productiviteit. Tegelijkertijd dragen zij bij tot de bescherming van de koopkracht van de werknemers, die op haar beurt de economische activiteit en de werkgelegenheid tijdens ernstige neergang ondersteunt. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Loonindexeringssystemen kunnen de ontwikkeling van het concurrentievermogen van een land schaden indien daardoor de ontwikkelingen van lonen niet in overeenstemming zijn met de ontwikkeling van de productiviteit. Tegelijkertijd dragen zij bij tot de bescherming van de koopkracht van de werknemers, die op haar beurt de economische activiteit en de werkgelegenheid tijdens ernstige neergang ondersteunt.

| 3. | Het is niet aan de Commissie om aanbevelingen te doen voor gedetailleerde maatregelen om loonvorming op een lijn te brengen met de ontwikkeling van de productiviteit. Dergelijke maatregelen dienen te worden vastgesteld in overleg met de sociale partners en in overeenstemming met de nationale praktijk. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Het is niet aan de Commissie om aanbevelingen te doen voor gedetailleerde maatregelen om loonvorming op een lijn te brengen met de ontwikkeling van de productiviteit. Dergelijke maatregelen dienen te worden vastgesteld in overleg met de sociale partners en in overeenstemming met de nationale praktijk.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010007/13

to the Commission

Philippe De Backer (ALDE)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Recommendations — Belgian 2013 National Reform Programme — service sector

Earlier this year the European Commission compiled recommendations on Belgium's 2013 National Reform Programme. The third recommendation related to the wage-setting mechanism.

The Commission recommended reforming wage indexation in order to restore competitiveness.

| 1. | Does the Commission feel that wage indexation, as currently applied in Belgium, should be abolished or might reform be sufficient to boost competitiveness? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission feel that wage indexation, as currently applied in Belgium, should be abolished or might reform be sufficient to boost competitiveness?

| 2. | Is any form of wage indexation detrimental to a country's competitiveness? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Is any form of wage indexation detrimental to a country's competitiveness?

| 3. | What other measures does the Commission feel are necessary to align wage setting with productivity trends? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What other measures does the Commission feel are necessary to align wage setting with productivity trends?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the Council Recommendation (100) on Belgium’s National Reform Programme for 2013 and delivering a Council opinion on Belgium’s Stability Programme for 2012-16 and to the accompanying Commission Staff Working Document (101).

| 1. | The issue is Belgium's long-term loss of competitiveness, which is due to several factors, including the wage-setting mechanism but also inefficient product markets and non-cost competitiveness issues. It should be clear that the Commission has never called for the abolition of the Belgian practice of automatic wage indexation. Nevertheless, the wage-setting mechanism could be reformed in order to better reconcile its goal of purchasing power protection more aptly with the vital need to safeguard and even enhance employment. Improvements could be considered in the way the wage setting mechanism responds to productivity developments, reflects sub-regional and local differences in productivity and labour-market conditions, and applies automatic corrections when wage developments threaten to undermine cost-competitiveness. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The issue is Belgium's long-term loss of competitiveness, which is due to several factors, including the wage-setting mechanism but also inefficient product markets and non-cost competitiveness issues. It should be clear that the Commission has never called for the abolition of the Belgian practice of automatic wage indexation. Nevertheless, the wage-setting mechanism could be reformed in order to better reconcile its goal of purchasing power protection more aptly with the vital need to safeguard and even enhance employment. Improvements could be considered in the way the wage setting mechanism responds to productivity developments, reflects sub-regional and local differences in productivity and labour-market conditions, and applies automatic corrections when wage developments threaten to undermine cost-competitiveness.

| 2. | Wage-indexation systems may be detrimental to the development of a country's competitiveness if they result in wage developments that are not in line with developments in productivity. At the same time they help to protect workers' purchasing power, which in turn supports economic activity and employment during severe downturns. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Wage-indexation systems may be detrimental to the development of a country's competitiveness if they result in wage developments that are not in line with developments in productivity. At the same time they help to protect workers' purchasing power, which in turn supports economic activity and employment during severe downturns.

| 3. | It is not for the Commission to recommend a detailed set of measures necessary to bring wage-setting into line with productivity developments. Such measures should be identified in consultation with the social partners and in accordance with national practice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

It is not for the Commission to recommend a detailed set of measures necessary to bring wage-setting into line with productivity developments. Such measures should be identified in consultation with the social partners and in accordance with national practice.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-010008/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 septembrie 2013)

Subiect: Disponibilitatea informațiilor și documentelor de pe site-urile web ale Comisiei și ale celorlalte instituții europene în toate cele 24 de limbi oficiale

Uniunea Europeană are 24 de limbi oficiale și de lucru: bulgară, cehă, croată, daneză, engleză, estonă, finlandeză, franceză, germană, greacă, italiană, irlandeză, letonă, lituaniană, maghiară, malteză, olandeză, polonă, portugheză, română, slovacă, slovenă, spaniolă și suedeză. Cu toate acestea, informații și documente importante de pe paginile web ale Comisiei Europene și ale altor instituții europene nu sunt disponibile în toate aceste limbi.

Anul 2013 a fost desemnat „Anul european al cetățenilor”, cu scopul de a spori gradul de conștientizare și nivelul cunoștințelor cu privire la drepturile și responsabilitățile legate de cetățenia Uniunii. De aceea, aș dori să întreb Comisia ce măsuri are în vedere pentru ca informațiile și documentele importante ce se regăsesc pe site-urile web ale Comisiei și ale celorlalte instituții europene, în principal în engleză, să poată fi disponibile cetățenilor europeni în toate cele 24 de limbi oficiale ale Uniunii Europene?

Răspuns dat de dna Reding în numele Comisiei

(4 noiembrie 2013)

Comisia depune eforturi considerabile pentru a oferi cât mai multe informații în toate limbile oficiale ale UE pe site-urile sale internet. Cu toate acestea, în cadrul politicii sale privind traducerile, Comisia are obligația de a respecta o serie de obligații legale. Înainte de toate, Comisia trebuie să traducă toate actele cu putere de lege și documentele de importanță politică în toate limbile oficiale ale UE. După ce și-a îndeplinit obligațiile legale, Comisia stabilește priorități în cadrul activității sale de traducere, pentru a valorifica cât mai bine resursele rămase. În acest sens, Comisia trebuie să reconcilieze cererile concurente, printre care traducerea paginilor de internet.

Prin urmare, din motive de rentabilitate, paginile de internet ale Comisiei de interes general și direct pentru cetățeni sunt traduse în cât mai multe limbi oficiale ale UE. Site-urile mai specializate, care se adresează unui public mai specific, sunt disponibile în doar câteva limbi, accesibile cititorilor potențiali.

În prezent, Comisia derulează un proces de raționalizare a site-urilor sale de internet, pentru a avea o prezență mai focalizată și mai relevantă. În acest context, se caută soluții durabile pentru a asigura o acoperire lingvistică mai coerentă a site-urilor, luând în considerare necesitățile utilizatorilor.

În plus, site-urile reprezentanțelor Comisiei în statele membre oferă întotdeauna informații privind afacerile europene în limba (limbile) națională (naționale). Aceasta este o modalitate focalizată și eficientă din punctul de vedere al costurilor de a se adresa cetățenilor în propria lor limbă cu privire la chestiuni care pot prezenta un interes deosebit pentru ei (102).

Comisia nu are nicio autoritate asupra politicilor lingvistice pe care alte instituții ale UE le aplică site-urilor lor de internet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010008/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Availability of information and documents on the websites of the Commission and the other EU institutions in all 24 official languages

The European Union has 24 official and working languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish and Swedish. However, important information and documents on the websites of the Commission and other European institutions are not available in all these languages.

With the aim of increasing the level of awareness and knowledge about the rights and responsibilities associated with EU citizenship, 2013 was designated as the European Year of Citizens. Therefore, can the Commission tell me what measures it intends to take to ensure that the important information and documents found on the websites of the Commission and the other EU institutions, mainly in English, can be made available to European citizens in all 24 official languages of the European Union?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The Commission puts considerable effort into providing as much information as possible in all EU languages on its websites. However, in its translation policy, the Commission has a duty to respect a number of legal obligations. Above all, the Commission must translate all legislation and documents of political importance into all the official languages of the EU. Once it has fulfilled its legal obligations, the Commission then continues to prioritise its translation activity so as to make best use of remaining resources. In doing so, the Commission needs to reconcile competing demands, the translation of web-pages being one such demand.

Therefore, for reasons of cost-effectiveness, Commission websites of general and direct interest to citizens are provided in as many official EU languages as possible, while more specialised websites, targeting a more specific public, are provided in a limited number of languages, that the readership of the pages can be expected to understand.

The Commission is currently rationalising of its websites to make its presence more focused and relevant. In this context, sustainable solutions are being sought to ensure a more coherent language coverage of websites, taking into account the user's needs.

Furthermore, the sites of Commission Representations in Member States always offer information on EU matters in the national language(s). This is a targeted and cost-effective way to reach out to citizens in their own language on issues that may be of particular interest to them. (103)

The Commission has no power over the language policies that other EU institutions apply to their respective websites.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-010009/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 septembrie 2013)

Subiect: Revizuirea Strategiei tematice privind poluarea atmosferică și a actelor legislative conexe

În programul de lucru al Comisiei pentru anul 2013 este prevăzută revizuirea strategiei tematice privind poluarea atmosferică și a actelor legislative conexe. Prin această acțiune, Comisia își propunea să evalueze punerea în aplicare și rezultatele politicilor actuale privind calitatea aerului și poluarea atmosferică și să includă propuneri legislative de revizuire a Directivei privind plafoanele naționale de emisii și a altor acte legislative privind calitatea aerului, după caz, pentru a oferi o protecție sporită împotriva impactului poluării atmosferice asupra sănătății umane și a mediului natural, contribuind în același timp la strategia Europa 2020.

Aș dori să întreb Comisia când va prezenta această revizuire a strategiei tematice privind poluarea atmosferică și a actelor legislative conexe?

Răspuns dat de dl Potočnik în numele Comisiei

(23 octombrie 2013)

În prezent, Comisia finalizează revizuirea actualei politici a UE privind calitatea aerului și intenționează să formuleze propuneri înainte de sfârșitul anului.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010009/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Review of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and associated legislation

The Commission’s Work Programme for 2013 makes provision for the review of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and associated legislation. By taking this action, the Commission was intending to assess the implementation and outcomes of the current policies on air quality and air pollution and to include legislative proposals for reviewing the National Emission Ceilings Directive and other air quality legislation, if appropriate, in order to provide increased protection against the impact of air pollution on human health and the natural environment, while also contributing to the Europe 2020 strategy.

Can the Commission tell me when it is going to present this review of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and associated legislation?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission is in the process of finalising the review of the current EU policy on air and plans to come forward with proposals before the end of the year.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-010011/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 septembrie 2013)

Subiect: Stadiul de realizare a acțiunii pregătitoare „Monitorizarea ecologică a bazinului Mării Negre și un Program-cadru european comun pentru dezvoltarea regiunii Mării Negre”

În cadrul proiectului de buget pentru 2014 este prevăzută linia bugetară pentru acțiunea pregătitoare „Monitorizarea ecologică a bazinului Mării Negre și un Program-cadru european comun pentru dezvoltarea regiunii Mării Negre”, cu scopul de a acoperi angajamentele restante din anii precedenți în cadrul acțiunii pregătitoare.

Aș dori să întreb Comisia care este stadiul de realizare a acestei acțiuni pregătitoare și care sunt rezultatele obținute până în prezent?

Răspuns dat de dl Potočnik în numele Comisiei

(22 octombrie 2013)

Pe baza acțiunii pregătitoare menționate de distinsul membru, au fost lansate patru proiecte de către Comisie.

Primul dintre acestea a contribuit la adaptarea la schimbările climatice a resurselor de apă potabilă și a infrastructurii de tratare a apelor reziduale din Moldova, în special pentru comunitățile rurale mici (104). Cel de al doilea proiect („Baltic to Black” (105)) sprijină schimbul de informații privind evaluarea și combaterea poluării marine, punând accentul pe fenomenul de eutrofizare. Cel de al treilea proiect (proiectul „MISIS” (106)) urmărește să îmbunătățească disponibilitatea și calitatea datelor chimice și biologice, contribuind la programele naționale de monitorizare integrată și la creșterea numărului și a suprafeței zonelor marine protejate în conformitate cu Directiva-cadru „Strategia pentru mediul marin” (107). Cel de al patrulea proiect (108) se referă la monitorizarea populațiilor de păsări marine în Marea Neagră.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010011/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Status report on the preparatory action ‘Environmental monitoring of the Black Sea Basin and a common European framework programme for development of the Black Sea region’

The 2014 draft budget makes provision for a budget line for the preparatory action ‘Environmental monitoring of the Black Sea Basin and a common European framework programme for development of the Black Sea region’, with the aim of covering outstanding commitments in the framework of the preparatory action from previous years.

Can the Commission tell me what stage this preparatory action has reached and what results have been achieved so far?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2013)

On the basis of the preparatory action referred to by the Honourable Member, four projects were launched by the Commission.

One contributed to adaptation of Moldova's drinking water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure to climate change, in particular for small rural communities (109). The second (‘Baltic to Black’ (110)) supports knowledge exchange on assessing and combating marine pollution, with emphasis on eutrophication. The third (‘MISIS’ project (111)) aims to improve availability and quality of chemical and biological data, contributing to national integrated monitoring programs and to increasing the number and size of marine protected areas in line with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (112). The fourth project (113) deals with the monitoring of sea bird populations in the Black Sea.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-010012/13

adresată Comisiei

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 septembrie 2013)

Subiect: Creșterea eficienței energetice a sistemelor de transport urban

Conform raportului „A Tale of Renewed Cities” al Agenției Internaționale a Energiei, politicile pentru îmbunătățirea eficienței energetice, la nivel global, a sistemelor de transport urban ar putea ajuta la salvarea a circa 70 de trilioane de dolari din cheltuielile pentru infrastructura de vehicule, de combustibil și de transport până în 2050.

Raportul „A Tale of Renewed Cities” se bazează pe exemple din mai mult de 30 de orașe din întreaga lume pentru a arăta modul de îmbunătățire a eficienței transportului printr-o mai bună planificare urbană și de gestionare a cererii de transport. Beneficiile suplimentare includ reducerea emisiilor de gaze cu efect de seră și o calitate mai bună a vieții.

Aș dori să întreb Comisia dacă are în vedere realizarea unui site web unde să se prezinte publicului, într-un mod integrat, toate politicile și măsurile UE destinate creșterii eficienței energetice a sistemelor de transport la nivelul orașelor europene?

Răspuns dat de dl Kallas în numele Comisiei

(31 octombrie 2013)

Comisia este pe deplin conștientă de potențialul transportului urban de a îmbunătăți eficiența și independența energetică.

Timp de mulți ani, Comisia a sprijinit Serviciul european de informare privind transportul local (ELTIS), disponibil gratuit la www.eltis.org. Site-ul oferă, printre altele, funcții de căutare și informații concise cu privire la sute de studii de caz utile despre mobilitatea urbană, precum și date de contact pentru cei care doresc să afle mai mult. Aproape toate exemplele prezentate contribuie la îmbunătățirea eficienței energetice a sistemelor de transport urban.

Comisia intenționează să dezvolte, în 2014, site-ul ELTIS și să îl transforme într-un observator virtual al mobilității urbane. Domeniul de aplicare și calitatea portalului vor fi îmbunătățite, în timp ce actualul portal dedicat planurilor de mobilitate urbană va fi integrat (114) într-un centru de cunoștințe și competențe menit să consolideze experiența și informațiile cu privire la planificarea transporturilor urbane de pe întreg teritoriul UE.

Cu toate acestea, pentru a crea cadrul și stimulentele necesare catalizării numeroaselor bune practici deja disponibile, este necesar ca statele membre, în special, să depună un efort mai susținut pentru a stimula și sprijini mobilitatea urbană integrată la nivel local.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010012/13

to the Commission

Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (S&D)

(9 September 2013)

Subject: Increasing the energy efficiency of urban transport systems

According to the report entitled ‘A Tale of Renewed Cities’ published by the International Energy Agency, policies aimed at improving the energy efficiency of urban transport systems across the globe could help save around USD 70 trillion in expenditure on vehicle, fuel and transport infrastructure by 2050.

This report is based on examples taken from more than 30 cities around the world, to show how to improve transport efficiency through better urban planning and to manage transport demand. The additional benefits of this include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving quality of life.

Does the Commission intend to create a website where all the EU policies and measures aimed at improving the energy efficiency of transport systems across European cities are available to the public in one location?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

The Commission is well aware of the potential of urban transport to improve energy efficiency and energy independence.

For many years the Commission has been supporting the European Local Transport Information Service (ELTIS) available for free at www.eltis.org. Inter alia the site provides searchable and consise information about hundreds of useful case studies on urban mobility, as well as contact details for those who wish to find out more. Almost all the examples given contribute to improving the energy efficiency of urban transport systems.

In 2014 the Commission plans to develop the existing ELTIS website into a virtual Urban Mobility Observatory, by improving the scope and quality of the portal further and by integrating the present separate Mobility Plans portal (115) into a comprehensive knowledge and competence centre which will consolidate experiences and information on urban transport planning from across the EU.

However to create the necessary frameworks and incentives to catalyse the takeup of the many best practices already available more effort is required, in particular by the Member States, to stimulate and support intergrated urban mobility at the local level.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-010013/13

an die Kommission

Bernd Lange (S&D)

(10. September 2013)

Betrifft: Sicherheit in Schwimmbädern

Zunehmend gibt es Berichte über Unfälle in Schwimmbädern. Insbesondere haben sich tödliche Vorfälle durch das Verfangen von Haaren im Ansaugstrudel der Umwälzpumpen zugetragen, da der Ansaugdruck zu groß ist und die Ansaugöffnungen zu klein sind.

| 1. | Welche Erkenntnisse hat die Kommission über Unfälle in Schwimmbädern und wie bewertet die Kommission die unzureichende Umsetzung der seit 2008 geltenden Norm EN 15288? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welche Erkenntnisse hat die Kommission über Unfälle in Schwimmbädern und wie bewertet die Kommission die unzureichende Umsetzung der seit 2008 geltenden Norm EN 15288?

| 2. | Welche Maßnahmen wird die Kommission ergreifen, um sicherzustellen, dass öffentliche Schwimmbäder und Hotelschwimmbäder sicherer werden und keine Gefährdungen mehr von Ansauganlagen ausgehen? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welche Maßnahmen wird die Kommission ergreifen, um sicherzustellen, dass öffentliche Schwimmbäder und Hotelschwimmbäder sicherer werden und keine Gefährdungen mehr von Ansauganlagen ausgehen?

| 3. | Welche Maßnahmen wird die Kommission ergreifen, um europäische Reiseveranstalter zu ermutigen, bei Urlaubsangeboten europäische Sicherheitsstandards in Schwimmbädern zu garantieren? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welche Maßnahmen wird die Kommission ergreifen, um europäische Reiseveranstalter zu ermutigen, bei Urlaubsangeboten europäische Sicherheitsstandards in Schwimmbädern zu garantieren?

Antwort von Herrn Mimica im Namen der Kommission

(1. Oktober 2013)

| 1. | Die Kommission verfügt über keine eigenen Statistiken zu Unfällen oder Verletzungen in Schwimmbädern. Sie erhielt auf der Tagung des Netzwerks für Verbrauchersicherheit im Mai 2012 einige Informationen von der Blue Cap Foundation (116). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Die Kommission verfügt über keine eigenen Statistiken zu Unfällen oder Verletzungen in Schwimmbädern. Sie erhielt auf der Tagung des Netzwerks für Verbrauchersicherheit im Mai 2012 einige Informationen von der Blue Cap Foundation (116).

Die europäische Norm EN 15288 (117) ist eine freiwillige Norm, die auf alle neu klassifizierten, privaten oder öffentlichen Schwimmbäder, und ggf. auf spezifische Sanierungen bereits bestehender Schwimmbäder angewendet werden kann. Die Einhaltung der Norm ist jedoch nicht verpflichtend.

| 2. | Die Sicherheit von Schwimmbädern, einschließlich Hotelschwimmbädern, liegt nach wie vor in der Verantwortung der Bauunternehmen und Betreiber. Dies muss von nationalen Behörden durchgesetzt werden. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Die Sicherheit von Schwimmbädern, einschließlich Hotelschwimmbädern, liegt nach wie vor in der Verantwortung der Bauunternehmen und Betreiber. Dies muss von nationalen Behörden durchgesetzt werden.

Die Kommission konsultierte die Mitgliedstaaten im Juni 2013 bezüglich des Umfangs und Inhalts verbindlicher und unverbindlicher staatlicher Maßnahmen zur Sicherheit bestimmter Dienstleistungen einschließlich Schwimmbädern. Die Ergebnisse dieser Zusammenstellung werden zu gegebener Zeit auf der Website der Kommission verfügbar sein (118). Die Kommission holt derzeit auch Informationen bei Sicherheitsexperten für Schwimmbäder ein.

| 3. | Die Kommission fördert Maßnahmen von Interessenträgern zur Verhinderung künftiger Unfälle. Reiseunternehmen werden daran erinnert, dass sie die zuständigen nationalen Behörden über jegliche Sicherheitsmängel informieren müssen, so dass diese behoben werden können. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Die Kommission fördert Maßnahmen von Interessenträgern zur Verhinderung künftiger Unfälle. Reiseunternehmen werden daran erinnert, dass sie die zuständigen nationalen Behörden über jegliche Sicherheitsmängel informieren müssen, so dass diese behoben werden können.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010013/13

to the Commission

Bernd Lange (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Safety in swimming pools

More and more accidents in swimming pools are being reported. In particular there have been deaths caused by people’s hair becoming caught in the suction outlets of circulating pumps, due to the suction being too strong and the suction holes being too small.

| 1. | How much does the Commission know about accidents in swimming pools? What is its assessment of the inadequate implementation of the EN 15288 standard, which has been in force since 2008? |
| --- | --- |

1.

How much does the Commission know about accidents in swimming pools? What is its assessment of the inadequate implementation of the EN 15288 standard, which has been in force since 2008?

| 2. | What measures will the Commission take to ensure that public swimming pools and hotel pools are made safer and that suction systems no longer pose a threat? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What measures will the Commission take to ensure that public swimming pools and hotel pools are made safer and that suction systems no longer pose a threat?

| 3. | What measures will the Commission take to encourage European tour operators to guarantee that European safety standards apply to the swimming pools used in the holidays which they organise? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What measures will the Commission take to encourage European tour operators to guarantee that European safety standards apply to the swimming pools used in the holidays which they organise?

Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission has no own statistics about accidents or injuries related to swimming pools. It received some information from the Blue Cap Foundation at the Consumer Safety Network meeting in May 2012 (119). |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission has no own statistics about accidents or injuries related to swimming pools. It received some information from the Blue Cap Foundation at the Consumer Safety Network meeting in May 2012 (119).

The European standard EN15288 (120) is a voluntary standard which can be used for all new classified, private or public pools, and, as appropriate, for specific refurbishments of existing pools. However, there is no obligation to comply with the standard.

| 2. | The safety of swimming pools including hotel pools remains a responsibility of constructors and operators which is to be enforced by national authorities. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The safety of swimming pools including hotel pools remains a responsibility of constructors and operators which is to be enforced by national authorities.

In June 2013, the Commission consulted Member States on the extent and content of national regulatory and non-regulatory measures on the safety of certain services, including swimming pools. The results of this compilation will be available on the Commission's website in due course (121). The Commission is also, at present, gathering information from swimming pool safety experts.

| 3. | The Commission encourages action by stakeholders with the aim to prevent future accidents. Tour-operators are reminded that they must inform the competent national authorities of any safety issues so that they can be remedied. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission encourages action by stakeholders with the aim to prevent future accidents. Tour-operators are reminded that they must inform the competent national authorities of any safety issues so that they can be remedied.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010014/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(10 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Σοβαρή ρύπανση στο ποταμό Νέστο

Ο ποταμός Νέστος είναι από τις πιο σημαντικές αρτηρίες γλυκού νερού στα Βαλκάνια, δίνοντας ζωή στις περιοχές από τις οποίες περνάει, τόσο στη Νότια Βουλγαρία όσο και στη Βόρεια Ελλάδα. Η ρύπανση του από τις χωματερές της Βουλγαρίας συνεχίζεται μέχρι και σήμερα, σε σημείο που η κατάσταση να μην είναι αναστρέψιμη. Το θέμα αυτό έχει απασχολήσει πολλάκις πλειάδα διοικητικών αρχών, από το επίπεδο της τοπικής αυτοδιοίκησης μέχρι και την ίδια την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή.

Η Βουλγαρία είχε υποχρέωση μέχρι τις 22.12.2009 να έχει εφαρμόσει σχέδιο διαχείρισης λεκάνης απορροής του ποταμού, με διασυνοριακή συνεργασία, σύμφωνα με την ΟΠΥ (Οδηγία πλαίσιο για τα ύδατα) 2000/60/ΕΚ (άρθρα 3, 13(2)). Επίσης, στο πρόγραμμα διασυνοριακής συνεργασίας 2007-2013 ανάμεσα σε Βουλγαρία και Ελλάδα, προβλέπεται ειδική ρύθμιση για το θέμα του Νέστου. Μέχρι την επίσημη ενημέρωση της Επιτροπής, στις 14.11.2012, σχετικά με την ενσωμάτωση της οδηγίας ΟΠΥ 2000/60/ΕΚ στη βουλγαρική νομοθεσία, δεν υπήρξε κανένας συντονιστικός μηχανισμός σχετικά με την εφαρμογή ενός διεθνούς σχεδίου διαχείρισης λεκάνης απορροής του Νέστου, ούτε και υπήρξαν σημαντικές εξελίξεις στη συνεργασία των δύο χωρών για το θέμα αυτό.

Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή είχε δεσμευτεί να ζητήσει ενημέρωση από τις βουλγαρικές αρχές σχετικά με τις πιθανές πηγές ρύπανσης και την εφαρμογή της Οδηγίας για την επεξεργασία αστικών λυμάτων, την Οδηγία για την υγειονομική ταφή και την Οδηγία ΟΠΕΡ (ολοκληρωμένη πρόληψη και έλεγχος της ρύπανσης), καθώς και να ελέγξει το επίπεδο συμμόρφωσης της νομοθετικής εκτέλεσης της ΟΠΥ, τονίζοντας ότι σε περίπτωση μη συμμόρφωσης θα ελάμβανε τα αναγκαία μέτρα για τη διασφάλιση της.

Στο πλαίσιο αυτό και σύμφωνα με τη σχετική νομοθεσία, ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Ποια είναι τα αποτελέσματα της ενημέρωσης από τις βουλγαρικές αρχές σχετικά με τα ζητήματα αυτά; Σε ποιο στάδιο της μεταβατικής περιόδου για την εφαρμογή των οδηγιών βρίσκεται η Βουλγαρία; Δεδομένου ότι το πρόγραμμα διασυνοριακής συνεργασίας 2007-2013 πλησιάζει στο τέλος του, σε ποιο στάδιο βρίσκονται τα σχέδια σχετικά για την προστασία του Νέστου; Τι μέτρα σχεδιάζει να πάρει η Επιτροπή σχετικά με την προστασία του ποταμού, που παρά την διοικητική κινητοποίηση των τελευταίων ετών, εξακολουθεί να δέχεται την ρύπανση που προέρχεται από τη Βουλγαρία;

Απάντηση του κ. Potočnik εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(4 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή αξιολόγησε τα Σχέδια διαχείρισης λεκάνης ποταμού που υπέβαλε η Βουλγαρία το και η αξιολόγηση υπάρχει στον ιστότοπο http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/pdf/CWD-2012-379_EN-Vol3_BG.pdf. Μετά την αξιολόγηση αυτή, η Επιτροπή πραγματοποιεί διμερείς συναντήσεις προκειμένου να συζητήσει, μεταξύ άλλων, ποια μέτρα απαιτούνται ώστε να υλοποιηθούν οι στόχοι της οδηγίας πλαίσιο για τα ύδατα (122) (ΟΠΥ). Η ΟΠΥ απαιτεί, όσον αφορά τα Σχέδια διαχείρισης λεκάνης ποταμού, να περιλαμβάνουν μέτρα προστασίας των υδάτινων πόρων από κάθε είδους ρύπανση, καθώς και μέτρα διεθνούς συνεργασίας, ιδίως με τα άλλα κράτη μέλη. Τα ζητήματα αυτά θα συζητηθούν στη διμερή συνάντηση με τις βουλγαρικές αρχές και τη συνέχειά τους θα αναλάβει η Επιτροπή.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010014/13

to the Commission

Maria Eleni Koppa (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Heavy pollution of the River Nestos

The River Nestos is one of the most important fresh waterways in the Balkans, bringing life to the areas which it crosses in both southern Bulgaria and northern Greece. It is still being polluted to by landfills in Bulgaria, to the point at which the situation cannot be reversed. This issue has been addressed by numerous authorities, from local government through to the European Commission.

Bulgaria has been under obligation to apply a river basin management plan and to engage in cross-border cooperation in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC, Articles 3 and 13(2)) since 22 December 2009. The 2007-2013 cross-border cooperation programme between Bulgaria and Greece also contains specific provisions for the River Nestos. Before the Commission was official notified of the transposition of Directive 2000/60/EC into Bulgarian legislation on 14 November 2012, there was no mechanism for coordinating the application of an international management plan for the Nestos basin or any significant developments in cooperation between the two countries on this issue.

The European Commission promised to ask for information from the Bulgarian authorities on the possible causes of pollution and on the application of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the Landfill Directive and the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive, to verify its level of compliance in terms of legislative implementation of the Water Framework Directive and to take the necessary measures in the event of non-compliance.

In view of the above, and based on the relevant legislation, will the Commission say:

What conclusions have been drawn from the information received from the Bulgarian authorities on these issues? What stage in the transitional period for the application of the directives has Bulgaria reached? Given that the 2007-2013 cross-border cooperation programme is drawing to a close, what stage has been reached in plans to protect the River Nestos? What measures does the Commission intend to take to protect the river which, despite administrative action over recent years, is still being polluted by Bulgaria?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The Commission has assessed the River Basin Plans submitted by Bulgaria in 2010 and the assessment is available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/pdf/CWD-2012-379_EN-Vol3_BG.pdf. Following this assessment the Commission is holding bilateral meetings to discuss among other issues, what measures are required to address the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (123) (WFD). The WFD requires the river Basin Management Plans to include measures to protect water resources from pollution as well as international collaboration, especially with other Member States. These issues will be discussed in the bilateral meeting with Bulgarian authorities and will be followed up by the Commission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010015/13

to the Commission

Amelia Andersdotter (Verts/ALE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Protecting small, external vendors from restrictive standardisation practices inside standard-setting organisations

In its reply to Written Question E-005128/2013, the Commission explains in a concise way how it views the process of setting standards under Article 101(1) TFEU as it pertains to the European competition framework. However, the purpose of the Written Question was to invite the Commission to clarify the effects of the standards on the market once they are in place, not to explain its approach to the standardisation process.

It should be self-evident that the entities involved in the standard discussions in the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are undertakings within the meaning of competition law. Undertakings cannot normally engage in a ‘meeting of minds’, or enter into an agreement, that would restrict competition on the internal market.

In the case of the ‘meeting of minds’ currently being pursued within the W3C, it seems likely that the outcome will be the restriction of business models to a specific use case currently being advanced by a few, large non-European actors on the European market. The use case in question is highly likely to discourage other business models, and the standardisation process used to push it will almost certainly be adopted by all major browser vendors, thereby affecting virtually all European actors on the content distribution markets, upstream as well as downstream, including end-consumers. The standardisation procedure could also have negative implications for those small browser vendors that are presently excluded from the W3C, thereby forcing those who wish to be interoperable or standard-compliant to implement features that restrict competition.

What tools does the Commission have at its disposal to ensure that the ‘meeting of minds’ of a few large market actors inside a standard‐setting organisation does not lead to the restriction of competition for other market actors excluded from or looking to become members of a standard‐setting organisation under Article 101 TFEU?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Honourable Member's question is very similar to the Written Question E-009948/2013 and the Commission respectfully refers to its reply to that question. The Commission is following the standardisation process with respect to HTML 5 so as to ensure that EU competition rules are fully complied with.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010016/13

an den Rat

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(10. September 2013)

Betrifft: Verstöße gegen den Beschluss des Rates über den Abschluss des TFTP-Abkommens

Artikel 2 des Beschlusses des Rates vom 13. Juli 2010 über den Abschluss des Abkommens zwischen der Europäischen Union und den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika über die Verarbeitung von Zahlungsverkehrsdaten und deren Übermittlung aus der Europäischen Union an die Vereinigten Staaten für die Zwecke des Programms zum Aufspüren der Finanzierung des Terrorismus enthält folgende Bestimmung: „Innerhalb von drei Jahren nach dem Inkrafttreten des Abkommens legt die Kommission einen Bericht über den Fortschritt bei der Entwicklung des vergleichbaren EU-Systems in Bezug auf Artikel 11 des Abkommens vor“.

Hält der Rat die Maßnahmen der Kommission der vergangenen drei Jahre für vereinbar mit Artikel 2 des Beschlusses 2010/412/EU des Rates?

Antwort

(25. November 2013)

Der Rat möchte den Herrn Abgeordneten darüber in Kenntnis setzen, dass der Rat über diese Frage nicht beraten hat, da der Bericht der Kommission nach Artikel 2 Absatz 2 des Beschlusses 2010/412/EU des Rates bislang nicht beim Rat eingegangen ist.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010016/13

to the Council

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Breaches of the Council decision on the conclusion of the TFTP Agreement

Article 2 of Council Decision 2010/412/EU of 13 July 2010 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of Financial Messaging Data from the European Union to the United States for the purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program contains the following provision: ‘Within three years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement, the Commission is invited to present a report of progress on the development of the equivalent EU system with regard to Article 11 of the Agreement’.

Does the Council consider the actions of the Commission in the last three years to be in accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision 2010/412/EU?

Reply

(25 November 2013)

The Council would like to inform the Honourable Member that since to date it has not received the report referred in Article 2(2) of Council Decision 2010/412/EU from the Commission, the Council has not discussed the issue.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010017/13

an die Kommission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(10. September 2013)

Betrifft: Verstöße gegen den Beschluss des Rates über den Abschluss des TFTP-Abkommens

Artikel 2 des Beschlusses des Rates vom 13. Juli 2010 über den Abschluss des Abkommens zwischen der Europäischen Union und den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika über die Verarbeitung von Zahlungsverkehrsdaten und deren Übermittlung aus der Europäischen Union an die Vereinigten Staaten für die Zwecke des Programms zum Aufspüren der Finanzierung des Terrorismus enthält folgende Bestimmung: „Innerhalb von drei Jahren nach dem Inkrafttreten des Abkommens legt die Kommission einen Bericht über den Fortschritt bei der Entwicklung des vergleichbaren EU-Systems in Bezug auf Artikel 11 des Abkommens vor“.

Die Kommission wird ausdrücklich gebeten, jede der folgenden Fragen getrennt zu beantworten:

| Hat die Kommission sich bereiterklärt, innerhalb von drei Jahren einen solchen Fortschrittbericht vorzulegen? |
| --- |

Hat die Kommission sich bereiterklärt, innerhalb von drei Jahren einen solchen Fortschrittbericht vorzulegen?

| Warum hat die Kommission innerhalb von drei Jahren keinen solchen Fortschrittbericht vorgelegt? |
| --- |

Warum hat die Kommission innerhalb von drei Jahren keinen solchen Fortschrittbericht vorgelegt?

| Wann wird die Kommission einen solchen Fortschrittsbericht vorlegen? |
| --- |

Wann wird die Kommission einen solchen Fortschrittsbericht vorlegen?

| Wird die Kommission einen Legislativvorschlag über die Schaffung eines Rahmens für die Extraktion von Daten im Hoheitsgebiet der EU vorlegen? |
| --- |

Wird die Kommission einen Legislativvorschlag über die Schaffung eines Rahmens für die Extraktion von Daten im Hoheitsgebiet der EU vorlegen?

| Hält die Kommission ihre Maßnahmen der vergangenen drei Jahre für vereinbar mit Artikel 2 des Beschlusses 2010/412/EU des Rates? |
| --- |

Hält die Kommission ihre Maßnahmen der vergangenen drei Jahre für vereinbar mit Artikel 2 des Beschlusses 2010/412/EU des Rates?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(23. Oktober 2013)

Die Kommission hat bereits notwendige Schritte unternommen mit Blick auf die Vorlage eines Berichts über den Fortschritt bei der Entwicklung eines vergleichbaren EU-Systems im Einklang mit Artikel 11 des EU-US-TFTP-Abkommens (124) („das Abkommen“) und Artikel 2 des Beschlusses 2010/412/EU des Rates vom 13. Juli 2010 über den Abschluss des Abkommens.

Angesichts der in Medienberichten erhobenen schweren Vorwürfe und der möglichen Konsequenzen für die Durchführung des Abkommens hat die Kommission jedoch Konsultationen nach Artikel 19 des Abkommens aufgenommen, um sich ein Urteil darüber bilden zu können, inwieweit die Vorwürfe gerechtfertigt sind.

Die Ergebnisse der Konsultationen können sich auch auf die Entscheidung über ein gleichwertiges EU-System auswirken. Daher hat die Kommission beschlossen, ihre diesbezüglichen Schlussfolgerungen erst dann zu formulieren, wenn ihr die Ergebnisse der Konsultationen vorliegen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010017/13

to the Commission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Breaches of the Council Decision on the conclusion of the TFTP Agreement

Article 2 of Council Decision 2010/412/EU of 13 July 2010 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of Financial Messaging Data from the European Union to the United States for the purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program contains the following provision: ‘Within three years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement, the Commission is invited to present a report of progress on the development of the equivalent EU system with regard to Article 11 of the Agreement’.

The Commission is specifically requested to answer each of the following questions separately:

| Did the Commission agree to present such a report of progress within three years? |
| --- |

Did the Commission agree to present such a report of progress within three years?

| Why has the Commission not presented such a report of progress within three years? |
| --- |

Why has the Commission not presented such a report of progress within three years?

| When will the Commission present such a report of progress? |
| --- |

When will the Commission present such a report of progress?

| Will the Commission submit a legal proposal on the establishment of a framework for the extraction of data on EU territory? |
| --- |

Will the Commission submit a legal proposal on the establishment of a framework for the extraction of data on EU territory?

| Does the Commission consider its actions in the last three years to be in accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision 2010/412/EU? |
| --- |

Does the Commission consider its actions in the last three years to be in accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision 2010/412/EU?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission has taken necessary steps with a view to report on the progress on the development of an equivalent EU system with regard to Article 11 of the EU-US TFTP Agreement (‘Agreement’) (125) and in accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision 2010/412/EU of 13 July 2010 on the conclusion of the Agreement.

Nevertheless, in light of the serious allegations in media reports, which might have an impact on the implementation of the Agreement, the Commission has initiated consultations under Article 19 of the Agreement to assess the soundness of these allegations.

The results of these consultations may also have an impact on the decision concerning an EU equivalent system. The Commission has therefore decided to present its conclusions in this regard only once this can be done in the light of the outcome of the consultation.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010019/13

an die Kommission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(10. September 2013)

Betrifft: Vertragsverletzungen beim Abkommen über das Programm zum Aufspüren der Finanzierung des Terrorismus II

Die Kommission wird ausdrücklich gebeten, die folgenden Fragen zu dem Bericht über die zweite gemeinsame Überprüfung der Umsetzung des Abkommens über das Programm zum Aufspüren der Finanzierung des Terrorismus (TFTP-Abkommen) ausschließlich mit „Ja“ oder „Nein“ zu beantworten.

Datenminimierung

Trifft es zu, dass Ersuchen des US-Finanzministeriums um Herausgabe von Daten zu den Zwecken des Abkommens gemäß Artikel 4 des TFTP-Abkommens so eng wie möglich gefasst sein müssen?

Trifft es zu, dass der weitaus größte Teil der vom US-Finanzministerium seit dem Inkrafttreten des TFTP-Abkommens beantragten Daten nie zur Verfügung gestellt werden?

Rechte der betroffenen Personen

Trifft es zu, dass jede Person gemäß Artikel 16 des TFTP-Abkommens das Recht hat, die Berichtigung ihrer vom US-Finanzministerium verarbeiteten personenbezogenen Daten zu verlangen?

Trifft es zu, dass die Berichtigung von Daten im engeren Sinne seit dem Inkrafttreten des TFTP-Abkommens sich als technisch nicht durchführbar erwiesen hat?

Aufbewahrungsfrist von Daten

Trifft es zu, dass alle nicht extrahierten Daten, die am 20. Juli 2007 oder später beim US-Finanzministerium eingegangen sind, gemäß Artikel 6 des TFTP-Abkommens spätestens fünf Jahre nach Eingang gelöscht werden?

Trifft es zu, dass die Daten, die zwischen dem 20. Juli 2007 und dem 20. Oktober 2007 beim US-Finanzministerium eingegangen sind, in Wirklichkeit nicht vor dem 21. Oktober 2012 gelöscht wurden?

Aufsicht

Trifft es zu, dass gemäß Artikel 12 des TFTP-Abkommens einem von der Europäischen Kommission benannten Prüfer die Befugnis übertragen wird, alle Suchabfragen der bereitgestellten Daten in Echtzeit und nachträglich zu überprüfen?

Trifft es zu, dass es seit dem Inkrafttreten des TFTP-Abkommens gewisse Einschränkungen gegeben hat, die den Prüfer der EU daran gehindert haben, einige Daten einzusehen?

Transparenz

Trifft es zu, dass die Parteien gemäß Artikel 13 des TFTP-Abkommens gemeinsam die im Abkommen enthaltenen Bestimmungen, insbesondere in Bezug auf die Anzahl der abgerufenen Zahlungsverkehrsdaten, überprüfen?

Trifft es zu, dass insbesondere die Anzahl der abgerufenen Zahlungsverkehrsdaten seit dem Inkrafttreten des TFTP-Abkommens nie Gegenstand der gemeinsamen Überprüfungen war?

Antwort von Frau Malmström im Namen der Kommission

(5. November 2013)

Die Kommission möchte den Herrn Abgeordneten auf ihre ergänzende Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage E-000351/2013 verweisen.

Was die Frage der Datenlöschung betrifft, so hat das US-Finanzministerium nach Gesprächen im Rahmen der zweiten gemeinsamen Überprüfung und auf Empfehlung des gemeinsamen Überprüfungsteams der EU seine Verfahren geändert, um weitere Datenlöschungen vorzunehmen und damit sicherzustellen, dass alle Löschungen nicht extrahierter Daten vollständig innerhalb der Fünfjahresfrist erfolgen. Folglich wurden sämtliche nicht extrahierten Daten, die beim US-Finanzministerium vor dem 20. Juli 2007 eingingen, und alle zwischen dem 20. Juli 2007 und dem 31. Dezember 2008 eingegangenen Daten bereits gelöscht.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010019/13

to the Commission

Alexander Alvaro (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Breaches of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme II Agreement

The Commission is specifically requested to answer the following questions regarding the report on the second joint review of the implementation of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme (TFTP) Agreement with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer only:

Data minimisation

Is it correct that according to Article 4 of the TFTP Agreement, the requests of the US Treasury Department to obtain data necessary for the purpose of the Agreement will be tailored as narrowly as possible?

Is it correct that the vast majority of the data that have been requested by the US Treasury Department since the entry into force of the TFTP Agreement will never be made available?

Rights of data subjects

Is it correct that according to Article 16 of the TFTP Agreement, any person has the right to seek the rectification of personal data processed by the US Treasury Department?

Is it correct that since the entry into force of the TFTP Agreement, the rectification of data in the strict sense has, in fact, not been technically feasible?

Data retention period

Is it correct that according to Article 6 of the TFTP Agreement, all non-extracted data received by the US Treasury Department on or after20 July 2007 should be deleted no later than five years following the date of receipt?

Is it correct that the data received by the US Treasury Department between 20 July 2007 and 20 October 2007 was, in fact, not deleted before 21 October 2012?

Oversight

Is it correct that according to Article 12 of the TFTP Agreement, an overseer appointed by the Commission shall have the authority to review, in real time and retrospectively, all inspections made of the data provided?

Is it correct that since the entry into force of the TFTP Agreement, there have been certain restrictions placed upon the data made available to the EU overseer?

Transparency

Is it correct that according to Article 13 of the TFTP Agreement, the relevant parties shall review jointly the provisions set out in the TFTP Agreement, paying particular attention to the number of communications accessed which relate to financial payment?

Is it correct that since the entry into force of the TFTP Agreement, none of the joint reviews has paid particular attention to the number of communications accessed which relate to financial payment?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its supplementary answer to Written Question E-000351/2013.

With regard to the issue of data deletion: following conversations during the second joint review, and at the recommendation of the EU joint review team, the US Treasury Department revised its procedures to accommodate additional deletion exercises to ensure that all deletions of non-extracted data be fully completed by the five-year mark. Subsequently, all non-extracted data received by the US Treasury prior to 20 July 2007 as well as all non-extracted data received between 20 July 2007 and 31 December 2008 have already been deleted.

(Slovenské znenie)

Otázka na písomné zodpovedanie E-010020/13

Komisii

Eduard Kukan (PPE)

(10. septembra 2013)

Vec: Rastúce napätie medzi etnickými skupinami v Chorvátsku

Nedávny nárast napätia v meste Vukovar spôsobil počas týždňa začínajúceho 2. septembrom 2013 na chorvátskej domácej politickej scéne znepokojenie.

Ako mieni Komisia reagovať na toto napätie – ktoré sa týka srbskej menšiny v Chorvátsku – a ako zaručí dodržiavanie práv menšín v celom regióne?

Odpoveď pani Redingovej v mene Komisie

(11. novembra 2013)

Komisia odsudzuje akúkoľvek formu násilia páchaného voči menšinám alebo akejkoľvek inej skupine. Podľa článku 2 Zmluvy o Európskej únii predstavuje rešpektovanie práv osôb patriacich medzi menšiny jednu zo základných hodnôt Európskej únie. Na základe článkov 21 a 22 Charty základných práv Európskej únie je navyše zakázaná diskriminácia na základe príslušnosti k národnostnej menšine a ustanovuje sa rešpektovanie kultúrnej, náboženskej a jazykovej rozmanitosti v Únii.

Ako je však vysvetlené napr. v odpovedi na písomnú otázku E-09947/13, Komisia, pokiaľ ide o menšiny, nedisponuje žiadnymi všeobecnými právomocami. Komisia najmä nemá žiadnu právomoc nad vymedzením a uznávaním národnostných menšín, ich sebaurčením a autonómiou alebo používaním regionálnych či menšinových jazykov, čo sú aspekty patriace do právomoci členských štátov. Komisia si je vedomá toho, že Chorvátsko sa neustále snaží chrániť práva osôb patriacich medzi menšiny a zvyšovať povedomie o nich s cieľom zabezpečiť, aby tieto osoby mohli využívať svoje práva.

V rámci pôsobnosti právnych predpisov Európskej únie Komisia zabezpečuje, aby členské štáty pri implementácii týchto právnych predpisov rešpektovali základné práva ustanovené v charte. Legislatívou a programami financovania EÚ sa navyše rieši diskriminácia a podnecovanie k násiliu či nenávisti na základe rasy alebo národnostného či etnického pôvodu, ktoré môžu mať vplyv na osoby patriace medzi menšiny (126).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010020/13

to the Commission

Eduard Kukan (PPE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Rising interethnic tensions in Croatia

Recent rising tensions in the city of Vukovar were a cause for concern on the domestic political scene in Croatia during the week of 2 September 2013.

How will the Commission respond to these tensions — which concern the Serbian minority in Croatia — and guarantee that the rights of minorities are respected throughout the whole region?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The Commission condemns any form of violence against minorities or against any other group. According to Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union, the respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities constitutes one of the founding values of the European Union. Furthermore, Articles 21 and 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibit discrimination based on membership of a national minority and provide for the respect by the Union of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.

However, as explained e.g. in its reply to Written Question E-09947/13, the Commission has no general powers as regards minorities. In particular, the Commission has no competence over the definition and recognition of national minorities, their self-determination and autonomy or the use of regional or minority languages, which fall under the responsibility of the Member States. The Commission is aware of the continued efforts of Croatia aimed at protecting the rights of and raising awareness for persons belonging to minorities in order to ensure the exercise of their rights.

Within the scope of European Union law, the Commission ensures that Member States, when implementing this law, respect fundamental rights laid down in the Charter. Furthermore, EU legislation and financing programmes address discrimination and incitement to violence or hatred based on race or national or ethnic origin which may affect persons belonging to minorities (127).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010021/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

| 1. | How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds to each of the following countries for Transition Assistance and Institution Building are properly spent? |
| --- | --- |

1.

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds to each of the following countries for Transition Assistance and Institution Building are properly spent?

List of countries:

Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Iceland, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey

| 2. | How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds to each of the following countries for Cross-Border Cooperation are properly spent? |
| --- | --- |

2.

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds to each of the following countries for Cross-Border Cooperation are properly spent?

List of countries:

Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey

| 3. | How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds to each of the following countries for Regional Development, Rural Development and Human Resource Development are properly spent? |
| --- | --- |

3.

How will the Commission ensure that pre-accession funds to each of the following countries for Regional Development, Rural Development and Human Resource Development are properly spent?

List of countries:

Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its answer to previous written questions E-008049/2013, E-008065/2013, E-008066/2013, E-008067/2013, E-008068/2013, E-008069/2013, E-008070/2013, E-008708/2013, E-008709/2013, E-008710/2013, E-008711/2013, E-008712/2013 and E-008725/2013 (128).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010022/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations

On 10 July 2013, Jean-Luc Demarty addressed the International Trade Committee. He spoke at length on a series of issues, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. However, because of time constraints, he did not adequately address four questions. Could the Commission respond to the following questions?

| 1. | How does the Commission provide representation to customs union countries during its trade negotiations with other countries? |
| --- | --- |

1.

How does the Commission provide representation to customs union countries during its trade negotiations with other countries?

| 2. | Are there any formal or informal mechanisms in place? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Are there any formal or informal mechanisms in place?

| 3. | Does the Commission have specific mechanisms in place for Turkey? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Does the Commission have specific mechanisms in place for Turkey?

| 4. | Will Turkish officials be present during the TTIP negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Will Turkish officials be present during the TTIP negotiations?

| 5. | How will Turkish interests be represented during the TTIP negotiations? |
| --- | --- |

5.

How will Turkish interests be represented during the TTIP negotiations?

| 6. | Could the Commission provide data showing how the TTIP will impact upon Turkey? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Could the Commission provide data showing how the TTIP will impact upon Turkey?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to its previous answers to questions E-008729/2013 and E-008730/2013 (129).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010023/13

to the Commission (Vice-Présidente / Haute Représentante)

Charles Tannock (ECR)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Decision by Pakistani Government to downsize the Federal Ministry of Human Rights

It has been brought to my attention by a London constituent that the Pakistani Government has decided to downsize the Federal Ministry of Human Rights and merge it with the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Taking into consideration the ongoing plight of minorities in Pakistan and the reported disproportionate misuse of the blasphemy laws against religious minorities such as Christians and Ahmadiyyas, this decision raises serious concerns as to what adverse impact this ‘downsizing’ will have on upholding fundamental human rights in Pakistan.

Can the High Representative raise these concerns with the Pakistani Government through the EU Delegation in Islamabad?

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

(23 October 2013)

It is premature to assess the impact of the merger. With a few exceptions, the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR), set up under Pakistan’s last government, was regarded as comparatively weak. The Government of Pakistan makes the case that a combined Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights (MoLJ&HR) is more likely to lead real reform.

Issues of minorities including those of Christians and Ahmadis are addressed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony. The recent attack on a church in Peshawar has reinvigorated debate in Pakistan on the failures of government to protect minorities adequately. The Council of Islamic Ideology debated the need to prevent abuse of the blasphemy laws. Although amendment of those laws is currently unlikely, were the Government to give the instruction the MoLJ&HR would be the most likely drafter. In that case, the Human Rights department would be uniquely placed to influence the process.

The EU regularly raises concerns about the situation of minorities and abuse of the blasphemy laws in its political dialogue with Pakistan. Moreover the EU is preparing a EUR 4.5 m programme, co-funded with Denmark, to support the Government of Pakistan in building capacity to uphold the rights of Pakistani citizens. The support will address all aspects of discrimination in Pakistan, with a focus on women, children and religious minorities. During the implementation of the programme, the EU’s Delegation in Islamabad will be in a position to observe and assess the effectiveness of the bodies and mechanisms which support human rights in Pakistan. This will help inform dialogue with the Government of Pakistan on the promotion and protection of human rights.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010024/13

an die Kommission

Franziska Katharina Brantner (Verts/ALE)

(10. September 2013)

Betrifft: Baden-württembergisches Landeswohnraumförderprogramm 2013

Die Landesregierung von Baden-Württemberg (Deutschland) hat vor einigen Monaten der Kommission das „Landeswohnraumförderprogramm 2013“ zur beihilferechtlichen Prüfung vorgelegt. Kann die Kommission in diesem Zusammenhang folgende Fragen beantworten:

| Wie ist der Stand des Verfahrens, und bis wann rechnet die Kommission mit einem Ergebnis ihrer Prüfung? |
| --- |

Wie ist der Stand des Verfahrens, und bis wann rechnet die Kommission mit einem Ergebnis ihrer Prüfung?

| Sieht bzw. sah die Kommission zusätzlichen Klärungsbedarf, und hat sie dazu Nachfragen bei der Landesregierung gestellt? Falls ja, welche Fragen waren dies? |
| --- |

Sieht bzw. sah die Kommission zusätzlichen Klärungsbedarf, und hat sie dazu Nachfragen bei der Landesregierung gestellt? Falls ja, welche Fragen waren dies?

Antwort von Herrn Almunia im Namen der Kommission

(4. November 2013)

Nach den Vorschriften über staatliche Beihilfen für Dienstleistungen von allgemeinem wirtschaftlichem Interesse ist die staatliche Unterstützung für den sozialen Wohnungsbau in der Regel mit dem Binnenmarkt vereinbar und von der Meldepflicht an die Kommission freigestellt, sofern die Voraussetzungen gemäß dem Beschluss 2012/21/EU der Kommission erfüllt sind. Nichtsdestoweniger können sich die Mitgliedstaaten bei Klärungsbedarf hinsichtlich der Einhaltung dieser Bedingungen an die Kommissionsdienststellen wenden. Angesichts des vertraulichen Charakters dieser Kontakte kann die Kommission auf deren Art oder diesbezügliche Einzelheiten nicht weiter eingehen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010024/13

to the Commission

Franziska Katharina Brantner (Verts/ALE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Baden-Württemberg state housing support programme 2013

A few months ago, the Baden-Württemberg State Government (Germany) submitted the ‘Landeswohnraumförderprogramm 2013’ [federal state housing support programme 2013] to the Commission for examination of its compatibility with state aid rules.

| 1. | What stage has the procedure reached and when does the Commission expect its examination to have reached a conclusion? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What stage has the procedure reached and when does the Commission expect its examination to have reached a conclusion?

| 2. | Does or did the Commission see the need for any additional clarification and has it put questions to the State Government in this regard? If so, what were these questions? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does or did the Commission see the need for any additional clarification and has it put questions to the State Government in this regard? If so, what were these questions?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

Under state aid rules for services of general economic interest, State support to social housing is normally compatible with the internal market and exempted from the obligation to notify to the Commission, provided that it meets the conditions laid down in the Commission Decision 2012/21/EU. Nevertheless, Member States have the possibility to enter into contact with the Commission services and ask for guidance about compliance with these conditions. However, due to the confidentiality of these contacts, the Commission cannot further develop on the nature and detail thereof.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010025/13

an die Kommission

Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(10. September 2013)

Betrifft: Militärische Übungsstadt der deutschen Bundeswehr in der Altmark (Bundesland Sachsen-Anhalt) — Nachfrage zu vorausgegangener Anfrage und Antwort E-008442/2013

Die Fragestellerin bezieht sich auf die Anfrage E-008442/2013 und die Antwort der Kommission vom 20.8.2013 zur geplanten militärischen Übungsstadt der deutschen Bundeswehr in der Altmark, die vollständig im FFH-Gebiet DE-3535-301 Colbitz-Letzinger Heide sowie im gemeldeten Vogelschutzgebiet DE-3635-401 Colbitz-Letzlinger Heide liegt. Kann die Kommission weitere Informationen zu folgenden Fragen liefern

| 1. | Wie ist der Stand und Zeitplan der Bearbeitung der hierzu bei der Kommission eingereichten Beschwerde des Abgeordneten des Landtags Sachsen-Anhalt Dietmar Weihrich zum Verstoß gegen Gemeinschaftsrecht (Aktenzeichen CHAP(2013)00103)? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wie ist der Stand und Zeitplan der Bearbeitung der hierzu bei der Kommission eingereichten Beschwerde des Abgeordneten des Landtags Sachsen-Anhalt Dietmar Weihrich zum Verstoß gegen Gemeinschaftsrecht (Aktenzeichen CHAP(2013)00103)?

Die Kommission schreibt in Ihrer Antwort auf die Anfrage E-008442/2013: „Die Kommission ist der Auffassung, dass jedes Gebiet, das von einem Mitgliedstaat als besonderes Schutzgebiet im Sinne der Vogelschutzrichtlinie notifiziert wurde, aber im nationalen Recht nicht als solches ausgewiesen ist, de facto ein besonderes Schutzgebiet darstellt. Entsprechend kann ein Projekt, das Vögeln in Schutzgebieten schaden oder sie stören könnte, nur auf der Grundlage von Artikel 4 Absatz 4 der Richtlinie 79/409/EWG bewertet werden. Artikel 6 der Richtlinie 92/43/EWG findet in diesem Fall nicht Anwendung“.

| 2. | Welche Möglichkeiten hat die Kommission, Projekte wie die erwähnte militärische Übungsstadt zu stoppen, wenn die Genehmigung unter Anwendung von Artikel 6 Absatz 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie erfolgte, stattdessen das Projekt aber nach Artikel 4 Absatz 4 der Vogelschutzrichtlinie beurteilt werden müsste? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welche Möglichkeiten hat die Kommission, Projekte wie die erwähnte militärische Übungsstadt zu stoppen, wenn die Genehmigung unter Anwendung von Artikel 6 Absatz 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie erfolgte, stattdessen das Projekt aber nach Artikel 4 Absatz 4 der Vogelschutzrichtlinie beurteilt werden müsste?

| 3. | Welche Anforderungen sind bei dem erwähnten Projekt an den Nachweis zu stellen, dass keine Alternativlösung im Sinne von Artikel 6 Absatz 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie vorhanden ist? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welche Anforderungen sind bei dem erwähnten Projekt an den Nachweis zu stellen, dass keine Alternativlösung im Sinne von Artikel 6 Absatz 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie vorhanden ist?

| 4. | Ist die Kommission der Auffassung, dass eine sachgerechte Beurteilung eines Projektes nach Art. 4 Abs. 4 Vogelschutzrichtlinie bzw. nach Artikel 6 Absatz 3 und 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie ohne eine vollständige Inventarisierung der Gebiete möglich ist? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Ist die Kommission der Auffassung, dass eine sachgerechte Beurteilung eines Projektes nach Art. 4 Abs. 4 Vogelschutzrichtlinie bzw. nach Artikel 6 Absatz 3 und 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie ohne eine vollständige Inventarisierung der Gebiete möglich ist?

Antwort von Herrn Potočnik im Namen der Kommission

(29. Oktober 2013)

| 1. | Die Kommission wird in Kürze ihre Prüfung zu CHAP(2013)00103 abschließen. Das Gebiet DE 3635-401 wurde von Deutschland gemeldet (130) und darüber hinaus in der „Verordnung über die Errichtung des ökologischen Netzes Natura 2000“ (23.3.2007) und im „Mitteilungsblatt für das Land Sachsen-Anhalt“ (28.11.2011) als Vogelschutzgebiet ausgewiesen. Artikel 7 der Habitat-Richtlinie gilt für alle Vogelschutzgebiete. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Die Kommission wird in Kürze ihre Prüfung zu CHAP(2013)00103 abschließen. Das Gebiet DE 3635-401 wurde von Deutschland gemeldet (130) und darüber hinaus in der „Verordnung über die Errichtung des ökologischen Netzes Natura 2000“ (23.3.2007) und im „Mitteilungsblatt für das Land Sachsen-Anhalt“ (28.11.2011) als Vogelschutzgebiet ausgewiesen. Artikel 7 der Habitat-Richtlinie gilt für alle Vogelschutzgebiete.

| 2. | Die Rolle der Kommission ist es, dafür zu sorgen, dass die Mitgliedstaaten das EU-Recht ordnungsgemäß anwenden und nicht, einzelne Projekte zu genehmigen oder zu stoppen. Im Einklang mit Artikel 6 Absatz 4 Unterabsatz 1 der Habitat-Richtlinie (131) hat Deutschland der Kommission (132) die Ausgleichsmaßnahmen in den Gebieten DE 3635-401 und DE 3535-301 gemeldet, mit denen die globale Kohärenz von Natura 2000 gesichert wird. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Die Rolle der Kommission ist es, dafür zu sorgen, dass die Mitgliedstaaten das EU-Recht ordnungsgemäß anwenden und nicht, einzelne Projekte zu genehmigen oder zu stoppen. Im Einklang mit Artikel 6 Absatz 4 Unterabsatz 1 der Habitat-Richtlinie (131) hat Deutschland der Kommission (132) die Ausgleichsmaßnahmen in den Gebieten DE 3635-401 und DE 3535-301 gemeldet, mit denen die globale Kohärenz von Natura 2000 gesichert wird.

| 3. | Nach dem Subsidiaritätsprinzip sind die zuständigen Behörden der Mitgliedstaaten für die Prüfung von Alternativlösungen verantwortlich. Dabei müssen alle für die Erhaltung des Gebiets und seiner ökologischen Funktionen wichtigen Faktoren berücksichtigt werden. Laut der nach Artikel 6 Absatz 4 zu diesem Projekt eingegangenen Meldung wurde eine solche Bewertung durchgeführt. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Nach dem Subsidiaritätsprinzip sind die zuständigen Behörden der Mitgliedstaaten für die Prüfung von Alternativlösungen verantwortlich. Dabei müssen alle für die Erhaltung des Gebiets und seiner ökologischen Funktionen wichtigen Faktoren berücksichtigt werden. Laut der nach Artikel 6 Absatz 4 zu diesem Projekt eingegangenen Meldung wurde eine solche Bewertung durchgeführt.

| 4. | Der gemäß Artikel 6 Absatz 4 erhaltenen Meldung zufolge stützte sich diese Bewertung auf eine biologische Bestandsaufnahme des Gebiets. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Der gemäß Artikel 6 Absatz 4 erhaltenen Meldung zufolge stützte sich diese Bewertung auf eine biologische Bestandsaufnahme des Gebiets.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010025/13

to the Commission

Franziska Keller (Verts/ALE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Mock town for German army training in the Altmark region (Land of Saxony-Anhalt) — supplementary question relating to previous question and answer E-008442/2013

The author refers to Question E-008442/2013 and the Commission’s answer of 20 August 2013 concerning the planned mock town for German army training in the Altmark region, which lies entirely within the Colbitz-Letzlinger Heide FFH area DE-3535-301 and the Colbitz-Letzlinger Heide registered bird protection area DE-3635-401.

| 1. | What stage has the complaint submitted to the Commission in this regard by member of the Saxony-Anhalt regional parliament Dietmar Weihrich concerning a breach of EC law (registered under CHAP(2013)00103) reached, and how long is the procedure expected to take? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What stage has the complaint submitted to the Commission in this regard by member of the Saxony-Anhalt regional parliament Dietmar Weihrich concerning a breach of EC law (registered under CHAP(2013)00103) reached, and how long is the procedure expected to take?

In its reply to Question E-008442/2013, the Commission wrote: ‘The Commission considers that any site notified by a Member State as a special protection area under the Birds Directive but not designated as such under national law constitutes a de facto special protection area. Under these circumstances any project which might damage or disturb birdlife can only be evaluated on the basis of the provisions of Article 4(4) of Directive 79/409/EEC. Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC does not apply in that case.’

| 2. | What means does the Commission have for stopping projects like the aforementioned mock army training town if approval is granted pursuant to Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, but the project should instead be evaluated under Article 4(4) of the Birds Directive? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What means does the Commission have for stopping projects like the aforementioned mock army training town if approval is granted pursuant to Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, but the project should instead be evaluated under Article 4(4) of the Birds Directive?

| 3. | What requirements need to be imposed in connection with the aforementioned project to demonstrate that no alternative solution in the sense of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive is available? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What requirements need to be imposed in connection with the aforementioned project to demonstrate that no alternative solution in the sense of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive is available?

| 4. | Does the Commission believe that a proper evaluation of a project under Article 4(4) of the Birds Directive or Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive is possible without a complete inventory of the sites? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Does the Commission believe that a proper evaluation of a project under Article 4(4) of the Birds Directive or Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive is possible without a complete inventory of the sites?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is finalising its analysis of CHAP(2013)00103. In addition to its formal notification by Germany (133), Site DE3635-401 was designated as Special Protection Area (SPA) at national level according to ‘Verordnung über die Errichtung des ökologischen Netzes Natura 2000’ (23.3.2007) and ‘Mitteilungsblatt für das Land Sachsen-Anhalt’ (28.11.2011). Art. 7 of the Habitats Directive applies to all SPAs. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is finalising its analysis of CHAP(2013)00103. In addition to its formal notification by Germany (133), Site DE3635-401 was designated as Special Protection Area (SPA) at national level according to ‘Verordnung über die Errichtung des ökologischen Netzes Natura 2000’ (23.3.2007) and ‘Mitteilungsblatt für das Land Sachsen-Anhalt’ (28.11.2011). Art. 7 of the Habitats Directive applies to all SPAs.

| 2. | The role of the Commission is to ensure that Member States correctly apply EC law and not to authorise or stop projects. In accordance with Art. 6(4), subparagraph one of the Habitats Directive (134), Germany notified to the Commission (135) the compensatory measures at Sites DE3635-401 and DE 3535-301 in order to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The role of the Commission is to ensure that Member States correctly apply EC law and not to authorise or stop projects. In accordance with Art. 6(4), subparagraph one of the Habitats Directive (134), Germany notified to the Commission (135) the compensatory measures at Sites DE3635-401 and DE 3535-301 in order to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000.

| 3. | In conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, the Member States' competent authorities are responsible for examining alternative solutions. All aspects relevant to the conservation and maintenance of integrity of the site and of its ecological functions should be assessed. According to the notification provided pursuant to Art. 6(4) for this project, this evaluation was carried out. |
| --- | --- |

3.

In conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, the Member States' competent authorities are responsible for examining alternative solutions. All aspects relevant to the conservation and maintenance of integrity of the site and of its ecological functions should be assessed. According to the notification provided pursuant to Art. 6(4) for this project, this evaluation was carried out.

| 4. | According to the Art. 6(4) notification received by the Commission, the evaluation of this project was based on the biological inventory of the site. |
| --- | --- |

4.

According to the Art. 6(4) notification received by the Commission, the evaluation of this project was based on the biological inventory of the site.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010026/13

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(10 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Possibili finanziamenti per la risoluzione di danni causati all'agricoltura dalla fauna selvatica o inselvatichita

Negli ultimi anni nel territorio della Provincia di Siena, in particolare nella zona della Val d'Orcia, l'attività di numerosi allevatori di ovini è stata fortemente condizionata da attacchi al bestiame da parte di lupi e canidi. Ciò sta causando notevoli danni economici (diretti e indiretti) e zootecnici, con la conseguente cessazione dell'attività di molte aziende operanti nel settore, oltre che seri rischi per l'incolumità degli allevatori e delle loro famiglie.

La salvaguardia e la tutela della fauna selvatica e inselvatichita deve conciliarsi con la difesa e la salvaguardia degli allevatori e delle imprese operanti in queste terre (spesso piccole aziende a conduzione familiare), che fanno della conservazione e valorizzazione del territorio in cui vivono e lavorano un'eccellenza riconosciuta a livello europeo e nazionale.

Tutto ciò premesso, può la Commissione far sapere:

| se è al corrente della situazione sulla Provincia di Siena, se è stata accertata storicamente o meno la presenza del lupo nel territorio della Provincia di Siena sia per quantità che per aree e se è stata considerata la possibilità di allargare il monitoraggio all'intera Regione Toscana; |
| --- |

se è al corrente della situazione sulla Provincia di Siena, se è stata accertata storicamente o meno la presenza del lupo nel territorio della Provincia di Siena sia per quantità che per aree e se è stata considerata la possibilità di allargare il monitoraggio all'intera Regione Toscana;

| quali misure sono state adottate in altri paesi europei per prevenire questi fenomeni, valutando quanto avviene in Spagna, Francia, Germania come anche nelle nazioni del nord Europa; |
| --- |

quali misure sono state adottate in altri paesi europei per prevenire questi fenomeni, valutando quanto avviene in Spagna, Francia, Germania come anche nelle nazioni del nord Europa;

| quali normative sono applicabili a tutela delle persone e delle imprese colpite da questi fenomeni; |
| --- |

quali normative sono applicabili a tutela delle persone e delle imprese colpite da questi fenomeni;

| quali misure e azioni possono essere adottate per una sana gestione del territorio, in grado di conciliare le esigenze di tutela ambientale e quelle connesse con l'esercizio delle attività economiche, tra cui forme di sostegno per i danni diretti ed indiretti (come ad esempio l'indennizzo per lo smaltimento delle carcasse, il reintegro della consistenza del gregge, la minor produzione di latte dopo gli attacchi e altri danni indotti); |
| --- |

quali misure e azioni possono essere adottate per una sana gestione del territorio, in grado di conciliare le esigenze di tutela ambientale e quelle connesse con l'esercizio delle attività economiche, tra cui forme di sostegno per i danni diretti ed indiretti (come ad esempio l'indennizzo per lo smaltimento delle carcasse, il reintegro della consistenza del gregge, la minor produzione di latte dopo gli attacchi e altri danni indotti);

| quali misure di sostegno sono previste per le aziende che intendono sviluppare sistemi atti a prevenire i danni da fauna selvatica; |
| --- |

quali misure di sostegno sono previste per le aziende che intendono sviluppare sistemi atti a prevenire i danni da fauna selvatica;

| se in altri territori sono state trovate delle soluzioni a difesa del bestiame? |
| --- |

se in altri territori sono state trovate delle soluzioni a difesa del bestiame?

Risposta di Dacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione

(13 novembre 2013)

È possibile, nell'ambito delle norme attuali e future che disciplinano il Fondo europeo agricolo per lo sviluppo rurale (FEASR), offrire un sostegno agli investimenti in attrezzature destinate a proteggere il bestiame contro le aggressioni da parte di animali selvatici.

Tuttavia, l'indennizzo per danni subiti non è coperto dalle attuali norme del FEASR e non è prevista una copertura nel prossimo periodo di programmazione.

In numerose decisioni in materia di aiuti di Stato (136) la Commissione ha autorizzato semplici misure di finanziamento nazionale volte a compensare i danni provocati dai carnivori direttamente a norma del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea.

Nel contesto della revisione degli orientamenti comunitari per il settore agricolo e forestale 2007-2013, è attualmente in corso di esame la possibilità di includere disposizioni specifiche in materia di aiuti di Stato per i danni provocati dagli animali predatori. Tuttavia nessuna decisione è stata ancora adottata in tal senso.

Inoltre, i cani selvatici, spesso responsabili di danni al bestiame, non sono coperti dalla normativa UE per la protezione della natura e la loro gestione rientra pienamente nell'ambito della legislazione nazionale. Per quanto riguarda i lupi e altre specie protette, la Commissione ha promosso e sostenuto strategie per garantire una pacifica coesistenza con le attività umane e la gestione dei potenziali conflitti mediante il programma LIFE e altri strumenti (137).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010026/13

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Possible funding for repairing the damage done to agriculture by wild or feral animals

In recent years in the province of Siena, particularly in the Val d’Orcia area, the activity of a number of sheep farmers has been greatly affected by wolves and canids attacking their livestock. This is causing significant (direct and indirect) economic damage as well as damage in terms of animal husbandry, resulting in many farms in the sector going out of business, as well as posing serious risks to the safety of farmers and their families.

The safeguarding and protection of wild and feral animals has to be reconciled with the protection and safeguarding of farmers and businesses in these areas (often small, family-run farms), whose conservation and promotion of the land on which they live and work is recognised in Italy and across Europe as second to none.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of the situation in the Province of Siena and has it been ascertained whether wolves are actually present in that province, in what numbers and in which areas? Has the Commission considered the possibility of extending monitoring to the entire region of Tuscany? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of the situation in the Province of Siena and has it been ascertained whether wolves are actually present in that province, in what numbers and in which areas? Has the Commission considered the possibility of extending monitoring to the entire region of Tuscany?

| 2. | What steps have been taken in other EU countries to prevent such attacks, with reference to Spain, France, Germany and countries in northern Europe? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What steps have been taken in other EU countries to prevent such attacks, with reference to Spain, France, Germany and countries in northern Europe?

| 3. | What applicable legislation can protect people and businesses affected by these attacks? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What applicable legislation can protect people and businesses affected by these attacks?

| 4. | What steps and measures can be taken with regard to good land management that can reconcile the requirements of environmental protection with those relating to running a business, including forms of support for direct and indirect damage (such as compensation for the destruction of carcasses, the restoration of flock sizes, the reduced production of milk after the attacks, and other related damage)? |
| --- | --- |

4.

What steps and measures can be taken with regard to good land management that can reconcile the requirements of environmental protection with those relating to running a business, including forms of support for direct and indirect damage (such as compensation for the destruction of carcasses, the restoration of flock sizes, the reduced production of milk after the attacks, and other related damage)?

| 5. | What support is available for farms that intend to develop systems to prevent damage caused by wild animals? |
| --- | --- |

5.

What support is available for farms that intend to develop systems to prevent damage caused by wild animals?

| 6. | Have other areas found any solutions for defending livestock? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Have other areas found any solutions for defending livestock?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

It is possible, under the current and future rules governing the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), to offer support for investments in equipment to protect livestock against attacks by wild animals.

However, compensation for damage suffered is not covered by current EAFRD rules and there are no plans to cover it during the next programming period.

In several state aid decisions (138), the Commission has authorised pure national financing measures aiming at compensating for damages caused by carnivores directly under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

In the context of the revision of the Community Guidelines for agriculture and forestry 2007-2013, the possibility is being considered to include specific provisions on state aid for damages caused by predatory animals. But no decision has yet been made.

Moreover, feral dogs, often responsible for damage to livestock, are not covered by EU nature protection legislation and their management falls entirely under national legislation. As regards wolves and other protected species, the Commission has been promoting and supporting ways to ensure their successful coexistence with human activities and the management of potential conflicts through the LIFE programme and other instruments (139).

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-010027/13

za Komisijo

Tanja Fajon (S&D)

(10. september 2013)

Zadeva: Dodatno vprašanje k odgovoru komisarja Mimice št. E-007391/2013

G. Mimica je v imenu Komisije 8. 8. 2013 podal odgovor št. E-007391/2013 na moje parlamentarno vprašanje št. E-007391/2013 z dne 21. 6. 2013. Prejela sem tudi obvestilo, da je OLAF uvedel preiskavo v Republiki Sloveniji (RS) v zvezi z Evropskim potrošniškim centrom (EPC), in nove dokaze o domnevnih nezakonitostih gostiteljske organizacije.

Iz prijavne dokumentacije za prijavo na razpis Agencije je razvidno, da je prijavitelj moral prijavi priložiti dokument, ki dokazuje nominacijo s strani matične države. Ali je gostiteljska organizacija na javni razpis EU za sofinanciranje EPC: za leto 2008 priložila dokument, ki dokazuje, da je bila za leto 2008 nominirana s strani RS; za leto 2009 priložila dokument, ki dokazuje, da je bila za leto 2009 nominirana s strani RS; za leto 2010 priložila dokument, ki dokazuje, da je bila za leto 2010 nominirana s strani RS? Ali je RS zadostila zahtevam Sklepa št. 1926/2006/ES, če pa so bile finančne izjave v imenu RS v letih 2007, 2008 in 2009 izdane gostiteljski organizaciji pred javnim razpisom v RS za navedena leta?

V preiskavi Ministrstva za gospodarski razvoj in tehnologijo (MGRT) je bilo ugotovljeno, da se je gostiteljska organizacija za leto 2012 prijavila na razpis Agencije brez predhodne nominacije in preglednega postopka s strani MGRT, kar je Agencija glede na predhodno pisno komunikacijo med MGRT in Agencijo vedela. Zakaj Agencija ni zavrnila prijave gostiteljske organizacije za leto 2012, če je vedela, da prijavitelj ni bil izbran in nominiran s strani države na pregleden način?

Iz prijav Zavoda PIP je razvidno, da je bila Agencija obveščena, da se je gostiteljska organizacija na razpis Agencije za leto 2013 prijavila samostojno, brez predhodne nominacije s strani države, in da prijavne dokumentacije, ki ni prosto dostopna, gostiteljska organizacija ni prejela od MGRT. Zakaj Agencija ni zavrnila prijave gostiteljske organizacije za leto 2013, če je vedela, da prijavitelj ni bil izbran in nominiran s strani države na pregleden način?

Ali je običajno, da Izvršna agencija za zdravje in potrošnike še pred dokončno odločitvijo o morebitni korupciji in goljufiji ponovno izbere in financira gostiteljsko organizacijo, katere zakonita zastopnica je osumljena korupcije in goljufije?

Ali se je Komisija odločila za nadaljnje ukrepe glede na dosedanje ugotovitve?

Odgovor g. Mimice v imenu Komisije

(6. november 2013)

Komisija pozorno spremlja, da se spoštujejo načela dobrega finančnega poslovodenja in stroga skladnost z ustreznimi pravili.

Skupaj z Izvajalsko agencijo za zdravje in potrošnike trenutno podrobno proučuje primer, na katerega je opozorila poslanka. To vključuje tudi preučitev razpisov za zbiranje predlogov za Evropski potrošniški center v Sloveniji za obdobje 2008–2013.

Komisija in Izvajalska agencija za zdravje in potrošnike zelo resno obravnavata vsak primer za ugotavljanje korupcije in goljufije ter preučita vse trditve o domnevnih takšnih praksah, da se hitro ugotovi, ali so utemeljene. Evropskemu uradu za boj proti goljufijam sta ponudili polno sodelovanje pri preiskavi, ki je v teku.

Komisija bo ob upoštevanju tekoče preiskave Evropskega urada za boj proti goljufijam in poglobljene analize primera, ki jo izvaja skupaj z Izvajalsko agencijo za zdravje in potrošnike, sprejela vse potrebne ukrepe, da bi zagotovila popolno skladnost z ustreznimi finančnimi pravili.

Komisija, Izvajalska agencija za zdravje in potrošnike ter Evropski urad za boj proti goljufijam so seznanjeni s podrobnimi informacijami, ki jih navaja poslanka. Komisija ne more podati dodatnih pripomb, dokler Evropski urad za boj proti goljufijam ne zaključi preiskave.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010027/13

to the Commission

Tanja Fajon (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Follow-up question to Commissioner Mimica's answer no E-007391/2013

On 8 August 2013, Mr Mimica provided answer no E-007391/2013 on behalf of the Commission to my parliamentary question no E-007391/2013 of 21 June 2013. I have also been informed that OLAF has opened an investigation in the Republic of Slovenia (RS) in connection with the Slovenian European Consumer Centre (ECC) and I have new evidence of suspected irregularities in the host organisation.

The documentation submitted in response to the call for tender by The Executive Agency for Health and Consumers (the Agency) shows that the tenderer was required to enclose with the tender a document proving nomination by the home country. Did the host organisation, in response to the EU’s call for tender for the co-financing of the ECC, enclose a document, for 2008, which proves that it was nominated by RS for 2008; enclose a document, for 2009, which proves that it was nominated by RS for 2009; enclose a document, for 2010, which proves that it was nominated by RS for 2010? Did RS meet the requirements of Decision No 1926/2006/EC if the financial statements were, indeed, issued to the host organisation on behalf of RS in 2007, 2008 and 2009 before the public tender took place in RS for these years?

The investigation of the Slovenian Ministry for Economic Development and Technology (MEDT) has found that, in 2012, the host organisation responded to the Agency’s call for tender without a prior nomination or transparent procedure from MEDT, and the Agency was aware of this from its previous correspondence with MEDT. Why did the Agency fail to reject the host organisation’s tender for 2012 if it already knew that the tenderer had not been selected and nominated by the Slovenian Government in a transparent manner?

It is clear from the Slovenian PIP Institute’s reports that the Agency was informed that the host organisation had responded to the Agency’s 2013 call for tender without the Government’s prior nomination and that the host organisation had not received the tender documents from MEDT, these not being freely available. Why did the Agency fail to reject the host organisation’s tender for 2013 if the Agency knew that the tenderer was not selected and nominated by the Government in a transparent manner?

Is it customary for the Agency to re-select and fund a host organisation whose legal representative has been suspected of corruption and fraud before a final decision on this possible corruption or fraudulent activity has been made?

Has the Commission decided what further action to take on the basis of the findings so far?

Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission pays utmost attention to sound financial management and strict compliance with the relevant rules.

Together with the Executive Agency for Health and Consumers, the Commission is currently analysing in detail the case raised by the Honourable Member. This analysis also covers the calls for proposals for the ECC in Slovenia for the years 2008-2013.

Both the Commission and the Agency are extremely sensitive to detect any case of corruption and fraud, and to inquire on any allegations of such practices, with a view to rapidly establishing whether they are founded. They have offered full cooperation to OLAF for the ongoing investigation.

In light of the ongoing investigation by OLAF and its in-depth analysis of the case together with the Agency, the Commission will take all necessary measures in order to ensure full compliance with the relevant financial rules.

The detailed elements mentioned by the Honourable Member in the question are known to the Commission, to EAHC and to OLAF. The Commission cannot make further comments until the OLAF investigation is completed.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010028/13

a la Comisión

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(10 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Acuerdo por el trabajo digno de Inditex

En la respuesta que el Comisario de Empleo, Asuntos Sociales e Inclusión ha dado a mi pregunta E-004352/2013, la Comisión Europea señala que la empresa española Inditex ha celebrado un acuerdo mundial con los sindicatos para «el respeto y la promoción del trabajo digno y los derechos laborales». No obstante, el citado acuerdo fue firmado en 2009 y los hechos de esclavismo denunciados en mi anterior pregunta datan de 2013.

Según la información puesta a disposición por la Comisión referente a dicho acuerdo, Inditex ha dispuesto de unos fondos de 15 900 millones de euros hasta 2012 para la promoción del trabajo digno. Sin embargo, este acuerdo multimillonario no ha hecho variar en nada los sistemas de explotación esclavistas empleados por los subcontratistas que trabajan con la multinacional española. Tanto los casos ya denunciados con anterioridad como los descubiertos en Argentina y Brasil durante 2013, después de cuatro años de proyecto, bastan para ejemplificar la escasa o nula efectividad de dicho acuerdo. Sin embargo, la dirección general de la Comisión mantiene publicado dicho acuerdo en su página web, en una base de datos sobre acuerdos de empresas transnacionales. Esa base de datos fue creada en un programa dirigido a «los interesados que pueden ayudar a dar forma al desarrollo de una legislación social y laboral adecuada y efectiva».

A la luz de los ya expresados casos de esclavismo y explotación laboral empleados por los subcontratistas de la citada empresa, ¿considera la Comisión adecuado dar publicidad en sus plataformas y bases de datos a un acuerdo que la propia empresa incumple reiteradamente, al subcontratar a esclavistas?

¿Cómo evalúa la Comisión dicho contrato a la luz de los citados hechos de prácticas esclavistas? ¿Considera la Comisión que es una prueba fehaciente de la escasa efectividad de este tipo de acuerdos y, por tanto, se plantea tomar la vía de la creación de una normativa vinculante para las multinacionales?

¿No considera la Comisión que debería borrar dicho acuerdo de la citada base de datos al no suponer ningún avance en el «desarrollo de una legislación social y laboral adecuada y efectiva» y tan solo suponer una farsa para maquillar una empresa que subcontrata a esclavistas?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de noviembre de 2013)

La Comisión ha creado una base de datos en línea con función de búsqueda que contiene todos los acuerdos de empresas transnacionales y textos que ha identificado. Su objetivo es facilitar información sobre la existencia y el contenido de los acuerdos de empresas transnacionales a fin de apoyar el debate en curso sobre las oportunidades y los retos derivados de dichos acuerdos. La Comisión no comenta ni respalda de ninguna manera el fondo o la aplicación de los acuerdos recogidos en la base de datos.

Actualmente, se está actualizando, en cooperación con la Organización Internacional del Trabajo, la recopilación de acuerdos mundiales. Esto muestra que Inditex concluyó en 2012 otro acuerdo global con la Federación Internacional de Trabajadores de la Industria Textil, de la Confección y del Cuero que expone detalladamente el papel de los sindicatos en la ejecución del acuerdo marco internacional dentro de la cadena de suministro de Inditex respecto de sus proveedores y fabricantes externos. Ni el acuerdo de 2012 ni el de 2009 deben suprimirse de la base de datos porque aportan información para el debate sobre los acuerdos de empresas transnacionales.

La Comisión adopta generalmente un enfoque no preceptivo en el ámbito de la responsabilidad social de las empresas y anima a estas a seguir las directrices internacionales. Sin embargo, la Comisión propuso legislación en un ámbito conexo (publicación de información no financiera). Además, la nuevas Directivas sobre contratación pública, que se han aprobado recientemente, prevén que las autoridades públicas tengan en cuenta determinadas consideraciones sociales en sus compras al sector privado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010028/13

to the Commission

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Inditex's agreement for decent work

In the answer given by the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion to my Question E-004352/2013, the Commission stated that the Spanish company Inditex had concluded a global agreement with trade unions for ‘implementation of fundamental labour rights and decent work.’ However, the aforementioned agreement was signed in 2009 and the incidents of slave labour mentioned in my previous question took place in 2013.

According to information made available by the Commission regarding this agreement, Inditex had funds of some EUR 15.9 billion as of 2012 for promoting decent work. However, this multimillion-euro agreement has not made the slightest difference to the slave labour systems used by subcontractors working with the Spanish multinational. The cases reported in the past and those that came to light in Argentina and Brazil in 2013, four years after the project was launched, are enough to show that this agreement is barely effective, if at all. However, the Commission’s Directorate-General keeps this agreement publicly available on its website, in a database of transnational company agreements. This database was created as part of a programme aimed at ‘all stakeholders who can help shape the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation.’

In view of the reported cases of slavery and labour exploitation practised by the aforementioned company’s subcontractors, does the Commission think it is appropriate to publicise on its platforms and in its databases an agreement that the company itself has repeatedly failed to adhere to, by subcontracting work to slave-drivers?

What does the Commission think of this contract in the light of the abovementioned slave labour practices? Does the Commission believe that this is convincing proof that this kind of agreement is largely ineffective and does it therefore plan to set about drafting binding legislation for multinationals?

Does the Commission not think that it should remove this agreement from the database because it in no way advances ‘the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation’ and is merely a sham to make a company that subcontracts work to slave-drivers look good?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission has set up an online searchable database containing all transnational company agreements and texts it has identified. The objective is to provide information on the existence and substance of transnational company agreements and thus to support discussion under way on the opportunities and challenges arising from such agreements. The Commission does not comment on or in any way endorse the substance or implementation of the agreements in the database.

The collection of global agreements is currently being updated in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation. This shows notably that in 2012 Inditex concluded another global agreement with the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation spelling out the trade unions’ role in enforcing the international framework agreement within Inditex's supply chain vis-à-vis its suppliers and external manufacturers. Neither the 2012 agreement nor the 2009 agreement should be deleted from the database as they contribute information for the debate on transnational company agreements.

The Commission follows generally a non-prescriptive approach in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility and aims at encouraging enterprises to adhere to international guidelines. Still, the Commission proposed legislation in a related area (non-financial information disclosure). In addition, the new public procurement Directives approved recently provide for the public authorities to take certain social considerations into account when making purchases from the private sector.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010029/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Spyros Danellis (S&D)

(10 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Διαδικτυακοί ιστότοποι έκθεσης εντυπώσεων και προστασία των επιχειρήσεων και των καταναλωτών στην ΕΕ

Οι διαδικτυακοί ιστότοποι έκθεσης εντυπώσεων αποτελούν ένα από τα σημαντικότερα εργαλεία του σύγχρονου τουριστικού μάρκετινγκ. Σύμφωνα με πρόσφατη έρευνα της εταιρείας Emarketer, τον Μάρτιο του 2013, οι δημοσιευμένες κριτικές στον ιστότοπο TripAdvisor ξεπέρασαν το 1 000 000, σημειώνοντας αύξηση της τάξης του 50% εντός του τρέχοντος έτους. Επιπλέον, σύμφωνα με το TripBarometer του TripAdvisor, το 49% των συμμετεχόντων δήλωσε ότι εμπιστεύεται τους διαδικτυακούς ιστότοπους έκθεσης εντυπώσεων περισσότερο από κάθε άλλη πηγή.

Παρά το γεγονός ότι οι διαδικτυακοί ιστότοποι έκθεσης εντυπώσεων αποτελούν ένα σημαντικό μέσο προβολής και καθιέρωσης των ξενοδοχείων, δημιουργούν ταυτόχρονα μία σειρά ζητημάτων για τις επιχειρήσεις του χώρου και ιδιαίτερα τις μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις (ΜΜΕ): φαινόμενα απάτης (ψευδείς κριτικές υπέρ ή εις βάρος επιχειρήσεων), αθέμιτες εμπορικές πρακτικές (εκφοβισμός, μονομερή συμβόλαια), νέες αυξημένες απαιτήσεις για την στρατηγική μάρκετινγκ των τουριστικών επιχειρήσεων που βαραίνουν ιδιαίτερα τις ΜΜΕ κ.λπ.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

| Διαθέτει στοιχεία σχετικά με τη διείσδυση και τον αντίκτυπο των διαδικτυακών ιστότοπων έκθεσης εντυπώσεων στην ευρωπαϊκή τουριστική αγορά, καθώς επίσης και σχετικά με περιπτώσεις αθέμιτων πρακτικών τέτοιων ιστοτόπων ή τουριστικών επιχειρήσεων; |
| --- |

Διαθέτει στοιχεία σχετικά με τη διείσδυση και τον αντίκτυπο των διαδικτυακών ιστότοπων έκθεσης εντυπώσεων στην ευρωπαϊκή τουριστική αγορά, καθώς επίσης και σχετικά με περιπτώσεις αθέμιτων πρακτικών τέτοιων ιστοτόπων ή τουριστικών επιχειρήσεων;

| Έχει αντιμετωπίσει ή προτίθεται να αντιμετωπίσει τα ζητήματα που ανακύπτουν για την ευρωπαϊκή τουριστική αγορά από την άνοδο της σημασίας των διαδικτυακών ιστοτόπων έκθεσης εντυπώσεων στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας Τεχνολογίες της Πληροφορίας και της Επικοινωνίας & Τουρισμός (ICT & Tourism Business Initiative), με απώτερο στόχο την μελλοντική ανάληψη σχετικής πολιτικής πρωτοβουλίας; |
| --- |

Έχει αντιμετωπίσει ή προτίθεται να αντιμετωπίσει τα ζητήματα που ανακύπτουν για την ευρωπαϊκή τουριστική αγορά από την άνοδο της σημασίας των διαδικτυακών ιστοτόπων έκθεσης εντυπώσεων στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας Τεχνολογίες της Πληροφορίας και της Επικοινωνίας & Τουρισμός (ICT & Tourism Business Initiative), με απώτερο στόχο την μελλοντική ανάληψη σχετικής πολιτικής πρωτοβουλίας;

| Προτίθεται να αντιμετωπίσει το φαινόμενο των ψευδών κριτικών, πέραν της εφαρμογής του σημείου 22 του παραρτήματος Ι της Οδηγίας 2005/29/ΕΚ, για τις αθέμιτες εμπορικές πρακτικές, προκειμένου να προστατέψει όχι μόνο τους καταναλωτές από τις επιχειρήσεις (περιπτώσεις που επιχειρηματίες υποδύονται ψευδώς τον καταναλωτή) αλλά και τις επιχειρήσεις από ψευδείς κριτικές καταναλωτών, καθώς ιστότοποι όπως το TripAdvisor δεν απαιτούν απόδειξη διαμονής για την κατάθεση κριτικής; |
| --- |

Προτίθεται να αντιμετωπίσει το φαινόμενο των ψευδών κριτικών, πέραν της εφαρμογής του σημείου 22 του παραρτήματος Ι της Οδηγίας 2005/29/ΕΚ, για τις αθέμιτες εμπορικές πρακτικές, προκειμένου να προστατέψει όχι μόνο τους καταναλωτές από τις επιχειρήσεις (περιπτώσεις που επιχειρηματίες υποδύονται ψευδώς τον καταναλωτή) αλλά και τις επιχειρήσεις από ψευδείς κριτικές καταναλωτών, καθώς ιστότοποι όπως το TripAdvisor δεν απαιτούν απόδειξη διαμονής για την κατάθεση κριτικής;

Απάντηση της κ. Reding εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(19 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

| 1. | Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για το γενικό πρόβλημα της ψευδούς έκθεσης εντυπώσεων στο διαδίκτυο, παρά το γεγονός ότι δεν διαθέτει στατιστικά στοιχεία σχετικά με τον αντίκτυπο αυτών των αθέμιτων πρακτικών στην αγορά τουρισμού της ΕΕ. |
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1.

Η Επιτροπή είναι ενήμερη για το γενικό πρόβλημα της ψευδούς έκθεσης εντυπώσεων στο διαδίκτυο, παρά το γεγονός ότι δεν διαθέτει στατιστικά στοιχεία σχετικά με τον αντίκτυπο αυτών των αθέμιτων πρακτικών στην αγορά τουρισμού της ΕΕ.

| 2. | Αυτό το πρόβλημα, το οποίο ουσιαστικά αφορά πληροφορίες από καταναλωτές σε άλλους καταναλωτές, δεν θα αντιμετωπιστεί, προς το παρόν, στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας στους τομείς ΤΠΕ και Τουρισμού (ICT & Tourism Business Initiative). |
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2.

Αυτό το πρόβλημα, το οποίο ουσιαστικά αφορά πληροφορίες από καταναλωτές σε άλλους καταναλωτές, δεν θα αντιμετωπιστεί, προς το παρόν, στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας στους τομείς ΤΠΕ και Τουρισμού (ICT & Tourism Business Initiative).

| 3. | Η ανακοίνωση σχετικά με την εφαρμογή της οδηγίας 2005/29/ΕΚ (140), και της συνοδευτικής έκθεσης (141), που εγκρίθηκε στις 14 Μαρτίου 2013 προσδιορίζουν βασικούς τομείς για τις ενέργειες στις οποίες θα πρέπει να ενταθούν οι προσπάθειες για την επιβολή της νομοθεσίας, μεταξύ των οποίων συμπεριλαμβάνεται και ο τομέας του Διαδικτύου (online), όπου επισημαίνεται ειδικά το θέμα των εργαλείων αξιολόγησης που παρέχονται στους πελάτες (142). Επί του παρόντος διεξάγονται εργασίες για να επικαιροποιηθούν οι κατευθυντήριες γραμμές του 2009 σχετικά με την εφαρμογή της οδηγίας 2005/29/ΕΚ και να επιτραπεί στις εθνικές αρχές επιβολής του νόμου να περιορίσουν τις επιζήμιες αυτές πρακτικές. |
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3.

Η ανακοίνωση σχετικά με την εφαρμογή της οδηγίας 2005/29/ΕΚ (140), και της συνοδευτικής έκθεσης (141), που εγκρίθηκε στις 14 Μαρτίου 2013 προσδιορίζουν βασικούς τομείς για τις ενέργειες στις οποίες θα πρέπει να ενταθούν οι προσπάθειες για την επιβολή της νομοθεσίας, μεταξύ των οποίων συμπεριλαμβάνεται και ο τομέας του Διαδικτύου (online), όπου επισημαίνεται ειδικά το θέμα των εργαλείων αξιολόγησης που παρέχονται στους πελάτες (142). Επί του παρόντος διεξάγονται εργασίες για να επικαιροποιηθούν οι κατευθυντήριες γραμμές του 2009 σχετικά με την εφαρμογή της οδηγίας 2005/29/ΕΚ και να επιτραπεί στις εθνικές αρχές επιβολής του νόμου να περιορίσουν τις επιζήμιες αυτές πρακτικές.

Οι συμμετέχοντες φορείς στον πλειονομερή διάλογο επί των εργαλείων αξιολόγησης συνέστησαν (143) να λαμβάνονται μέτρα από τους φορείς εκμετάλλευσης των εργαλείων αξιολόγησης, ώστε να εξασφαλίζεται η γνησιότητα των αξιολογήσεων των χρηστών και της βαθμολογίας που παρουσιάζουν. Σε συνέχεια στον διάλογο αυτό, η Επιτροπή έχει δρομολογήσει διεξοδική μελέτη σχετικά με τα επιχειρηματικά μοντέλα και την επίδραση των εργαλείων αξιολόγησης στους καταναλωτές στο πλαίσιο της ΕΕ. Τα συμπεράσματα της μελέτης αυτής αναμένονται τον Ιούλιο του 2014.

Τον Οκτώβριο, η Επιτροπή δρομολόγησε δημόσια διαβούλευση σχετικά με την αναθεώρηση του κανονισμού 2006/2004/ΕΚ σχετικά με τη συνεργασία για την προστασία των καταναλωτών (ΣΠΚ) (144). Στην επανεξέταση διερευνώνται τρόποι για τη βελτίωση της εποπτείας της αγοράς και τον εντοπισμό των παραβάσεων, καθώς και δυνατότητες για τη λήψη οικονομικά αποδοτικών και ταχέων κατασταλτικών μέτρων σε περίπτωση παραβάσεων όσον αφορά μεγάλο πλήθος καταναλωτών σε ολόκληρη την ΕΕ.

Επιπλέον, προετοιμάζεται εκστρατεία ευαισθητοποίησης σε επίπεδο ΕΕ με σκοπό να αυξηθούν οι συνολικές γνώσεις τόσο για τα δικαιώματα των καταναλωτών όσο και για τις δυνατότητες επιβολής της νομοθεσίας σε διάφορους τομείς.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010029/13

to the Commission

Spyros Danellis (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Review websites and protection of EU businesses and consumers

Review websites are one of the most important marketing tools for the modern tourism industry. According to a recent survey by eMarketer in March 2013, over 1 000 000 reviews have been posted on the TripAdvisor website; this represents an increase in the order of 50% during the current year. Also, according to TripAdvisor’s TripBarometer, 49% of those questioned stated that they trusted review websites more than any other source.

Despite the fact that review websites are an important channel for promoting and establishing hotels, they also raise a number of questions for businesses in the sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as: fraud (bogus positive or negative reviews of businesses), unfair commercial practices (coercion, unilateral contracts), new and enhanced demands in terms of business marketing strategies, which are especially onerous for SMEs, and so on.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

| Does it have statistics on the penetration and impact of review websites on the European tourism market and on cases of unfair practices by such websites or tourist businesses? |
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Does it have statistics on the penetration and impact of review websites on the European tourism market and on cases of unfair practices by such websites or tourist businesses?

| Has it addressed or does it intend to address the issues emerging for the European tourism market from the increased importance of review websites within the framework of the ICT & Tourism Business Initiative), in the ultimate aim of adopting some such initiative policy in future? |
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Has it addressed or does it intend to address the issues emerging for the European tourism market from the increased importance of review websites within the framework of the ICT & Tourism Business Initiative), in the ultimate aim of adopting some such initiative policy in future?

| Does it intend to address the problem of bogus criticism, other than applying point 22 of Annex I to Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices, in order to protect both consumers from businesses (where businesses falsely represent themselves as consumers) and businesses from bogus consumer reviews, given that websites such as TripAdvisor do not require reviewers to prove they went where they said they went in order to post a review? |
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Does it intend to address the problem of bogus criticism, other than applying point 22 of Annex I to Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices, in order to protect both consumers from businesses (where businesses falsely represent themselves as consumers) and businesses from bogus consumer reviews, given that websites such as TripAdvisor do not require reviewers to prove they went where they said they went in order to post a review?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is aware of the general problem of online fake reviews, although it does not have statistics on the impact of such unfair practices on the EU tourism market. |
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1.

The Commission is aware of the general problem of online fake reviews, although it does not have statistics on the impact of such unfair practices on the EU tourism market.

| 2. | This problem, which essentially pertains to information from consumers to other consumers, will not be addressed, for the time being, within the ICT and Tourism Business Initiative. |
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2.

This problem, which essentially pertains to information from consumers to other consumers, will not be addressed, for the time being, within the ICT and Tourism Business Initiative.

| 3. | The communication on the application of Directive 2005/29/EC (145) and its accompanying Report (146) adopted on 14 March 2013 identify key areas for actions where enforcement should be stepped up, including the online sector, where the issue of customer review tools (147) is specifically highlighted. Work is currently ongoing to update the 2009 Guidance on the implementation of Directive 2005/29/EC and make it easier for national enforcers to curb such harmful practices. |
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3.

The communication on the application of Directive 2005/29/EC (145) and its accompanying Report (146) adopted on 14 March 2013 identify key areas for actions where enforcement should be stepped up, including the online sector, where the issue of customer review tools (147) is specifically highlighted. Work is currently ongoing to update the 2009 Guidance on the implementation of Directive 2005/29/EC and make it easier for national enforcers to curb such harmful practices.

Participants to the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Comparison Tools recommended (148) that comparison tools operators take measures to ensure the authenticity of the user reviews and ratings they feature. As a follow-up, the Commission is launching an in-depth study on the business models and influence on consumers of comparison tools in the EU, whose findings are expected by July 2014.

In October the Commission launched a public consultation on the review of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation 2006/2004/EC (149). The review explores ways to improve market surveillance and infringements detection and options to provide a cost-efficient and fast enforcement response to infringements concerning a large number of consumers across the EU.

Furthermore, an EU-wide awareness raising campaign is currently being prepared in order to increase the overall knowledge of both consumer rights and enforcement options in various areas.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010030/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(10 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Άσκηση εποπτείας μετά το πρόγραμμα. Εφαρμογή Οικονομικής Διακυβέρνησης

Ο έλληνας Πρωθυπουργός, σε ομιλία του στη Διεθνή Έκθεση Θεσσαλονίκης, στις 7.9.2013, συνέδεσε τη δημιουργία πρωτογενών πλεονασμάτων από την Ελλάδα με την έξοδό της από το καθεστώς των μνημονίων και της διεθνούς επιτήρησης. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, ο Έλληνας Πρωθυπουργός ανέφερε, μεταξύ άλλων, ότι το «πρωτογενές πλεόνασμα είναι το πρώτο αποφασιστικό βήμα για να βγούμε από τη μνημονιακή πολιτική» και ότι «σε λίγο θα μπορούμε να πούμε:τέλος και η εποχή των μνημονίων! όπου άλλοι καθόριζαν την πολιτική μας ...».

Με δεδομένο τον Κανονισμό (ΕΕ) 472/2013 για την ενίσχυση της οικονομικής και δημοσιονομικής εποπτείας στη ζώνη του ευρώ, και συγκεκριμένα, το άρθρο 14, σχετικά με την άσκηση εποπτείας μετά το πρόγραμμα, το οποίο αναφέρει ότι «τα κράτη μέλη παραμένουν υπό εποπτεία μετά το πρόγραμμα εφόσον δεν έχει εξοφληθεί τουλάχιστον το 75% της χρηματοδοτικής συνδρομής που έχει ληφθεί από ένα ή περισσότερα άλλα κράτη μέλη, τον ΕΜΧΣ (EFSM), τον ΕΜΣ (ESM) ή το ΕΤΧΣ (EFSF). Το Συμβούλιο, μετά από πρόταση της Επιτροπής, μπορεί να παρατείνει τη διάρκεια άσκησης εποπτείας μετά το πρόγραμμα σε περίπτωση που εξακολουθεί να υπάρχει κίνδυνος για τη δημοσιονομική βιωσιμότητα του οικείου κράτους μέλους», χωρίς μάλιστα το εν λόγω κράτος μέλος να έχει δικαίωμα ψήφου στο Συμβούλιο (άρθρο 15), ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Μπορεί να καταστήσει σαφές ότι, ο Κανονισμός 1173/2011, ο Κανονισμός 1174/2011, ο Κανονισμός 1175/2011, ο Κανονισμός 1176/2011, ο Κανονισμός 1177/2011, η Οδηγία 2011/85/ΕΕ, ο Κανονισμός 472/2013, ο Κανονισμός 473/2013, κατατείνουν στον περιορισμό των κυριαρχικών και δημοκρατικών δικαιωμάτων των κρατών μελών και στη θεσμοποίηση πρωτοφανών παρεμβάσεων των θεσμικών οργάνων της ΕΕ, αλλά και των ισχυρών κρατών μελών, στην άσκηση κυρίαρχης οικονομικής και δημοσιονομικής πολιτικής και στη μονιμοποίηση ενός καθεστώτος αυστηρής λιτότητας σε βάρος των λαών της Ευρώπης;

Απάντηση του κ. Rehn εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(25 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Οι προαναφερθέντες κανονισμοί έχουν συμφωνηθεί από τα κράτη μέλη στο πλαίσιο του Συμβουλίου. Στοχεύουν στον ομαλό και αποτελεσματικό συντονισμό των οικονομικών πολιτικών, καθώς και στην καλύτερη διασύνδεση μεταξύ των διακυβερνητικών μέσων για τη χορήγηση χρηματοδοτικής συνδρομής και του πλαισίου της ΕΕ. Είναι αναγκαία η χρηστή διαχείριση των δημόσιων οικονομικών ώστε να διασφαλιστεί η βιωσιμότητα του ευρωπαϊκού κοινωνικού μοντέλου, προς όφελος των ευρωπαίων πολιτών.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010030/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Post-programme surveillance and economic governance

In a speech to the Thessaloniki International Exhibition on 7 September 2013, the Greek Prime Minister linked the primary surpluses generated by Greece with its exit from memorandum status and international surveillance. In fact, he stated during his speech that the ‘primary surplus is the first step towards our exit from the policy imposed by the memoranda’ and that ‘soon we shall be able to say: the time for memoranda — when others dictated our policy — is over’.

In view of the fact that regulation (EU) No 472/2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area and, more specifically, Article 14 on post-programme surveillance states that ‘A Member State shall be under post-programme surveillance as long as a minimum of 75% of the financial assistance received from one or several other Member States, the EFSM, the ESM or the EFSF has not been repaid. The Council, on a proposal from the Commission, may extend the duration of the post-programme surveillance in the event of a persistent risk to the ... fiscal sustainability of the Member State concerned’, without the Member State concerned being entitled to vote in the Council (Article 15), will the Commission say:

Can it clarify that regulation (EU) No 1173/2011, Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011, Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011, Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011, Regulation (EU) No 1177/2011, Directive 2011/85/EU, Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 tend to limit the sovereign and democratic rights of the Member States, institutionalise unprecedented intervention by the EU institutions and the strong Member States in sovereign economic and budget policy and establish a permanent regime of strict austerity to the detriment of the people of Europe?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

The abovementioned regulations were agreed by Member States in the Council. They aim at ensuring a smooth and effective coordination of economic policies and a better articulation between the intergovernmental financial assistance instruments and the EU framework. A sound management of public finances is necessary for ensuring the sustainability of the European social model, to the benefit of the people of Europe.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010031/13

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: EU Guidelines on support to Israeli entities and Horizon 2020

On 17 July 2013 the Commission published guidelines (2013/C 205/05) under which it is to implement the award of EU support to Israeli entities or to their activities in territories occupied by Israel since June 1967.

| 1. | As Israel participates in the framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development, can the Commission clarify whether these guidelines will apply to the Horizon 2020 Programme? |
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1.

As Israel participates in the framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development, can the Commission clarify whether these guidelines will apply to the Horizon 2020 Programme?

| 2. | Has the Commission taken any steps to encourage individual Member States to apply the principles enshrined in the guidelines to any bilateral agreements with Israel or with Israeli organisations? |
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2.

Has the Commission taken any steps to encourage individual Member States to apply the principles enshrined in the guidelines to any bilateral agreements with Israel or with Israeli organisations?

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

(23 October 2013)

The Commission Notice No 2013/C-205/05 establishing guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the occupied territories for EU-funded grants, prizes and financial instruments applies horizontally to all EU programmes that will be implemented as from the start of the 2014-2020 financial framework. This includes the ‘Horizon 2020’ framework programme for research and innovation. The guidelines are applicable to financial support from the Union budget and do not apply to funding opportunities under the national budgets of Member States. At the moment, the Commission's main priority is to ensure that the various implementing instruments of EU programmes under preparation (work programmes, calls for proposals, etc.) properly reflect the eligibility criteria and the implementing arrangements outlined in the guidelines.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010032/13

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Company directorships

Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001 sets out the framework for the establishment of Societas Europaea, European public companies. Member States such as the United Kingdom have legislation (the Companies Directors Disqualifications Act 1986) that sets out under what circumstances company directors can be disqualified for certain types of misconduct. For instance, unfitness to be a company director can be established before a court where the directors have failed to prepare or approve the annual accounts.

| 1. | What rules exist to determine the fitness of company directors across the European Union? |
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1.

What rules exist to determine the fitness of company directors across the European Union?

| 2. | Has the Commission considered the implementation of EU‐wide legislation to ensure that company directors are fit to hold office within the European Union? |
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2.

Has the Commission considered the implementation of EU‐wide legislation to ensure that company directors are fit to hold office within the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

| 1. | Pursuant to Article 47 of the European Company (SE) Statute
   (150), mentioned in the Honourable Member’s question, a person may not be a member of any European Company’s board if the person concerned is disqualified from serving on a corresponding board of a national public limited liability company (a) under the law of the Member State where this SE has its registered office or (b) owing to a judicial or administrative decision delivered in a Member State. There are currently no other specific harmonised rules at EU level as regards disqualification of directors. |
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1.

Pursuant to Article 47 of the European Company (SE) Statute
   (150), mentioned in the Honourable Member’s question, a person may not be a member of any European Company’s board if the person concerned is disqualified from serving on a corresponding board of a national public limited liability company (a) under the law of the Member State where this SE has its registered office or (b) owing to a judicial or administrative decision delivered in a Member State. There are currently no other specific harmonised rules at EU level as regards disqualification of directors.

On the related issue of liability of directors, a study on directors’ duties and liabilities was recently produced for the Commission by an external contractor, providing an overview and analysis of national laws and corporate practice across the EU. This study was published in April 2013 (151).

| 2. | As regards the fitness of company directors in credit institutions and investment firms, the recently adopted Capital Requirements Directive (152) provides that members of the management body shall at all times be of sufficiently good repute and possess sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to perform their duties. They shall act with honesty, integrity and independence of mind. The European Banking Authority will issue guidelines on some of the key issues concerning the composition of the boards of banks and the duties and competences of their members by the end of 2015 (153). There are currently no plans to propose EU-wide legislation for the non-financial sector on this issue. |
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2.

As regards the fitness of company directors in credit institutions and investment firms, the recently adopted Capital Requirements Directive (152) provides that members of the management body shall at all times be of sufficiently good repute and possess sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to perform their duties. They shall act with honesty, integrity and independence of mind. The European Banking Authority will issue guidelines on some of the key issues concerning the composition of the boards of banks and the duties and competences of their members by the end of 2015 (153). There are currently no plans to propose EU-wide legislation for the non-financial sector on this issue.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010033/13

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Gibraltar and collaboration on tax, financial services and money laundering matters

The International Monetary Fund’s report of May 2007 (Country Report No 07/154) noted that ‘Gibraltar has a well-regulated financial sector. The Gibraltar authorities are concerned with protecting the reputation and integrity of Gibraltar as a financial centre, and are cognizant of the importance of adopting and applying international regulatory standards and best supervisory practices. Gibraltar has a good reputation internationally for cooperation and information sharing.’

Can the Commission state whether it has ever received a well-founded complaint regarding an alleged failure by the Government of Gibraltar to provide or exchange information or failure to collaborate generally on tax, financial services or money laundering matters?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

To date the Commission has not received complaints meeting the description given by the Honourable Member.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010034/13

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Gibraltar and European Union law

Gibraltar joined the European Community alongside the rest of the United Kingdom in 1973, and it is obligated to comply with EC law by virtue of Article 355(3) TFEU.

In the light of the above, can the Commission:

| Confirm that there are no directives on financial services outstanding for transposition in Gibraltar? |
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Confirm that there are no directives on financial services outstanding for transposition in Gibraltar?

| Confirm that there are no directives on the exchange of information or mutual assistance on tax matters outstanding for transposition in Gibraltar? |
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Confirm that there are no directives on the exchange of information or mutual assistance on tax matters outstanding for transposition in Gibraltar?

| Say what directives to combat money laundering have been transposed in Gibraltar and whether any remain outstanding? |
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Say what directives to combat money laundering have been transposed in Gibraltar and whether any remain outstanding?

| Confirm, based on more general legislation, that all EU directives, the transposition deadline of which has passed, have been transposed in Gibraltar? |
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Confirm, based on more general legislation, that all EU directives, the transposition deadline of which has passed, have been transposed in Gibraltar?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

| 1. | Currently there are no infringement proceedings pending against the United Kingdom concerning the non-transposition of Directives on financial services in Gibraltar. |
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1.

Currently there are no infringement proceedings pending against the United Kingdom concerning the non-transposition of Directives on financial services in Gibraltar.

| 2. | Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and replacing Directive 77/799/EEC was transposed in Gibraltar by means of the Income Tax Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2013, which were published in the Second Supplement to the Gibraltar Gazette No 3977 of 17 January 2013. The said legislation entered into force on 1 January 2013. |
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2.

Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and replacing Directive 77/799/EEC was transposed in Gibraltar by means of the Income Tax Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2013, which were published in the Second Supplement to the Gibraltar Gazette No 3977 of 17 January 2013. The said legislation entered into force on 1 January 2013.

| 3. | Directive 2005/60/EC on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing and Directive 2006/70/EC laying down implementing measures for Directive 2005/60/EC were transposed via two legal acts (No 37 of 2007, and No 38 of 2007, both published in the Gibraltar Gazette on 20 December 2007). |
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3.

Directive 2005/60/EC on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing and Directive 2006/70/EC laying down implementing measures for Directive 2005/60/EC were transposed via two legal acts (No 37 of 2007, and No 38 of 2007, both published in the Gibraltar Gazette on 20 December 2007).

| 4. | As regards all Directives, the Commission points out that, pursuant to the Treaties, it initiates infringement proceedings only against Member States. This being so, it can state that in this instance, as at 30 September 2013, there were 14 cases pending against the United Kingdom for failure to notify national transposition measures. |
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4.

As regards all Directives, the Commission points out that, pursuant to the Treaties, it initiates infringement proceedings only against Member States. This being so, it can state that in this instance, as at 30 September 2013, there were 14 cases pending against the United Kingdom for failure to notify national transposition measures.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010035/13

to the Commission

Sir Graham Watson (ALDE)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Study on the potential for reducing mercury pollution from dental amalgam and batteries, final report

The ‘Study on the potential for reducing mercury pollution from dental amalgam and batteries — Final report’ of 11 July 2012 was conducted on behalf of the Commission and recommended phasing out the use of dental amalgam owing to mercury’s negative impact on the environment. The researchers point out that mercury is released from natural deterioration of amalgam fillings in people’s mouths, cremation and burial and residual emissions into urban wastewater treatment plants. The report also highlights the fact that with mercury disappearing from use in other industries dentistry will soon become the largest mercury user in Europe.

The study suggested a possible ban could be implemented by adding the use of mercury in dentistry to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), which is the EU regulatory framework for chemicals that aims to enhance the protection of human health and the environment.

Can the Commission confirm whether it has accepted the findings of this study?

Has it decided to move forward with any recommendations from the study, and if so, how is this progressing?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) concluded in 2008 that on the basis of the information available, it was not possible to ‘comprehensively assess the environmental risks and indirect health effects from use of dental amalgam’, and identified a number of gaps that would have to be addressed (154).

In reviewing in 2010 the EU Strategy on Mercury, the Commission identified dental amalgam as one of the biggest remaining uses of mercury in the EU and undertook the study mentioned by the Honourable Member.

In view of the final report of the study (155) the Commission requested SCHER to update its 2008 opinion on the basis of the latest scientific information available. SCHER has recently published a preliminary opinion (156) focusing on environmental effects of dental amalgam, which is currently open for public consultation. A public hearing is scheduled in Luxembourg on 6 November 2013.

The Commission is awaiting the outcome of this process, as well as a corresponding opinion by the Scientific Committee for Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) focusing on effects of dental amalgam on human health before concluding on the appropriateness of any next steps.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010036/13

to the Commission

Peter Skinner (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Helicopters ferrying workers to offshore drilling installations

In the light of the crash of a Eurocopter AS332 L2 on 23 August 2013 which resulted in four deaths, and a similar accident which took place four years ago, could the Commission respond to the following questions:

While the EU has made significant steps to improve the safety of workers involved in oil and gas drilling, does it not agree that the highest level of safety in travel to and from offshore installations remains an integral part of this process?

Will the protection afforded to whistleblowers in the recently adopted Parliament resolution of 21 May 2013 on safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities (157) be extended to protect workers who raise safety concerns before leaving the mainland for the offshore platform and who are often fearful of being issued an NRB (not required back) notice, thereby endangering their careers?

Also, what action will the European Aviation Safety Agency take following its recent emergency directive calling for accelerated inspections to detect potential corrosion on AS350 and ECC130 models?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2013)

The Commission agrees that the highest level of safety in travel to and from offshore installations is an issue of key importance as referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Parliament resolution referred to by the honourable member was important for the negotiations on the directive 2013/30/EU on safety of offshore oil and gas operations which was subsequently adopted in June 2013. While the directive focuses on improving the safety of offshore oil and gas operations not including helicopter accidents outside the safety zones around platforms, it requests Member States to ensure conditions for ‘confidential reporting of safety and environmental concerns relating to offshore oil and gas operations from any source’ (Article 22).

Council Directive 92/91/EEC lays down minimum requirements for the safety and protection of workers in the mineral-extracting industries through drilling. Whereas it does not specifically address the issue of traveling to or from the offshore platform it is without prejudice to the possibility of Member States to include this aspect in the national transposing provisions in accordance with Article 153 (4) of TFEU.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) addresses any potential unsafe condition by issuing Airworthiness Directives (AD) when this is deemed necessary. In this context EASA issued an Emergency AD (EAD) 2013-0191-E to account for the effect of salt laden atmosphere for offshore operating helicopters and to address an error in a modification installation procedure. This EAD requires periodical inspections for corrosion, installation of protection against corrosive environment, and testing for insulation and operation of the switches in the engine ‘IDLE’ / ‘FLIGHT’ control system.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010037/13

to the Commission

Peter Skinner (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Biofuels

Current Commission proposals on biofuels with regard to their adverse effects on food security in developing countries have been the subject of much controversy recently.

Does the Commission plan to introduce a full list of rules and ethical criteria in line with EU goals on development and in other areas (incorporating social as well as environmental effects), to be applied to all means used to cut the EU’s transport emissions?

Will this be applied to biomass and biofuels being developed in the UK?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

Under the current and proposed EU legislation on sustainability of biofuels and bioliquids (158), harmonised EU sustainability criteria as well as monitoring and reporting requirements (159) cover various environmental and social sustainability considerations. Also many voluntary schemes recognised by the European Commission for demonstrating compliance with the EU sustainability criteria do require respect of additional environmental and social requirements from their members.

Biofuels consumed in the EU must be compliant with these criteria to be eligible for final support and to measure compliance towards targets and obligations specified under the Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directives. Voluntary schemes are free to choose their scope and geographical coverage.

Technologies with relevance to GHG emission savings in transport may additionally be covered by various sectoral and horizontal measures in the EU, as well as by bilateral and international cooperation instruments of the EU and its Member States with third countries and international institutions. All these elements apply to biofuels that have been developed in the UK.

The Commission is currently analysing the sustainability issues associated with increased use of solid and gaseous biomass for electricity, heating and cooling in the EU in order to determine whether additional action is needed and if so, under which form it would be appropriate.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010038/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: États «îlots énergétiques»

Certains États membres, véritables «îlots énergétiques», sont entièrement coupés des réseaux européens de gaz et d'électricité et continuent de payer à des prix plus élevés leurs ressources énergétiques, ce qui altère leur compétitivité.

| 1. | La Commission estime-t-elle que ces États membres, à moins d'investissements considérables dans leurs infrastructures, ne seront pas en mesure de respecter l'engagement réitéré du Conseil européen pour 2015? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission estime-t-elle que ces États membres, à moins d'investissements considérables dans leurs infrastructures, ne seront pas en mesure de respecter l'engagement réitéré du Conseil européen pour 2015?

| 2. | La Commission, à la demande de ces États membres, ne devrait-elle pas participer aux négociations avec les fournisseurs de pays tiers sur les prix des ressources énergétiques, par exemple pour l'achat de gaz? |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Commission, à la demande de ces États membres, ne devrait-elle pas participer aux négociations avec les fournisseurs de pays tiers sur les prix des ressources énergétiques, par exemple pour l'achat de gaz?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(29 octobre 2013)

| 1. | La Commission estime que — afin d'atteindre les objectifs fixés par le Conseil européen — les infrastructures énergétiques devront connaître des développements importants dans l'ensemble de l'Union européenne pour parachever le marché intérieur et rompre l'isolement de certains États membres. La liste des projets d'intérêt commun de l'Union, récemment adoptée, constitue une première étape dans cette direction. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission estime que — afin d'atteindre les objectifs fixés par le Conseil européen — les infrastructures énergétiques devront connaître des développements importants dans l'ensemble de l'Union européenne pour parachever le marché intérieur et rompre l'isolement de certains États membres. La liste des projets d'intérêt commun de l'Union, récemment adoptée, constitue une première étape dans cette direction.

| 2. | À la demande d'un État membre, la Commission peut lui apporter son aide dans les négociations avec les fournisseurs de gaz. L'aide apportée par la Commission doit porter sur des questions relevant de sa compétence, notamment le respect des règles du marché intérieur et de la législation en matière de concurrence. |
| --- | --- |

2.

À la demande d'un État membre, la Commission peut lui apporter son aide dans les négociations avec les fournisseurs de gaz. L'aide apportée par la Commission doit porter sur des questions relevant de sa compétence, notamment le respect des règles du marché intérieur et de la législation en matière de concurrence.

En outre, le Conseil peut adopter des décisions autorisant la Commission européenne à mener, au nom de l'Union européenne, des négociations liées aux accords intergouvernementaux portant sur des projets d'infrastructures énergétiques d'une importance stratégique. Un État membre peut également inviter la Commission européenne à négocier des accords intergouvernementaux en son nom. Ces mandats peuvent renforcer la position des États membres lors des négociations et assurer la parfaite concordance des accords intergouvernementaux avec l'acquis de l'Union européenne.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010038/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: ‘Energy island’ states

Some Member States, being energy islands, are still totally isolated from the European gas and electricity networks and continue to pay higher prices for energy resources, which affect their competitiveness.

| 1. | Does the Commission believe that, without substantial infrastructure investment, those Member States will not be able to achieve the commitment reiterated by the Council by 2015? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission believe that, without substantial infrastructure investment, those Member States will not be able to achieve the commitment reiterated by the Council by 2015?

| 2. | Should not the Commission, at the request of those Member States, take part in negotiations with non-EU energy suppliers on the subject of energy prices, for instance where the purchase of gas is concerned? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Should not the Commission, at the request of those Member States, take part in negotiations with non-EU energy suppliers on the subject of energy prices, for instance where the purchase of gas is concerned?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission believes that in order to meet the objectives set by the European Council, i.e. to complete the internal market and end the isolation of certain Member states, significant energy infrastructure developments are needed throughout the whole European Union. The recently adopted Union list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) constitutes a step in this sense. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission believes that in order to meet the objectives set by the European Council, i.e. to complete the internal market and end the isolation of certain Member states, significant energy infrastructure developments are needed throughout the whole European Union. The recently adopted Union list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) constitutes a step in this sense.

| 2. | The Commission, upon request of a Member State, may assist in its negotiations with gas suppliers. The Commission's assistance should focus on issues falling within its competence, such as the compliance with internal market and competition legislation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission, upon request of a Member State, may assist in its negotiations with gas suppliers. The Commission's assistance should focus on issues falling within its competence, such as the compliance with internal market and competition legislation.

In addition, the Council can adopt Decisions authorising the European Commission to conduct negotiations related to Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) for energy infrastructure projects of strategic importance on behalf of the European Union. Individual Member States can also invite the European Commission to negotiate such IGAs on their behalf. These mandates can strengthen Member States' negotiating position and ensure full compliance of the IGAs with EU acquis.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010039/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Définition de la solidarité énergétique

La solidarité entre États membres, voulue par le traité sur l'Union européenne, devrait régner aussi bien dans le travail quotidien que dans la gestion de crise pour ce qui touche aux volets intérieur et extérieur de la politique de l'énergie.

La Commission ne devrait-elle pas fournir une définition claire de la «solidarité énergétique», afin d'en assurer le respect par tous les États membres?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(6 novembre 2013)

La mise en place d'une solidarité réelle entre les États membres dans le domaine de l'énergie est l'un des principaux sujets qui sous-tend la politique énergétique de l'Union européenne. Nous y contribuons grâce aux dispositions figurant dans de nombreux actes législatifs de l'UE (comme par exemple, le règlement (UE) n° 994/2010 concernant des mesures visant à garantir la sécurité de l'approvisionnement en gaz naturel, la directive 2005/89/CE concernant des mesures visant à garantir la sécurité de l'approvisionnement en électricité et les investissements dans les infrastructures et le règlement (UE) n° 347/2013 concernant des orientations pour les infrastructures énergétiques transeuropéennes).

L'existence d'un marché intérieur de l'énergie fonctionnant correctement est la principale condition d'une solidarité efficace dans le domaine de l'énergie. L'achèvement de celui-ci est donc une priorité pour la Commission.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010039/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Definition of energy solidarity

The solidarity between Member States called for by the EU Treaty should apply to both the daily working and the crisis management of the internal and external energy policy.

Should the Commission not provide a clear definition of ‘energy solidarity’ in order to ensure that it is respected by all Member States?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

Achieving tangible solidarity between Member States in the field of energy is one of the main underlying themes of EU energy policy. It is pursued through provisions in many pieces of EU legislation (e.g. Regulation (EU) 994/2010 on measures to safeguard security of gas supplies; Directive 2005/89/EC concerning measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment; and the TEN-E Regulation (347/2013) on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure).

The main prerequisite for solidarity to work well in the area of energy is the existence of a well-functioning internal energy market, the completion of which is a key priority of the Commission.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010040/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Conséquences des décisions adoptées en matière d'approvisionnement en énergie sur les prix payés par les consommateurs

Un marché intérieur ouvert et transparent, sur lequel toutes les compagnies de l'Union ou de pays tiers respectent l'acquis communautaire dans le domaine de l'énergie, peut contribuer au renforcement de la position des fournisseurs européens d'énergie lors de leurs négociations avec des concurrents extérieurs, ce qui est particulièrement important dans la perspective d'une éventuelle coordination ultérieure, à l'échelon de l'Union, des achats d'énergie auprès de sources tierces.

| 1. | La Commission partage-t-elle l'avis selon lequel l'établissement d'une agence d'achat groupé de gaz, avec les mécanismes que cela suppose, afin de contrebalancer la position de monopole des fournisseurs extérieurs dominants serait profitable? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission partage-t-elle l'avis selon lequel l'établissement d'une agence d'achat groupé de gaz, avec les mécanismes que cela suppose, afin de contrebalancer la position de monopole des fournisseurs extérieurs dominants serait profitable?

| 2. | Dans ses relations avec les fournisseurs d'énergie de pays tiers, la Commission compte‐t‐elle, comme le suggère le Parlement, prendre en considération les conséquences de ses décisions sur les prix payés par les consommateurs et faire preuve de transparence à cet égard? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Dans ses relations avec les fournisseurs d'énergie de pays tiers, la Commission compte‐t‐elle, comme le suggère le Parlement, prendre en considération les conséquences de ses décisions sur les prix payés par les consommateurs et faire preuve de transparence à cet égard?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(30 octobre 2013)

| 1. | La Commission ne souscrit pas à la proposition de l'Honorable Parlementaire. L'achat groupé n'est pas une solution propre à garantir que tous les opérateurs du marché respectent les règles du marché intérieur et que les prix à la consommation soient maîtrisés. En outre, la tendance au niveau de l'approvisionnement mondial en gaz consiste à davantage diversifier l'approvisionnement, et à abandonner une offre monopolistique. Au sein de l'UE, cette solution réside dans une meilleure interconnexion et la libre circulation du gaz afin d'offrir le choix aux consommateurs. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission ne souscrit pas à la proposition de l'Honorable Parlementaire. L'achat groupé n'est pas une solution propre à garantir que tous les opérateurs du marché respectent les règles du marché intérieur et que les prix à la consommation soient maîtrisés. En outre, la tendance au niveau de l'approvisionnement mondial en gaz consiste à davantage diversifier l'approvisionnement, et à abandonner une offre monopolistique. Au sein de l'UE, cette solution réside dans une meilleure interconnexion et la libre circulation du gaz afin d'offrir le choix aux consommateurs.

| 2. | Oui, dans la mesure où il est possible de déterminer ces conséquences. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Oui, dans la mesure où il est possible de déterminer ces conséquences.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010040/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Impact of energy supply decisions on consumer prices

An open and transparent internal market, where all EU and third-country companies respect the acquis communautaire in the field of energy, can help strengthen the negotiating position of EU energy suppliers with regard to external competitors, which is particularly important for the potential of further coordinating external energy purchasing at EU level.

| 1. | Does the Commission agree that the establishment of a joint gas purchase agency, and the mechanisms needed for this, in order to counterbalance the monopolistic position of dominant external suppliers would be beneficial? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission agree that the establishment of a joint gas purchase agency, and the mechanisms needed for this, in order to counterbalance the monopolistic position of dominant external suppliers would be beneficial?

| 2. | In its relations with third-country energy suppliers, will the Commission act on Parliament’s suggestion that it should take into account, and be transparent about, the impact of its decisions on consumer prices? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In its relations with third-country energy suppliers, will the Commission act on Parliament’s suggestion that it should take into account, and be transparent about, the impact of its decisions on consumer prices?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission does not agree with the Honourable Member's proposal. Joint purchasing is no solution to ensure that all market operators respect the rules of the internal market or that consumer prices remain under control. Furthermore, the trend in global gas supply is into more diversity and away from a monopolistic supply. Within the EU the solution lies in more interconnectedness and free flow of gas so that consumers have a choice. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission does not agree with the Honourable Member's proposal. Joint purchasing is no solution to ensure that all market operators respect the rules of the internal market or that consumer prices remain under control. Furthermore, the trend in global gas supply is into more diversity and away from a monopolistic supply. Within the EU the solution lies in more interconnectedness and free flow of gas so that consumers have a choice.

| 2. | Yes, to the extent that it is possible to know this impact. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Yes, to the extent that it is possible to know this impact.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010041/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Négociations sur les projets d'infrastructure

La Commission partage-t-elle l'avis du Parlement selon lequel elle devrait avoir des mandats lui permettant de mener les négociations sur les projets d'infrastructure d'importance stratégique qui touchent à la sécurité de l'approvisionnement de l'Union européenne dans son ensemble? De tels mandats devraient être également envisagés dans le cas d'autres accords intergouvernementaux considérés comme ayant un impact significatif sur la politique énergétique à long terme de l'Union, en particulier sur son indépendance énergétique.

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(29 octobre 2013)

La Commission convient que les mandats de négociation confiés par le Conseil à la Commission européenne afin de mener les négociations dans le cadre d'accords intergouvernementaux sur les projets d'infrastructures énergétiques d'importance stratégique sont susceptibles de renforcer la position de négociation des États membres et d'assurer la parfaite concordance des accords intergouvernementaux avec l'acquis de l'Union européenne.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010041/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Negotiations on infrastructure projects

Does the Commission share Parliament’s view that the Commission should be granted mandates to conduct negotiations on infrastructure projects of strategic importance that affect the security of supply to the EU as a whole? Such mandates should also be considered in the instances of other intergovernmental agreements considered to have a significant impact on the EU’s long-term energy policy objectives, in particular its energy independence.

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The Commission agrees that negotiation directives granted by the Council to the European Commission in order to conduct negotiations related to Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) for energy infrastructure projects of strategic importance can strengthen Member States' negotiating position and ensure full compliance of the IGAs with EU acquis.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010042/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Infractions en relation avec le «paquet énergie»

Les États membres doivent transposer et mettre en œuvre intégralement et de toute urgence toute la législation pertinente de l'Union, notamment le troisième «paquet énergie».

| 1. | Quelles mesures la Commission compte-t-elle prendre contre les États membres où la mise en œuvre a été indûment retardée? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Quelles mesures la Commission compte-t-elle prendre contre les États membres où la mise en œuvre a été indûment retardée?

| 2. | La Commission a déjà lancé des procédures officielles d'enquête pour infraction au droit de l'Union. Quel est l'état d'avancement de ces procédures? |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Commission a déjà lancé des procédures officielles d'enquête pour infraction au droit de l'Union. Quel est l'état d'avancement de ces procédures?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(15 novembre 2013)

| 1. | La Commission considère la mise en œuvre du troisième «paquet énergie» (directive électricité 2009/72/CE et directive gaz 2009/73/CE) comme une priorité essentielle. C'est pourquoi elle prend des mesures visant à garantir que cette mise en œuvre soit effective et réalisée en temps utile. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission considère la mise en œuvre du troisième «paquet énergie» (directive électricité 2009/72/CE et directive gaz 2009/73/CE) comme une priorité essentielle. C'est pourquoi elle prend des mesures visant à garantir que cette mise en œuvre soit effective et réalisée en temps utile.

Après expiration du délai de transposition (160) prévu pour le troisième paquet, la Commission a ouvert une procédure d'infraction contre tous les États membres qui n'avaient pas (pleinement) transposé les directives, en formant 38 recours pour non-transposition (partielle) entre septembre et novembre 2011.

| 2. | Cette action a été suivie, en 2012 et 2013, par une évaluation de l'ensemble des notifications des États membres. Certaines de ces procédures ont été clôturées lorsque les EM se sont acquittés de leurs obligations. Depuis octobre 2012 jusqu'à ce jour, quatorze procédures ont été ouvertes à l'encontre de sept EM. (161) Après le 30 septembre 2013, trois de ces actions ont été clôturées, tandis que les autres sont toujours pendantes. Il existe également trois affaires en cours au stade de l'avis motivé. (162) Les États membres contre lesquels des procédures d'infraction ont été ouvertes notifient régulièrement des mesures de transposition. Ceux qui sont visés par des actions en cours continuent de notifier des mesures de transposition. Lesdites mesures sont évaluées actuellement par la Commission et seront prises en compte dans la procédure. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Cette action a été suivie, en 2012 et 2013, par une évaluation de l'ensemble des notifications des États membres. Certaines de ces procédures ont été clôturées lorsque les EM se sont acquittés de leurs obligations. Depuis octobre 2012 jusqu'à ce jour, quatorze procédures ont été ouvertes à l'encontre de sept EM. (161) Après le 30 septembre 2013, trois de ces actions ont été clôturées, tandis que les autres sont toujours pendantes. Il existe également trois affaires en cours au stade de l'avis motivé. (162) Les États membres contre lesquels des procédures d'infraction ont été ouvertes notifient régulièrement des mesures de transposition. Ceux qui sont visés par des actions en cours continuent de notifier des mesures de transposition. Lesdites mesures sont évaluées actuellement par la Commission et seront prises en compte dans la procédure.

Outre le suivi des questions de non-transposition (partielle), la Commission traite les questions de non-conformité et procède actuellement à des contrôles détaillés de non-conformité. Pour un certain nombre de pays, les premiers stades de l'enquête dans les procédures d'infraction ont, dans l'intervalle, été lancés.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010042/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Infringements in relation to the energy package

The Member States must transpose and implement fully all relevant EU legislation, in particular the third energy package, as a matter of urgency.

| 1. | What action will the Commission take against those Member States in which implementation has been unduly delayed? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What action will the Commission take against those Member States in which implementation has been unduly delayed?

| 2. | The Commission has already opened formal proceedings to investigate breaches of EU rules. What is the status of those proceedings? |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission has already opened formal proceedings to investigate breaches of EU rules. What is the status of those proceedings?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

| 1. | The Commission considers the implementation of the Third Energy Package (Electricity Directive 2009/72/EC and Gas Directive 2009/73/EC) as a key priority. Therefore, it is taking action to ensure the Package's effective and timely implementation. . |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission considers the implementation of the Third Energy Package (Electricity Directive 2009/72/EC and Gas Directive 2009/73/EC) as a key priority. Therefore, it is taking action to ensure the Package's effective and timely implementation. .

Following the transposition deadline (163) for the Third Package, the Commission took action against all MS which had failed to (fully) transpose the directives by launching 38 cases for (partial) non-transposition between September 2011 and November 2011.

| 2. | This was followed in 2012 and 2013 by an assessment of all incoming notifications. A number of these proceedings were closed when the MS complied with their obligations. Fourteen cases against seven MS were referred to Court from October 2012 until present. (164) As of 30th September 2013, three of these cases were closed while the others are still ongoing. There are also three ongoing cases at the stage of reasoned opinion. (165) Transposition measures are regularly notified by those Member States against which ongoing infringement procedures are initiated. Notifications of transposition measures continue to arrive from the MS against which cases are ongoing. These are being assessed by the Commission and will be taken into account in the proceedings. |
| --- | --- |

2.

This was followed in 2012 and 2013 by an assessment of all incoming notifications. A number of these proceedings were closed when the MS complied with their obligations. Fourteen cases against seven MS were referred to Court from October 2012 until present. (164) As of 30th September 2013, three of these cases were closed while the others are still ongoing. There are also three ongoing cases at the stage of reasoned opinion. (165) Transposition measures are regularly notified by those Member States against which ongoing infringement procedures are initiated. Notifications of transposition measures continue to arrive from the MS against which cases are ongoing. These are being assessed by the Commission and will be taken into account in the proceedings.

In addition to following up issues of (partial) non‐ transposition, the Commission pursues issues of non-conformity and currently conducts detailed non-conformity checks. For a number of countries, the initial investigative stages of infringement proceedings have meanwhile been launched.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010043/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Étude sur les capacités de production

Nous constatons que toutes les pannes générales qui se sont produites jusqu'à présent sont la conséquence d'une défaillance opérationnelle, et non d'un manque de capacités. Il faut reconnaître qu'en raison de la récession économique, des prix élevés du gaz naturel et de la part croissante de la production intermittente d'électricité renouvelable, les investisseurs au sein de l'Union européenne sont confrontés à une grande incertitude lors du développement des capacités flexibles de production d'électricité.

La Commission entend-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, mener une évaluation complète du caractère approprié des capacités de production, selon une méthode harmonisée, et fournir des orientations sur la manière d'améliorer la flexibilité et d'assurer l'approvisionnement?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010050/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Marché intérieur de l'electricité

Quand la Commission, en ce qui concerne le marché intérieur de l'électricité, compte-t-elle fournir une analyse approfondie de l'adéquation du réseau et de la flexibilité des capacités nationales de production de chaque État membre, à court terme et à long terme, tout en tenant pleinement compte de la contribution potentielle de toutes les mesures d'adaptation telles que la réaction du côté de la demande, le stockage de l'énergie ou l'interconnexion?

Compte-t-elle présenter un rapport sur les conséquences de l'application de mesures nationales relatives à l'évaluation de la capacité et à la planification du développement pour le marché intérieur de l'énergie et les règles de concurrence, en prenant en considération tant leur incidence sur la sécurité d'approvisionnement que les aspects transfrontaliers de cette politique complémentaire de conception des marchés?

Nous demandons à cet égard de redoubler d'efforts concernant l'adoption future des technologies de stockage de l'énergie et la réaction du côté de la demande, qui représentent toutes deux des sources de flexibilité.

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010052/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Adéquation de la production électrique en Europe

La Commission et le Réseau européen des gestionnaires de réseau de transport comptent-ils élaborer une méthodologie cohérente et harmonisée pour garantir l'adéquation de la production d'électricité en Europe, y compris par la contribution positive de sources renouvelables d'énergie et, notamment, de celles qui sont variables?

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

(7 novembre 2013)

Lorsque l'intervention publique est jugée nécessaire pour garantir l'adéquation des capacités de production, les États membres doivent choisir l'intervention qui perturbe le moins les échanges transfrontaliers et le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur de l'électricité. Dans sa communication «Réaliser le marché intérieur de l'électricité et tirer le meilleur parti de l'intervention publique» qui devrait être adoptée prochainement et dans le document de travail des services qui l'accompagne, la Commission a défini des orientations générales pour aider à garantir une intervention publique en accord avec l'adéquation des capacités de production afin de remplir les objectifs de la politique énergétique de l'Union. La communication abordera également les sujets des aides publiques en faveur des énergies renouvelables et de la contribution de l'effacement de consommation pour atteindre les objectifs de la politique énergétique de l'Union.

En vertu de la directive 2009/72/CE (166) et de la directive 2005/89/CE (167), les États membres présentent des rapports biennaux sur la sécurité de l'approvisionnement. Le REGRT-E évalue l'adéquation des capacités de production à l'échelle de l'Union conformément au règlement (CE) n° 714/2009 (168). Au sein du groupe de coordination pour l'électricité, la Commission collabore avec les États membres, l'Agence de coopération des régulateurs de l'énergie (ACER) et le REGRT-E pour examiner comment l'évaluation de l'adéquation des capacités de production peut être améliorée. Ces travaux examinent l'emploi de l'interconnexion, les corrélations entre la demande et les conditions météorologiques et la flexibilité des ressources. En fonction des conclusions de ces travaux, la Commission pourrait proposer une nouvelle législation.

Lorsque l'intervention publique implique une aide d'État, en vertu de l'article 107, paragraphe 1, du traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne, les États membres doivent répondre à l'obligation d'information et à la suspension de la mise à exécution prévues par l'article 108, paragraphe 3, du traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne. La Commission examinera la question des mécanismes de capacité et des aides d'État en détail à mesure qu'elle élaborera, en consultation avec les États membres, des orientations sur les aides d'État dans le domaine de l'énergie et de l'environnement.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010043/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Study on generation capacities

Parliament notes that all blackouts so far have been the result of operational failures, not capacity shortages. It must be acknowledged that as a result of the economic recession, high natural gas prices and the increasing share of intermittent renewable electricity production, investors in the EU face considerable uncertainty when developing flexible electricity generation capacities.

Will the Commission grant Parliament’s request for it to conduct a comprehensive assessment of generation adequacy, based on a harmonised methodology, and to provide guidance on how to enhance flexibility and maintain supply?

Question for written answer E-010050/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Internal electricity market

With regard to the internal electricity market, when will the Commission provide a thorough analysis of the system adequacy and flexibility of national generation capacities in the short and long term, fully taking into account the potential contribution of all flexible measures, such as demand response, energy storage and interconnection?

Will it report on the impact of the applied national measures relating to capacity assessment and development planning on the internal energy market and competition rules, taking into account the consequences in terms of both security of supply and the cross-border aspects of this complementary market design policy?

Parliament calls, in this regard, for further efforts to be made with regard to the future uptake of energy storage technologies and demand-side responsiveness, all of which are additional sources of flexibility.

Question for written answer E-010052/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Generation adequacy in Europe

Do the Commission and the European Network of Transmission System Operators intend to develop a coherent and aligned methodology for ensuring generation adequacy in Europe, including the positive contribution of renewable energy sources and, in particular, variable renewables?

Joint answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

When public intervention is considered necessary to ensure generation adequacy, Member States should choose the intervention which least distorts cross border trade and the effective functioning of the internal electricity market. In its communication ‘Delivering the internal electricity market and making the most of public intervention’ due for adoption soon and the accompanying Staff Working Document, the Commission sets out Guidance to help ensure public intervention in relation to generation adequacy meets the aims of the Union energy policy. The communication will also address public support for renewables and the contribution of demand response to meeting Union energy policy goals.

Under Directive 2009/72EC (169) and Directive 2005/89/EC (170), Member States produce bi-annual security of supply reports. ENTSO-E produces Union-wide generation adequacy assessments in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 714/2009 (171). In the Electricity Coordination Group, the Commission is working with the Member States, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and ENTSO-E to examine how generation adequacy assessment can be improved. This work considers interconnector use, correlations in demand and weather patterns, and flexibility of resources. Depending on the conclusions of this work, the Commission could propose new legislation.

Where public intervention comprises state aid pursuant to Article 107 (1) TFEU, Member States have to comply with the notification and stand-still obligation of Article 108 (3) TFEU. The Commission will consider the topic of capacity mechanisms and state aid in detail as it develops, in consultation with Member States, Guidelines on state aid in energy and environment.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010044/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Coordination des projets d'infrastructure

Comment la Commission compte-t-elle faire pour mieux coordonner les projets d'infrastructure et planifier le développement des réseaux afin de veiller à ce qu'ils puissent être reliés en un système pleinement connecté à l'échelle de l'Union et présentent un bon rapport coût-efficacité en s'appuyant sur les synergies transfrontalières et une mise en réseau plus efficace des infrastructures énergétiques?

Estime-t-elle qu'il convient de promouvoir une approche intégrée, qui inclue les gestionnaires des réseaux de distribution, et de veiller à cette fin à la rapidité dans l'évaluation, la sélection, l'autorisation et la mise en œuvre de projets d'intérêt européen commun, notamment en ce qui concerne les connexions transfrontalières des réseaux électriques et gaziers, y compris les mécanismes de flux inversés, la liquéfaction du gaz naturel, les infrastructures de stockage de l'énergie et les réseaux intelligents de transport et de distribution, qui sont essentiels à une bonne intégration et à un bon fonctionnement du marché de l'énergie?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(28 octobre 2013)

La Commission coordonne le développement des infrastructures au moyen d'instruments issus du troisième paquet (par exemple, la création du REGRT-E et du REGRT-G (172)
  ou le plan décennal de développement du réseau) et du règlement (UE) n° 347/2013 (173) (orientations RTE-E).

Les orientations RTE-E répondent au besoin urgent d'investissements dans les infrastructures énergétiques. En particulier, le mécanisme pour l'interconnexion en Europe (MIE) jouera un rôle clé dans la mobilisation des fonds privés et publics nécessaires. En favorisant une coopération plus étroite et une communication renforcée entre les GRT et les GRD dans un environnement de réseau intelligent, les orientations RTE-E visent à assurer une meilleure intégration dans le système pour la production d'énergies renouvelables volatiles et la production décentralisée à grande échelle, qui ont une grande incidence sur la stabilité du système, tout en garantissant une meilleure capacité d'adaptation de la production aux besoins du système. Les exigences techniques relatives aux PIC portant sur les réseaux intelligents prévoient également la présentation de projets communs par les opérateurs des GRD et des GRT.

Enfin, la Commission soutient également la coordination par le recensement des PIC (174) Conformément aux orientations RTE-E, tous les PIC potentiels font l'objet d'une analyse coûts/avantages approfondie visant à garantir que seuls les projets présentant la plus grande valeur ajoutée européenne sont sélectionnés. L'approbation de la liste de l'Union par la Commission au moyen d'un acte délégué constitue la dernière étape d'un long processus de recensement et d'évaluation. Les PDDR (175) établis par le REGRT-E et le REGRT-G sont la principale source utilisée pour la sélection des projets. Pour la première liste de l'Union, des projets hors PDDR ont aussi été pris en considération.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010044/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Coordination of infrastructure projects

How will the Commission coordinate infrastructure projects more effectively and plan network development so as to ensure full, EU-wide system connectivity and cost-effectiveness by taking advantage of cross-border synergies and a more efficient energy infrastructure network?

Does it think it should promote an integrated approach, which includes the distribution operators, and ensure, to that end, the rapid assessment, selection, authorisation and implementation of projects of common European interest, especially with regard to electricity and gas trans-border interconnectors, including reverse flow mechanisms, liquefied natural gas, energy storage infrastructures and smart transmission and distribution networks, which are vital for a well-integrated and well-functioning energy market?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The Commission coordinates infrastructure development through the instruments deriving from the Third Package (e.g. the establishment of ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G (176)
  or the 10 year network development plan or) and Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 (177) (TEN-E Guidelines).

The TEN-E Guidelines address the urgent need for investment in energy infrastructure. In particular, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) will play a key role in leveraging the necessary private and public funding. Through the promotion of closer cooperation and increased communication between TSOs and DSOs in a smart grid environment, the TEN-E Guidelines aim at ensuring a better integration in the system for large scale volatile renewable and distributed generation, since they have an important impact on system stability, as well as guaranteeing better responsiveness of their production to system needs. The technical requirements for Smart Grid PCIs also foresee joint projects submitted by DSO and TSO operators.

Finally, the Commission also supports coordination through the identification of PCIs (178). According to the TEN-E Guidelines, all potential PCIs are subject to a thorough cost-benefit-analysis to ensure that only those projects are chosen that provide the highest European added value. The endorsement of the Union list by the Commission via a delegated act is the finalisation of a long identification and evaluation process. The main pool for project selection is the TYNDP (179) prepared by ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G. For the first Union list, non-TYNDP projects have also been considered.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010045/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Interconnexion en matière énergétique

La Commission, dans la mise en œuvre des dispositions du mécanisme pour l'interconnexion en Europe en matière énergétique, compte-t-elle accorder la priorité aux projets ayant la plus forte incidence sur le fonctionnement du marché intérieur, de manière à promouvoir la concurrence, à favoriser l'utilisation de sources d'énergie renouvelables, à créer les interconnexions transfrontalières nécessaires et à renforcer la sécurité de l'approvisionnement?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(6 novembre 2013)

Les dispositions du mécanisme pour l'interconnexion en Europe (MIE) prévoient la possibilité de soutenir des projets d'intérêt commun dans le secteur de l'énergie sélectionnés conformément au règlement concernant des orientations pour les infrastructures énergétiques (180). Ce règlement fixe les critères d'admissibilité pour bénéficier des diverses formes d'aide financière de l'Union au titre du MIE.

Dans les deux premiers programmes de travail annuels, les projets d'intérêt commun seront privilégiés, en particulier ceux visant à mettre un terme à l'isolement énergétique, à supprimer les goulets d'étranglement dans le secteur de l'énergie et à faciliter l'achèvement du marché intérieur de l'énergie.

Conformément au règlement relatif au MIE, les critères de sélection et d'attribution des subventions au titre du MIE seront établis dans les programmes de travail.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010045/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Energy interconnection

When implementing the energy budget of the ‘Connecting Europe’ facility, will the Commission give priority to projects having the greatest impact on the functioning of the internal market, thereby boosting competition, speeding up the market penetration of renewables, creating necessary cross-border interconnections and enhancing security of supply?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The provisions of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) foresee the possibility of supporting projects of common interest in the energy sector identified in line with the energy infrastructure guidelines regulation (181). This guidelines regulation sets out the eligibility criteria for the various forms of the Union financial assistance under the CEF.

In the first two annual work programmes, priority consideration will be given to projects of common interest specifically aiming at ending energy isolation, eliminating energy bottlenecks and facilitating the completion of the internal energy market.

In line with the CEF regulation, the selection and award criteria for grants under the CEF will be determined in the work programmes.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010046/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Construction de terminaux régionaux de gaz naturel liquéfié

La Commission compte-t-elle accéder à la demande du Parlement visant à réexaminer les projets existants dans le domaine énergétique — notamment les projets de construction de terminaux régionaux de gaz naturel liquéfié, qui s'étendront au-delà d'une décennie –, à évaluer leurs avantages économiques — en tenant compte des terminaux nationaux de gaz naturel liquéfié qui sont déjà en construction ou en préparation dans différents États membres et qui, dans un proche avenir, contribueront au renforcement de la sécurité énergétique d'États membres concernés par l'insularité énergétique — et à contribuer au financement de tels projets?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(28 octobre 2013)

La Commission a évalué un grand nombre de projets au cours du processus de recensement des projets d'intérêt commun (PIC) conformément au règlement (UE) n° 347/2013. Les projets dans le secteur gazier, et notamment les deux terminaux GNL, le stockage et les gazoducs, ont été évalués en fonction de leur contribution aux objectifs de la politique énergétique de l'Union européenne (l'achèvement du marché intérieur et la fin de l'isolement énergétique, la sécurité de l'approvisionnement et la durabilité). Des PIC ont été retenus à l'issue d'un examen réalisé par les groupes de travail régionaux, composés de représentants des États membres, de promoteurs de projets et des autorités de régulation. Un projet doit avoir obtenu le statut de PIC pour pouvoir solliciter le soutien financier de l'Union au titre du mécanisme pour l'interconnexion en Europe. La première liste de projets d'intérêt commun a été adoptée le 14 octobre 2013. Elle sera réexaminée tous les deux ans.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010046/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Construction of regional liquefied natural gas terminals

Does the Commission intend to agree to the request made by Parliament to conduct a fresh review of existing plans for energy projects, especially for the construction of new liquefied natural gas terminals scheduled to take more than 10 years to complete, to assess their economic benefit — taking account of the liquefied natural gas terminals which are already under construction or at the planning stage in individual Member States and which, in the near future, will contribute to energy supply security in Member States classed as ‘energy islands’ — and to contribute to the financing of such projects?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The Commission assessed a large number of projects during the process of identification of projects of common interest (PCI) under the regulation 347/2013. Projects in the gas sector including both LNG terminals, storage and pipelines were assessed according to their contribution to the EU energy policy objectives (completion of internal market and ending of isolation, security of supply and sustainability). PCIs have been identified after thorough analysis by the regional working groups, consisting of Member States, project promoters and regulatory authorities. Having a PCI status is a prerequisite for any project for requesting EU financial support under the Connecting Europe Facility. The first PCI list was adopted on 14 October 2013 and will be reviewed every two years.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010047/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Gestion de la congestion énergétique

Comment la Commission va-t-elle mettre en place un système efficace de gestion de la congestion en vue d'encourager l'utilisation efficace de la capacité de transport existante de gaz et d'électricité, tout en réduisant le coût lié au développement des capacités du réseau, et de faciliter la connexion croissante des sources de production renouvelables au réseau électrique?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(30 octobre 2013)

En ce qui concerne l'électricité, le principal instrument permettant d'instaurer un système efficace de gestion de la congestion est la mise en œuvre d'un couplage du marché à un jour et du marché intrajournalier afin d'utiliser efficacement l'infrastructure du réseau au moyen de ventes aux enchères implicites (182). Le couplage du marché à un jour est déjà en place dans plusieurs régions, mais il existe une déconnexion entre régions. La prochaine étape importante vers un couplage du marché paneuropéen est le couplage de l'Europe du Nord-Ouest, qui comprend l'Europe du Centre-Ouest, le Royaume-Uni, les pays nordiques et les pays baltes. Les règles destinées à promouvoir le développement du couplage de marché sont élaborées dans le contexte des codes de réseau prévus par le troisième paquet de mesures concernant le marché de l'énergie de 2009. L'élaboration des codes de réseau repose sur la procédure définie dans le règlement (CE) no 714/2009 sur les conditions d'accès au réseau pour les échanges transfrontaliers d'électricité. Actuellement, la Commission européenne lance une procédure de comitologie en vue d'adopter un «code de réseau pour la répartition des capacités et la gestion de la congestion et une ligne directrice sur la gouvernance», qui est le code le plus pertinent pour la gestion de la congestion.

Dans le secteur du gaz, la Commission a adopté en 2012 des lignes directrices sur les procédures de gestion de la congestion (183) qui établissent des règles au niveau de l'UE en matière de lutte contre la congestion contractuelle. L'objectif de cette nouvelle mesure, destinée à être mise en œuvre dans l'UE au plus tard le 1er octobre de cette année, est précisément de mettre en place des mécanismes efficaces et peu coûteux permettant de libérer les capacités inutilisées, de manière à éviter des investissements inutiles. La Commission suit de près la mise en œuvre de cette mesure afin de garantir son efficacité.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010047/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Congestion management

How does the Commission intend to put in place an efficient congestion management system to foster the efficient use of existing gas and electricity transmission capacity while reducing the cost of expanding network capabilities, and facilitate the growing connection of renewable generation sources to the electricity network?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

Regarding electricity the main instrument for developing an efficient congestion management system is the implementation of day-ahead and intra-day market coupling which aim to use the grid infrastructure efficiently using implicit auctions (184). Day-ahead coupling is already in place in several regions but there is a disconnection between regions. The next important step towards a pan-European market coupling is the North West Europe coupling which covers the Central Western Europe, UK, the Nordic and the Baltic countries. The rules to promote further market coupling development are developed in the context of the network codes following the third energy market package from 2009. Network codes development is made following the process defined in Regulation 714/2009 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity. Currently the European Commission is starting a comitology process to adopt a ‘Network code on Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management and a Guideline on Governance’ which is the most relevant code regarding congestion management.

In the gas sector the Commission has adopted Guidelines for Congestion Management Procedures (185) in 2012 that create EU-wide rules for tackling contractual congestion. The aim of this new measure to be be implemented across the EU by 1 October this year is precisely to put in place cost efficient mechanisms for freeing up unused capacity so as to avoid investment where this is not necessary. The Commission is closely following the implementation of this measure to ensure its effectiveness.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010048/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Gaz — abus de position dominante

Nous accueillons favorablement la détermination de la Commission de faire respecter les règles relatives aux monopoles et aux aides d'État par toutes les entreprises du secteur de l'énergie et leurs filiales actives sur le territoire de l'Union européenne, en veillant à la mise en place d'un cadre équitable offrant les mêmes conditions d'accès à tous les acteurs sur le marché.

| 1. | La Commission compte-t-elle publier des lignes directrices sur la manière d'évaluer l'abus de position dominante par une entreprise sur les marchés du gaz et de l'électricité ainsi que des orientations sur les bonnes pratiques et l'expérience acquise en matière de régimes d'aide aux sources d'énergie renouvelables, comme le demande le Parlement? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission compte-t-elle publier des lignes directrices sur la manière d'évaluer l'abus de position dominante par une entreprise sur les marchés du gaz et de l'électricité ainsi que des orientations sur les bonnes pratiques et l'expérience acquise en matière de régimes d'aide aux sources d'énergie renouvelables, comme le demande le Parlement?

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(14 novembre 2013)

Les entreprises des secteurs du gaz et de l'électricité sont toutes tenues de respecter les mêmes règles de concurrence de l'UE que les entreprises présentes dans d'autres secteurs. La pratique décisionnelle de la Commission dans les secteurs du gaz et de l'électricité (186) et la jurisprudence des juridictions de l'UE concernant l'article 102 du TFUE fournissent les orientations nécessaires pour ces secteurs.

Quant aux aides d'État s'inscrivant dans les régimes d'aides en faveur des énergies renouvelables, la Commission procède actuellement au réexamen des lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État à la protection de l'environnement (187). L'un des objectifs de ce réexamen est d'éviter que les régimes en question ne débouchent sur une surcompensation, en améliorant leur efficience et en réduisant leurs effets de distorsion de la concurrence.

En outre, en novembre, la Commission a adopté une communication intitulée «Réaliser le marché intérieur de l'électricité et tirer le meilleur parti de l'intervention publique», accompagnée d'un document de travail de ses services fournissant des orientations détaillées supplémentaires sur les meilleures pratiques en matière de conception et de réforme des régimes d'aides en faveur des énergies renouvelables (188). Le but de ce document est de donner aux États membres des indications claires pour qu'ils assurent le bon rapport coût-efficacité des régimes d'aides en faveur des énergies renouvelables par une meilleure intégration du marché et le recours à des mécanismes de coopération, tout en veillant à la stabilité, à la transparence et à la crédibilité des processus de conception et de réforme de ces régimes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010048/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Gas — abuse of a dominant position

Parliament welcomes the Commission’s determination to enforce anti-trust and State-aid rules with regard to all energy sector undertakings and their subsidiaries operating on the territory of the European Union, ensuring that a level playing field is established with equal conditions of access for all market players.

| 1. | Will the Commission grant Parliament’s request for it to issue guidelines on how to assess the abuse of a dominant position in gas and electricity markets by any company, as well as to provide guidance on best practices and on experiences gained in renewable energy support schemes? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Will the Commission grant Parliament’s request for it to issue guidelines on how to assess the abuse of a dominant position in gas and electricity markets by any company, as well as to provide guidance on best practices and on experiences gained in renewable energy support schemes?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

Any company in the gas and electricity sectors has to abide with the same EU competition rules as companies in other sectors. The Commission's past decisional practice in the gas and electricity sectors (189) and the case law of the EU courts on Article 102 TFEU provide the necessary guidance in the sector.

As to state aid involved in the renewable energy support schemes, the Commission is currently reviewing the Environmental State Aid Guidelines (190). One of the objectives of the review is to avoid that such schemes result in overcompensation, by making them more efficient and by reducing their competitive distortions.

Moreover, in November, the Commission adopted a communication on Delivering the internal electricity market and making the most of public intervention, accompanied by a staff working document providing further detailed guidance on best practice of renewables support schemes design and reform (191). The aim of this document is to give clear guidance to Member States to make renewables support schemes cost effective through better market integration and use of cooperation mechanisms, and at the same time to be stable, transparent and credible in their design and reform.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010049/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Mécanismes nationaux d'aide

| 1. | Le Parlement recommande à la Commission d'user de ses pouvoirs de contrôle des aides d'État dans l'optique d'encourager le développement d'infrastructures transfrontalières. Quelle est la position de la Commission? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Le Parlement recommande à la Commission d'user de ses pouvoirs de contrôle des aides d'État dans l'optique d'encourager le développement d'infrastructures transfrontalières. Quelle est la position de la Commission?

| 2. | La Commission ne devrait-elle pas subordonner l'approbation des mécanismes nationaux d'aide (en faveur du développement des capacités ou des sources d'énergie renouvelables) à l'engagement de l'État membre en faveur du financement et de la construction d'infrastructures transfrontalières? |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Commission ne devrait-elle pas subordonner l'approbation des mécanismes nationaux d'aide (en faveur du développement des capacités ou des sources d'énergie renouvelables) à l'engagement de l'État membre en faveur du financement et de la construction d'infrastructures transfrontalières?

| 3. | De telles connexions joueraient-elles, comme le pense le Parlement, un rôle essentiel permettant d'accroître la capacité de puiser dans l'offre du voisinage, en cas d'urgence ou de déséquilibre énergétique, et de réduire au fil du temps les subventions? |
| --- | --- |

3.

De telles connexions joueraient-elles, comme le pense le Parlement, un rôle essentiel permettant d'accroître la capacité de puiser dans l'offre du voisinage, en cas d'urgence ou de déséquilibre énergétique, et de réduire au fil du temps les subventions?

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

La Commission étudie actuellement la révision des lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État à la protection de l'environnement, dans le but de soumettre un projet à la consultation publique à l'automne. Une partie importante de la discussion porte sur la promotion de l'investissement dans certains types d'infrastructures énergétiques, plus particulièrement les infrastructures transfrontalières. Toutefois, la Commission n'a pas arrêté de position définitive à ce stade.

Pour le développement de certains types de capacités, la Commission envisage d'intégrer, dans son évaluation des mesures adoptées par les États membres, une analyse des investissements actuels et futurs dans les interconnexions. Toutefois, une stricte conditionnalité à cet égard ne sera probablement pas indiquée, en ce sens que dans certains cas, l'interconnexion ne peut répondre de manière adéquate aux préoccupations d'un État membre ou ne constitue pas une option viable d'un point de vue technique.

Le développement des infrastructures est urgent et critique pour la réussite du marché unique et l'intégration des énergies renouvelables. La diversité des conditions naturelles et des décisions relatives au bouquet énergétique dans les États membres offre un potentiel que l'Union doit exploiter pour pouvoir achever sa transition vers un système énergétique à faible intensité de carbone. L'autre solution, consistant à dépendre de réseaux nationaux peu interconnectés, s'avérerait bien plus onéreuse au bout du compte. Une étude récente laisse entendre que vouloir garantir la sécurité de l'approvisionnement au niveau national pourrait coûter à l'Union entre 3 et 7 milliards d'euros supplémentaires par an (192).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010049/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: National support mechanisms

| 1. | Parliament recommends that the Commission use its state aid scrutiny powers to encourage the development of cross-border infrastructure. What is the Commission’s position? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Parliament recommends that the Commission use its state aid scrutiny powers to encourage the development of cross-border infrastructure. What is the Commission’s position?

| 2. | Should the Commission not make the approval of national support mechanisms (for the development of capacity or renewables) conditional on the commitment of the Member State in question to the financing and building of cross-border infrastructure? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Should the Commission not make the approval of national support mechanisms (for the development of capacity or renewables) conditional on the commitment of the Member State in question to the financing and building of cross-border infrastructure?

| 3. | Would such interconnectors play a vital role, as Parliament believes, when it comes to increasing the ability to draw on a neighbour’s supplies in the event of an energy emergency or imbalance and to reducing subsidies over time? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Would such interconnectors play a vital role, as Parliament believes, when it comes to increasing the ability to draw on a neighbour’s supplies in the event of an energy emergency or imbalance and to reducing subsidies over time?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission is currently discussing the revision of the Environmental Aid Guidelines, with the aim of proposing a draft for public consultation in the autumn. An important part of the discussion is focusing on promoting investment in certain types of energy infrastructure, and in particular cross-border infrastructure. However there is no definitive Commission position at this stage.

For the development of certain types of capacity the Commission is considering including, in its assessment of Member States' measures, a review of current and prospective investments in interconnectors. However strict conditionality on this issue is unlikely to be appropriate, in that there might be situations where interconnection cannot adequately address a Member State’s concern or is not a technically viable option.

Infrastructure development is urgent and critical for the success of the single market and for the integration of renewable energy. The diverging energy mix decisions and natural conditions in our Member States offers a potential that the Union needs to harvest to enable to the transition to an affordable low carbon energy system. The alternative, namely to stay locked in to weakly interconnected national systems, will end up being much more expensive. A recent study suggests that trying to ensure security of supply on a national basis could cost the EU EURO 3-7 bn extra per year (193).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010051/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Déploiement des ressources de flexibilité

La Commission ne devrait-elle pas élaborer des orientations sur l'utilisation et le déploiement des ressources de flexibilité, telles que la gestion de la demande, le stockage, les infrastructures matérielles, notamment transfrontalières, pour que les États membres puissent préparer et mettre en œuvre des stratégies nationales visant à déployer des ressources de flexibilité sur leur territoire?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(30 octobre 2013)

La Commission invite l'Honorable Parlementaire à se reporter à sa prochaine communication consacrée à l'intervention des pouvoirs publics sur le marché intérieur de l'électricité, qui devrait être publiée dans les semaines à venir, et qui, avec les documents de travail qui l'accompagnent, prévoit d'aborder l'évolution de la réponse de la demande, les interconnexions, etc.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010051/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Deployment of flexibility resources

Should the Commission not prepare guidance on the use and deployment of flexibility resources, such as demand-side management, storage and physical infrastructures, including cross-border infrastructures, so that Member States can prepare and implement national strategies to deploy flexibility resources in their regions?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to its upcoming communication that addresses public intervention in the internal electricity market that is foreseen to be published in the coming weeks, and that, together with the accompanying Staff Working Documents, foresees to address the development of demand response, interconnections, etc.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010053/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Services auxiliaires

Quand et comment la Commission va-t-elle élaborer des règles visant à poursuivre le développement d'un marché pour les services auxiliaires qui permette la participation de toutes les sources d'énergie, dont les sources d'énergie renouvelables?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2013)

Les règles destinées à promouvoir la poursuite du développement d'un marché pour les services auxiliaires sont adoptées dans le cadre des codes du réseau à la suite du troisième paquet «Énergie» de 2009. Ces règles sont applicables à toutes les technologies de production, et notamment à partir de sources renouvelables. L'élaboration des codes du réseau repose sur le processus défini dans le règlement (CE) n° 714/2009 (194) sur les conditions d'accès au réseau pour les échanges transfrontaliers d'électricité. Le réseau européen des gestionnaires de réseaux de transport d'électricité (REGRT-E) achève actuellement le code pour l'équilibrage de l'électricité (195), qui est le code le plus pertinent pour ce qui concerne les services auxiliaires.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010053/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Ancillary services

When and how will the Commission draw up rules to promote the further development of a market for ancillary services open to the participation of all energy sources, including renewables?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The rules to promote the further development of a market for ancillary services are adopted in the context of the network codes following the Third Energy Package from 2009. Such rules should be applicable to all production technologies, including renewables. The network codes are developed based on the process defined in Regulation 714/2009 (196) on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity. The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) is currently finalising the code for electricity balancing (197) which is the most relevant code regarding the ancillary services.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010054/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 septembre 2013)

Objet: Nouvelles structures rentables du marché

| 1. | La Commission compte-t-elle lancer une étude recensant de nouvelles manières de structurer le marché européen de l'électricité visant à le rendre rentable, en vue de s'assurer que les consommateurs paient leur électricité à un prix raisonnable et d'éviter les fuites de carbone? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission compte-t-elle lancer une étude recensant de nouvelles manières de structurer le marché européen de l'électricité visant à le rendre rentable, en vue de s'assurer que les consommateurs paient leur électricité à un prix raisonnable et d'éviter les fuites de carbone?

Réponse donnée par M. Oettinger au nom de la Commission

(30 octobre 2013)

Aucune étude n'est actuellement prévue sur ce sujet particulier mais la politique énergétique européenne vise précisément à créer un marché unique européen de l'énergie assurant la durabilité et la sécurité de l'approvisionnement en énergie à des prix concurrentiels pour l'industrie et à des prix abordables pour les ménages (198).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010054/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Profitable new market structures

| 1. | Does the Commission intend to launch a study analysing new ways of structuring the EU electricity market to make it more profitable, with a view to ensuring that consumers receive reasonably priced electricity and preventing carbon leakage? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission intend to launch a study analysing new ways of structuring the EU electricity market to make it more profitable, with a view to ensuring that consumers receive reasonably priced electricity and preventing carbon leakage?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

No studies are currently planned on this specific topic, but European energy policy aims precisely to create a single European energy market that provides sustainable and secure supplies at competitive prices for industry and affordable prices for households (199).

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor E-010055/13

upućeno Komisiji

Nikola Vuljanić (GUE/NGL)

(10. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: Fiskalizacija na otvorenim prostorima

Obraćam Vam se pitanjem koje na prvi pogled može izgledati kao unutarnje pitanje Republike Hrvatske, no njegove implikacije, čini mi se, tiču se nekih temeljnih načela funkcioniranja Europske unije.

Naime, tijekom 2013. godine u Republici Hrvatskoj otpočeo je tzv. postupak fiskalizacije, odnosno bilježenja svih financijskih transakcija gotovim novcem kroz fiskalne blagajne, povezane direktno s Ministarstvom financija, odnosno njegovim poreznim uredom. To je hvalevrijedan pokušaj da se uvede više discipline u gotovinske transakcije, smanji na minimum porezna evazija i siva ekonomija dovede na podnošljivu razinu. Te su mjere, u načelu, naišle na opću pohvalu ne samo političkih krugova nego i široke javnosti. Pokazalo se da je prikazani promet u nekim djelatnostima (npr. ugostiteljstvu) porastao trostruko pa i više.

No početkom ljeta fiskalizacija se počela primjenjivati na tzv. zelenim otvorenim tržnicama, dakle na štandovima preprodavača. Tu je došlo do najvećeg otpora uvođenju fiskalnih blagajni, kako zbog nepraktičnosti rada s uređajima na otvorenom, tako i zbog nemogućnosti mijenjanja cijena tijekom dana (cjenkanja). Porezna uprava striktno se držala donesenih propisa te uz sve poteškoće provodi fiskalizaciju i na tom području.

Na otvorenim tržnicama, kako su me upozorili rukovoditelji udruge tržnica u Hrvatskoj, također se odvijaju tradicionalne međunarodne manifestacije — pogranični sajmovi, prekogranične vjerske i druge tradicijske manifestacije — na kojima se desetljećima pa i stoljećima prodavala roba (rukotvorine, odjeća i drugo) ne samo iz Hrvatske već i iz susjednih zemalja. Hrvatski susjedi zemlje su članice EU-a (Italija, Slovenija, Mađarska), ali i neke koje to nisu ili će eventualno tek postati (Srbija, Bosna i Hercegovina, Crna Gora). Obrtnici i trgovci iz tih zemalja ne mogu prodavati svoju robu u RH jer ne mogu provoditi hrvatski Zakon o fiskalizaciji (pribaviti certifikat Financijske agencije, naplatni uređaj i knjigu računa ovjerenu od Porezne uprave) jer kao pravne osobe nisu registrirani u RH, mada su oni iz zemalja EU-a registrirani u tim zemljama.

Smatram da se takvim krutim pridržavanjem propisa ne samo uništava jedna lijepa srednjoeuropska tradicija koja je u svim turbulentnim vremenima približavala susjedne narode, već se krše i temeljna načela EU o slobodnoj trgovini, pa Vas molim da me izvijestite kakav je Vaš stav o tom pitanju i možete li na bilo koji način pomoći ispravljanju ove nepravde.

Odgovor g. Tajanija u ime Komisije

(11. studenog 2013.)

Komisija je svjesna postojanja uvjeta prema kojem trgovci za prodavanje robe na tržištu moraju imati poslovni nastan u Hrvatskoj kako bi mogli prodavati robu na tržištu. Međutim nije jasno primjenjuje li se taj uvjet na trgovce iz svih susjednih država ili samo na one iz susjednih trećih zemalja.

Ukoliko se uvjet primjenjuje na trgovce iz drugih država članica EU-a, trebao bi se primjenjivati članak 34. UFEU-a (200)
   (201).

Sud je odlučio da obveza uvoznika da ima mjesto poslovanja u odredišnoj državi članici izravno negira pravo na slobodno kretanje robe unutar unutarnjeg tržišta. Zaključio je da prisiljavanje poduzetnika da snose troškove uspostavljanja predstavništva u državi članici u koju se roba uvozi nekim poduzetnicima, pogotovo malim i srednjim poduzećima, otežava ulazak na tržište te države članice (202).

Međutim takve mjere mogu biti opravdane u slučaju uvjeta od javnog interesa utvrđenih člankom 36. UFEU-a ili jednog od nužnih uvjeta koje priznaje Sud Europske unije. U sličnim slučajevima Sud je smatrao da su, iako svaka država članica ima pravo na svom državnom području poduzimati odgovarajuće mjere kako bi osigurala zaštitu javne politike, takve mjere opravdane samo ako se ustanovi da su potrebne kako bi se postigli zakoniti ciljevi od općeg interesa i da se takva zaštita ne može postići sredstvima koja manje ograničavaju slobodno kretanje robe.

Komisija poziva časnog zastupnika da objasni primjenjuje li se uvjet iz hrvatskog zakonodavstva na trgovce iz drugih država članica EU-a.

Ukoliko se uvjet odnosi samo na trgovce iz trećih zemalja (203), odredbe Ugovora se ne primjenjuju.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010055/13

to the Commission

Nikola Vuljanić (GUE/NGL)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Taxation of cash transactions in outdoor contexts

I am consulting you on a question that may, at first, seem to be an internal matter for Croatia. However, it seems to me that its implications concern a number of the European Union’s fundamental principles.

To be specific, 2013 saw the introduction of a process for taxing cash transactions in Croatia. This process involves recording all financial cash transactions using fiscal devices that are directly connected to the Croatian Ministry of Finance, or rather to its taxation office. This was a praiseworthy attempt to introduce more discipline to cash transactions, to minimise tax evasion and to reduce the grey economy to an acceptable level. Overall, these measures have met with the general approval, not only of political circles, but of the general public as well. As a result, the sales registered in some activities (for example, in the hospitality industry) have increased threefold, or even more.

However, in early summer, this means of collecting taxation began to apply to cash transactions carried out in open-air fruit and vegetable markets, i.e. at vendor stalls, where the introduction of fiscal devices met with the most opposition, both because the stall owners found it impractical to operate the devices in the open and because they were unable to change their prices during the course of the day (they found it impossible to haggle). The Croatian tax authorities are implementing the regulations strictly and have enforced tax collection in this area, too, despite all the difficulties.

I have been informed by the leaders of the Croatian Markets’ Association that open-air markets play host to traditional international events, such as border fairs, religious festivals and other cross-border traditional events. For decades, or even centuries, they have been selling goods (handicrafts, clothing and other goods) from, not only Croatia, but neighbouring countries, too. Some of the countries neighbouring Croatia are members of the EU (Italy, Slovenia, Hungary), while some are not, or are yet to become members (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro). However, craftsmen and traders from those latter countries cannot sell their goods in Croatia, because they are unable to comply with the Croatian Taxation of Cash Transactions Act (i.e. they are unable to obtain a certificate from the Croatian Finance Agency, the payment processing device or sales receipt pads certified by the Croatian tax authorities) because they are not registered as legal entities in Croatia. Those from EU Member States, on the other hand, are registered in their respective countries.

In my opinion, such rigid law enforcement is not only destroying a beautiful central European tradition, which has brought neighbouring nations together in all the turbulent times they have faced, it is also breaching fundamental EU principles of free trade. I would, therefore, like to know what your position on this matter is and whether you can help in any way in righting this wrong.

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The Commission understands that there is a requirement that traders be established in Croatia in order to sell the goods in markets. However it is unclear if the requirement is applicable to traders from all the neighbouring countries or only from neighbouring third countries.

As far as the requirement would be applicable to the salesmen from other EU member states Article 34 TFEU (204) would be applicable (205).

The obligation for an importer to have a place of business in the Member State of destination was declared by the Court to directly negate the free movement of goods within the internal market. It found that by compelling undertakings to incur the cost of establishing a representative in the Member State of import makes it difficult, for certain undertakings, especially small or medium-sized businesses, to enter that Member State’s market (206).

However such measures can be justified by one of the public interest requirements established by Article 36 TFEU or by one of the imperative requirements recognised by the Court of Justice of the EU. In similar cases the Court held that although each Member State is entitled to take within its territory appropriate measures in order to ensure the protection of public policy, such measures are justified only if it is established that they are necessary in order to attain legitimate objectives of general interest and that such protection cannot be achieved by means which place less of a restriction on the free movement of goods.

The Commission invites the Honourable member to clarify whether the requirement under the Croatian legislation is applicable to traders from other EU Member States.

As far as the requirement concerns only traders from third countries (207) the Treaty provisions are not applicable.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010056/13

aan de Commissie

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(10 september 2013)

Betreft: Waanzinnige goudomrande regeling ambtenarenpensioenen

Vandaag werd in de publicatie „Binnenlands Bestuur” (208) bekend dat dit jaar 340 Europese ambtenaren met vervroegd pensioen gaan. Dat blijkt zelfs een uitermate „vervroegd” pensioen te zijn, namelijk op de leeftijd van 50 jaar, met een pensioen dat kan oplopen tot 9 000 euro per maand.

De Raad verzocht de Unie en haar instellingen op 13 oktober 2010 (209) om „onmiddellijk over te gaan tot aanpassing van de wijze waarop zij artikel 9, lid 2, van bijlage VIII bij het ambtenarenstatuut ten uitvoer leggen, en de bepaling enkel toe te passen in een beperkt aantal gevallen, waarin dit duidelijk en op goede gronden in het belang van de dienst is. De Raad verzoekt de Commissie voor medio 2011 een wetgevingsvoorstel in te dienen, ertoe strekkende dat artikel 9, lid 2, van bijlage VIII bij het ambtenarenstatuut ofwel wordt ingetrokken, ofwel met inachtneming van de bovenstaande bezwaren grondig wordt herzien.”

In dat kader de volgende vragen:

| Kan de Commissie aangeven of en op welke wijze concreet gevolg is gegeven aan deze oproep van de Raad? |
| --- |

Kan de Commissie aangeven of en op welke wijze concreet gevolg is gegeven aan deze oproep van de Raad?

| Waarom bestaat deze pensioenregeling in het ambtenarenstatuut dan kennelijk nog steeds? |
| --- |

Waarom bestaat deze pensioenregeling in het ambtenarenstatuut dan kennelijk nog steeds?

| Wanneer bestaat bij uw Commissie de politieke bereidheid om deze waanzinnige goudomrande regeling, mede op aandringen van de nationale lidstaten, per direct stop te zetten? |
| --- |

Wanneer bestaat bij uw Commissie de politieke bereidheid om deze waanzinnige goudomrande regeling, mede op aandringen van de nationale lidstaten, per direct stop te zetten?

Antwoord van de heer Šefčovič namens de Commissie

(30 oktober 2013)

De Commissie kan de verspreiding van vaak vertekende informatie over de pensioenrechten van EU-ambtenaren alleen maar betreuren, hoewel zij voortdurend tracht correcte informatie te verstrekken aan media en in antwoord op parlementaire vragen.

Op 13 december 2011 heeft de Commissie een voorstel ingediend bij het Europees Parlement en de Raad tot wijziging van het Statuut, dat overeenkomstig haar aanbevelingen aan de lidstaten in een herziening van het pensioenstelsel voorzag. Het Parlement en de Raad hebben vóór de zomer het voorstel vastgesteld. Het gewijzigde Statuut treedt in werking op 1 januari 2014 en omvat de volgende maatregelen ten aanzien van de pensioenregeling:

| — | de pensioenleeftijd stijgt tot 66 jaar voor vanaf 2014 aangeworven personeelsleden; het pensioenopbouwpercentage wordt tot 1,8 % per dienstjaar  teruggebracht; een nieuw verband tussen levensverwachting en pensioenleeftijd wordt ingesteld; |
| --- | --- |

—

de pensioenleeftijd stijgt tot 66 jaar voor vanaf 2014 aangeworven personeelsleden; het pensioenopbouwpercentage wordt tot 1,8 % per dienstjaar  teruggebracht; een nieuw verband tussen levensverwachting en pensioenleeftijd wordt ingesteld;

| — | voor het huidige personeel stijgt de pensioenleeftijd tot 65 jaar met overgangsregels; |
| --- | --- |

—

voor het huidige personeel stijgt de pensioenleeftijd tot 65 jaar met overgangsregels;

| — | de regeling voor vervroegde pensionering zonder verlies van pensioenrechten, waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid verwijst, en die in 2004 werd ingevoerd ten behoeve van de werving van personeel uit de nieuwe lidstaten, wordt afgeschaft; |
| --- | --- |

—

de regeling voor vervroegde pensionering zonder verlies van pensioenrechten, waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid verwijst, en die in 2004 werd ingevoerd ten behoeve van de werving van personeel uit de nieuwe lidstaten, wordt afgeschaft;

| — | de minimumleeftijd voor vervroegde pensionering met een verlaging van de verworven rechten wordt verhoogd tot 58 jaar; |
| --- | --- |

—

de minimumleeftijd voor vervroegde pensionering met een verlaging van de verworven rechten wordt verhoogd tot 58 jaar;

| — | het wordt mogelijk om door te werken tot 70 jaar. |
| --- | --- |

—

het wordt mogelijk om door te werken tot 70 jaar.

In de periode 2010-2013 heeft de Commissie niet alle juridische mogelijkheden benut die het huidige statuut biedt om vervroegde pensionering zonder verlies van pensioenrechten te verlenen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010056/13

to the Commission

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: Incredibly lucrative pension scheme for EU officials

It was reported today in the publication ‘Binnenlands Bestuur’ (210) that 340 EU officials are taking early retirement this year. This actually turns out to be an extremely ‘early’ retirement, just at the age of 50, with a pension which may amount to as much as EUR 9 000 per month.

On 13 October 2010 the Council called on the EU and its institutions (211) to ‘start immediately adapting their practice in the implementation of Article 9(2) of Annex VIII of the Staff Regulations and use this provision in a more restricted number of cases where the interest of the service is clearly and duly justified’. The Council also called upon ‘the Commission to put forward by the middle of 2011 a legislative proposal with a view to either repealing Article 9(2) of Annex VIII of the Staff Regulations or reviewing it substantially in order to take account of the above concerns’.

I have the following questions in regard to this:

| Can the Commission indicate whether and what specific action has been taken in response to this call from the Council? |
| --- |

Can the Commission indicate whether and what specific action has been taken in response to this call from the Council?

| Why does this pension scheme still evidently feature in the Staff Regulations? |
| --- |

Why does this pension scheme still evidently feature in the Staff Regulations?

| When will your Commission have the political will to put an immediate stop to this incredibly lucrative scheme, something also insisted upon by Member States? |
| --- |

When will your Commission have the political will to put an immediate stop to this incredibly lucrative scheme, something also insisted upon by Member States?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

The Commission can only regret the spread of often biased information about retirement benefits of EU staff, while it has continuously tried to provide correct information to media and in response to parliamentary questions.

On 13 December 2011 the Commission submitted a Proposal to Parliament and Council to modify the Staff Regulations, which included a revamp of the pension scheme in line with its recommendations to the Member States. Parliament and Council adopted the proposal before the summer. The modified Staff Regulations will enter into force on 1 January 2014 and provide, with regard to the pension scheme, the following measures:

the retirement age increases to 66 for staff recruited as of 2014; the accrual rate is cut to 1.8% per year of service; a new link between life expectancy and retirement age is established;

for current staff, the retirement age increases to 65 with transitional rules;

the early retirement scheme without reduction of pension rights, which the Honourable Member refers to and which was introduced in 2004 to facilitate recruitment of staff from the new Member States, is abolished;

the minimum age for early retirement with a reduction of acquired rights is raised to 58;

a possibility to work until 70 is introduced.

In the period 2010 to 2013, the Commission has not made full use of the legal possibilities under the current Staff Regulations to grant early retirement without reduction of pension rights.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-010057/13

do Komisji (Wiceprzewodniczącej/Wysokiej Przedstawiciel)

Adam Bielan (ECR)

(10 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Wiceprzewodnicząca/Wysoka Przedstawiciel – W związku z zajęciem przez islamistów chrześcijańskiego miasta Malula w Syrii

W toku bieżących walk w Syrii, rebelianci, powiązani prawdopodobnie z Al-Kaidą, zajęli starożytne, chrześcijańskie miasto Malula. Z informacji medialnych wynika, że doszło tam do aktów przemocy na mieszkańcach oraz plądrowania ich mienia. Podpalono zabytkowy kościół, a wiernym grożono śmiercią, jeśli nie przejdą na islam.

W obliczu zaistniałej sytuacji zwracam się z prośbą o informacje, czy Unia Europejska rozważa podjęcie działań (dyplomatycznych bądź humanitarnych) w zakresie udzielenia pomocy chrześcijańskim obywatelom Syrii, coraz bardziej narażonym na prześladowania?

Malula pozostaje pod ochroną UNESCO, a jej mieszkańcy reprezentują nieliczną na świecie grupę osób posługujących się starożytnym językiem aramejskim. Czy ze strony europejskiej dyplomacji możliwe jest wystosowanie do uczestników syryjskiego konfliktu publicznego apelu o powstrzymanie się przed niszczeniem zabytków kultury i zastopowanie agresji wobec mniejszości religijnych?

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

(25 października 2013 r.)

W szeregu konkluzji Rady do Spraw Zagranicznych UE wielokrotnie wzywała wszystkie strony do powstrzymania się od przemocy na tle religijnym. Potępiła również zniszczenie syryjskiego dziedzictwa kulturowego.

Komisja udziela pomocy tam, gdzie możliwy jest dostęp, wykorzystując wszelkie dostępne środki. Unijna pomoc humanitarna udzielana jest za pośrednictwem agencji ONZ i akredytowanych międzynarodowych organizacji pozarządowych będących na miejscu, które dokładają starań, by dotrzeć do wszystkich potrzebujących, również do chrześcijan i innych syryjskich mniejszości. Akredytacja wymaga, aby partnerzy udzielali pomocy humanitarnej w sposób neutralny i niezależny. Oznacza to, że zobowiązani są służyć wszystkim ludziom bez względu na ich religię, przekonania polityczne lub przynależność etniczną, nie dyskryminując przy tym poszczególnych społeczności czy członków danej społeczności.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010057/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Adam Bielan (ECR)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Islamist capture of the Christian town of Maaloula in Syria

The ongoing fighting in Syria has now seen the ancient Christian town of Maaloula captured by rebels who are probably linked to Al-Qaeda. There have been media reports of violence against the town’s inhabitants and of plundering. An historic church has been set on fire, and Christians have been threatened with death if they do not convert to Islam.

Given the current situation, I would like to ask whether the European Union is considering taking diplomatic or humanitarian action to help the Christian people of Syria, who are suffering ever greater persecution.

Maaloula has been granted Unesco status and its residents are among the few people in the world who still speak the ancient language of Aramaic. Will it be possible for European diplomats to make a public appeal to the parties in the Syrian conflict to refrain from destroying sites of cultural significance and to stop all acts of aggression against religious minorities?

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

(25 October 2013)

The EU has repeatedly, in a number of conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), called on all parties to refrain from sectarian violence. It has also condemned the destruction of Syria's cultural heritage.

The Commission channels aid using all available means where there is access on the ground. EU humanitarian funding goes through official UN and accredited international non-governmental organisation (NGO) agencies operating on the ground who do their best to access all people in need, including Christians and other minorities in Syria. Accrediation requires that partners are neutral and independent in the provision of humanitarian assistance, i.e. they must serve all people with no distinction to religion, political affiliation or ethnicity, without discrimination between or within affected populations.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010058/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(10 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Apoios da UE a associações com intervenção na área da parentalidade

A Associação Portuguesa para a Igualdade Parental e Direitos dos Filhos (Apipdf) tem desenvolvido a sua ação em torno de temáticas associadas com a família, crianças/filhos e parentalidade, tendo como objetivos, entre outros: promover a tomada de consciência social e legal quanto à igualdade de direitos e deveres dos pais e mães, nomeadamente quanto à responsabilidade parental; promover as questões da Igualdade Parental e da Parentalidade Positiva; desenvolver todas as ações junto das instituições competentes com vista ao cumprimento dos direitos dos filhos, com atenção na manutenção de ambos os pais como responsáveis e igualmente responsabilizados pelos seus filhos, após a separação do casal.

A Apipdf integra a Plataforma Europeia dos Pais, que, por sua vez, se debruça sobre os problemas da alienação parental, a morosidade dos tribunais e a questão da guarda conjunta.

Solicito à Comissão que me informe sobre o seguinte:

| Que programas e medidas podem apoiar financeiramente a atividade de associações como a Apipdf? |
| --- |

Que programas e medidas podem apoiar financeiramente a atividade de associações como a Apipdf?

| Tendo em conta a realização da Conferência «Facing the Crisis of the Family in the Name of the Children: First Comparative Survey on Children Custody in Europe», no próximo dia 23 de outubro, em Estrasburgo, que programas e medidas podem apoiar a participação de um representante da Apipdf ou de membros desta associação na referida Conferência ou noutros eventos similares que venham a ocorrer no futuro? |
| --- |

Tendo em conta a realização da Conferência «Facing the Crisis of the Family in the Name of the Children: First Comparative Survey on Children Custody in Europe», no próximo dia 23 de outubro, em Estrasburgo, que programas e medidas podem apoiar a participação de um representante da Apipdf ou de membros desta associação na referida Conferência ou noutros eventos similares que venham a ocorrer no futuro?

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(8 de novembro de 2013)

O programa Direitos Fundamentais e Cidadania (212) tem vindo a financiar projetos e organizações que pretendem reforçar os direitos da criança numa base regular. De acordo com o programa de trabalho anual de 2013 (213) o convite à apresentação de propostas para subvenções de ação para 2013, que será publicado nas próximas semanas (214), deve concentrar-se nos direitos da criança como uma das suas prioridades. Existe, em especial, a possibilidade de apoio financeiro para projetos transnacionais que proponham ações tais como módulos de formação sobre uma justiça adaptada às crianças (em conformidade com as orientações do Conselho da Europa sobre uma justiça adaptada às crianças de 2010), destinadas a juristas e outros profissionais que interagem com crianças no contexto de um processo judicial.

Para o período de 2014-2020, as negociações relativas aos dois novos programas ainda não estão concluídas. É do conhecimento do Senhor Deputado que o futuro programa Justiça apoiará a cooperação judiciária e o acesso à justiça, que pode incluir a realização de projetos que abranjam a cooperação judiciária em matéria de divórcio e da custódia parental e em matéria de obrigações alimentares. Além disso, os projetos relativos aos regimes matrimoniais que promovam a eliminação de obstáculos ao bom funcionamento dos processos cíveis transfronteiriços nos Estados-Membros poderiam obter apoio. Além disso, o futuro Programa «Direitos, Igualdade e Cidadania» abordará os direitos da criança.

No entanto, não é possível financiar participações individuais numa conferência ou manifestação semelhante, exceto se tiver lugar no contexto de um projeto ao qual tenha sido anteriormente concedido uma subvenção.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010058/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

(10 September 2013)

Subject: EU support for parenting associations

The Portuguese Association for Parental Equality and Children’s Rights (APIPDF) works in the area of family, childhood and parenting issues. Some of its objectives include: promoting social and legal awareness of equal rights and duties for fathers and mothers, particularly as regards parental responsibility; promoting issues of parental equality and positive parenting; undertaking any action together with the competent institutions to ensure children’s rights are respected, focusing on making both parents equally responsible for their children after separation.

The APIPDF is part of the Platform for European Fathers, which focuses on the problems of parental estrangement, lengthy court proceedings and the issue of shared custody.

| 1. | What programmes and measures could provide financial support for the work of associations such as the APIPDF? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What programmes and measures could provide financial support for the work of associations such as the APIPDF?

| 2. | In view of the conference ‘Facing the Crisis of the Family in the Name of the Children. First Comparative Survey on Children Custody in Europe’ to be held on 23 October 2013 in Strasbourg, what programmes and measures could help an APIPDF representative or members of that association attend that conference or similar events to be held in the future? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In view of the conference ‘Facing the Crisis of the Family in the Name of the Children. First Comparative Survey on Children Custody in Europe’ to be held on 23 October 2013 in Strasbourg, what programmes and measures could help an APIPDF representative or members of that association attend that conference or similar events to be held in the future?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 2013)

The Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme (215) has been funding projects and organisations aiming to strengthen the rights of the child on a regular basis. According to the 2013 annual work programme (216) the call for proposals for action grants for 2013, which will be published in the coming weeks (217), shall focus on rights of the child as one of its priorities. In particular, there is a possibility for financial support for transnational projects which propose actions such as training modules on child-friendly justice (in accordance with the 2010 Guidelines on child-friendly justice of the Council of Europe) for legal and other professionals and practitioners who interact with children in the context of judicial proceedings.

For the period 2014-2020, negotiations on the new two programmes are still not finalised. The Honourable Member might be aware that the future Justice Programme will support judicial cooperation and access to justice. This may include projects covering judicial cooperation in divorce and parental custody matters and in maintenance obligations matters. Moreover projects related to matrimonial regimes promoting the elimination of obstacles to the good functioning of cross-border civil proceedings in the Member States could get support. Furthermore, the future Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme will address the rights of the child.

However, the financing of individual attendances at a conference or similar event is not possible, unless it takes place in the context of a project which has previously been awarded a grant.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-010069/13

à la Commission

Catherine Trautmann (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Vote de certains binationaux aux élections européennes

L'article 22, paragraphe 2, du traité FUE prévoit que tout citoyen de l'Union résidant dans un État membre dont il n'est pas ressortissant a le droit de vote et d'éligibilité aux élections au Parlement européen dans l'État membre où il réside. La directive 93/109/CE du Conseil du 6 décembre 1993 fixe les modalités de l'exercice de ce vote. Ainsi, son article 4, paragraphe 1, précise que «l'électeur communautaire exerce son droit de vote soit dans l'État membre de résidence, soit dans l'État membre d'origine» et que «nul ne peut voter plus d'une fois lors d'une même élection».

Par ailleurs, certains États européens, à l'instar de la Belgique, ont un système de vote obligatoire assorti à défaut d'une peine d'amende.

En l'état, un citoyen franco-belge résidant en Belgique semble être obligé de voter en Belgique sous peine de se voir infliger une amende, et ce même s'il accomplit son devoir électoral en France.

Afin de garantir le respect de l'esprit de la législation européenne, qui consacre le libre choix de l'électeur communautaire, que préconise la Commission dans le cas de binationaux concernés par ce type d'obligation de vote dans l'un de leurs États membres d'origine mais souhaitant exprimer leur vote dans l'autre?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(24 octobre 2013)

Les principes généraux concernant les élections du Parlement européen, communs à tous les États membres, sont inscrits dans l'acte de 1976 portant élection des représentants au Parlement européen (218), qui prévoit entre autres que l'élection se déroule au suffrage universel direct, libre et secret.

L'article 8 de l'acte de 1976 dispose que nul ne peut voter plus d'une fois lors de l'élection des représentants au Parlement européen. Il s'ensuit que les citoyens de l'UE ayant la double nationalité ne peuvent pas voter dans les deux États membres dont ils sont ressortissants.

La directive 93/109/CE (219) sur la participation aux élections européennes ne s'applique pas aux citoyens de l'Union ayant la double nationalité qui ont l'intention d'exercer leur droit de vote dans l'un des deux États membres dont ils ont la nationalité. Elle ne concerne que les citoyens de l'UE qui résident dans un État membre dont ils n'ont pas la nationalité.

Toutefois, compte tenu du principe établi par la directive 93/109/CE («liberté de choix des citoyens de l'Union relative à l'État membre dans lequel ils veulent participer aux élections européennes»: soit l'État membre dont ils ont la nationalité, soit l'État membre où ils résident), la Commission estime qu'il convient d'encourager la possibilité pour les citoyens de l'UE ayant la double nationalité de choisir l'État dans lequel ils souhaitent voter.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010069/13

to the Commission

Catherine Trautmann (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Voting rights of dual nationals in European elections

Article 22(2) TFEU stipulates that ‘every citizen of the Union residing in a Member State of which he is not a national shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament in the Member State in which he resides’. Council Directive 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993 lays down the arrangements for exercising this right. Article 4(1) thereof stipulates that ‘Community voters shall exercise their right to vote either in the Member State of residence or in their home Member State. No person may vote more than once at the same election.’

Voting is compulsory in some Member States, such as Belgium, where anyone who fails to vote runs the risk of receiving a fine.

For example, French‐Belgian dual nationals living in Belgium run the risk of being fined if they do not comply with the obligation to vote in Belgium, even if they have exercised the right to vote in France.

With a view to keeping to the spirit of EC law, which allows EU voters to choose where to vote, what does the Commission think should be done in cases where dual nationals are under an obligation to vote in one of the Member States of which they are a national, but wish to vote in the other?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

General principles concerning the European Parliament elections, common to all Member States, are laid down in the 1976 Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament (220) which provides, e.g. for elections to be held by direct universal suffrage, freely and in secret.

According to Article 8 of the 1976 Act, no one may vote more than once in any election of representatives to the European Parliament. Therefore, it is clear the EU citizens with a dual nationality cannot vote in both Member States of which they are national.

Directive 93/109/EC (221) on participation in the European elections does not apply to EU citizens with a dual nationality who intend to exercise this right in one of the Member States of which they are nationals. It solely concerns the cases of EU citizens who reside in another Member State without having its nationality.

However, having regard to the principle established by Directive 93/109/EC (‘the freedom of citizens of the Union to choose the Member State in which to take part in European elections — either in the Member State of nationality or in the Member State of residence’) the Commission considers that the possibility for EU voters with a dual nationality to choose where to vote should be encouraged.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010070/13

a la Comisión

Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE), Pilar Ayuso (PPE), María Auxiliadora Correa Zamora (PPE), Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE) y Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

(11 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Investigación china contra los vinos europeos

La investigación antidumping y anti ayudas emprendida por China contra los vinos europeos podría desembocar en un incremento de los aranceles aplicados por ese país a las exportaciones de la Unión Europea en el caso de que el resultado de esa investigación dé la razón a los productores chinos, que se quejan de una supuesta competencia desleal por parte de los vinos comunitarios. Francia y España son los principales exportadores de vino a China, por lo que ambos se encuentran en el principal punto de mira de este país.

Los productores europeos consideran injustificada la apertura de esa investigación, pues aseguran que las exportaciones europeas de ninguna forma practican dumping en el mercado chino y que las ayudas de la UE no dan lugar a distorsiones del comercio.

¿Qué argumentos puede suministrar la Comisión en defensa de las ayudas otorgadas por la UE a los productores vitivinícolas europeos? ¿Para cuándo se espera una decisión final por parte de China? ¿Está aportando la Comisión alguna asistencia jurídica a las empresas afectadas por la investigación? ¿Qué acciones podría emprender la Comisión en el caso de que China impusiera nuevos aranceles a los envíos europeos?

Respuesta del Sr. De Gucht en nombre de la Comisión

(24 de octubre de 2013)

Siempre que se respeten determinados requisitos, las normas de la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) permiten a China abrir una investigación de defensa comercial a fin de comprobar si las importaciones de vino de la UE son objeto de dumping o reciben subvenciones y causan perjuicio al sector vitivinícola chino.

La Comisión participa activamente en las investigaciones y, en cooperación con los Estados miembros y con la asociación que agrupa a las organizaciones del sector vitivinícola de la UE, está preparando actualmente las respuestas a los cuestionarios sobre los aspectos relativos a las subvenciones y el presunto perjuicio causado por las importaciones de la UE al sector vitivinícola chino. El sector vitivinícola de la UE también ha de desempeñar un papel activo, ya que debe cooperar para que el resultado de la investigación no repercuta en detrimento suyo.

Según la legislación china, la determinación final de la investigación ha de producirse en un plazo de doce meses a partir de su inicio, período que puede ampliarse a 18 meses en circunstancias excepcionales. Por consiguiente, cabe esperar la adopción de una decisión final por parte de China a finales de diciembre de 2014 a más tardar.

Desde el comienzo de la investigación, la Comisión ha apoyado proactivamente a las partes interesadas del sector vitivinícola y a los Estados miembros, prestándoles asistencia jurídica en cada fase del caso. En este contexto, la Comisión ha estado también en contacto frecuente, a través de la Delegación de la UE en China, con las autoridades chinas para apoyar el ejercicio de los derechos de defensa de los exportadores de la UE y garantizar que se aplican estrictamente las normas pertinentes de la OMC, incluidas las relativas a la transparencia.

La Comisión seguirá analizando los argumentos subyacentes a estas investigaciones y el desarrollo de las mismas. En caso de que dicho análisis demuestre que China ha impuesto alguna medida que suponga el quebrantamiento de las normas de la OMC y vaya en detrimento de los exportadores de vino de la UE, la Comisión no dudará en adoptar las medidas necesarias.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010070/13

to the Commission

Eva Ortiz Vilella (PPE), Pilar Ayuso (PPE), María Auxiliadora Correa Zamora (PPE), Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE) and Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Chinese investigation into European wines

China’s anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into European wines could lead to an increase in Chinese tariffs on EU exports if it finds in favour of Chinese producers, who are complaining of alleged unfair competition from EU wines. France and Spain are the primary focus of the investigation as they are the main wine exporters to China.

European producers believe that this investigation is unjustified because they claim that European exports are in no way being dumped on to the Chinese market and that EU subsidies do not cause trade distortions.

What arguments can the Commission put forward in defence of EU subsidies for European wine producers? When can a final decision by China be expected? Is the Commission providing any legal assistance to businesses affected by the investigation? What actions could the Commission take if China were to impose new tariffs on European exports?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

Subject to specific requirements, World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules allow China to initiate a trade defence investigation in order to verify whether EU wine imports are dumped and/or subsidised and cause injury to the Chinese wine sector.

The Commission is actively involved in the investigations and, in cooperation with the Member States and the EU wine association, is currently preparing the replies to the questionnaires concerning the subsidy aspects and the alleged injury caused by EU imports to the Chinese wine industry. The EU wine industry has also an active role to play as it should cooperate in order not to undermine the outcome of the investigation to its disadvantage.

According to the Chinese law, the final determination of the investigation shall be made within 12 months from its initiation. It can be extended to 18 months in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, an adoption of a final decision by China can be expected by the end of December 2014 at the latest.

Since the beginning of the investigation the Commission has been actively providing the wine industry stakeholders and the Member States with legal assistance at each stage of the case. In this context, the Commission has been also in frequent contact, through the EU Delegation in China, with the Chinese authorities in order to support the EU exporters' rights of defence and to ensure that the relevant WTO rules, including on transparency, are strictly applied.

The Commission will continue to analyse the merits and development of these investigations. Should that analysis show that measures, if any, were imposed by China in breach of the WTO rules to the detriment of the EU wine exporters, the Commission will not hesitate to take the necessary actions.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010071/13

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(11 september 2013)

Betreft: Intrekking van het voorstel voor een belasting op financiële transacties

Uit berichtgeving van Reuters van 10 september 2013 (222) blijkt dat de Juridische Dienst van de EU op 6 september 2013 een juridisch advies heeft uitgebracht, waarin wordt gesteld dat het voorstel voor een belasting op financiële transacties (FTT)

— „de bevoegdheden van de lidstaten op het gebied van belastingheffing onder internationaal gewoonterecht overstijgt”;

— in strijd is met het EU-Verdrag, „omdat het een inbreuk maakt op de belastingbevoegdheden van niet-deelnemende lidstaten”;

— alsmede „discriminerend is en waarschijnlijk leidt tot concurrentieverstoring ten nadele van niet-deelnemende lidstaten”, en een „belemmering” vormt voor het vrije verkeer van kapitaal en diensten binnen de eengemaakte markt.

Ik heb vier schriftelijke vragen over het voorstel voor een FTT bij de Commissie ingediend. In het antwoord op vraag E-002514/2013, dat ik ontving op 22 april 2013, stelde de Commissie dat zij voorziet in „een ontwerp voor een belastingstelsel dat [...] het internationale publiekrecht, en in het bijzonder de  territorialiteitsbeginselen, respecteert”, en dat „in het voorstel [...] het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie en het Verdrag betreffende de werking van de Europese Unie in acht [worden] genomen. [...] Het [zou] in het bijzonder de werking van de eengemaakte markt moeten verbeteren [...] [die] veeleer verbeterd [zou] worden dan dat er afbreuk aan wordt gedaan”.

In het antwoord op vraag E-005510/2013, dat ik ontving op 1 juli 2013, bevestigde de Commissie dat haar „effectbeoordeling [...] toont dat noch deelnemende, noch niet-deelnemende lidstaten negatieve macro-economische gevolgen zullen ondervinden van de invoering van een gemeenschappelijk FTT-stelsel”.

In het antwoord op vraag E-005894/2013, dat ik ontving op 11 juli 2013, stelde de Commissie dat zij „niet voornemens [is] zich opnieuw over haar voorstel te buigen”, omdat „in de desbetreffende effectbeoordelingen [...] tot de algemene conclusie [werd] gekomen dat [...] er geen bewijs van verstoring van de financiële markten is ten gevolge van de uitvoering van de voorgestelde FTT” en dat „de Commissie en de Raad [hebben] geoordeeld dat de nauwere samenwerking op het gebied van de FTT in overeenstemming is met artikel 326 VWEU”.

In het antwoord op vraag E-006451/2013, dat ik ontving op 1 augustus 2013, verklaarde de Commissie „alle beschikbare informatie [te hebben] gebruikt en een volwaardige effectbeoordeling [te hebben] uitgevoerd [...] [die] grotendeels haar geldigheid behoudt”.

Kan de Commissie in het licht hiervan de volgende vragen beantwoorden:

| Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het advies van de Juridische Dienst van de Raad van de Europese Unie? |
| --- |

Is de Commissie op de hoogte van het advies van de Juridische Dienst van de Raad van de Europese Unie?

| Hoe beoordeelt de Commissie dit juridische advies? |
| --- |

Hoe beoordeelt de Commissie dit juridische advies?

| Is de Commissie van mening dat haar argumenten vóór de FTT nog steeds kunnen worden verdedigd? |
| --- |

Is de Commissie van mening dat haar argumenten vóór de FTT nog steeds kunnen worden verdedigd?

| Is de Commissie het ermee eens dat zij het voorstel heeft ingediend zonder het goed en op passende wijze te hebben voorbereid? |
| --- |

Is de Commissie het ermee eens dat zij het voorstel heeft ingediend zonder het goed en op passende wijze te hebben voorbereid?

| Welke maatregelen is de Commissie van plan te nemen? Zal zij een nauwkeuriger effectbeoordeling uitvoeren? Zal zij zich opnieuw over het voorstel buigen of het voorstel intrekken? |
| --- |

Welke maatregelen is de Commissie van plan te nemen? Zal zij een nauwkeuriger effectbeoordeling uitvoeren? Zal zij zich opnieuw over het voorstel buigen of het voorstel intrekken?

Antwoord van de heer Šemeta namens de Commissie

(25 oktober 2013)

| 1. en 2. | De Commissie heeft inderdaad kennisgenomen van het advies van de juridische dienst van de Raad. |
| --- | --- |

1. en 2.

De Commissie heeft inderdaad kennisgenomen van het advies van de juridische dienst van de Raad.

| 3. | Ja. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Ja.

| 4. | De Commissie heeft zorgvuldig alle economische en juridische aspecten van haar voorstel (223) geëvalueerd. |
| --- | --- |

4.

De Commissie heeft zorgvuldig alle economische en juridische aspecten van haar voorstel (223) geëvalueerd.

| 5. | De Commissie zal constructief de onderhandelingen van de Raad opvolgen en ondersteunen met het oog op een tijdige vaststelling van de FTT door de deelnemende lidstaten. |
| --- | --- |

5.

De Commissie zal constructief de onderhandelingen van de Raad opvolgen en ondersteunen met het oog op een tijdige vaststelling van de FTT door de deelnemende lidstaten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010071/13

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Bringing the curtain down on the financial transaction tax proposal

On 10 September 2013 Reuters reported (224) that the EU legal service submitted a legal opinion on 6 September 2013 according to which the proposal for a financial transaction tax (FTT)

— ‘exceeds Member States’ jurisdiction for taxation under the norms of international customary law’;

— is not compatible with the EU Treaty ‘as it infringes upon the taxing competences of non-participating Member States’;

— would also be ‘discriminatory and likely to lead to distortion of competition to the detriment of non-participating Member States’, as well as an ‘obstacle’ to the free movement of capital and services within the Single Market.

I have tabled four written questions to the Commission on the proposal for a FTT. In its reply to Question E-002514/2013, which I received on 22 April 2013, the Commission argued that it ‘provides for a tax design which [...] [respects] international public law and in particular territoriality principles’ and that ‘the proposal respects the Treaties on European Union and on the Functioning of the European Union. In particular, it would improve the functioning of the Single Market [...] [which] would be improved rather than undermined’.

In its reply to Question E-005510/2013, which I received on 1 July 2013, the Commission affirms that its ‘impact assessment [...] shows that neither participating nor non-participating Member States should suffer a negative macroeconomic effect from the establishing of a common system of FTT’.

In its reply to Question E-005894/2013, which I received on 11 July 2013, the Commission stated to have ‘no intention to re-table its proposal’ since ‘in the relevant impact assessments [it] came to the general conclusion that [...] there is no evidence of malfunction of the financial markets as a consequence of the implementation of the proposed FTT’ and that ‘both the Commission and the Council have assessed that the enhanced cooperation in the area of FTT complies with Article 326 TFEU’.

In its reply to Question E-006451/2013, which I received on 1 August 2013, the Commission declared to have ‘used all information available and carried out a fully-fledged impact assessment [...] which still remains largely valid’.

In the light of the above:

| Is the Commission aware of the opinion submitted by the legal service of the Council of the European Union? |
| --- |

Is the Commission aware of the opinion submitted by the legal service of the Council of the European Union?

| How does the Commission judge this legal opinion? |
| --- |

How does the Commission judge this legal opinion?

| Does the Commission think its arguments in favour of the FTT can still be pursued? |
| --- |

Does the Commission think its arguments in favour of the FTT can still be pursued?

| Does the Commission agree it submitted the proposal without having it properly and accurately evaluated? |
| --- |

Does the Commission agree it submitted the proposal without having it properly and accurately evaluated?

| What action does the Commission plan to take? Will it perform a more accurate impact assessment? Will it re-table the proposal or withdraw it? |
| --- |

What action does the Commission plan to take? Will it perform a more accurate impact assessment? Will it re-table the proposal or withdraw it?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

1 and 2. The Commission has indeed taken note of the opinion of the Legal Service of the Council.

| 3. | Yes. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Yes.

| 4. | The Commission has carefully evaluated all the economic and legal aspects of its proposal (225). |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Commission has carefully evaluated all the economic and legal aspects of its proposal (225).

| 5. | The Commission will constructively follow and support Council negotiations with a view to the timely adoption of the FTT by the participating Member States. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The Commission will constructively follow and support Council negotiations with a view to the timely adoption of the FTT by the participating Member States.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010073/13

alla Commissione

Franco Bonanini (NI)

(11 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Utilizzo improprio della denominazione «Cinque Terre»

Il giorno 22 febbraio 2013 si è formalmente costituita in Piemonte un'unione di comuni denominata «Cinque Terre del Monferrato» che riunisce i comuni di Olivola, Ozzano Monferrato, Sala Monferrato, Terruggia e Treville.

La nuova unione di comuni piemontesi ha parzialmente ripreso la denominazione storica di una tra le più conosciute zone d'Italia, le Cinque Terre, patrimonio mondiale dell'umanità, sede di un parco nazionale e di un'area marina protetta e meta di flussi intensissimi di turismo nazionale ed internazionale nonché luogo di produzione di due vini a denominazione di origine controllata: il «Cinque terre» e il «Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà».

Alla luce di quanto sopra, non ritiene la Commissione

| 1. | che l'utilizzo del nome «Cinque Terre» da parte della citata unione di comuni sia da considerarsi fuorviante e ingannevole, |
| --- | --- |

1.

che l'utilizzo del nome «Cinque Terre» da parte della citata unione di comuni sia da considerarsi fuorviante e ingannevole,

| 2. | che l'utilizzo strumentale di tale denominazione possa generare in futuro confusione fra i consumatori, |
| --- | --- |

2.

che l'utilizzo strumentale di tale denominazione possa generare in futuro confusione fra i consumatori,

| 3. | che l'utilizzo di indicazioni geografiche fuorvianti e un uso improprio di denominazioni di origine rappresentino una pratica sleale e una minaccia anche per quanto concerne la difesa dei marchi, delle indicazioni geografiche e delle denominazioni di origine controllate? |
| --- | --- |

3.

che l'utilizzo di indicazioni geografiche fuorvianti e un uso improprio di denominazioni di origine rappresentino una pratica sleale e una minaccia anche per quanto concerne la difesa dei marchi, delle indicazioni geografiche e delle denominazioni di origine controllate?

| 4. | Quali azioni intende eventualmente intraprendere a tal proposito? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Quali azioni intende eventualmente intraprendere a tal proposito?

Risposta di Dacian Cioloș a nome della Commissione

(23 ottobre 2013)

La Commissione non è a conoscenza della costituzione in Piemonte di un'unione di comuni denominata «Cinque Terre del Monferrato».

La denominazione di origine controllata «Cinque Terre»/«Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà» (PDO-IT-A0352) non interferisce con la costituzione di un'unità amministrativa ma rimane protetta ai sensi della normativa dell'UE.

Tale denominazione deve essere tutelata dalle competenti autorità italiane che dovranno accertare se l'utilizzo della dicitura «Cinque Terre del Monferrato» viola la tutela di cui beneficia la denominazione di origine controllata del vino «Cinque Terre»/«Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010073/13

to the Commission

Franco Bonanini (NI)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Misuse of ‘Cinque Terre’ designation

On 22 February 2013 a joint municipality was formally created in Piedmont called ‘Cinque Terre del Monferrato’, bringing together the municipalities of Olivola, Ozzano Monferrato, Sala Monferrato, Terruggia and Treville.

This new joint municipality in Piedmont has partly adopted the historical designation of one of the best known areas in Italy, Cinque Terre, a world heritage site, a national park location and a protected marine area, as well as a destination for very large numbers of tourists from home and abroad, not to mention a place of production for two wines with protected designation of origin: Cinque Terre and Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà.

In light of the above, does the Commission not believe that

| 1. | The use of the name ‘Cinque Terre’ by the joint municipality mentioned above should be considered misleading and deceptive? |
| --- | --- |

1.

The use of the name ‘Cinque Terre’ by the joint municipality mentioned above should be considered misleading and deceptive?

| 2. | The actual use of this designation may cause confusion in the future among consumers? |
| --- | --- |

2.

The actual use of this designation may cause confusion in the future among consumers?

| 3. | The use of misleading geographical indications and the misuse of designations of origin are an unfair practice and also pose a threat when it comes to protecting marks, geographical indications and protected designations of origin? |
| --- | --- |

3.

The use of misleading geographical indications and the misuse of designations of origin are an unfair practice and also pose a threat when it comes to protecting marks, geographical indications and protected designations of origin?

| 4. | What actions does it possibly intend to take in this regard? |
| --- | --- |

4.

What actions does it possibly intend to take in this regard?

Answer given by Mr Cioloș on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission is not aware of the creation of a joint municipality called ‘Cinque Terre del Montferrato’ in Piedmont.

While the protection related to the wine protected designation of origin ‘Cinque Terre’ or ‘Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà’ (PDO-IT-A0352) does not interfere with the creation of an administrative unit, this designation of origin is still protected, according to EC law.

The enforcement of that protection shall be ensured by the competent authorities of Italy which shall verify whether the use of the name ‘Cinque Terre del Montferrato’ infringes the protection granted to the wine protected designation of origin ‘Cinque Terre’ or ‘Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà’.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010074/13

à Comissão

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL) e Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Diminuição do financiamento destinado à Ajuda Alimentar na UE

No final de 2013 chega ao fim o período de vigência do Programa Comunitário de Ajuda Alimentar a Carenciados (PCAAC). Este Programa será substituído pelo Fundo de Auxílio Europeu às Pessoas Mais Carenciadas.

Aumentam na Europa as situações de carência alimentar e de fome, fruto das políticas que têm vindo a ser implementadas, em especial nos países que são alvo de intervenções UE-FMI. De acordo com notícias recentes, a passagem do PCAAC para o Fundo de Auxílio Europeu às Pessoas Mais Carenciadas poderá acarretar uma quebra das verbas disponíveis, que pode chegar aos 40 ou 50 por cento (no caso de Portugal, referido na imprensa portuguesa).

Solicitamos à Comissão que nos informe sobre o seguinte:

| Qual a dotação global do PCAAC para o período de vigência de sete anos (2007-2013)? |
| --- |

Qual a dotação global do PCAAC para o período de vigência de sete anos (2007-2013)?

| Qual a dotação recebida por Portugal ou por instituições portuguesas neste período? |
| --- |

Qual a dotação recebida por Portugal ou por instituições portuguesas neste período?

| Qual a dotação global prevista para o Fundo de Auxílio Europeu às Pessoas Mais Carenciadas no período de sete anos da sua vigência (2014-2020)? |
| --- |

Qual a dotação global prevista para o Fundo de Auxílio Europeu às Pessoas Mais Carenciadas no período de sete anos da sua vigência (2014-2020)?

| Qual a dotação prevista para Portugal ou para instituições portuguesas neste período? |
| --- |

Qual a dotação prevista para Portugal ou para instituições portuguesas neste período?

| Qual a diferença de âmbito entre o PCAAC e o novo Fundo? |
| --- |

Qual a diferença de âmbito entre o PCAAC e o novo Fundo?

Resposta dada por László Andor em nome da Comissão

(5 de novembro de 2013)

O orçamento total do programa europeu de ajuda às pessoas mais carenciadas (PEAC) ascendeu a 3,088 mil milhões de euros entre 2007 e 2013, tendo as dotações de Portugal atingido os 134,7 milhões de euros.

O orçamento do fundo de auxílio europeu às pessoas mais carenciadas (FAEPC) situar-se-á entre 2,5 e 3,5 mil milhões de euros, estando a mobilização no montante de mil milhões suplementares prevista numa base voluntária. A determinação dessas dotações globais é o objeto do artigo 6.° do projeto de regulamento. A Comissão não pode, pois, comunicar o montante por Estado-Membro antes da adoção do regulamento pelos colegisladores.

De acordo com a proposta da Comissão, o FAEPC deverá apoiar os dispositivos nacionais que prestam uma assistência não financeira aos mais carenciados, em matéria de ajuda alimentar, como é o caso do instrumento atual, mas também de bens essenciais destinados a sem-abrigo ou a crianças em situações de extrema pobreza. Cada Estado-Membro terá, portanto, a possibilidade de adaptar a assistência prestada, privilegiando uma das formas de assistência ou combinando-as, a fim de melhor responder às situações nacionais.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010074/13

to the Commission

João Ferreira (GUE/NGL) and Inês Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Reduced funding for food aid in the EU

The European food aid programme for the most deprived persons (PEAD) draws to a close at the end of 2013. This Programme will be replaced by the Fund for European aid to the most deprived (FEAD).

Food shortages and hunger are on the increase in Europe, as a result of the policies, particularly in countries receiving EU‐IMF bailouts, that have been implemented. Recent reports suggest that the transition from the PEAD to the FEAD could lead to a drop in available funds of up to 40% or 50% (in the case of Portugal, according to the Portuguese press).

| 1. | What was the PEAD’s overall budget for the seven-year programme (2007‐2013)? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What was the PEAD’s overall budget for the seven-year programme (2007‐2013)?

| 2. | How much did Portugal or Portuguese institutions receive during this period? |
| --- | --- |

2.

How much did Portugal or Portuguese institutions receive during this period?

| 3. | What is the FEAD’s expected overall budget for the upcoming seven-year programme (2014‐2020)? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What is the FEAD’s expected overall budget for the upcoming seven-year programme (2014‐2020)?

| 4. | How much is Portugal or are Portuguese institutions expected to receive during this period? |
| --- | --- |

4.

How much is Portugal or are Portuguese institutions expected to receive during this period?

| 5. | What is the difference in scope between the PEAD and the FEAD? |
| --- | --- |

5.

What is the difference in scope between the PEAD and the FEAD?

(Version française)

Le budget total du Programme Européen d'Aide aux plus Démunies (PEAD) était 3,088 milliards d'euros entre 2007 et 2013, dont l'allocation du Portugal a atteint 134,7 millions d'euros.

Le budget du Fonds européen d'aide aux plus démunis (FEAD) se situera entre 2,5 et 3,5 milliards d'euros, la mobilisation du milliard supplémentaire étant prévue sur une base volontaire. La détermination de l'allocation de ces ressources globales est l'objet de l'article 6 du projet de règlement. La Commission n'est donc pas en mesure de communiquer le montant par État membre avant l'adoption du règlement par les co-législateurs.

Au terme de la proposition de la Commission, le FEAD soutiendrait les dispositifs nationaux qui fournissent une assistance non-financière aux plus pauvres, aide alimentaire, comme cela est le cas de l'instrument actuel mais aussi des biens de consommation de base pour les personnes sans-abris ou les enfants confrontés à la très grande pauvreté. Chaque État membre aurait alors le loisir d'adapter l'assistance en privilégiant une des formes d'assistance ou en les combinant, afin de répondre au mieux aux situations nationales.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010075/13

au Conseil

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Communauté européenne de l'énergie

Le Parlement a renouvelé cette semaine son soutien à la création d'une communauté européenne de l'énergie entre les États membres de l'Union européenne.

Le Conseil va‐t‐il, comme le lui demande officiellement le Parlement, faire rapport sur l'état d'avancement de celle‐ci?

Réponse

(18 novembre 2013)

La politique énergétique a été débattue à intervalles réguliers au sein tant du Conseil que du Conseil européen. Dans ses conclusions du 22 mai 2013, le Conseil européen a indiqué qu'il convenait d'achever de toute urgence un marché intérieur de l'énergie interconnecté et pleinement opérationnel, de faciliter les investissements nécessaires dans l'énergie, de diversifier l'approvisionnement de l'Europe et d'accroître l'efficacité énergétique. Il a en particulier demandé que l'on s'attache à mettre en œuvre de manière effective et cohérente le troisième «paquet énergie» d'ici 2014, que l'on poursuive les efforts déployés dans le domaine de la R&D énergétique et de la technologie, que des progrès soient réalisés en matière de méthodes de financement innovantes, y compris pour l'efficacité énergétique, et que l'on réduise la dépendance énergétique de l'UE vis‐à‐vis de l'extérieur.

Dans ses conclusions du 7 juin 2013, le Conseil a confirmé toute l'importance qu'il attache à la mise en œuvre correcte et urgente de la législation relative au marché intérieur de l'énergie et au respect des échéances de 2014 et 2015 fixées par le Conseil européen le 4 février 2011. Ces conclusions comprennent des lignes directrices sur la manière de contribuer à la transition vers le marché intérieur de l'énergie de demain. Le Conseil a en outre examiné la communication de la Commission intitulée «Technologies et innovation énergétiques». Au cours de ce débat, les ministres se sont prononcés en faveur d'une accélération de l'innovation dans les technologies de pointe à faible émission de carbone et la mise au point de solutions novatrices, ainsi que de l'introduction des nouvelles technologies sur le marché. Ils ont en outre apporté leur appui à l'élaboration d'une feuille de route intégrée et d'un plan d'action, comme les décrit la communication, en particulier via une coordination renforcée des programmes nationaux de recherche et d'innovation dans le domaine de l'énergie.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010075/13

to the Council

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: European Energy Community

This week Parliament renewed its support for the creation of a European Energy Community between the Member States.

Is the Council going to report on the progress towards its creation, as officially requested by Parliament?

Reply

(18 November 2013)

Energy policy has been regularly discussed within both the Council and European Council. In its conclusions of 22 May 2013 the European Council expressed support for the urgent completion of a fully functioning and interconnected internal energy market, facilitation of the required investment in energy, diversification of Europe's energy supply and enhanced energy efficiency. In particular, it called for effective and consistent implementation of the third ‘energy package’ by 2014, continued efforts on energy research, development and technology, progress on innovative financing methods, including for energy efficiency and reducing EU's external energy dependency.

In its conclusions of 7 June 2013 the Council confirmed its full commitment to the correct and urgent implementation of the internal energy market legislation and to meeting the 2014 and 2015 deadlines set by the European Council on 4 February 2011. These conclusions include guidelines on how to help achieve the transition to the internal energy market of the future. The Council also debated the Commission communication on energy technologies and innovation. During that debate ministers expressed support for accelerating innovation in cutting-edge low-carbon technologies and innovative solutions, and for speeding up the introduction of new technologies to the market. They also expressed support for the development of an integrated roadmap and an action plan, as described in the communication, in particular by enhanced coordination of national energy research and innovation programmes.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010076/13

au Conseil

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Financement «Horizon 2020»

Le Parlement, lors de sa session de septembre, a demandé au Conseil, 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 du Conseil?

Réponse

(11 novembre 2013)

La proposition de la Commission relative au programme-cadre pour la recherche et l'innovation Horizon 2020 combine les activités relevant du septième programme-cadre pour la recherche et le développement technologique avec les mesures de soutien à l'innovation incluses précédemment dans le programme pour l'innovation et la compétitivité (CIP). Horizon 2020 englobera en outre le financement de l'Institut européen d'innovation et de technologie (EIT). Le Parlement et le Conseil ont tous deux préservé l'essentiel des activités de recherche et d'innovation que prévoyait la proposition de la Commission. Ils sont parvenus à un accord en juin sur le paquet Horizon 2020 après neuf trilogues et plusieurs réunions techniques.

Le Conseil a toujours attaché une importance particulière au budget consacré à Horizon 2020. Les négociations qui ont eu lieu entre le Conseil et le Parlement sur la ventilation budgétaire d'Horizon 2020 ont été menées de manière approfondie. En attendant l'accord sur le cadre financier pluriannuel, l'accord entre les institutions sur Horizon 2020 était fondé sur des pourcentages plutôt que sur des chiffres absolus.

Le chiffre budgétaire global pour Horizon 2020 sera nettement plus élevé que celui de son prédécesseur, le septième programme-cadre. Il prévoira une augmentation d'environ un tiers du budget d'Horizon 2020 par rapport au budget du septième programme-cadre pour la période de programmation 2007-2013. Compte tenu des difficultés contextuelles que rencontrent les économies européennes, ainsi que des réductions budgétaires apportées à d'autres rubriques du cadre financier pluriannuel, une telle augmentation montre clairement que le Conseil reconnaît l'importance que revêt l'initiative Horizon 2020 et l'intérêt qu'elle présente pour assurer la croissance et l'emploi en Europe. En outre, un effet de levier considérable peut être obtenu avec certaines des mesures proposées dans le cadre du programme Horizon 2020, comme les instruments financiers dotés d'un effet multiplicateur majeur, un instrument réservé aux PME consacrant plus de 3 milliards d'euros aux petites et moyennes entreprises, ou les partenariats public-privé et public‐public privilégiant des domaines et secteurs clés, qui encourageront de nouveaux investissements et feront en sorte que le budget consacré à la recherche et à l'innovation soit encore plus substantiel.

En outre, la recherche et l'innovation, ainsi que le programme Horizon 2020, ont bénéficié d'un soutien politique de haut niveau. Le Conseil européen de mars 2012 a reconnu l'importance que revêtent les politiques de recherche et d'innovation en tant que moteurs de la croissance et de l'emploi. Le Conseil européen thématique sur l'innovation qui aura lieu à la fin octobre 2013 devrait réaffirmer son soutien aux politiques de recherche et d'innovation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010076/13

to the Council

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Horizon 2020 funding

At its September part-session, Parliament called on the Council, 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 Council’s response?

Reply

(11 November 2013)

The Commission proposal for the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme combined the activities under the current Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) with the innovation support measures previously included in the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP). Moreover, Horizon 2020 will also include the financing for the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Both the Parliament and the Council have preserved the essence of research and innovation that was in the Commission proposal. They reached an agreement in June on the Horizon 2020 package after nine trilogues and several technical meetings.

The Council has always attached particular importance to the budget devoted to Horizon 2020. The negotiations between the Council and the Parliament on the Horizon 2020 budget breakdown were extensive. Pending the agreement on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), the Horizon 2020 agreement between the institutions was based on percentage figures rather than on absolute numbers.

The overall budget figure for Horizon 2020 will be substantially higher than that of its predecessor, FP7. This will include an increase of around one third of the budget for Horizon 2020 compared to the FP7 budget for the 2007-2013 programming period. Taking into account the contextual difficulties faced by European economies, as well as the budget reductions to other MFF headings, such an increase clearly demonstrates that the Council recognises the importance of the Horizon 2020 initiative and its relevance to delivering growth and jobs in Europe. Moreover, a significant leverage effect can be achieved with some of the proposed measures under the Horizon 2020 programme, such as the financial instruments with a major multiplier effect, a dedicated SME instrument devoting more than EUR 3 billion to SMEs, or public-private and public-public partnerships prioritising key areas and sectors, which will encourage additional investment and make the budget devoted to research and innovation activities even more substantial.

Additionally, high-level political support has been received for research and innovation as well as for the Horizon 2020 programme. The European Council, in March 2012, recognised the importance of research and innovation policies as drivers for growth and jobs. Renewed support for research and innovation policies is also to be expected from the thematic European Council on innovation that will take place at the end of October 2013.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010080/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Règles relatives aux aides d'État

La Commission compte-t-elle considérer la mobilisation des fonds structurels et d'investissement européens en faveur de l'efficacité énergétique comme une possibilité d'investissement ayant un effet de levier important, et non comme une dépense?

La Commission prévoit-elle de revoir les règles relatives aux aides d'État pour permettre d'accroître le financement national de l'efficacité énergétique, parallèlement aux investissements européens.

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

La Commission est consciente de l'importance des mesures d'efficacité énergétique qui peuvent également être soutenues par les Fonds structurels et d'investissement européens (fonds ESI).

La Commission a proposé de développer et de renforcer davantage le recours aux instruments financiers lors de la prochaine période de programmation, ceux-ci représentant une solution plus durable et rentable pour compléter le financement traditionnel basé sur les subventions.

La plupart des investissements liés au climat devraient être réalisés par le secteur privé. Les États membres et les régions devraient veiller à ce que les financements publics viennent s'ajouter aux investissements privés et les stimulent sans les évincer. De manière générale, les investissements en matière d'efficacité énergétique permettront de réaliser des économies. La possibilité de créer de la valeur pour les économies d'énergie à travers des mécanismes de marché (obligations d'économie d'énergie, entreprises de services énergétiques, etc.) devrait être examinée avant de recourir au financement public.

Dans ce contexte, la possibilité de recourir à des instruments financiers relevant de fonds ESI devrait être envisagée si l'évaluation ex ante obligatoire a établi que le marché est défaillant ou que la situation d'investissement n'est pas optimale et que les investissements sont financièrement viables mais que les sources de financement sur le marché ne sont pas suffisantes. Pour autant que ces mesures constituent des aides d'État, les lignes directrices concernant les aides à l'environnement adoptées en 2008 autorisent déjà des aides en faveur d'investissements dans des mesures visant à renforcer l'efficacité énergétique.

La révision des lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État à la protection de l'environnement actuellement en cours offre l'occasion de réexaminer ces règles et de les mettre en conformité avec la directive relative à l'efficacité énergétique 2012/27/UE, le cas échéant. Un projet de lignes directrices fera l'objet d'une consultation publique avant que la Commission n'arrête une position définitive.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010080/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Rules on state aid

Does the Commission intend to consider the mobilisation of European Structural and Investment Funds for energy efficiency as an investment opportunity with a high leverage effect and not as expenditure?

Does the Commission plan to revise the rules on state aid further in order to allow greater national funding for energy efficiency alongside European investments?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission is aware of the importance of energy efficiency measures which may also be supported by European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds).

The Commission has proposed to further expand and strengthen the use of financial instruments in the next programming period as a more efficient and sustainable alternative to complement traditional grant-based financing.

The bulk of climate-related investment should be made by the private sector. Member States and regions should ensure that public funding complements private investment, leveraging it, and not crowding it out. In general, energy efficiency investments will entail a cost-savings stream. The option of creating value for energy savings through market mechanisms (energy saving obligations, energy service companies, etc.) should be considered before public funding.

Against this background, the possibility to use of financial instruments with ESI Funds contribution should be considered if the mandatory ex-ante assessment has established an evidence of market failure or a sub-optimal investment situation and investments are expected to be financially viable and do not give rise to sufficient funding from market sources. Insofar as such measures constitute state aid, the Environmental Aid Guidelines adopted in 2008 already allow aid for investments in energy efficiency measures.

The revision of the Environmental Aid Guidelines which is currently ongoing is an opportunity to review these rules and to align with the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU where necessary. A draft of the guidelines will be submitted to public consultation before the Commission takes a final view.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010081/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Logements sociaux conformes aux normes énergetiques

Que compte faire la Commission pour améliorer la sécurité juridique en ce qui concerne les règles relatives aux aides d'État à finalité régionale applicables à la construction de logements sociaux conformes aux normes d'efficacité énergétique et à l'investissement dans la construction et les énergies durables?

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2013)

Le nouveau paquet relatif aux aides d'État en faveur des SIEG de 2012, publié au Journal officiel et sur l'internet, fournit une plus grande sécurité juridique dans le domaine des services d'intérêt économique général (SIEG), notamment pour ce qui est des logements sociaux, en précisant les principes essentiels régissant les aides d'État et en instaurant des règles plus simples pour les SIEG. Ces règles respectent le principe établi par les juridictions européennes selon lequel il incombe aux États membres de définir les SIEG, la Commission se limitant à vérifier les erreurs manifestes dans leur définition. Ces règles prévoient que les aides d'État en faveur des SIEG sociaux, notamment des logements sociaux, sont généralement compatibles avec le marché intérieur et ne sont pas soumises à l'obligation de notification à la Commission, pour autant qu'elles remplissent les conditions énoncées dans la décision 2012/21/UE de la Commission. À cet égard, il est concevable que les États membres intègrent des considérations liées à l'efficacité énergétique dans les obligations relatives aux logements sociaux, à condition que cela soit justifié par des objectifs sociaux.

En outre, des aides d'État spécifiques peuvent être jugées compatibles avec le marché intérieur sur la base de lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État ou directement sur la base du traité (TFUE). Par sa décision SA.34611, la Commission a, par exemple, autorisé une aide d'État visant à améliorer l'efficacité énergétique des bâtiments. En outre, les lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État à la protection de l'environnement contiennent des conditions de compatibilité expresses pour les mesures d'économie d'énergie. Ces lignes directrices sont en cours de révision dans le cadre du processus de modernisation du contrôle des aides d'État visant, entre autres, à améliorer la sécurité juridique.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010081/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Social housing that complies with energy standards

What does the Commission plan to do to improve legal certainty with regard to regional state aid rules for the construction of social housing that complies with energy efficiency standards and investment in sustainable buildings and energy?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The new 2012 State aid SGEI package, published in the Official Journal and on the Internet, provides more legal certainty with regard to services of general economic interest (SGEIs) such as social housing by clarifying key state aid principles and introducing simpler rules for SGEIs. These SGEI rules adhere to the principle developed by the European Courts that it is for the Member States to define SGEIs and that the Commission only checks for manifest errors in this definition. Under these state aid rules for SGEIs, State support to social SGEIs including social housing is normally compatible with the internal market and exempted from the obligation to notify to the Commission, provided that it meets the conditions laid down in the Commission Decision 2012/21/EU. In this respect, it is conceivable that Member States incorporate energy efficiency considerations into social housing obligations, as long as this is justified by social objectives.

In addition, specific state aid measures can be found compatible on the basis of state aid guidelines or directly on the basis of the Treaty (TFEU). For instance, the Commission approved a state aid measure to improve energy efficiency in buildings by state aid decision SA.34611. Moreover, the Environmental State Aid Guidelines (EAG) specifically include compatibility conditions for energy saving measures. The EAG are currently being reviewed as part of the state aid modernisation process aiming inter alia at improving legal certainty.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010082/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Instruments financiers standardisés pour l'énergie

Le Parlement reconnaît le soutien de la Commission en faveur du rôle accru de nouveaux instruments financiers innovants au cours de la période de programmation 2014-2020. Leur mise à disposition tardive et le manque de clarté juridique constituent une difficulté majeure à la fois pour les États membres et pour les autres parties prenantes impliquées dans la gestion de tels instruments.

La Commission compte-t-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, présenter sans tarder des propositions pour la mise à disposition d'instruments financiers standardisés pour soutenir les mesures d'efficacité énergétique?

Réponse donnée par M Hahn au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

Les instruments financiers standardisés constituent les conditions standard pour les instruments financiers à développer dans un acte d'exécution, en vertu de l'article 33, paragraphe 3, point a) du projet de règlement portant sur les dispositions communes.

La Commission a élaboré un tel projet de proposition pour les instruments standardisés. Cette proposition a d'ores et déjà été communiquée lors du processus de consultation auprès du groupe d'experts examinant les actes délégués et d'exécution et aux parties prenantes impliquées dans le domaine des instruments financiers durant la période de programmation en cours.

L'actuel projet de proposition comporte quatre instruments. Trois ont pour objectif d'apporter un soutien aux PME par l'intermédiaire de prêts, de produits de garantie et de produits sur fonds propres. Le quatrième vise à soutenir l'efficacité énergétique et les énergies renouvelables dans le secteur de la construction résidentielle (prêt pour rénovation).

Le prêt pour l'efficacité énergétique des habitations cible d'abord les immeubles de plusieurs appartements pour lesquels les économies d'énergie pouvant être réalisées à la suite d'une rénovation sont importantes mais dont les propriétaires ont encore besoin de mesures incitatives appropriées, sous la forme d'une subvention complémentaire, de prêts bonifiés à long terme, ainsi que d'un financement et de conseils préalables.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010082/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Off-the-shelf financial instruments for energy

Parliament recognises the Commission’s support for the enhanced role of new and innovative financial instruments in the programming period 2014-2020. The lack of timely delivery and legal clarity presents a significant difficulty both for the Member States and for other stakeholders included in the management of such instruments

Does the Commission intend, as called upon by Parliament, to present without delay proposals for off-the-shelf financial instruments to be available in support of energy efficiency measures?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The off-the-shelf financial instruments are standard terms and conditions for financial instruments pursuant to Article 33(3)(a) of the draft Common Provisions Regulation, to be developed in an implementing act.

The Commission prepared such a draft proposal for the off-the-shelf instruments. This proposal has already been communicated through a consultation process with the expert group looking at delegated and implementing acts and to the stakeholders active in financial instruments during the current programming period.

The current draft proposal contains four instruments. Three aim at supporting SMEs with loans, guarantee and equity products and one aims at supporting energy efficiency and renvewable energies in the residential building sector (Renovation Loan).

The housing energy efficiency loan product primarily targets multi-apartment buildings where the energy-saving potential of renovation is significant but where apartment owners still need appropriate incentives, in the form of complementary grant assistance, long-term subsidised loans and upfront advisory support and funding.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010083/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Stratégie maritime dans l'Adriatique

Quand la Commission compte-t-elle adopter le plan d'action pour la mise en œuvre concrète, sur une base macro-régionale, de la stratégie maritime pour la mer Adriatique et la mer Ionienne?

N'estime-telle pas que le secteur de la pêche doit constituer l'une des priorités de cette stratégie, en tenant compte des configurations géophysiques spécifiques et en reliant ce plan d'action à la politique régionale, à la politique maritime intégrée de l'Union, et au mécanisme pour l'interconnexion en Europe, afin de maximiser son effet de levier?

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010087/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Projet IMP-MED pour l'Adriatique

La Commission compte-t-elle établir, comme le lui suggère le Parlement, un programme de travail spécifique pour la mer Adriatique et la mer Ionienne, en fixant les futurs objectifs de la région comme tel est actuellement le cas pour la mer Méditerranée (projet IMP-MED)?

Réponse commune donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(14 novembre 2013)

Le Conseil européen a demandé à la Commission de présenter une nouvelle stratégie macro régionale pour la région adriatique et ionienne avant la fin de l'année 2014 (226). La stratégie maritime pour la mer Adriatique et la mer Ionienne (227), adoptée par la Commission le 30 novembre 2012, fera partie de cette nouvelle stratégie macro régionale de plus grande envergure pour cette région.

Cette stratégie et son plan d'action seront définis et mis en œuvre sur la base de l'approche macro régionale de l'Union européenne et porteront, entre autres, sur les problèmes maritimes et marins des régions côtières de l'Adriatique et de la mer Ionienne, dont la pêche, l'aquaculture et la protection du milieu marin, le tourisme côtier et de croisière, le transport maritime ainsi que la recherche et l'innovation en relation avec ces activités.

La Commission a l'intention d'adopter une communication sur une stratégie de l'Union pour la région adriatique et ionienne, assortie d'un plan d'action, d'ici à la fin du premier semestre 2014.

Le projet sur la politique maritime intégrée dans la région méditerranéenne (PMI-MED) est un projet financé par l'IEVP Sud (instrument européen de voisinage et de partenariat), qui fournit un soutien technique aux pays méditerranéens voisins de la région Sud dans le but de développer des approches intégrées des affaires maritimes. Pour le moment, un soutien similaire n'est pas envisagé par la Commission pour la région adriatique et ionienne. Cependant, des représentants des pays des Balkans occidentaux et de la Turquie sont systématiquement invités à participer aux événements de sensibilisation organisés par la PMI-MED.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010083/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Maritime strategy in the Adriatic

When does the Commission intend to adopt the action plan for the practical implementation on a macro-regional basis of the maritime strategy for the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea?

Does it not think that the fisheries sector should form one of the priorities of that strategy, taking account of the specific geophysical features and linking this action plan to regional policy, the Union’s integrated maritime policy and the Connecting Europe Facility, so as to maximise its leverage effect?

Question for written answer E-010087/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: IMP-MED project for the Adriatic

Does the Commission intend to establish, as suggested by Parliament, a specific Work Plan for the Adriatic and Ionian seas, setting out the future objectives in that region as is currently undertaken in the Mediterranean sea (IMP-MED project)?

Joint answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

The European Council requested the Commission to submit a new macro-regional strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region before the end of 2014 (228). The Maritime Strategy for the Adriatic & Ionian Seas (229), which was adopted by the Commission on 30 November 2012, will be an integral part of the new, wider, macro-regional strategy for the region.

This strategy and its action plan will be defined and implemented on the basis of the EU macro-regional approach and will address inter alia maritime and marine issues of the Adriatic and Ionian coastal regions including fisheries, aquaculture and marine environment protection, coastal and cruise tourism, maritime transport and the related research and innovation dimension.

The Commission intends to adopt a communication on an EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, accompanied by an Action Plan, by the end of the first semester 2014.

The Project on Integrated Maritime Policy in the Mediterranean (IMP-MED) project is a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) South-funded project that provides technical assistance to the southern Neighbourhood countries in the Mediterranean for developing integrated approaches to maritime affairs. A similar support is not envisaged at this stage for the Adriatic-Ionian region by the Commission. However, representatives from Western Balkan countries and Turkey are systematically invited to participate in the awareness-raising events organised by the IMP-MED.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010084/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Règlement de la pêche dans l'Adriatique

Quand et comment la Commission va-t-elle élaborer une proposition de règlement comme le lui demande le Parlement européen, définissant les mesures techniques communes applicables à la pêche dans le bassin maritime adriatico-ionien, l'effort de pêche, les durées du temps de pêche et les engins de pêche autorisés dans le bassin ainsi que d'autres mesures de gestion pertinentes?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(15 novembre 2013)

Comme indiqué dans la réponse à vos questions E-010083/2013 et E-010087/2013 (230), la Commission a l'intention d'adopter, d'ici à la fin du premier semestre 2014, une communication sur la stratégie de l'Union pour la région de l'Adriatique et de la mer Ionienne, assortie d'un plan d'action.

En ce qui concerne la pêche, la Commission considère que le règlement (CE) no 1967/2006 du Conseil (dit «règlement Méditerranée») fixe déjà les mesures techniques et de gestion nécessaires pour l'exploitation durable des ressources marines. Malgré les progrès réalisés jusqu'à présent, la pleine application de ce règlement n'est pas encore effective. Par conséquent, la stratégie de l'Union pour les mers Adriatique et Ionienne devrait soutenir des actions en faveur du développement de la culture du respect des règles et du renforcement de la coopération dans le domaine du contrôle des activités de pêche.

La Commission est convaincue que pour assurer la durabilité des stocks partagés de poissons, tous les pays exploitant les ressources maritimes dans cette région doivent appliquer les mêmes règles. À cette fin, l'Union européenne est un membre actif de la Commission générale des pêches pour la Méditerranée (CGPM). En mai 2013, sur proposition de l'Union européenne, le premier plan de gestion des pêches pour les petits pélagiques dans l'Adriatique a été adopté par la recommandation 37/2013/1 de la CGPM. Ce plan a pour objectif de maintenir la durabilité et une relative stabilité des pêcheries tout en garantissant un risque faible d'effondrement des stocks. Il prévoit des limitations de l'effort de pêche, des mesures techniques de conservation et de gestion ainsi que des obligations en termes de contrôle.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010084/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Regulating fishing in the Adriatic

When and how will the Commission submit, as called upon by Parliament, a proposal for a regulation laying down common technical measures for fishing in the Adriatic-Ionian sea basin and specifying the admissible fishing effort, fishing periods and fishing gears and other relevant management measures?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

As already communicated in the answer to your questions E-010083/2013 and E-010087/2013 (231), the Commission intends to adopt a communication on an EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, accompanied by an Action Plan, by the end of the first semester 2014.

As regards fisheries, the Commission considers that Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (the Mediterranean Regulation) already sets the necessary technical and management measures for the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Despite the progress made so far, full compliance with this regulation is not yet achieved. Therefore, the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian should support actions for improving the culture of compliance and enhancing cooperation for the control of fishing activities.

The Commission is convinced that to ensure the sustainability of shared fish stocks, all countries exploiting marine resources in the area have to play by the same rules. To this end, the EU is active in the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). In May 2013, upon a proposal by the EU, the first fisheries management plan for small pelagic in the Adriatic was adopted by GFCM Recommendation 37/2013/1. The objective of the plan is to maintain sustainable and relatively stable fisheries while guaranteeing a low risk of stocks collapse. It provides for fishing effort limitations, management and technical conservation measures as well as control obligations.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010085/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Organe consultatif spécifique à l'Adriatique

La Commission compte‐t‐elle proposer la création d'organes consultatifs spécifiques, tant pour la mer Adriatique que pour la mer Ionienne, au sein du conseil consultatif régional déjà existant pour la Méditerranée, sur la base des expériences positives acquises avec les «districts maritimes» institués dans les eaux italiennes (par exemple, le district de pêche du nord de l'Adriatique créé en 2012 en vue d'une gestion partagée et concertée du secteur de la pêche du nord de l'Adriatique au niveau politique, économique, social et environnemental)?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(30 octobre 2013)

La Commission renvoie l'Honorable Parlementaire aux réponses données aux questions écrites E-010087/2013 et E-010084/2013.

La Commission a l'intention d'adopter une communication sur une stratégie de l'Union pour la région adriatique et ionienne, assortie d'un plan d'action, d'ici à la fin du premier semestre 2014.

En ce qui concerne la création éventuelle d'un organe consultatif spécifique pour les mers Adriatique et Ionienne au sein du conseil consultatif régional (CCR) pour la Méditerranée, la Commission considère que cette initiative reste sous la responsabilité du conseil consultatif lui-même.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010085/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Specific advisory body for the Adriatic

Does the Commission intend to propose that specific advisory bodies for the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea should be set up within the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) already established for the Mediterranean area, drawing on the positive experience gained with the ‘maritime districts’ that have been set up in Italian waters (such as the Northern Adriatic fisheries district, established in 2012 for the shared and joint management of the northern Adriatic fisheries sector from a political, economic, social and environmental point of view)?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his questions E-010087/2013 and E-010084/2013.

The Commission intends to adopt a communication on an EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, accompanied by an Action Plan, by the end of the first semester 2014.

As regards the possible creation of a specific advisory body for the Adriatic and Ionian Sea within the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for the Mediterranean, the Commission considers that this remains under the responsibility of the Advisory Council itself.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010086/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Inventaire des mesures de protection de l'environnement et du tourisme

Que pense la Commission de la suggestion visant à inclure, dans la future proposition législative relative à la planification de l'espace maritime, des dispositions contraignant les États membres maritimes à faire l'inventaire des mesures de protection de l'environnement et du tourisme existant déjà sur leurs territoires respectifs et, pour les zones non soumises à des restrictions, à adopter des «plans d'aménagement maritime» couvrant toutes les diverses typologies du secteur et les plans d'aménagement indispensables à la gestion des zones maritimes et côtières, de manière à définir l'admissibilité et la compatibilité de l'occupation et de l'utilisation de ces zones, afin d'en faciliter l'accès aux entreprises travaillant dans l'aquaculture?

Réponse donnée par Mme Damanaki au nom de la Commission

(13 novembre 2013)

La Commission a proposé une directive-cadre (232) visant à rendre obligatoires la planification de l'espace maritime et la gestion intégrée des zones côtières. Cette directive permettra encore aux États membres d'adapter leur mise en œuvre aux situations spécifiques, priorités politiques et systèmes juridiques locaux. Compte tenu des principes de subsidiarité et de proportionnalité, une directive prévoyant des exigences plus précises ne serait pas appropriée.

L'un des objectifs de cette directive est la promotion du développement durable de l'aquaculture. Cette proposition définit les objectifs à atteindre au niveau de l'Union européenne. Elle laisse cependant une marge d'appréciation aux États membres en ce qui concerne la manière d'y parvenir. En vertu des principes de subsidiarité et de proportionnalité, les obligations que cherche à imposer cette directive ne peuvent être que de nature procédurale. La directive ne peut définir dans le détail ou en termes concrets les mesures que doivent mettre en œuvre les États membres pour développer l'aquaculture.

Parallèlement, avec la publication des orientations stratégiques pour le développement durable de l'aquaculture dans l'Union européenne, la Commission a lancé un processus volontaire qui soutiendra les États membres et leur donnera l'occasion d'échanger au sujet des bonnes pratiques en faveur de l'accès des activités aquacoles à l'espace maritime.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010086/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Inventory of environmental and tourism protection measures

What does the Commission think of the suggestion to include in the future legislative proposal on maritime spatial planning, provisions obliging maritime Member States to make inventories of the environmental and tourism protection rules in force on their respective national territories and, in respect of areas not subject to restrictions, to adopt marine and coastal development plans establishing the admissibility and compatibility of the use and occupation of these areas, with a view to facilitating access to areas suitable for setting up aquaculture undertakings?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

The Commission has proposed a Framework Directive (233) with a view to making Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Management processes mandatory. This directive would still allow Member States to tailor them to their specific situations, political priorities and legal systems. Subsidiarity and proportionality considerations lead to the conclusion that a Directive with more specific requirements would not be appropriate.

Fostering the sustainable development of aquaculture is one of the objectives of the directive. The proposed text defines the objectives to be reached at Union level but, it leaves to Member States the room for discretion as to how these objectives should be reached. In line with the subsidiarity and proportionality principles, the obligations the directive seeks to impose can only be of procedural nature and not set out in detail or concretely what the Member States must do in relation to aquaculture development.

At the same time, with the publication of the Strategic Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture, the Commission launched a voluntary process which will help the Member States and offer them an opportunity to exchange best practices on how to facilitate access to space and water for aquaculture activities.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010088/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Reconnaissance de l'apprentissage formel, informel, des stages et du volontariat

Que compte proposer la Commission afin de concevoir des systèmes qui reconnaissent les compétences acquises par le biais de l'apprentissage informel et non formel, du volontariat, des stages et du travail social, et afin de fournir le soutien nécessaire à ces activités dans le cadre des nouveaux programmes pour l'éducation, la jeunesse et la citoyenneté?

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2013)

Les recommandations du Conseil du 20 décembre 2012 (234) invitent les États membres à définir les modalités de validation des apprentissages non formels et informels d'ici 2018. Les citoyens pourront ainsi demander la validation des savoirs, aptitudes et compétences acquis en dehors des systèmes d'éducation formelle et obtenir une qualification complète (ou partielle) sur la base d'expériences d'apprentissage non formelles et informelles validées.

En coopération avec les États membres, la Commission est en train de réviser les lignes directrices européennes pour la validation des acquis non formels et informels et de mettre à jour l'inventaire européen de la validation de l'apprentissage non formel et informel. Ces deux initiatives seront menées à terme en 2014 et fourniront aux États membres des indications sur les modalités de mise en œuvre de la validation de l'apprentissage non formel et informel.

Le futur programme Erasmus+ soutiendra des initiatives visant à promouvoir et à valider les expériences d'apprentissage non formel et informel, par le biais de projets favorisant le savoir et l'expertise dans ce domaine et de partenariats stratégiques et novateurs entre les établissements d'enseignement, les autorités publiques, les organisations de la société civile et les entreprises.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010088/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Recognition of formal and informal learning, internships and voluntary work

What does the Commission plan to propose in order to develop systems that recognise skills acquired through informal and non-formal learning, voluntary work, internships and social work, and to provide support for such activities in the framework of the new programmes for education, youth and citizenship?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Council Recommendation of 20 December 2012 (235) calls upon Member States to put in place arrangements for the validation of non-formal and informal learning by 2018. This will enable individuals to ask for the validation of knowledge, skills and competences which they have acquired outside the formal education systems; and to obtain a full qualification (or parts of it) on the basis of validated non-formal and informal learning experiences.

In cooperation with the Member States, the Commission is currently reviewing the European Guidelines for validating non-formal and informal learning and updating the European Inventory on the validation of non-formal and informal learning. Both initiatives will be completed in 2014 and will provide guidance to Member States on how to implement the validation of non-formal and informal learning.

The future Erasmus+ programme will support initiatives to promote and validate non-formal and informal learning experiences, through projects promoting knowledge and expertise in this area and through strategic and innovative partnerships between educational institutions, public authorities, civil society organisations and business.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010090/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Plan d'aide aux États où le taux de chômage des jeunes dépasse 25 %

Quelle est la réponse de la Commission à la demande qui lui a été faite par le Parlement, à propos des États membres ayant des régions où le taux de chômage des jeunes est supérieur à 25 %, en ce qui concerne la mise en place d'un plan d'aide d'une durée d'un an en vue de lutter contre le chômage des jeunes par la création d'emplois en faveur d'au moins 10 % des jeunes concernés?

Réponse donnée par M. Andor au nom de la Commission

(6 novembre 2013)

La Commission ne peut garantir la création d'emplois en faveur d'au moins 10 % des jeunes chômeurs dans les régions où le taux de chômage des jeunes est supérieur à 25 %, mais le budget de l'UE financera dans ces régions l'application d'un dispositif de garantie pour la jeunesse (236). Les actions entrant dans ce cadre peuvent comporter des incitations à la création d'emplois telles que des subventions à l'embauche ou des aides au démarrage d'entreprise — cependant, elles relèvent des États membres et des parties prenantes au niveau national.

Le soutien financier de l'UE à l'application de la Garantie pour la jeunesse sera fourni avant tout par le Fonds social européen (FSE) et l'initiative pour l'emploi des jeunes, qui sera cofinancée par le FSE (2014-2020). Cette initiative se concentrera sur le soutien aux jeunes n'occupant pas un emploi et ne suivant ni un enseignement ni une formation dans les régions de l'Union les plus touchées par le chômage des jeunes. L'objectif de la Garantie pour la jeunesse est de faire en sorte que les jeunes se voient proposer un emploi de bonne qualité, une formation continue, un apprentissage ou un stage dans les quatre mois suivant la perte de leur emploi ou leur sortie de l'enseignement formel.

Conformément à la communication de la Commission «Un appel à l'action contre le chômage des jeunes» (237) et aux conclusions à ce sujet du Conseil européen de juin 2013, les États membres dont certaines régions enregistrent un taux de chômage des jeunes supérieur à 25 % devraient présenter un plan de mise en œuvre de la Garantie pour la jeunesse d'ici le mois de décembre 2013 et les autres États membres sont encouragés à présenter des plans similaires en 2014. La Commission soutient les États membres qui élaborent ces plans.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010090/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Relief plan for Member States where there is more than 25% youth unemployment

What is the Commission’s response to Parliament’s call for Member States with regions where there is more than 25% youth unemployment to develop a one-year relief plan to tackle youth unemployment by creating jobs for at least 10% of the young people affected?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

While the Commission cannot guarantee job creation for 10% on unemployed youth in regions with youth unemployment rates over 25%, the EU budget will fund in these regions the implementation of Youth Guarantee scheme (238). Such actions may include incentives for job creation such as hiring subsidies or startup support — however this is up to Member States and stakeholders at the national level.

EU financial support towards the implementation of the Youth Guarantee will be provided primarily by the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative which will be co-funded by the ESF (2014-2020). The Initiative will focus on supporting youth not in employment, education or training, in the regions of the Union worst affected by youth unemployment. The aim of the Youth Guarantee is to ensure that young people receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within a period of 4 months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education.

As per the Commission Communication ‘Call to Action on Youth Unemployment’ (239) and the related European Council conclusions of June 2013, Member States with regions experiencing youth unemployment rates above 25% should submit a Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan (YGIP) by December 2013 and in 2014 for the other Member States. The Commission is supporting Member States elaborating these plans.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010091/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Rapport sur les systèmes éducatifs

La Commission compte-t-elle présenter un rapport annuel sur la réforme des systèmes éducatifs des États membres?

Va-t-elle ainsi apporter une contribution structurelle et à long terme à l'amélioration de la capacité d'insertion professionnelle des jeunes?

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(31 octobre 2013)

Les réformes des systèmes d'enseignement et de formation professionnels (EFP) dans les États membres font déjà l'objet d'un examen attentif à travers un certain nombre d'exercices de suivi réalisés au niveau de l'UE:

| Dans le cadre du semestre européen, la Commission analyse la situation des systèmes d'EFP dans les États membres, établit des recommandations par pays destinées à améliorer l'EFP et évalue la mise en œuvre de ces recommandations. |
| --- |

Dans le cadre du semestre européen, la Commission analyse la situation des systèmes d'EFP dans les États membres, établit des recommandations par pays destinées à améliorer l'EFP et évalue la mise en œuvre de ces recommandations.

| Dans le contexte du cadre stratégique pour la coopération européenne dans le domaine de l'éducation et de la formation «Éducation et formation 2020», la Commission publie chaque année un rapport de suivi (Éducation and Training Monitor) qui contient un grand nombre d'informations quantitatives et d'analyses comparatives sur l'éducation et la formation, y compris l'EFP, dans les États membres. En outre, le Conseil européen et la Commission présentent, tous les deux ans, un rapport conjoint d'évaluation des progrès en direction des objectifs définis dans le domaine de l'éducation et de la formation, et notamment de l'EFP. Le prochain rapport est prévu pour 2015. |
| --- |

Dans le contexte du cadre stratégique pour la coopération européenne dans le domaine de l'éducation et de la formation «Éducation et formation 2020», la Commission publie chaque année un rapport de suivi (Éducation and Training Monitor) qui contient un grand nombre d'informations quantitatives et d'analyses comparatives sur l'éducation et la formation, y compris l'EFP, dans les États membres. En outre, le Conseil européen et la Commission présentent, tous les deux ans, un rapport conjoint d'évaluation des progrès en direction des objectifs définis dans le domaine de l'éducation et de la formation, et notamment de l'EFP. Le prochain rapport est prévu pour 2015.

| Dans le cadre du processus de Copenhague sur la coopération européenne en matière d'enseignement et de formation professionnels, la Commission suit les progrès accomplis dans la réalisation des objectifs stratégiques et des réformes dans l'EFP. Le prochain exercice de suivi aura lieu en 2014. |
| --- |

Dans le cadre du processus de Copenhague sur la coopération européenne en matière d'enseignement et de formation professionnels, la Commission suit les progrès accomplis dans la réalisation des objectifs stratégiques et des réformes dans l'EFP. Le prochain exercice de suivi aura lieu en 2014.

Dans le communiqué de Bruges (240), la Commission, en collaboration avec les États membres et les partenaires sociaux européens, a établi un ambitieux programme d'action en matière d'enseignement et de formation professionnels à l'horizon de l'an 2020. L'emploi des jeunes est une des priorités essentielles et la formation par le travail dans le cadre de l'EFP constitue un outil important pour lutter contre le chômage des jeunes en améliorant l'adéquation des compétences aux besoins du marché du travail.

L'Alliance européenne pour l'apprentissage, lancée récemment, fait partie des réponses de l'UE au chômage des jeunes et vise à améliorer la qualité et l'offre des contrats d'apprentissage dans l'ensemble de l'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010091/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Report on vocational training systems

Does the Commission intend to produce an annual report on the reform of vocational training systems in the Member States?

Will it thereby make a long-term structural contribution to improving young people’s employability?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

Reforms in vocational education and training (VET) systems in Member States are already analysed in a number of monitoring exercises carried out at the EU level:

| Within the context of the European semester, the Commission assesses the situation of VET systems in Member States, issues country-specific recommendations to improve VET and evaluates the implementation of the recommendations. |
| --- |

Within the context of the European semester, the Commission assesses the situation of VET systems in Member States, issues country-specific recommendations to improve VET and evaluates the implementation of the recommendations.

| As part of the Strategic Framework for European cooperation in education and training ‘ET 2020’, the Commission publishes the annual Education and Training Monitor which contains a wealth of quantitative information and comparative analysis on education and training, including VET, in Member States. Furthermore, the European Council and the Commission publish a Joint report assessing progress towards commonly agreed objectives in education and training, including VET, every two years. The next report is due in 2015. |
| --- |

As part of the Strategic Framework for European cooperation in education and training ‘ET 2020’, the Commission publishes the annual Education and Training Monitor which contains a wealth of quantitative information and comparative analysis on education and training, including VET, in Member States. Furthermore, the European Council and the Commission publish a Joint report assessing progress towards commonly agreed objectives in education and training, including VET, every two years. The next report is due in 2015.

| Within the Copenhagen process on European cooperation in VET, the Commission monitors progress towards strategic objectives and reforms in VET. The next monitoring exercise will be carried out in 2014. |
| --- |

Within the Copenhagen process on European cooperation in VET, the Commission monitors progress towards strategic objectives and reforms in VET. The next monitoring exercise will be carried out in 2014.

The Commission together with Member States and the European Social Partners has set an ambitious VET agenda to be achieved by 2020 — the so called Bruges Communiqué (241). Youth employment is one of the key priorities and work-based learning through VET is one important tool to tackle youth unemployment by increasing the relevance of skills to labour market needs.

The recently launched European Alliance for Apprenticeships is also part of the EU response to youth unemployment and aims to improve the quality and supply of apprenticeships across the EU.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010093/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 septembre 2013)

Objet: Enseignement en alternance pour des métiers-clés

La Commission compte-t-elle entendre le Parlement quand il lui demande de définir, qualitativement, des lignes directrices pour l'élaboration d'un système moderne d'enseignement en alternance, étayées par une liste de métiers-clés, définis comme non universitaires au sens large, en Europe?

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(12 novembre 2013)

La Commission promeut la formation professionnelle en tant que composante importante de la modernisation des systèmes éducatifs. Ses vues à cet égard trouvent leur expression, premièrement, dans les activités qu'elle mène actuellement avec les États membres en vue de moderniser les systèmes d'éducation et de formation dans le cadre de la méthode ouverte de coordination, deuxièmement, dans les recommandations en matière d'éducation et de formation propres à chaque pays qu'elle a formulées dans le cadre du semestre européen et, troisièmement, dans les communications qu'elle a récemment publiées, en particulier celles qui s'intitulent «Repenser l'éducation» et «Ouvrir l'éducation».

L'attention de l'Honorable Parlementaire est notamment attirée sur l'Alliance européenne pour l'apprentissage, qui constitue une action clé de la communication «Repenser l'éducation» et du paquet «Emploi des jeunes». Cette alliance est une initiative regroupant diverses parties prenantes qui vise à mettre en place des contrats d'apprentissage de qualité ainsi que des programmes d'éducation et de formation en alternance.

En juillet 2013, la Commission a publié un document d'orientation sur la formation par le travail (242), y compris les bonnes pratiques en la matière, qui sert de base à l'échange et l'apprentissage mutuels entre États membres. Ce processus vise, entre autres choses, à fournir des orientations-cadres répondant aux besoins de groupes spécifiques de pays qui s'intéressent à une même problématique concrète dans le champ de la formation en alternance et partagent les mêmes vues en ce qui concerne les besoins de formation.

Au lieu d'établir une liste des professions clés non basées sur des formations théoriques, la Commission poursuit le même objectif en promouvant les résultats d'apprentissage, qui sont centrés sur les connaissances et compétences requises pour répondre aux futurs besoins de compétences de l'Europe. Le panorama européen des compétences (243) fournit un point d'accès unique aux données et informations sur les tendances en matière de compétences au niveau national et à l'échelle de l'UE. Le portail ESCO (244) met à disposition un système de classification multilingue européen pour établir des concordances entre les professions, les aptitudes, les compétences et les certifications.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010093/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Dual education for key occupations

Does the Commission intend to respond to Parliament’s call to draw up qualitative guidelines for a modern dual education system, backed up by a list of broadly defined, non-academic key occupations in Europe?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

The Commission promotes the value of vocational training as an important component of modernised education systems. Its views in this regard are reflected in its ongoing work with Member States on modernising education and training systems under the Open Method of Coordination; in the education and training-related country specific recommendations it has delivered under the European Semester; and in recent policy communications, most notably Rethinking Education and Opening Up Education.

The Honourable Member should note in particular the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, a key action of the Rethinking Education communication and the Youth Employment Package. The Alliance is a multi-stakeholder initiative and aims at developing high quality apprenticeships as well as dual education and training schemes.

In July 2013 the Commission published a policy document on work-based learning (245), including best practices, which serves as a basis for mutual exchange and learning between Member States. The output of this work will be, inter alia, guidance frameworks responding to the needs of specific groups of countries that all have a common interest in a concrete topic related to dual education and a shared understanding of learning needs.

Instead of drafting a list of non-academic key occupations, the Commission is pursuing the same objective by promoting learning outcomes which put the focus on the knowledge and competences needed to address Europe's future skill needs. The European Skills Panorama (246) provides a single access point to data and information on skills trends at the national and EU level. The ESCO portal (247) provides a European multilingual taxonomy to match occupations, skills, competences and qualifications.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010095/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Dois milhões de refugiados na Síria

O conflito sírio já provocou mais de dois milhões de refugiados sírios, de acordo com o comunicado do Alto Comissariado das Nações Unidas para os Refugiados (ACNUR), realçando o facto de que há um ano esse número era de 230 671 pessoas.

Nos últimos 12 meses, 1,8 milhões de novos refugiados sírios deslocaram-se para outros países, cerca de metade dos refugiados sírios são menores de idade e a maioria (97 %) procura segurança em países vizinhos como a Jordânia, Líbano, Iraque e Turquia, havendo ainda 4,25 milhões de pessoas deslocadas no interior da Síria.

O signatário apresentou à Comissão a pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E‐006229/2013.

Na resposta dada pela Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante Catherine Ashton é dito que «a Comissão e os Estados‐Membros mobilizaram 944,5 milhões de euros para assistência humanitária a pessoas em situação de necessidade», e ainda que «a UE está empenhada em continuar a prestar assistência aos países de acolhimento no intuito de manter a capacidade desses países para abrigar refugiados e incentivá‐los a prosseguir a sua política de fronteiras abertas».

O ACNUR alertou que a escassez de fundos é um problema que enfrenta perante esta «hemorragia de população» da Síria ao apontar que as agências humanitárias que trabalham no país receberam menos de metade das contribuições necessárias e que as nações que acolhem os refugiados necessitam tanto de ajuda como os próprios refugiados.

Que avaliação faz a Comissão da evolução da situação na Síria no que diz respeito ao crescente número de refugiados e às dificuldades financeiras apontadas pelo ACNUR?

Resposta dada por Kristalina Georgieva em nome da Comissão

(4 de novembro de 2013)

O número de refugiados continua a aumentar, atingindo agora os 2,1 milhões, e estima-se que o número de pessoas deslocadas no interior do país se eleve a 5 milhões. O afluxo contínuo de sírios está a sobrecarregar cada vez mais as comunidades de acolhimento e a provocar tensões em certas zonas. Os países vizinhos da Síria estão a atingir o ponto de saturação e necessitam de apoio urgente para continuar a manter as fronteiras abertas e a prestar assistência aos refugiados.

A UE tem vindo a aumentar constantemente os seus esforços para satisfazer as necessidades cada vez maiores tanto na Síria como nos países vizinhos. A UE e os seus Estados-Membros são o principal doador na região, tendo prestado, desde o final de 2011, um apoio total de quase 2 mil milhões de EUR em resposta direta à crise (ajuda humanitária: 515 milhões de EUR; assistência económica e ajuda ao desenvolvimento e à estabilização: 428 milhões de EUR (248); ajuda humanitária dos Estados-Membros: 1 023 milhões de EUR).

Devido à amplitude desta crise e a fim de conseguir dar resposta às necessidades crescentes, no último ano e meio a UE tem procurado adotar uma abordagem global. Esta medida incluiu a mobilização de todos os instrumentos pertinentes da UE para apoiar a população afetada, bem como os países e as comunidades de acolhimento mais atingidos pelas consequências da crise síria.

Além disso, a UE tem declarado sistematicamente que a eficácia em termos de custos constitui uma condição prioritária aquando do financiamento dos parceiros na região. Não obstante os enormes esforços já desenvolvidos pelos doadores, a amplitude da presente crise implica que será necessário continuar a envidar esforços para a angariação de fundos, a fim de satisfazer as necessidades mais prementes.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010095/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Two million Syrian refugees

The Syrian conflict has already created more than two million Syrian refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which noted that one year ago this number was 230 671 people.

In the last 12 months, 1.8 million new Syrian refugees left for other countries. Around half of the Syrian refugees are minors and the majority (97%) are seeking safety in neighbouring countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey. There are also 4.25 million people internally displaced within Syria.

I submitted Question No E-006229/2013 for written answer to the Commission.

The answer from the Vice-President/High Representative states that ‘the Commission and the Member States have mobilised EUR 944.5 million for humanitarian assistance to persons in need’ and that ‘the EU is committed to continue providing assistance to the host countries, to maintain their capacities to shelter refugees and to encourage them to continue their open-border policy’.

UNHCR has warned that lack of funding is a problem in the face of this ‘population drain’ from Syria and has indicated that the humanitarian agencies working in the country have received less than half of the contributions they require and that the nations welcoming the refugees are as much in need of assistance as the refugees themselves.

What is the Commission’s assessment of how the situation in Syria has developed with regard to the growing number of refugees and the financial difficulties highlighted by UNHCR?

Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The number of refugees is continuing to rise and is now at 2.1 million while the number of internally displaced persons is estimated to be 5 million. The continuous influx of Syrians is increasing the burden on the host communities and is fuelling tensions in some areas. Countries bordering Syria are approaching a saturation point and they need urgent support to continue keeping borders open and assisting refugees.

The EU has persistently been increasing its efforts in relation to the constantly growing needs; both inside Syria and in the neighbouring countries. The EU and its Member States are the largest donor in the region with a current allocation of nearly EUR 2 billion in total support since the end of 2011 and in direct response to the crisis (humanitarian aid: EUR 515 million; Economic, development and stabilisation assistance: EUR 428 million (249); Member State humanitarian aid: EUR 1.023 billion).

Due to the magnitude of this crisis and in order to be able to respond to the growing needs, the EU's response for the last one and a half years has been to take a holistic approach. This has included the mobilisation of all relevant EU instruments to support the affected population as well as the host countries and communities that are the most impacted by the consequences of the Syrian crisis.

Additionally, the EU consistently communicates cost-efficiency as a priority condition when funding partners in the region. Despite a massive effort by donors, the scale of this crisis means that continuous fundraising efforts will be needed to address the most critical needs.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010096/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acidificação dos oceanos

O CO2 é um dos principais gases geradores do efeito de estufa, e é também o principal responsável pela acidificação da água dos oceanos, que absorvem cerca de um quarto das emissões totais.

De acordo com um estudo publicado na revista Nature Climate Change, a acidificação dos oceanos, devido à dissolução de dióxido de carbono (CO2) na água, poderá acentuar o aquecimento global ao diminuir a emissão de gases de origem marinha.

Este estudo sublinha que os efeitos da acidificação não são atualmente tidos em conta nas projeções sobre a evolução das alterações climáticas devido ao aquecimento da atmosfera.

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento deste estudo? Como avalia as referidas conclusões? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento deste estudo? Como avalia as referidas conclusões?

| 2. | Considera a Comissão pertinente a inclusão deste mecanismo em futuras projeções sobre o aquecimento global? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Considera a Comissão pertinente a inclusão deste mecanismo em futuras projeções sobre o aquecimento global?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(25 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão está a par do estudo referido pelo Senhor Deputado, que se baseia, nomeadamente, nas conclusões de projetos financiados pela UE através do seu sétimo programa-quadro de investigação, desenvolvimento tecnológico e demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013), em especial o projeto EPOCA. (250) A interação entre a acidificação dos oceanos e o aquecimento global está a ser estudada no quadro de diversos projetos financiados pela UE.

Todos os resultados pertinentes e confirmados serão depois tidos em conta nas futuras projeções sobre o aquecimento global.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010096/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Acidification of the oceans

CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases and is also the principal cause of the acidification of sea water, which absorbs around a quarter of total emissions.

According to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, ocean acidification caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolving in the water could amplify global warming by reducing the emission of marine gases.

This study stresses that the effects of acidification are not currently taken into account in projections of climate change caused by the warming of the atmosphere.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this study? What is its assessment of the above conclusions? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this study? What is its assessment of the above conclusions?

| 2. | Does the Commission consider it relevant to include this mechanism in future global warming projections? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission consider it relevant to include this mechanism in future global warming projections?

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

(25 October 2013)

The Commission is aware of the study mentioned by the Honourable Member, which builds inter alia on findings from projects funded by the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013), particularly the EPOCA project. (251) The interaction between ocean acidification and global warming is currently under investigation in different EU funded projects.

All relevant and confirmed results will then be considered for future global warming projections.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010097/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Biossensor portátil para detetar certos tipos de cancro

A unidade de investigação BioMark — Sensor Research do Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP) está a desenvolver um projeto que pode revolucionar o diagnóstico precoce de alguns tipos de cancro e que já recebeu financiamento do European Research Council.

A investigadora portuguesa, que apresentou recentemente a equipa que irá trabalhar neste projeto, explicou que «o 3'Ps representa um novo conceito de diagnóstico que vai permitir a um médico, em qualquer consultório, fazer uma análise rápida, indolor e baratinha de forma a detetar os marcadores de certos tipos de cancros», e acrescentou ainda que «tem que ser um dispositivo barato para poder ser utilizado em grande escala e não apenas em hospitais ou laboratórios de análises específicos».

| 1. | Tem a Comissão acompanhado a evolução deste projeto? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão acompanhado a evolução deste projeto?

| 2. | Como avalia a Comissão as potencialidades deste dispositivo? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Como avalia a Comissão as potencialidades deste dispositivo?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(24 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão tem conhecimento do projeto «3P», financiado pelo Conselho Europeu de Investigação, que introduz um novo conceito para o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo sensor inovador destinado à deteção, diagnóstico e monitorização no consultório médico de determinados padrões de biomarcadores do cancro.

Dado que este projeto quinquenal teve início apenas em 1 de fevereiro de 2013, muito trabalho de investigação e desenvolvimento tem ainda de ser feito antes que possam ser integrados na plataforma de deteção todos os elementos necessários. O CEI irá acompanhar os progressos do projeto numa base regular e avaliará o potencial dos resultados obtidos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010097/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Portable biosensor for detecting certain types of cancer

The BioMark‐Sensor Research unit at the Porto Institute of Engineering (ISEP) is developing a project that could revolutionise the early diagnosis of certain cancers, and has already received funding from the European Research Council.

The Portuguese research group, which recently presented the team that will be working on the project, explained that the ‘3Ps represents a new diagnostic concept that will enable doctors, in any clinic, to carry out a quick, painless and low-cost analysis to detect the markers of certain types of cancer’, and added that ‘the device must be cheap so it can be used on a large scale and not only in specific hospitals or laboratories’.

| 1. | Is the Commission monitoring the development of this project? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission monitoring the development of this project?

| 2. | What is its assessment of the potential of this device? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is its assessment of the potential of this device?

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

(24 October 2013)

The Commission is well aware of the ‘3Ps’ European Research Council-funded project, which presents a new concept for the development of a novel sensing device for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of cancer biomarker patterns in point-of-care.

Since this 5-year project started as recently as 1 February 2013, much research and development work still needs to be done before all needed elements can be integrated into the sensing platform. ERC will monitor the progress of the project on a regular basis and will assess the potential of the obtained results.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010098/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Cosméticos e produtos de limpeza podem ser responsáveis por alergias na pele

O conservante, apesar de ser seguro e não tóxico, é agora utilizado em concentrações mais fortes tanto em cosméticos — champôs, hidratantes, gel de banho, maquilhagem, toalhitas para bebé — como em produtos de limpeza.

Tem sido afirmado por dermatologistas que o aumento da concentração de MI (conservante químico metilisotiazolinona) faz aumentar e acentua os casos de alergias.

Nos últimos anos, o MI foi misturado com outros conservantes, uma vez que a sua concentração era relativamente baixa. Mas, como estes outros produtos químicos foram eliminados devido às suas próprias tendências para causar alergias de pele, o MI tornou-se um produto químico isolado.

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento da situação acima enunciada? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento da situação acima enunciada?

| 2. | Que medidas tenciona a Comissão Europeia implementar, no sentido de impedir o aumento da concentração de MI nos cosméticos e produtos de limpeza, responsável pelo crescente número de casos de alergias na pele? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Que medidas tenciona a Comissão Europeia implementar, no sentido de impedir o aumento da concentração de MI nos cosméticos e produtos de limpeza, responsável pelo crescente número de casos de alergias na pele?

Resposta dada por Neven Mimica em nome da Comissão

(28 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão está ciente do potencial de sensibilização cutâneo da metilisotiazolinona, que é autorizada como conservante em produtos cosméticos até à concentração máxima de 0,01 %. Com base na documentação disponível que suscita preocupações sobre o potencial de sensibilização a Comissão solicitou recentemente ao Comité Científico da Segurança dos Consumidores a reavaliação desta substância.

A proibição de substâncias nocivas é possível ao abrigo do Regulamento (CE) n.° 1223/2009 relativo a produtos cosméticos (252), na condição de o Comité Científico da Segurança dos Consumidores ter realizado uma avaliação dos riscos da substância e tê-la considerado pouco segura para a saúde humana. Consoante o resultado da reavaliação do comité, a Comissão tomará todas as medidas necessárias, o que poderá incluir o estabelecimento de limites de exposição ou obrigações adicionais de rotulagem.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010098/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Cosmetics and cleaning products may be responsible for skin allergies

The preservative Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is stable and non-toxic; however, stronger concentrations are now being used in cosmetics — shampoos, moisturisers, shower gels, make-up, baby wipes — and also cleaning products.

Dermatologists have stated that higher concentrations of MIT are increasing and aggravating allergies.

Previously, MIT was mixed with other preservatives, so its concentration was relatively low. However, as these other chemicals have been phased out due to their own tendencies to cause skin allergies, MIT has become an isolated chemical.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this situation? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

| 2. | What measures will it take to prevent the increase of MIT concentrations in cosmetics and cleaning products, and which are responsible for a growing number of skin allergies? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What measures will it take to prevent the increase of MIT concentrations in cosmetics and cleaning products, and which are responsible for a growing number of skin allergies?

Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The Commission is aware of the sensitizing potential of methylisothiazolinone, which is authorised as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 0.01%. On the basis of literature raising concern on the sensitization potential, the Commission recently requested the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety to reassess this substance.

The ban of harmful substances is possible under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (253) under the condition that the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has carried out a risk assessment of the substance and found it unsafe for human health. Depending on the outcome of the reassessment by the Committee, the Commission will take all necessary measures, which could include setting exposure limits or additional labelling obligations..

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010099/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Espionagem norte-americana

Foi noticiado pelo jornal The Guardian que a Agência Nacional de Segurança dos Estados Unidos da América (NSA) pagou milhões de dólares a grandes empresas da internet, nomeadamente Google, Microsoft, Facebook e Yahoo, para compensar os custos associados aos pedidos de vigilância informática.

A confirmar-se, isto prova a vinculação entre estas empresas da internet e os programas de espionagem norte-americanos.

Após as notícias sobre a espionagem dos EUA à Presidente Dilma, o Governo brasileiro anuncia a criação de um correio eletrónico mais seguro e concorrente do Gmail e Hotmail.

Sabendo que, de acordo com documentos confidenciais recolhidos pelo analista informático Edward Snowden e divulgados recentemente pelo sítio Web da revista alemã Der Spiegel, a União Europeia é um dos principais alvos dos programas de espionagem dos Estados Unidos, que posição assume a Comissão?

Resposta dada por Viviane Reding em nome da Comissão

(4 de novembro de 2013)

A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para a resposta dada às perguntas escritas E-006861/2013 e E-007931/2013.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010099/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Espionage by the United States

The Guardian newspaper has reported that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) paid millions of dollars to large Internet companies, specifically Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Yahoo, to meet the costs associated with requests for computer surveillance.

If confirmed, this proves the connection between these Internet companies and the US espionage programmes.

Following the news that the US spied on President Dilma Rousseff, the Brazilian Government has announced the creation of a more secure email system to compete with Gmail and Hotmail.

What is the Commission’s position on this, given that the classified documents gathered by the data analyst Edward Snowden, as recently disclosed by the website of the German magazine Der Spiegel, reveal that the European Union is one of the principal targets of the US espionage programmes?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The Commision would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written questions E-006861/2013 and E-007931/2013.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010100/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Exploração infantil nas minas de ouro da Tanzânia

Milhares de crianças trabalham em minas de ouro na Tanzânia, perfurando jazidas, trabalhando 24 horas por dia, transportando pesadas cargas de ouro, sendo expostas ao mercúrio, que causa graves prejuízos à saúde.

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta situação? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta situação?

| 2. | Sabendo que a proibição da exploração infantil está consagrada na Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos e que o trabalho nas minas é apontado como um dos mais perigosos pelos acordos internacionais, tendo estes sido assinados pela Tanzânia, que posição e medidas assume a Comissão face à situação descrita? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Sabendo que a proibição da exploração infantil está consagrada na Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos e que o trabalho nas minas é apontado como um dos mais perigosos pelos acordos internacionais, tendo estes sido assinados pela Tanzânia, que posição e medidas assume a Comissão face à situação descrita?

Resposta dada por Andris Piebalgs em nome da Comissão

(30 de outubro de 2013)

A UE está firmemente empenhada na proteção dos direitos da criança, o que inclui a luta contra o trabalho infantil. Neste contexto, a UE participou de forma ativa na III Conferência Mundial sobre o trabalho infantil, realizada de 8 a 10 de outubro, em Brasília. A UE condena veementemente a exposição das crianças a trabalhos perigosos e promove o estabelecimento de listas atualizadas de trabalho de alto risco em conformidade com a Convenção n.° 182 da OIT.

A Comissão está plenamente consciente do que se passa na Tanzânia, onde o não respeito dos direitos da criança (designadamente o trabalho infantil) se conta entre as lacunas em matéria de direitos humanos, constituindo um dos principais domínios prioritários de ação da UE. No seu relatório para o Exame Periódico Universal da ONU, o Governo da Tanzânia reiterou também que os direitos da criança, em especial a luta contra o trabalho infantil, constituem uma prioridade para o país.

A Comissão está a financiar dois projetos contra o trabalho infantil na Tanzânia. Um deles é aplicado por «Plan International» e apoia a erradicação do trabalho infantil no distrito de Geita, enquanto o outro é aplicado por «Save the Children», com o objetivo de, mediante o reforço das capacidades e das instituições, proteger e afastar as crianças das piores formas de trabalho infantil em 50 comunidades de 9 distritos de Zanzibar. A Comissão está em vias de celebrar três novos contratos, para projetos a executar pela Unicef, pela OIM e por «Save the Children», juntamente com organizações parceiras nacionais, que ajudarão o governo nacional, as autoridades locais, as comunidades, as escolas, os pais e as crianças a pôr em prática ações eficazes destinadas a inserir as crianças vítimas de tráfico de seres humanos, violência, conflitos armados e trabalho infantil em sistemas de ensino ou formação profissional a tempo inteiro e a reintegrá-las na sociedade.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010100/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Child exploitation in Tanzanian gold mines

There are thousands of children working 24 hours a day in Tanzanian gold mines, drilling deposits, transporting heavy loads of gold, and being exposed to mercury, which seriously damages health.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this situation? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

| 2. | Given that child exploitation is prohibited under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that working in mines is named as one of the world’s most dangerous occupations in international agreements, which Tanzania has signed, what stance and what measures is the Commission adopting to address this situation? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Given that child exploitation is prohibited under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that working in mines is named as one of the world’s most dangerous occupations in international agreements, which Tanzania has signed, what stance and what measures is the Commission adopting to address this situation?

Answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

The EU is fully committed to the protection of children's rights, which includes the fight against child labour. In this context, the EU was actively involved in the III Global Conference on Child Labour held on 8-10 October in Brasilia. The EU strongly condemns the exposure of children to hazardous work and promotes the establishment of up-to-date hazardous work lists in line with ILO Convention 182.

The Commission is fully aware of the phenomenon in Tanzania. Children’s rights, including child labour, are amongst the human rights weaknesses in the country and represent key priority areas for EU action. In its report for the UN Universal Periodic Review, the Tanzanian Government has also reiterated that children’s rights, particularly fighting against child labour, is a priority for the country.

The Commission is funding two projects against child labour in Tanzania. One is implemented by Plan International and supports the eradication of child labour in Geita district. The other is implemented by Save the Children, with the objective of protecting and withdrawing children from the worst forms of child labour in 50 communities of 9 districts in Zanzibar, through capacity and institution strengthening. The Commission is in the process of contracting three new projects, to be implemented by Unicef, IOM and Save the Children along with national partner organisations, which will help the National Government, Local Authorities, communities, schools, parents and children to implement effective actions to bring child victims of trafficking, violence, armed conflict and child labour into full-time education or vocational training and re-integrate them into society.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010101/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Mutações genéticas que geram cancro

Todos os cancros são gerados por mutações no ADN (código genético) das células do organismo.

Um estudo desenvolvido por equipas de investigação de 14 países permitiu analisar mais de sete mil genomas tumorais e descobrir mais de 20 processos diferentes de mutação genética, na origem dos 30 tipos de cancro mais comuns.

O Consórcio Internacional do Genoma do Cancro identificou as mutações genéticas que geram os 30 cancros mais comuns.

Esta investigação permitiu ainda identificar os processos biológicos subjacentes ao desenvolvimento da maioria das mutações genéticas e revelou que, enquanto alguns tumores são causados apenas por dois padrões mutacionais, outros podem ser por seis, o que indica uma maior complexidade.

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação?

| 2. | Que avaliação faz a Comissão dos resultados apresentados no que diz respeito à prevenção e ao tratamento destas patologias? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Que avaliação faz a Comissão dos resultados apresentados no que diz respeito à prevenção e ao tratamento destas patologias?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(25 de outubro de 2013)

| 1. | A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo referido pelo Senhor Deputado (254), realizado pelo Consórcio Internacional do Genoma do Cancro (ICGC). (255) |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo referido pelo Senhor Deputado (254), realizado pelo Consórcio Internacional do Genoma do Cancro (ICGC). (255)

| 2. | A Comissão é um dos membros fundadores do ICGC. O estudo mencionado pelo Senhor Deputado contou com numerosas fontes de financiamento, incluindo o projeto BASIS (256), que constitui um dos projetos do ICGC apoiados através do sétimo programa-quadro de atividades de investigação, desenvolvimento tecnológico e demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013). O projeto BASIS foi realizado em colaboração com outro projeto do 7.° PQ, o Heptromic. (257) |
| --- | --- |

2.

A Comissão é um dos membros fundadores do ICGC. O estudo mencionado pelo Senhor Deputado contou com numerosas fontes de financiamento, incluindo o projeto BASIS (256), que constitui um dos projetos do ICGC apoiados através do sétimo programa-quadro de atividades de investigação, desenvolvimento tecnológico e demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013). O projeto BASIS foi realizado em colaboração com outro projeto do 7.° PQ, o Heptromic. (257)

Os resultados apresentados fornecem uma síntese dos processos de mutação que estão na origem do desenvolvimento dos tumores. Foram analisados mais de 7000 cancros e descritas mais de 20 diferentes assinaturas mutacionais. Certas assinaturas estão presentes em muitos tipos de cancro e outras são exclusivas de uma determinada classe de cancro, algumas estão associadas à exposição a determinados mutagénicos e algumas à idade, mas, em muitos casos, as suas origens são desconhecidas.

A elucidação dos diferentes processos de mutação ajudará a compreender por que razão e de que modo os cancros se desenvolvem e abrirá caminho a novas estratégias terapêuticas e preventivas.

O programa Horizonte 2020, o próximo programa de financiamento da UE para a investigação e a inovação (2014-2020) (258), dará oportunidade a que se estude a etiologia da doença, incluindo a genética do cancro, através do desafio societal «Saúde, alterações demográficas e bem-estar».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010101/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Cancer-causing genetic mutations

All cancers are caused by mutations to the DNA (genetic code) contained in the cells of the body.

A study conducted by research teams from 14 countries analysed more than 7 000 tumour genomes and discovered that 30 of the most common types of cancer originate from more than 20 different genetic mutation processes.

The International Cancer Genome Consortium identified the genetic mutations that cause the 30 most common types of cancer.

This research also enabled the biological processes underlying the development of the majority of genetic mutations to be identified and revealed that, while some tumours are caused by only two mutation patterns, others could be caused by six, indicating a greater complexity.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this research? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this research?

| 2. | What is its assessment of the results with regard to the prevention and treatment of these diseases? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is its assessment of the results with regard to the prevention and treatment of these diseases?

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

(25 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is aware of the research referred to by the Honourable Member, (259) conducted by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). (260) |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is aware of the research referred to by the Honourable Member, (259) conducted by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). (260)

| 2. | The Commission is one of the Funding Members of ICGC. The research mentioned by the Honourable Member was supported by numerous funding sources, including the BASIS project, (261) which is one of the ICGC projects supported via the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013). The BASIS project was conducted in collaboration with another FP7 project, HEPTROMIC (262). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission is one of the Funding Members of ICGC. The research mentioned by the Honourable Member was supported by numerous funding sources, including the BASIS project, (261) which is one of the ICGC projects supported via the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013). The BASIS project was conducted in collaboration with another FP7 project, HEPTROMIC (262).

The results presented provide a compendium of mutational processes that drive tumour development. Over 7000 cancers were analysed and over 20 distinct mutational signatures were described. Certain signatures are present in many cancer types and others are unique for a specific cancer class, some are associated with exposures to specific mutagens, and some with age, but in many cases, their origins are unknown.

Elucidating different mutational processes will help to understand why and how cancers develop and pave the way to new therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Horizon 2020, the next EU funding Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) (263) will offer opportunities to address research on disease aetiology, including cancer genetics, through the ‘Health, demographic change and well-being’ societal challenge.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010102/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Melanoma

Um estudo realizado por um grupo de cientistas do Instituto Valenciano de Investigação Sanitária Incliva, em colaboração com a universidade australiana de Queensland e publicado recentemente na revista Journal of Investigative Dermatology, confirmou que o número de «nevos melanocítivos» (vulgarmente designados como sinais) é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do melanoma.

Os cientistas determinaram que o gene MITF, produtor de melanina, e o número de sinais na pele são fatores de risco de melanoma.

Em Portugal, segundo o presidente da Sociedade Portuguesa de Dermatologia, os casos são diagnosticados cada vez mais precocemente e com melhor prognóstico, mas o número de casos aumenta anualmente sete a oito por cento, em Portugal e na maioria dos países europeus.

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação?

| 2. | Como avalia a Comissão as conclusões apresentadas? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Como avalia a Comissão as conclusões apresentadas?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(25 de outubro de 2013)

| 1. | A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo sobre «nevos melanocíticos» (vulgarmente designados como sinais) (264)
   (265) mencionado pelo Senhor Deputado, realizado pelo Instituto Valenciano de Investigação Sanitária e por diversos departamentos de investigação da Universidade de Queensland, em Brisbane, Austrália. |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo sobre «nevos melanocíticos» (vulgarmente designados como sinais) (264)
   (265) mencionado pelo Senhor Deputado, realizado pelo Instituto Valenciano de Investigação Sanitária e por diversos departamentos de investigação da Universidade de Queensland, em Brisbane, Austrália.

| 2. | Os resultados mostram que uma alteração genética num gene responsável pela ativação da produção de melanina e o número de sinais são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento do melanoma. O estudo foi realizado num grupo relativamente pequeno de doentes. É preciso realizar mais investigação translacional, incluindo ensaios clínicos rigorosamente concebidos, para avaliar plenamente a potencial pertinência destes resultados. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Os resultados mostram que uma alteração genética num gene responsável pela ativação da produção de melanina e o número de sinais são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento do melanoma. O estudo foi realizado num grupo relativamente pequeno de doentes. É preciso realizar mais investigação translacional, incluindo ensaios clínicos rigorosamente concebidos, para avaliar plenamente a potencial pertinência destes resultados.

Horizonte 2020, o próximo programa de financiamento da UE sobre Investigação e Inovação (2014-2020) (266), proporcionará oportunidades para abordar a investigação sobre cancro da pele, nomeadamente no âmbito do desafio societal «Saúde, alterações demográficas e bem-estar».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010102/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Melanoma

A study conducted by a group of scientists at the Health Research Institute in Valencia (INCLIVA), in collaboration with Queensland University in Australia, and published recently in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, confirmed that the number of ‘melanocytic naevi’ (commonly known as moles) is a risk factor for the development of melanoma.

The scientists found that the MITF gene, which produces melanin, and the number of moles on the skin are risk factors for melanoma.

According to the President of the Portuguese Dermatology Society, cases are being diagnosed increasingly early in Portugal and the prognosis is better. However, the number of cases is growing by seven to eight per cent every year in Portugal and in most other European countries.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this research? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this research?

| 2. | What is the Commission’s assessment of its conclusions? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is the Commission’s assessment of its conclusions?

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

(25 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is aware of the study on skin ‘melanocytic naevi’ (commonly known as moles) (267)
  ,
   (268) referred to by the Honourable Member, conducted by the Health Research Institute in Valencia and several research departments at Queensland University in Brisbane, Australia. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is aware of the study on skin ‘melanocytic naevi’ (commonly known as moles) (267)
  ,
   (268) referred to by the Honourable Member, conducted by the Health Research Institute in Valencia and several research departments at Queensland University in Brisbane, Australia.

| 2. | The results show that a genetic alteration in a gene responsible for the activation of melanin production and the number of skin moles are risk factors for the development of melanoma. The study was conducted in a relatively small group of patients. Further translational research, including rigorously designed clinical trials, is warranted to fully assess the potential relevance of these results. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The results show that a genetic alteration in a gene responsible for the activation of melanin production and the number of skin moles are risk factors for the development of melanoma. The study was conducted in a relatively small group of patients. Further translational research, including rigorously designed clinical trials, is warranted to fully assess the potential relevance of these results.

Horizon 2020, the next EU funding Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020), (269) will provide opportunities to address research on skin cancer, inter alia through the ‘Health, demographic change and well-being’ societal challenge.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010103/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Hepatite D e cancro do fígado

Para se multiplicar e infetar o fígado dos seres humanos, o vírus da hepatite D depende da existência do vírus da hepatite B. O vírus da hepatite delta (VHD) tem um período de incubação entre 15 e 45 dias e transmite-se através do sangue e transfusões sanguíneas, durante o parto e através da partilha de seringas infetadas ou objetos de higiene pessoal, como lâminas de barbear e escovas de dentes.

De acordo com uma informação veiculada pelo Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), uma investigação liderada por um cientista português revelou uma associação entre a infeção crónica com o VHD e o cancro do fígado.

Os investigadores da Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Microbiologia Médica do IHMT identificaram «um mecanismo envolvido na replicação do VHD que potencia o desenvolvimento de células cancerígenas».

A investigação mostrou também que «algumas proteínas celulares que participam no suicídio das células cancerígenas são sintetizadas em menor escala na presença do VHD, o que contribui para reduzir as defesas do organismo e potenciar o desenvolvimento de cancro».

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação?

| 2. | Que avaliação faz a Comissão dos resultados apresentados? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Que avaliação faz a Comissão dos resultados apresentados?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(24 de outubro de 2013)

| 1. | A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo (270)
   (271), referido pelo Senhor Deputado, que descreve as alterações no proteoma de células decorrentes da expressão do antigénio do vírus da hepatite D (VHD) e da replicação do genoma do VHD. |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo (270)
   (271), referido pelo Senhor Deputado, que descreve as alterações no proteoma de células decorrentes da expressão do antigénio do vírus da hepatite D (VHD) e da replicação do genoma do VHD.

| 2. | Os resultados apresentados baseiam-se em estudos preliminares realizados em linhas celulares humanas. Os investigadores propõem um possível mecanismo responsável pela maior incidência de carcinoma hepatocelular em doentes infetados com VHD, nomeadamente a desregulamentação do ponto de controlo G2/M do ciclo celular. São necessários estudos mais aprofundados para confirmar estes resultados e identificar potenciais alvos terapêuticos na infeção pelo vírus da hepatite ou no cancro do fígado. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Os resultados apresentados baseiam-se em estudos preliminares realizados em linhas celulares humanas. Os investigadores propõem um possível mecanismo responsável pela maior incidência de carcinoma hepatocelular em doentes infetados com VHD, nomeadamente a desregulamentação do ponto de controlo G2/M do ciclo celular. São necessários estudos mais aprofundados para confirmar estes resultados e identificar potenciais alvos terapêuticos na infeção pelo vírus da hepatite ou no cancro do fígado.

O Programa-Quadro Horizonte 2020, ou seja, o próximo programa de financiamento da investigação e inovação da UE (2014-2020) (272), proporcionará oportunidades para abordar a investigação sobre o cancro, incluindo doenças malignas relacionadas com infeções, no âmbito do Desafio Societal «Saúde, Alterações Demográficas e Bem-Estar».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010103/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Hepatitis D and liver cancer

In order to multiply and infect human livers, the hepatitis D virus depends on the existence of the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) has an incubation period of between 15 and 45 days and is transmitted via blood and blood transfusions, during labour, and through sharing contaminated needles or personal hygiene objects such as razors and toothbrushes.

According to information from the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), a study led by a Portuguese scientist has found a link between chronic HDV infection and liver cancer.

Researchers from the Medical Microbiology Teaching and Research Unit at the IHMT have identified a ‘mechanism involved in the replication of HDV which encourages the development of cancer cells’.

The investigation also showed that ‘several cellular proteins that stimulate cancer cell “suicide” are synthesised on a smaller scale when HDV is present, thereby reducing the body’s defences and enhancing cancer development’.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this study? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

| 2. | What is its assessment of the findings presented? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is its assessment of the findings presented?

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

(24 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is aware of the research referred to by the Honourable Member, (273)
   (274) which describes changes in the cell proteome arising as a result of the expression of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) antigen and HDV genome replication. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is aware of the research referred to by the Honourable Member, (273)
   (274) which describes changes in the cell proteome arising as a result of the expression of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) antigen and HDV genome replication.

| 2. | The results presented are based on preliminary studies conducted on human cell lines. The researchers propose a possible mechanism responsible for the increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with HDV, namely deregulation of the cell cycle G2/M checkpoint. Further research is required to confirm these findings and to identify potential therapeutic targets in hepatitis D infection or liver cancer. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The results presented are based on preliminary studies conducted on human cell lines. The researchers propose a possible mechanism responsible for the increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with HDV, namely deregulation of the cell cycle G2/M checkpoint. Further research is required to confirm these findings and to identify potential therapeutic targets in hepatitis D infection or liver cancer.

Horizon 2020, i.e. the next EU funding Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) (275) will offer opportunities to address research on cancer, including infection related malignancies, through the ‘Health, demographic change and well-being’ societal challenge.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010104/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Tratamento da hepatite C

Os tratamentos atuais contra a hepatite C podem durar um ano e implicam injeções semanais de interferon alfa combinado com ribavirina e outro antiviral. Entre os efeitos secundários, que podem ser graves, incluem-se a depressão, os sintomas de gripe e a anemia.

Um ensaio clínico de fase II, descrito num artigo divulgado na terça-feira no Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), estudou a eficácia e segurança de um medicamento experimental, tomado com um antiviral.

De acordo com os investigadores, a combinação do antiviral, ribavirina, e do medicamento experimental, sofosbuvir, curou 70 % dos pacientes com hepatite C em ensaios clínicos iniciais, prometendo uma solução mais simples para a doença hepática crónica.

O ensaio contou com a participação de 60 voluntários infetados com o genótipo 1 do vírus da hepatite C, e incluiu participantes com um fígado muito deteriorado e outros com lesões menos avançadas nesse órgão. Vinte e quatro semanas após o final do tratamento, o vírus não foi detetado em 70 % dos participantes, o que é considerado uma cura, porque este agente patogénico não se integra no ADN humano.

| 1. | Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Tem a Comissão conhecimento desta investigação?

| 2. | Como avalia a Comissão os resultados obtidos nos ensaios clínicos? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Como avalia a Comissão os resultados obtidos nos ensaios clínicos?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(28 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão está a acompanhar atentamente os progressos científicos no domínio da hepatite C (HCV). A Comissão tem também conhecimento do artigo a que se refere o Senhor Deputado, publicado no Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). O artigo em questão apresenta os resultados do ensaio (fase II) que estuda a eficácia e segurança de um novo medicamento experimental a utilizar em combinação com a ribavirina, medicamento antirretroviral já aprovado.

A Comissão considera que esta descoberta, tal como outros desenvolvimentos científicos publicados em revistas científicas de grande impacto e objeto de análise pelos pares, poderá vir a representar uma nova opção de regime terapêutico dual para a cura de doentes com HCV que respondem de forma desfavorável aos tratamentos. Importa assinalar que, a corroborar estes resultados, estão em curso ensaios adicionais com vista a melhor determinar se regimes terapêuticos sem interferão ou ribavirina podem ajudar as pessoas com doença crónica devido a infeção por HCV.

A Comissão está a participar no financiamento da investigação sobre a hepatite no âmbito dos seus programas-quadro de investigação. Ao abrigo do Sétimo Programa-Quadro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Atividades de Demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013), foram financiados 12 projetos sobre HCV com uma contribuição da UE de mais de 35 milhões de euros. No âmbito do Programa-Quadro Horizonte 2020, o próximo programa de financiamento da UE para a Investigação e a Inovação (2014-2020), a Comissão continuará a apoiar a investigação no domínio da saúde e a ter em conta, no estabelecimento das suas prioridades, todos os grandes desenvolvimentos científicos de relevo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010104/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Hepatitis C treatment

Current treatments for hepatitis C can last a year and involve weekly injections of interferon alpha combined with ribavirin and another antiviral. The side effects, which can be severe, include depression, flu-like symptoms and anaemia.

A phase II clinical trial, described in an article published on Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), studied the efficacy and safety of a new experimental drug, sofosbuvir, taken together with an antiviral.

Researchers found that the combination of the antiviral, ribavirin, and sofosbuvir, cured 70% of patients with hepatitis C in initial clinical trials, promising a simpler solution for the liver disease.

The trial involved 60 volunteers with genotype 1 of the hepatitis C virus, and included participants with severe liver deterioration and others with less advanced liver damage. Twenty-four weeks after the end of treatment, the virus was not detected in 70% of participants. This is considered a cure, as the pathogen is not integrated in human DNA.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of this study? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

| 2. | What is its assessment of the results of these clinical trials? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is its assessment of the results of these clinical trials?

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

(28 October 2013)

The Commission is following closely the scientific developments with respect to hepatitis C (HCV). The Commission is also aware of the article the Honourable Member is referring to, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The article presents the results of the phase II trial studying the efficacy and safety of a new experimental drug to be used in combination with the licenced antiretroviral drug ribavirin.

The Commission considers that this finding, like other scientific developments published in high impact peer-reviewed scientific journals, shows promise for a novel dual regiment option to cure HCV positive patients with unfavourable treatment characteristics. Importantly, to corroborate these results, additional trials are underway to further determine if regimens without interferon or ribavirin can help people with chronic HCV infection.

The Commission is involved in funding research on hepatitis through its Research Framework Programmes. Through the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities FP7 (2007-2013), 12 projects on HCV have been funded involving a EU contribution of over EUR 35 million. In Horizon 2020, the next EU funding Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020), the Commission will continue to support health research and in setting its priorities will take into account all relevant major scientific developments.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-010148/13

an die Kommission

Burkhard Balz (PPE)

(11. September 2013)

Betrifft: Umstrukturierung der Landesbank Baden-Württemberg

In ihrem Beschluss vom 15.12.2009 über die Staatliche Beihilfe Nr. C 17/2009 Deutschlands zur Umstrukturierung der Landesbank Baden-Württemberg hat die Kommission die staatliche Beihilfe unter Berücksichtigung des Umstrukturierungsplans genehmigt. Deutschland hat gegenüber der Kommission zugesagt, dass die LBBW den Umstrukturierungsplan umsetzen wird. Teil der Zusagen war der Verkauf der LBBW Immobilien GmbH.

Daher wird die Kommission um Beantwortung folgender Fragen ersucht:

| Welche Auflagen hat die Kommission für den Verkauf LBBW-Wohnungen gemacht? |
| --- |

Welche Auflagen hat die Kommission für den Verkauf LBBW-Wohnungen gemacht?

| War beim Verkauf der LBBW-Wohnungen ausschließlich das höchste Gebot zu berücksichtigen? |
| --- |

War beim Verkauf der LBBW-Wohnungen ausschließlich das höchste Gebot zu berücksichtigen?

| Kann die Kommission Auskunft darüber geben, inwieweit es im Ermessen der Eigentümer der LBBW lag, die konkrete Ausgestaltung der Veräußerung des Wohnungsbestands der LBBW Immobilien GmbH zu bestimmen? |
| --- |

Kann die Kommission Auskunft darüber geben, inwieweit es im Ermessen der Eigentümer der LBBW lag, die konkrete Ausgestaltung der Veräußerung des Wohnungsbestands der LBBW Immobilien GmbH zu bestimmen?

| Wurde die Kommission hinsichtlich der Erteilung eines konkreten Zuschlags für einzelne Anbieter seitens der Eigentümer der LBBW konsultiert bzw. hat sie hier Vorgaben gemacht? |
| --- |

Wurde die Kommission hinsichtlich der Erteilung eines konkreten Zuschlags für einzelne Anbieter seitens der Eigentümer der LBBW konsultiert bzw. hat sie hier Vorgaben gemacht?

| Hat die Kommission im Zuge des Verkaufs des Wohnungsbestandes die Einpreisung von Vorgaben zum Schutz der Mieter (Sozialcharta) ausgeschlossen? |
| --- |

Hat die Kommission im Zuge des Verkaufs des Wohnungsbestandes die Einpreisung von Vorgaben zum Schutz der Mieter (Sozialcharta) ausgeschlossen?

Antwort von Herrn Almunia im Namen der Kommission

(7. Oktober 2013)

Die Kommission hat in Bezug auf den Verkauf der LBBW-Wohnungen keine Bedingungen gestellt, da die Zusagen von Deutschland übermittelt wurden. Der Preis war nicht das einzige Kriterium. Den Zusagen zufolge sollten die LBBW-Wohnungen auf „bestmögliche Art“ verkauft werden. Deshalb konnten neben dem Preis auch andere Kriterien berücksichtigt werden. Wenn die Angebote aus wirtschaftlicher und juristischer Sicht weitgehend identisch sind, wäre der Preis jedoch das ausschlaggebende Kriterium.

Das Verkaufsverfahren lag in der Verantwortung der LBBW und Deutschlands. Die Kommission wurde über die Gesamtentwicklung des Verkaufsprozesses informiert, hatte jedoch keine Bedingungen gestellt. Da die Zusagen aus Deutschland stammten, war die Kommission nicht befugt, Möglichkeiten auszuschließen; dies gilt auch für Vorgaben zum Schutz der Mieter.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010148/13

to the Commission

Burkhard Balz (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Restructuring of the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg

In its decision of 15 December 2009 concerning Germany’s state aid No C 17/2009 for the restructuring of Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW), the Commission approved the state aid, taking into account the restructuring plan. Germany gave the Commission an undertaking that LBBW would implement the restructuring plan. One element in that undertaking was that LBBW Immobilien GmbH would be sold.

| 1. | What conditions did the Commission attach to the sale of LBBW-Wohnungen? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What conditions did the Commission attach to the sale of LBBW-Wohnungen?

| 2. | When LBBW-Wohnungen was sold, was there a requirement that it could only be sold to the highest bidder? |
| --- | --- |

2.

When LBBW-Wohnungen was sold, was there a requirement that it could only be sold to the highest bidder?

| 3. | Can the Commission indicate to what extent it was at the discretion of the owners of LBBW to decide on the specific arrangements for selling the housing stock of LBBW Immobilien GmbH? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Can the Commission indicate to what extent it was at the discretion of the owners of LBBW to decide on the specific arrangements for selling the housing stock of LBBW Immobilien GmbH?

| 4. | Did the owners of LBBW consult the Commission about the award of a specific contract to individual tenderers, or did the Commission impose conditions in this regard? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Did the owners of LBBW consult the Commission about the award of a specific contract to individual tenderers, or did the Commission impose conditions in this regard?

| 5. | In connection with the sale of the housing stock, did the Commission rule out the possibility of including conditions to protect tenants (a social charter) as part of the package covered by the price? |
| --- | --- |

5.

In connection with the sale of the housing stock, did the Commission rule out the possibility of including conditions to protect tenants (a social charter) as part of the package covered by the price?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(7 October 2013)

The Commission did not impose conditions as regards the sale of the LBBW-Wohnungen, given that the commitments were submitted by Germany. Price was not the only criterion. The commitments from Germany state that the LBBW-Wohnungen should be sold ‘in the best way possible’. Therefore, other justified criteria, besides price, could also be taken into account. But if the offers were largely identical from an economic and legal point of view, the price would be the relevant criterion.

The sale process was the responsibility of LBBW and Germany. The Commission has been kept informed about the overall development of the sales process, but had not imposed any conditions. The Commission was not in a position to rule anything out, including conditions to protect tenants, given that the commitments came from Germany.

(Magyar változat)

Írásbeli választ igénylő kérdés P-010149/13

a Bizottság számára

Herczog Edit (S&D)

(2013. szeptember 11.)

Tárgy: Keretjelzálog-hitel

Nemrég lépett hatályba a hitelintézetekre vonatkozó prudenciális követelményekről szóló új irányelv és rendelet. Fontos célja a hitelezési kockázatok jobb kezelése. Öt hónapja politikai egyezségre jutottunk a jelzálog-hitelezési irányelvről, aminek célja, hogy elősegítse a felelős hitelezést és a fogyasztók kellő védelmét.

Képviselői munkámban számos esetben tapasztaltam, hogy sok bank olyan biztosítékot köt ki, amely a vevőkre hárítja annak kockázatát, ha a kivitelezésre folyósított hitelt a beruházó nem fizeti vissza. Az úgynevezett keretjelzálogjogot kikötő szerződések alapján a bankok jóhiszemű, de a jogban járatlan emberektől követelhetik a beruházó tartozásának megfizetését, akiket ezért önhibájukon kívül kilakoltatás is fenyeget.

A beruházók tartozásáról a bankok a banktitokra hivatkozva nem adnak felvilágosítást, mondván, ők nincsenek közvetlen jogviszonyban a vevőkkel. Annyira azonban mégiscsak vannak, hogy a bank elárvereztetheti a kifizetett lakásukat.

Erre a problémára azonban az említett jogszabályokban nem találtam orvoslatot. Helyesli-e Ön az olyan szerződéskötési gyakorlatot, amely a fogyasztókat/vevőket teszi anyagilag felelőssé a beruházó tartozásaiért? Elvárható-e az emberektől, hogy ezt a kockázatot felismerjék és eredményesen elhárítsák? Bár minden banknak elemi kötelessége a hitelek beszedése, szerintem elfogadhatatlan, hogy a kockázatkezelésre felkészült bankok a hitelezés kockázatát a fogyasztókra/vevőkre hárítsák. Mit kíván a Bizottság tenni azért, hogy ilyen biztosítékot a jövőben a bankok ne köthessenek ki jogszerűen?

Michel Barnier válasza a Bizottság nevében

(2013. október 18.)

A lakóingatlanokra vonatkozó hitelmegállapodásokról szóló irányelv, amellyel kapcsolatban a Bizottság azt reméli, hogy még idén ősszel elfogadásra kerül, annak biztosításra szolgál, hogy a lakóingatlanokra vonatkozó hitelmegállapodásokat kötő fogyasztók magas szintű védelmet élvezzenek a szerződéskötést megelőző szakaszban.

Kivitelezendő ingatlanfejlesztési projektek esetében a fogyasztókat gyakran arra kötelezik, hogy előzetesen jelentős összegeket fizessenek a projektgazdáknak. A banktitokra vonatkozó szabályok miatt a fogyasztók azonban gyakran nem feltétlenül vannak tisztában az ingatlanfejlesztési projekt projektgazdájának fizetőképességével. A hatályos nemzeti jogszabályoktól függően előfordulhat, hogy a fogyasztókat közvetve felelősnek tartják olyan esetekben, amikor a projektgazda a továbbiakban nem tud megfelelni a hitelező felé fennálló pénzügyi kötelezettségeinek. Annak lehetővé tétele érdekében, hogy a tagállamok hatékonyabb védelmet nyújthassanak a szükséges jogi ismeretekkel nem rendelkező fogyasztók számára, a lakóingatlanokra vonatkozó hitelmegállapodásokról szóló irányelvben a következő preambulumbekezdés szerepel: „Tekintettel az egyes tagállamoknak a lakóingatlanok adásvételével kapcsolatos eljárásai közötti különbségekre, a hitelezők vagy hitelközvetítők megpróbálkozhatnak azzal, hogy előlegfizetést kérjenek a fogyasztóktól azzal az indokkal, hogy az segítheti a hitelmegállapodás megkötését vagy az ingatlan adásvételének létrejöttét. Ez a gyakorlat különösen akkor adhat alkalmat visszaélésekre, ha a fogyasztók nem ismerik az adott tagállam előírásait és szokásos eljárásait. Ezért indokolt lehetőséget adni a tagállamoknak arra, hogy az előlegfizetésekre vonatkozóan korlátozásokat írjanak elő.”

A Bizottság reményei szerint a preambulumbekezdés egyértelműen tükrözi a tagállamok számára annak szükségességét, hogy megfelelő nemzeti intézkedéseket hozzanak a tisztelt képviselő úr által említett kockázatok megelőzésére.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010149/13

to the Commission

Edit Herczog (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Framework mortgage loans

The new directive and regulation on prudential requirements for credit institutions recently came into force, the main objective of which is improved management of credit risk. Five months ago we reached a political agreement on the Mortgage Credit Directive, which aims to promote responsible lending and provide consumers with the necessary protection.

In my work as an MEP I have seen many instances of banks arranging collateral whereby the risk is passed on to the customer in the event of the investor not repaying the loan received. On the basis of so-called framework mortgage agreements, banks can demand repayment of the investor’s debts from people acting in good faith but who are unversed in the law, and who as a result face the threat of eviction through no fault of their own.

Banks do not provide information on investors’ debts — on the grounds of banking secrecy — and insist that they are not in a direct legal relationship with the customers. They are, however, in such a relationship to the extent that a bank can have a customer’s fully-paid-for apartment put up for auction.

I have been unable to find a means of redress in the legislation referred to. Do you endorse a practice of concluding agreements in which the consumer/customer is made financially responsible for the debts of the investor? Should people be expected to recognise and be able to prevent this risk? Even though a fundamental requirement of every bank is to collect on loans, I consider it unacceptable for banks which are set up to deal with debt management to pass on credit risk to the consumer/customer. What action does the Commission intend to take in order to ensure that banks will be unable legally to make such arrangements in future?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(18 October 2013)

The directive on credit agreements relating to residential immovable property (or ‘MCD’), which the Commission hopes to see adopted this autumn, aims to ensure that consumers entering into credit agreements relating to residential immovable property benefit from a high level of protection at pre-contractual stage.

For real estate projects to go ahead, consumers are sometimes obliged to advance important sums to promoters. Due to bank secrecy rules, consumers are however often not necessarily aware of the real estate promoter's financial solvability. Depending on the national legislation in place, it might happen that consumers are held indirectly reliable in the case where the promoter can no longer meet its financial obligations towards the creditor. To allow Member States to better protect consumers that often lack the necessary legal background, a recital has been included in the MCD, which reads: ‘Given the differences between the processes for the purchase or sale of residential immovable property in the Member States, there is scope for creditors or credit intermediaries to seek to receive payments in advance from consumers on the understanding that such payments could help to secure the conclusion of a credit agreement or the purchase or sale of an immovable property, and for such practices to be misused in particular where consumers are unfamiliar with the requirements and usual practice in that Member State. It is therefore appropriate to allow Member States to impose restrictions on such payments.’

The Commission hopes that the recital sends a clear signal to Member States on the need to take appropriate national measures to prevent the risks mentioned by the Honourable Member.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010150/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(11 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Hostigamientos y ataques a homosexuales en Rusia

A lo largo de los últimos meses, hemos podido contemplar a través de los medios de comunicación cómo en Rusia se está produciendo un incremento de las agresiones a personas homosexuales por parte de grupos de extrema derecha.

Estos grupos han llegado a secuestrar, torturar e incluso asesinar a personas por el simple hecho de ser homosexuales y, por ahora, no se han tomado medidas en el Gobierno ruso para terminar con las actividades de estos grupos de extrema derecha y garantizar la seguridad del colectivo LGTB en el país.

Por otra parte, el Gobierno ruso ha aprobado recientemente una ley contra la «
  propaganda homosexual
  »
  , así como la prohibición de adoptar por parte de personas con
  «
  orientación sexual no tradicional
  »
  . Estas reformas, que suponen medidas muy conservadoras, legitiman, a través de las leyes, la discriminación que está sufriendo este colectivo.

A raíz de estos acontecimientos, numerosos miembros del Parlamento Europeo dirigieron una carta a las principales instituciones de la Unión el pasado 4 de septiembre para expresar su preocupación por estos hechos. La carta insiste en que las negociaciones que lleven a cabo estas instituciones con Rusia durante la reunión del G20 en San Petersburgo tengan presente el respeto de los derechos fundamentales de las personas LGTB.

¿En qué forma plantea la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante establecer un diálogo para que el Ejecutivo ruso dé marcha atrás en sus recientes reformas legislativas contra los homosexuales del país?

¿Qué vías pretende emplear la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante para exigir firmemente a Rusia el cese de los ataques y hostigamientos a la comunidad LGTB del país?

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

(6 de noviembre de 2013)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta es plenamente consciente de los hechos a los que se refiere Su Señoría y ha seguido con mucha atención su curso, habiendo expresado públicamente su decepción por la adopción, primero a escala regional y ahora también a nivel nacional, de leyes que prohíben la «propaganda homosexual». La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta considera que esta Ley conduce a la estigmatización de determinados grupos e individuos y a prácticas y discursos políticos discriminatorios hacia ellos. Esta ley, por tanto, está en contradicción con el Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos. La UE sigue de cerca esta cuestión y, en particular, el impacto de esta legislación sobre la situación de los derechos humanos en Rusia.

La UE ha aprovechado las dos últimas rondas de sus consultas periódicas de derechos humanos con la Federación de Rusia (diciembre de 2012 y mayo de 2013) para interesarse por la conformidad de la Ley de «propaganda homosexual» con los compromisos internacionales de Rusia y, en particular, con el Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos, así como para instar a dicho país a modificar la norma en cuestión para hacerla conforme a sus compromisos. La siguiente ronda de estas consultas sobre derechos humanos está prevista para antes de final de año y debería permitir a la Unión Europea expresar de nuevo su punto de vista sobre la cuestión. Este tema será planteado nuevamente durante las reuniones bilaterales con las autoridades rusas que se celebrarán entretanto. La Unión Europea seguirá prestando su apoyo a las organizaciones de la sociedad civil de Rusia, sobre todo a través de la IEDDH.

La UE, por lo tanto, planteará sus inquietudes de todas las maneras adecuadas, así como en todos los foros internacionales pertinentes en materia de derechos humanos, tal y como lo hizo el pasado 17 de septiembre en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010150/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Harassment and attacks against homosexuals in Russia

In recent months, media sources have informed us of the increase in the number of attacks against homosexuals in Russia by far right groups.

These groups have managed to kidnap, torture and even kill people simply because they are gay and, so far, the Russian Government has not taken measures to stop the activities of these far right groups and ensure the safety of the LGBT community in the country.

Moreover, the Russian Government has recently approved a law against ‘homosexual propaganda’, and banned people of ‘non-traditional sexual orientation’ from adopting. These reforms, which are very conservative measures, legitimise, through the laws, the discrimination this group is facing.

Following these events, several Members of the European Parliament sent a letter to the Union’s main institutions on 4 September expressing their concern about these facts. The letter insists that in the negotiations that these institutions are holding with Russia during the G20 meeting in Saint Petersburg there should be respect for the fundamental rights of LGBT people.

In what way does the Vice-President/High Represent plan to establish a dialogue so that the Russian Government reverses its recent legislative reforms against homosexuals in the country?

What means does the Vice-President/High Representative intend to use to firmly insist that Russia puts an end to the attacks and harassment against the country’s LGBT community?

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

(6 November 2013)

The HR/VP is fully aware of the developments referred to by the Honourable Member. She has been following these developments very closely, expressing publically her disappointment with the adoption, first at regional, and now also at national level, of bills prohibiting ‘homosexual propaganda’. The HR/VP believes that this law leads to the stigmatisation of particular groups and individuals and to discriminatory practices and discourse against them. This law is therefore in contradiction with the European Convention on Human Rights. The EU is closely monitoring this issue and notably the impact of this legislation on the situation of human rights in Russia.

The EU has used the last two recent rounds of its regular Human Rights Consultations with the Russian Federation (December 2012 and May 2013) to enquire about the conformity of the ‘homosexual propaganda’ law with Russia's international commitments, in particular with the European Convention on Human Rights, and to invite Russia to amend it so as to put it in conformity with its committments. The next round of these Human Rights Consultations should take place before the end of the year and should allow the European Union to state again its views on the matter. The issue will also continue to be raised during bilateral meetings with the Russian authorities to be held in the meantime. The European Union will continue to support civil society organisations in Russia notably through the EIDHR.

The EU will therefore raise its concerns in all appropriate formats as well as in all relevant Human Rights international fora, as it most recently did on 17 September in the context of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010151/13

a la Comisión

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(11 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Extradición de Alexandr Pavlov

El pasado 17 de mayo, el Consejo de Ministros de España decidió continuar con la extradición del ciudadano kazajo Alexandr Pavlov, haciendo caso omiso de su solicitud de asilo en España.

En Kazajistán, Pavlov está acusado de terrorismo, apropiación indebida y malversación de fondos. Sus abogados alegan que estas acusaciones son fabricadas y realmente tienen que ver con sus vínculos con el opositor político Mukhtar Ablyazov, para quien Pavlov trabajó como hombre de confianza y guardia de seguridad desde 1995. Ablyazov es exiliado político en el Reino Unido desde 2011, cuando demostró que estaba en riesgo de sufrir persecución y otras serias violaciones de derechos humanos si volvía a Kazajistán.

Por otra parte, en junio, el Gobierno de Polonia decidió no conceder la extradición solicitada por Kazajistán en relación a Muratbek Ketebaev, otro colaborador de Mukhtar Ablyazov. Las autoridades polacas concluyeron que el Gobierno de Kazajistán no había demostrado que las acusaciones en su contra no constituyesen persecución política.

La organización Amnistía Internacional ha publicado recientemente los informes «Old habits, the routine use of torture and other ill-treatment in Kazakhstan» y «Return to torture: forcible returns and removals to central Asia»; que denuncian graves violaciones de derechos humanos en países de Asia Central, y particularmente en Kazajistán.

¿Está la Comisión informada sobre el proceso de extradición de Alexandr Pavlov?

¿Tiene la Comisión previsto tomar medidas para evitar que países de la Unión Europea extraditen ilegalmente, como en el caso de Alexandr Pavlov?

¿Considera la Comisión necesaria la homogenización de criterios entre los Estados miembros en los casos de extradición para evitar la disparidad observada ente España y Polonia?

Respuesta de la Sra. Malmström en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de diciembre de 2013)

La Comisión remite a Su Señoría a la respuesta dada a la pregunta escrita E-009748/2013 (276).

La UE plantea y seguirá planteando cuestiones de justicia y asuntos de interior, así como cuestiones relacionadas con los derechos humanos en su diálogo político con Kazajistán, de manera coherente y a todos los niveles, particularmente en el marco de la reunión anual sobre justicia y asuntos de interior y del diálogo sobre derechos humanos que se celebró los días 27 y 28 de noviembre de 2013 en Astana.

Por lo que se refiere a las cuestiones relativas a la extradición, este asunto es competencia de los Estados miembros y se resuelve de conformidad con lo dispuesto en la legislación nacional y en los tratados internacionales.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010151/13

to the Commission

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Extradition of Alexandr Pavlov

On17 May 2013, the Spanish Council of Ministers decided to proceed with the extradition of Kazakh citizen Alexandr Pavlov, disregarding his request for asylum in Spain.

In Kazakhstan, Pavlov is accused of terrorism, misappropriation of funds and embezzlement. His lawyers claim that these accusations are false and are in fact related to his ties with political opponent Mukhtar Ablyazov, for whom Pavlov has worked as right-hand man and security guard since 1995. Ablyazov has been in political exile in the United Kingdom since 2011, when he proved that he was at risk of persecution and other serious human rights violations if he returned to Kazakhstan.

However, in June, the Polish Government decided not to grant the extradition sought by Kazakhstan in relation to Muratbek Ketebaev, another colleague of Mukhtar Ablyazov. The Polish authorities concluded that the Kazakh Government had failed to prove that the accusations made against him did not constitute political persecution.

The organisation Amnesty International has recently published the reports ‘Old habits: The routine use of torture and other ill-treatment in Kazakhstan’ and ‘Return to torture: forcible returns and removals to central Asia’, which denounce serious human rights violations in Central Asian countries, and particularly in Kazakhstan.

Is the Commission being kept informed of Alexandr Pavlov’s extradition process?

Does the Commission plan to take measures to ensure that EU countries do not become involved in unlawful extraditions, as is the case of Alexandr Pavolv?

Does the Commission believe that it is necessary to homogenise criteria between Member States in extradition cases so as to avoid the disparity seen between Spain and Poland?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2013)

The Commission refers the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-009748/2013 (277).

The EU raises and will continue to raise justice and home affairs issues as well as human rights issues in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan consistently and at all levels and in particular in the framework of the annual Justice and Home Affairs Committee and Human Rights Dialogue which took place on 27-28 November 2013 in Astana.

Regarding the questions pertaining to extradition, this is under the competence of Member States and is done in accordance with national law and international treaties.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010152/13

a la Comisión

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(11 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Impresoras 3D y contaminación atmosférica

Según un estudio realizado por el Instituto de Tecnología de Illinois en Chicago, las impresoras 3D son una fuente de partículas ultrafinas cuando están en funcionamiento (278). Esas partículas, de entre 11,5 y 115 nanómetros, se producen en un número de miles de millones por minuto cuando la impresora está trabajando.

Esas partículas pueden ser respiradas por los operarios de esas impresoras y depositarse en las vías respiratorias, pudiéndose, según los expertos, producirse problemas de salud.

¿Tiene la Comisión conocimiento de ese estudio?

¿Es consciente la Comisión del problema de salud laboral que pueden ocasionar esas impresoras?

A la vista de la posible proliferación de impresoras 3D, ¿cree la Comisión que podría ser conveniente establecer algún tipo de regulación para controlar el entorno de operación de esas impresoras y evitar, en lo posible, la dispersión de partículas ultrafinas y su inspiración por parte de los operarios?

Respuesta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de noviembre de 2013)

Las impresoras de objetos tridimensionales (3D), llamadas con más propiedad máquinas de fabricación por adición, están sujetas a la Directiva sobre máquinas (279), que obliga a los fabricantes a evitar riesgos debidos a la inhalación de sustancias peligrosas y equipar la maquinaria para que pueda contener, evacuar o filtrar las emisiones peligrosas que no puedan eliminarse. En las instrucciones del fabricante también deben indicarse las precauciones que tiene que tomar el usuario para hacer frente a riesgos residuales (280).

Estos requisitos están corroborados por normas europeas armonizadas. Ya existen normas para evaluar las emisiones de sustancias peligrosas por las máquinas y reducir los riesgos para la salud (281). Sin embargo, no existe ninguna norma específica para máquinas de fabricación por adición. Ya han comenzado a nivel internacional las labores de normalización al respecto. La Comisión animará a las organizaciones europeas de normalización a que participen en este trabajo para que se elaboren normas armonizadas.

Por lo que se refiere a los posibles efectos adversos por exposición a partículas ultrafinas, la legislación de la UE sobre salud y seguridad de los trabajadores obliga a los empleadores a evaluar y prevenir todos esos riesgos (282). Entre las medidas que deben tomarse figuran la elección de un equipo de trabajo adecuado (283), la reducción de los riesgos debidos a sustancias o preparados químicos que se utilicen (284), el acondicionamiento de los lugares de trabajo (285) y el uso de equipos de protección individual adecuados (286).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010152/13

to the Commission

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: 3D printers and air pollution

According to a study carried out by the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, 3D printers are a source of ultrafine particles when they are in use (287). Thousands of millions of these particles of between 11.5 and 115 nanometres are produced per minute when the printer is in operation.

These particles can be inhaled by users of these printers and deposited in the airways, which, according to the experts, could cause health problems.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

Is the Commission aware of the work-related health problem these printers can cause?

Given the possibility of 3D printers becoming widespread, does the Commission believe that it might be appropriate to establish some kind of regulation to control the operational environment of these printers and, as far as possible, prevent these ultrafine particles from being emitted and inhaled by users?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

3D printers, more accurately described as additive manufacturing machines, are subject to the EU Machinery Directive (288) which requires manufacturers to avoid risks due to inhalation of hazardous substances and to equip machinery in order to contain, evacuate or filter hazardous emissions that cannot be eliminated. The manufacturer’s instructions must also indicate the precautions to be taken by users to deal with residual risks (289).

These requirements are supported by European harmonised standards. There are already standards for the evaluation of emissions from machinery of hazardous substances and for reducing risks to health (290). However, there is no specific standard for additive manufacturing machinery. Standardisation work on this subject has started at international level. The Commission will encourage the European standardisation organisations to participate in this work with a view to the development of the necessary harmonised standards.

As regards the possible adverse effects on workers health due to exposure to ultrafine particles, EU legislation on workers health and safety requires employers to evaluate and prevent all risks for the health and safety of workers (291). The measures to be taken include the choice of appropriate work equipment (292), the reduction of risks due to chemical substances or preparations used (293), the fitting-out of workplaces (294) and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (295).

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010153/13

a la Comisión

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(11 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Impulso a las energías renovables

El pasado 24 de agosto, la Asociación Europea por las Energías Renovables — Eurosolar celebró su 25 aniversario en Bonn. En el contexto de dicha celebración, se elaboró un manifiesto donde proponen a la Unión una serie de medidas para impulsar el desarrollo de las energías renovables.

Entre las medidas propuestas están: el establecemiento de una estrategia hacia un futuro energético descentralizado basado en energías renovables, la creación de una Agencia Europea para las Energías Renovables, el establecimiento de planes para el abandono de la energía nuclear o el establecimiento de infraestructuras transeuropeas para la producción descentralizada de energía.

¿Conoce la Comisión las propuestas realizadas por Eurosolar el pasado 25 de agosto?

¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión sobre cada una de las propuestas concretas?

¿Considera la Comisión interesante la creación de una Agencia Europea para las Energías Renovables? ¿Piensa dar pasos en ese sentido?

¿Qué opinión tiene la Comisión sobre la propuesta de establecimiento de planes para el abandono de la energía nuclear?

Respuesta del Sr. Oettinger en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de octubre de 2013)

La Comisión tiene pleno conocimiento del manifiesto de la Asociación Europea por las Energía Renovables y lo reflejará en las propuestas recogidas en la próxima Comunicación sobre política energética para el período hasta 2030.

La Comisión desempeñó hace unos años un papel fundamental en la creación de la Agencia Internacional de Energías Renovables (IRENA), en la que participa activamente. Actualmente, considera preferible colaborar con esta Agencia en vez de poner en marcha una agencia europea de energías renovables.

Tal como establece el Tratado de la UE, la Comisión no tiene ninguna opinión concreta sobre la utilización de la energía nuclear, ya que la decisión sobre la combinación de fuentes de energía corresponde a los Estados miembros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010153/13

to the Commission

Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Boost for renewable energy

On 24 August 2013, the European Association for Renewable Energy — Eurosolar celebrated its 25th anniversary in Bonn. As part of this celebration, a manifesto was drawn up in which a series of measures was proposed to the EU in order to encourage the development of renewable energy.

Among the proposed measures are: the establishment of a strategy towards a decentralised energy future founded on renewable energy sources, the creation of a European Agency for Renewable Energy, the establishment of plans to abandon nuclear energy and the development of trans-European infrastructure projects for decentralised energy production.

Does the Commission know about the proposals made by Eurosolar on 25 August?

What view does the Commission take on each of the specific proposals?

Is the Commission interested in the creation of a European Agency for Renewable Energy? Does it intend to take action in this regard?

What is the Commission’s opinion on the proposal to establish plans to abandon nuclear energy?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

The Commission is fully aware of the manifesto of the European Association for Renewable Energy, and will reflect on the proposals made in the up-coming Communication on energy policy for the period up to 2030.

The Commission was central in the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) some years ago, where it is also an active member. Its preferred option at present is to work through this agency rather than starting a separate European Agency for renewable energy.

As set out in the EU Treaty, the Commission does not have any particular view on the use of nuclear energy, as it is a prerogative of Member State to decide on their energy mix.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-010156/13

til Kommissionen

Ole Christensen (S&D)

(11. september 2013)

Om: Anvendelse af postkasseselskaber i transportsektoren

Ifølge EU forordning (EU) nr. 1071/2009 skal virksomheder, der udøver vejtransporterhverv, have et faktisk etableret og varigt forretningssted. For at opfylde kravet om et sådant forretningssted skal virksomheden blandt andet rumme lokaler, hvor virksomhedens kernedokumenter opbevares (artikel 5, litra a) samt besidde administration og driftscentral for virksomhedens indregistrerede køretøjer (artikel 5, litra c).

Disse regler skal sikre, at hvis en virksomhed anvender reglerne i en anden medlemsstat, skal den reelt være etableret i denne medlemsstat og have en reel tilknytning hertil.

For nylig er der i Danmark rapporteret om, at visse danske transportfirmaer har oprettet datterselskaber i Tyskland for at indregistrere deres lastbiler på tyske nummerplader og ansætte deres chauffører på tyske arbejdsvilkår.

Det forlyder samtidig, at datterselskaberne ikke lever op til kriterierne som nævnt i artikel 5 i ovennævnte forordning, idet den reelle aktivitet fortsat finder sted i hovedsædet i Danmark. Det vil sige, at datterselskaberne oprettes i Tyskland for at gøre brug af tyske regler, mens de hverken er etableret i eller har reel tilknytning til Tyskland.

Vil Kommissionen tage stilling til, om den beskrevne situation udgør et brud på reglerne om et datterselskabs reelle aktivitet i en anden medlemsstat som bestemt ved artikel 5 i forordning (EU) nr. 1071/2009? Vil Kommissionen endvidere tage stilling til, om Tyskland enten fejlfortolker eller ikke fører tilpas tilsyn med reglerne, hvis den tillader indregistrering af lastbiler i Tyskland og ansættelse af chauffører ved danske datterselskaber, der ikke har en reel tilknytning til Tyskland?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Siim Kallas

(23. oktober 2013)

Den frie udveksling af tjenesteydelser i transportsektoren er underlagt betingelserne i forordning (EF) nr. 1071/2009 (296). For at kunne udøve vejtransporterhvervet, herunder etablering af transportdattervirksomheder, skal en transportvirksomhed opfylde fire essentielle betingelser (betingelser om et faktisk etableret og varigt forretningssted, god vandel, et tilstrækkeligt økonomisk grundlag og faglige kvalifikationer). For at opfylde det første krav skal transportvirksomheden som oplyst af det ærede medlem:

| råde over et forretningssted i denne medlemsstat, hvor dens kernedokumenter opbevares, |
| --- |

råde over et forretningssted i denne medlemsstat, hvor dens kernedokumenter opbevares,

| råde over et eller flere køretøjer, som er indregistreret eller på anden måde godkendt til kørsel i overensstemmelse med lovgivningen i denne medlemsstat, og |
| --- |

råde over et eller flere køretøjer, som er indregistreret eller på anden måde godkendt til kørsel i overensstemmelse med lovgivningen i denne medlemsstat, og

| drive en driftscentral for disse køretøjer beliggende i denne medlemsstat. |
| --- |

drive en driftscentral for disse køretøjer beliggende i denne medlemsstat.

I medfør af artikel 12 i forordning (EF) nr. 1071/2009 er medlemsstaterne, ved hjælp af målrettet kontrol, ansvarlige for at overvåge, hvorvidt virksomheder fortsat opfylder etableringskravene. I de tilfælde, hvor der foreligger tydelige beviser, kan Kommissionen ligeledes anmode den pågældende medlemsstat om at foretage individuel kontrol.

Såfremt ovenstående betingelser er opfyldt, kan transportvirksomheden i overensstemmelse med den frie udveksling af tjenesteydelser udøve sin drift i enhver medlemsstat. Ved udøvelse i en anden medlemsstat skal betingelserne i forordning (EF) nr. 1072/2009 om fælles regler for adgang til markedet for international godskørsel (297) opfyldes. Ud fra de beviser, som det ærede medlem har fremlagt, er det derfor ikke muligt at slå fast, hvorvidt disse virksomheder overtræder forordningen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010156/13

to the Commission

Ole Christensen (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Use of letter box companies in the transport sector

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009, undertakings engaged in the occupation of road transport operator shall have an effective and stable establishment. In order to meet the requirement for such an establishment, the undertaking shall, among other things, have premises in which it keeps its core business documents (Article 5(a)) and have an administrative system and operating centre for the undertaking’s registered vehicles (Article 5(c)).

These rules are intended to ensure that, if an undertaking applies the rules in another Member State, it must be actually established in, and have a genuine link with, that Member State.

Recently it has been reported in Denmark that certain Danish transport firms have set up subsidiary companies in Germany in order to register their commercial vehicles with German number plates and employ their drivers under German working conditions.

The reports also state that the subsidiary companies do not meet the criteria specified in Article 5 of the aforementioned Regulation, as the actual activity continues to take place at the headquarters in Denmark. In other words, the subsidiary companies were set up in Germany in order to benefit from German rules, but they are not established in Germany nor do they have any genuine link with that country.

In the Commission’s opinion, does the situation described constitute a breach of the rules concerning a subsidiary company’s actual activity in another Member State in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009? Does it believe that Germany is either misinterpreting the rules or not monitoring them adequately if it allows the registration of commercial vehicles in Germany and the employment of drivers by Danish subsidiaries that do not have a genuine link with Germany?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The freedom to provide services in the road haulage sector is subject to the conditions of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 (298). To pursue the occupation of road transport operator, including in the case of establishing a transport subsidiary, a road transport undertaking must fulfill four core conditions (the conditions of effective and stable establishment, of good repute, of financial standing, and of professional competence). As stated by the Honourable Member, in order to comply with the first requirement, the operator must:

| have an establishment in that Member State with premises in which it keeps its core business documents; |
| --- |

have an establishment in that Member State with premises in which it keeps its core business documents;

| have at its disposal one or more vehicles which are registered or otherwise put into circulation in conformity with the legislation of that Member State; |
| --- |

have at its disposal one or more vehicles which are registered or otherwise put into circulation in conformity with the legislation of that Member State;

| conduct its operations concerning these vehicles at an operating centre situated in that Member State. |
| --- |

conduct its operations concerning these vehicles at an operating centre situated in that Member State.

Under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009, Member States are responsible for monitoring whether undertakings continue to fulfil the requirements of establishment, carrying out targeted checks. In cases supported by clear evidence, the Commission may also request that Member States carry out individual checks.

If the conditions above are fulfilled, in line with the freedom to provide services, the operator is free to conduct its operations in any Member State. If operating in another Member State, the conditions of Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 on access to the international road haulage market (299) must be complied with. From the evidence provided by the Honourable Member, it is therefore not possible to determine whether these companies are infringing the regulation.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010157/13

an die Kommission

Axel Voss (PPE)

(11. September 2013)

Betrifft: Britisches Ampelmodell zur Nährwertkennzeichnung von Lebensmitteln

Die britische Regierung hat im Juni 2013 im Rahmen einer gemeinsamen Initiative mit Handel und Herstellern ein Ampelmodell für eine Nährwertkennzeichnung bei Lebensmitteln eingeführt.

In diesem Zusammenhang wird die Kommission um Beantwortung folgender Fragen ersucht:

| Wird nach Einschätzung der Kommission durch diese Initiative faktisch eine verbindliche nationale Kennzeichnung eingeführt, wodurch die Firmen, die dieser Regelung nicht folgen, öffentlich unter Druck gesetzt werden? |
| --- |

Wird nach Einschätzung der Kommission durch diese Initiative faktisch eine verbindliche nationale Kennzeichnung eingeführt, wodurch die Firmen, die dieser Regelung nicht folgen, öffentlich unter Druck gesetzt werden?

| Wie bewertet die Kommission die Tatsache, dass durch diese Regelung gerade kleine und mittelständische Hersteller von Lebensmitteln getroffen werden, da sie innerhalb der EU nicht mehr einheitliche Verpackungen für ihre Erzeugnisse verwenden können? |
| --- |

Wie bewertet die Kommission die Tatsache, dass durch diese Regelung gerade kleine und mittelständische Hersteller von Lebensmitteln getroffen werden, da sie innerhalb der EU nicht mehr einheitliche Verpackungen für ihre Erzeugnisse verwenden können?

| Behindert das britische Ampelmodell nach Auffassung der Kommission dadurch nicht den einheitlichen EU-Binnenmarkt und widerspricht damit Artikel 35 Absatz 1 Buchstabe g der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1169/2011? |
| --- |

Behindert das britische Ampelmodell nach Auffassung der Kommission dadurch nicht den einheitlichen EU-Binnenmarkt und widerspricht damit Artikel 35 Absatz 1 Buchstabe g der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1169/2011?

| Erfüllt das britische Ampelsystem aus Sicht der Kommission die Voraussetzungen von Artikel 35 Absatz 1 Buchstabe a der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1169/2011 und beruht es auf fundierten und wissenschaftlich haltbaren Erkenntnissen der Verbraucherforschung? |
| --- |

Erfüllt das britische Ampelsystem aus Sicht der Kommission die Voraussetzungen von Artikel 35 Absatz 1 Buchstabe a der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1169/2011 und beruht es auf fundierten und wissenschaftlich haltbaren Erkenntnissen der Verbraucherforschung?

| Ist diese Regelung im Sinne der oben genannten EG-Verordnung europarechtswidrig? |
| --- |

Ist diese Regelung im Sinne der oben genannten EG-Verordnung europarechtswidrig?

| Prüft die Kommission die Einleitung eines Vertragsverletztungsverfahrens gegen Großbritannien? Wenn nein, warum nicht? |
| --- |

Prüft die Kommission die Einleitung eines Vertragsverletztungsverfahrens gegen Großbritannien? Wenn nein, warum nicht?

Antwort von Herrn Borg im Namen der Kommission

(21. Oktober 2013)

Das im Vereinigten Königreich eingeführte Ampelmodell zur Nährwertkennzeichnung ist ein freiwilliges System; Einzelhändler und Lebensmittelhersteller können nicht dazu gezwungen werden, es einzusetzen.

Kleine und mittlere Hersteller von Lebensmitteln sind nicht stärker betroffen als andere Lebensmittelunternehmen, da sie nicht zum Einsatz dieses freiwilligen Systems gezwungen werden können.

Wegen seiner Freiwilligkeit schafft ein solches Modell kein juristisches Handelshemmnis. Einige britische Unternehmen haben öffentlich angekündigt, das Modell verwenden zu wollen, während andere sich dagegen ausgesprochen haben. Daran zeigt sich, dass beim derzeitigen Stand der Dinge auch nicht davon ausgegangen werden kann, dass es sich faktisch um ein verbindliches System handelt.

Aus der Beantwortung der ersten Fragen ergibt sich, dass die Kommission die Einleitung eines Vertragsverletzungsverfahrens gegen das Vereinigte Königreich nicht in Betracht zieht.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010157/13

to the Commission

Axel Voss (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: UK traffic light system for nutrition labelling of foodstuffs

In June 2013, the UK Government introduced a traffic light system for nutrition labelling of foodstuffs in a common initiative involving retailers and manufacturers.

| 1. | In the Commission’s view, is a mandatory national labelling system actually being introduced through this initiative, whereby companies that do not follow this system are put under public pressure? |
| --- | --- |

1.

In the Commission’s view, is a mandatory national labelling system actually being introduced through this initiative, whereby companies that do not follow this system are put under public pressure?

| 2. | What is the Commission’s view of the fact that it is small and medium-sized manufacturers of foodstuffs in particular that are affected by this scheme, as they can no longer use uniform packaging for their products within the EU? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is the Commission’s view of the fact that it is small and medium-sized manufacturers of foodstuffs in particular that are affected by this scheme, as they can no longer use uniform packaging for their products within the EU?

| 3. | In the Commission’s opinion, does the UK traffic light system not create an obstacle to the single EU internal market as a result of this, thereby contravening Article 35(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011? |
| --- | --- |

3.

In the Commission’s opinion, does the UK traffic light system not create an obstacle to the single EU internal market as a result of this, thereby contravening Article 35(1)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011?

| 4. | In its opinion, does the UK traffic light system meet the conditions of Article 35(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011 for it to be based on sound and scientifically valid consumer research? |
| --- | --- |

4.

In its opinion, does the UK traffic light system meet the conditions of Article 35(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011 for it to be based on sound and scientifically valid consumer research?

| 5. | Does this scheme contravene EC law within the meaning of the aforementioned EC Regulation? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Does this scheme contravene EC law within the meaning of the aforementioned EC Regulation?

| 6. | Is the Commission considering initiating an infringement procedure against the United Kingdom? If not, why not? |
| --- | --- |

6.

Is the Commission considering initiating an infringement procedure against the United Kingdom? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

The traffic light system for nutrition labelling introduced in the UK is a voluntary system, and retailers like food manufacturers cannot be forced to use it.

Small and medium-sized manufacturers of foodstuffs are not more particularly affected than other food companies, as they cannot be forced to use this voluntary scheme.

Because of its voluntary character, such scheme does not create a de jure barrier to trade. Some UK companies announced publicly that they would use the scheme, while others announced they would not, which shows that, as the situation stands today, the system cannot be considered as a de facto mandatory system either.

Considering the answers to the previous questions, the Commission is not considering initiating an infringement procedure against the UK.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010158/13

an die Kommission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(11. September 2013)

Betrifft: Verschiebung der Bonus-Obergrenze für Bankmanager

Die geplante Umsetzung einer Bonus-Obergrenze für Bankmanager ab 2014 soll erst frühestens 2015 in Angriff genommen werden. Diese Obergrenze der Bonuszahlungen von Bank-Mitarbeitern innerhalb der EU soll auf das doppelte des Basisgehaltes reduziert werden. Das betrifft Banker, die pro Jahr mehr als 500 000 EUR verdienen.

Daher wird die Kommission um Beantwortung folgender Fragen ersucht:

| Wie rechtfertigt die Kommission die Verschiebung der Regelung für die Bonus-Obergrenze für Bankmanager? |
| --- |

Wie rechtfertigt die Kommission die Verschiebung der Regelung für die Bonus-Obergrenze für Bankmanager?

| Welche Interessensvertretungen waren in die Entscheidung zur Verschiebung involviert? |
| --- |

Welche Interessensvertretungen waren in die Entscheidung zur Verschiebung involviert?

| Kann die Kommission versprechen, dass die Bonus-Obergrenze in dieser Form tatsächlich 2015 als Vorschlag auf den Tisch kommt? |
| --- |

Kann die Kommission versprechen, dass die Bonus-Obergrenze in dieser Form tatsächlich 2015 als Vorschlag auf den Tisch kommt?

| Wenn nein, warum nicht? |
| --- |

Wenn nein, warum nicht?

| Wann rechnet die Kommission spätestens mit der Fertigstellung eines Entwurfs? |
| --- |

Wann rechnet die Kommission spätestens mit der Fertigstellung eines Entwurfs?

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(31. Oktober 2013)

Was die Umsetzung und Anwendung der in der neuen Eigenkapitalrichtlinie („CRD IV“  (300)) festgelegten Grundsätze für ein angemessenes Verhältnis zwischen der festen und der variablen Komponente der Gesamtvergütung betrifft, möchte die Kommission auf Artikel 162 Absatz 3 CRD IV verweisen. Gemäß dieser Bestimmung müssen die Mitgliedstaaten die Institute verpflichten, diese Grundsätze ab 1. Januar 2014 auf die Vergütung für erbrachte Dienstleistungen oder für Leistungen anzuwenden, unabhängig davon, ob diese aufgrund bestehender oder neuer Verträge zu leisten ist.

Was die Ermittlung der Personen betrifft, die wesentliche Risiken eingehen, arbeitet die EBA zurzeit an Entwürfen technischer Regulierungsstandards, in denen qualitative sowie angemessene quantitative Kriterien für die Ermittlung der Mitarbeiterkategorien, deren berufliche Tätigkeit sich gemäß Artikel 92 Absatz 2 CRD IV wesentlich auf das Risikoprofil des Instituts auswirkt, festgelegt werden sollen. Gemäß Artikel 94 Absatz 2 CRD IV legt sie der Kommission diese Entwürfe bis zum 31. März 2014 vor. Sobald diese Entwürfe der Kommission förmlich vorgelegt sind, wird diese die ihr übertragenen Befugnisse gemäß den Artikeln 10 bis 14 der Verordnung (EU) Nr. 1093/2010 wahrnehmen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010158/13

to the Commission

Franz Obermayr (NI)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Postponement of the bonus ceiling for bank managers

The planned implementation of a bonus ceiling for bank managers from 2014 onwards is now not intended to be put into effect until 2015 at the earliest. The ceiling for bonus payments to bank employees within the EU is intended to be reduced to double their basic salary. This will affect bankers who earn more than EUR 500 000 a year.

| 1. | How does the Commission justify the postponement of the bonus ceiling system for bank managers? |
| --- | --- |

1.

How does the Commission justify the postponement of the bonus ceiling system for bank managers?

| 2. | Which lobby groups were involved in the postponement decision? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Which lobby groups were involved in the postponement decision?

| 3. | Can the Commission promise that the bonus ceiling in its current form will actually be tabled as a proposal in 2015? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Can the Commission promise that the bonus ceiling in its current form will actually be tabled as a proposal in 2015?

| 4. | If not, why not? |
| --- | --- |

4.

If not, why not?

| 5. | By when at the latest does the Commission expect a draft to be ready? |
| --- | --- |

5.

By when at the latest does the Commission expect a draft to be ready?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

As regards the transposition and application of the principles laid down in the new Capital Requirements Directive (‘CRD IV’  (301)) concerning the appropriate ratios between the fixed and the variable component of the total remuneration, the Commission would refer to Article 162(3) of CRD IV. Pursuant to this provision, in essence, Member States shall require institutions to apply the principles referred to above to remuneration awarded for services provided or performance from 1 January 2014 onwards, whether due on the basis of existing or new contracts.

As regards the identification of material risk takers, EBA is in the process of developing draft regulatory technical standards with respect to qualitative and appropriate quantitative criteria to identify categories of staff whose professional activities have a material impact on the institution’s risk profile as referred to in Article 92(2) of CRD IV. Pursuant to Article 94(2) of CRD IV, EBA shall submit those draft regulatory technical standards to the Commission by 31 March 2014. Once the draft regulatory technical standards are formally submitted to the Commission, the latter will exercise the power delegated to it in accordance with Articles 10 to 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010159/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(11 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Η «φιλική Διευθέτηση» Cosco-ΟΛΠ

Στις 30.8.2013, υπεγράφη «Πρακτικό διαδικασίας φιλικής διευθέτησης ΑΡΘ. 33 § 2 και 3 της από 25.11.2008 παραχώρησης» μεταξύ της θυγατρικής εταιρίας της Cosco Ltd «Σταθμός Εμπορευματοκιβωτίων Πειραιά ΑΕ» (ΣΕΠ) και του Οργανισμού Λιμένος Πειραιώς (ΟΛΠ).

Με τη συμφωνία αυτή τα 2 μέρη (ΣΕΠ και ΟΛΠ) συμφωνούν, μεταξύ άλλων, η ΣΕΠ να αναλάβει την κατασκευή της επέκτασης της Προβλήτας ΙΙΙ, την αναβάθμιση της Προβλήτας ΙΙ αλλά και την κατασκευή νέας προβλήτας πετρελαιοειδών, η αποπληρωμή του κόστους της οποίας «θα γίνει σε 22 χρόνια, περιλαμβανομένων 2 ετών περιόδου χάριτος, από την παράδοση του έργου, με επιτόκιο Euribor συν 4%».

Στη συνέχεια της συμφωνίας ορίζεται ότι, το εγγυημένο αντάλλαγμα που προβλέπεται στην από 25-11-2008 υφιστάμενη σύμβαση (Ν. 3755/2009), αναστέλλεται και συνδέεται με το ΑΕΠ «μέχρις ότου το ΑΕΠ ανέλθει στο επίπεδο του 2008 +2% ετησίως».

Λαμβάνοντας επίσης υπόψη τις πληροφορίες ότι η Cosco ενδιαφέρεται επίσης για την αγορά του πλειοψηφικού πακέτου των μετοχών της ΟΛΠ ΑΕ.

Ερωτάται η Επιτροπή:

Πώς κρίνει την αναστολή του εγγυημένου ανταλλάγματος υπό τους όρους που αναφέρονται στην εν λόγω συμφωνία; Θεωρεί ότι με τον τρόπο αυτό καταστρατηγείται δομικό στοιχείο της αρχικής σύμβασης των δύο πλευρών;

Ο τρόπος με τον οποίο το κείμενο «Φιλικής Διευθέτησης» αντιμετωπίζει το θέμα για την παραχώρηση της κατασκευής επέκτασης της προβλήτας ΙΙΙ και της κατασκευής της προβλήτας πετρελαιοειδών στην Cosco, χωρίς να έχει προηγηθεί διεθνής διαγωνισμός, είναι σύμφωνος με την κοινοτική νομοθεσία περί δημοσίων έργων;

Σε τι σημείο βρίσκεται η έρευνα «που είχε ξεκινήσει τον Ιούλιο του 2012 η Επιτροπή για την αρχική σύμβαση», όπως με είχε ενημερώσει με την απάντηση E-009350/2012;

Απάντηση του κ. Almunia εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(17 Οκτωβρίου 2013)

Όταν οι εξελίξεις αυτές γνωστοποιήθηκαν στην Επιτροπή, αυτή ζήτησε συμπληρωματικές πληροφορίες από τις ελληνικές αρχές. Στο αίτημα αυτό εξέφρασε την ανησυχία της για ενδεχόμενες κρατικές ενισχύσεις, καθώς και για ενδεχόμενη παραβίαση των κανόνων της ΕΕ σε ό,τι αφορά τις δημόσιες συμβάσεις. Αυτή τη στιγμή οι ελληνικές αρχές συνεργάζονται με την Επιτροπή και, λόγω του ότι η διαδικασία βρίσκεται σε εξέλιξη, προς το παρόν δεν είναι δυνατό να γνωστοποιηθούν περαιτέρω στοιχεία.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010159/13

to the Commission

Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: ‘Friendly arrangement’ between Cosco and Piraeus Port Authority

A ‘friendly arrangement’ under clauses 33.2 and 33.3 of the franchise dated 25 November 2008 was signed on 30 August 2013 between the Cosco subsidiary Piraeus Container Terminal SA (PCT) and the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA).

This agreement states that the two parties (PCT and PPA) agree, among other things, that PCT will construct the Pier III extension, upgrade Pier II and construct a new oil tanker pier, the cost of which will be repaid ‘over 22 years, including a 2-year period of grace from delivery of the project, at an interest rate of Euribor +4%’.

The agreement goes on to stipulate that the guaranteed consideration provided for in the current contract dated 25 November 2008 (Law 3755/2009) is suspended and linked to GDP ‘until such time as GDP returns to 2008 levels +2% per annum’.

It is also rumoured that Cosco is interested in buying a majority holding in PPA SA.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

What does it think about the suspension of the guaranteed consideration under the terms of the agreement in question? Does it think that this approach circumvents a structural element of the initial contract between the two parties?

Is the way in which the ‘friendly arrangement’ addresses the outsourcing of work to construct the Pier III extension and the oil tanker pier to Cosco, without first putting it out to international tender, in keeping with Union legislation on public works?

What progress has been made in the investigation into the initial contract initiated by the Commission in July 2012, as referred to in its reply E-009350/2012?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2013)

When these developments were brought to its attention, the Commission requested further information from the Greek authorities. The request expressed concern with regard to possible state aid and to a possible infringement of EU rules on public procurement. The Greek authorities are currently cooperating with the Commission, and due to the fact that the process is ongoing, no further elements can be disclosed at this stage.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010160/13

to the Commission

Marian Harkin (ALDE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Incorrect transposition of Directive 85/337/EEC

In relation to ECJ Case C-50/09 (European Commission v Ireland) regarding the incorrect transposition of Directive 85/337/EEC, what is the legal status of planning permissions granted in Ireland in contravention of Article 3 or other articles of this directive, and what recourse is available to individuals who have been adversely affected by planning permissions granted in contravention of this EU legislation?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The judgment in Case C-50/09 Commission v Ireland concerned Ireland's failure to transpose certain requirements of the directive 2011/92/EU (302) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. The legal effects of planning permissions granted in Ireland prior to the judgment in that case and the rights of individuals that would arise from a Member State's failure to implement EC law are to be addressed by the national authorities according to national procedural legislation.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010161/13

alla Commissione

Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(11 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Bisogno di acqua

È noto che con l'aumento della popolazione e, conseguentemente, dei consumi, le risorse idriche risultano sempre più insufficienti. Il rapporto «The Global Water Crisis» pubblicato dall'Università delle Nazioni Unite prevede che entro il 2025 nei paesi in via di sviluppo il consumo di acqua aumenterà del 50 %, mentre nei paesi sviluppati sarà pari al 18 %. Si pone quindi il problema di garantire acqua per tutti, se si vuole evitare che entro il 2025 1,8 miliardi di persone non siano in grado di disporre di acqua in misura sufficiente. Certamente esisteranno progetti per assicurare alla popolazione mondiale la maggiore disponibilità possibile di questo elemento indispensabile per la vita, ma l'interrogante vorrebbe sapere a quali conclusioni è giunto il Forum organizzato dall'Unione per il Mediterraneo che ha avuto luogo recentemente a Bled, in Slovenia, e che ha dedicato una sessione speciale alle «sfide dell'acqua» in questo mare. Poiché l'informazione dei media su questo Forum è stata carente,

| 1. | può la Commissione indicare se sono stati discussi progetti specifici relativi all'aumento delle risorse idriche nel bacino del Mediterraneo? |
| --- | --- |

1.

può la Commissione indicare se sono stati discussi progetti specifici relativi all'aumento delle risorse idriche nel bacino del Mediterraneo?

| 2. | In caso affermativo, può indicare tali progetti e ricordarci a quanta parte della popolazione si riferiscono? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In caso affermativo, può indicare tali progetti e ricordarci a quanta parte della popolazione si riferiscono?

| 3. | Esistono progetti europei specifici finanziati dal bilancio dell'Unione? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Esistono progetti europei specifici finanziati dal bilancio dell'Unione?

| 4. | Può la Commissione indicare se l'UE partecipa a progetti delle Nazioni Unite e, in caso affermativo, a quali? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Può la Commissione indicare se l'UE partecipa a progetti delle Nazioni Unite e, in caso affermativo, a quali?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(21 novembre 2013)

Il video dell’intero evento organizzato dal forum strategico tenutosi a Bled dal 1o al 3 settembre, compresa la sessione sulle sfide idriche nella regione MENA, può essere consultato al link:

http://www.bledstrategicforum.org/media/video/video_2013.

Come si evince dal video, i membri del panel hanno presentato diversi programmi di gestione ma l’unico progetto menzionato è stato quello relativo alla costruzione di un impianto di desalinizzazione a Gaza, che, con 55 metri cubi di capacità, si prevede possa fornire acqua a 1,7 milioni di palestinesi. Ulteriori informazioni possono essere reperite nel sito: http://ufmsecretariat.org/the-desalination-facility-for-the-gaza-strip-project/.

Nel quadro definito dal regolamento sullo strumento europeo di vicinato e partenariato (ENPI), l’Unione europea finanzia i progetti relativi alla gestione delle risorse idriche nella regione del Mediterraneo sia a livello nazionale sia a livello regionale, in particolare a sostegno dell’iniziativa Orizzonte 2020 per la decontaminazione del Mediterraneo e i piani d’azione bilaterali con i paesi partner. A livello regionale, una delle più importanti iniziative finanziate dall’UE relative alla gestione delle risorse idriche è il progetto «Sustainable Water Integrated Management» (Gestione sostenibile integrata delle risorse idriche — SWIM). Tale progetto comprende due componenti: un meccanismo di sostegno che dispone di un bilancio di 6,7 milioni di EUR e una sezione dedicata ai progetti dimostrativi che dispone di un bilancio di 15 milioni di EUR. Per ulteriori informazioni consultare il sito: www.swim-sm.eu.

L’UE non è direttamente coinvolta in alcun progetto diretto dall’ONU in materia di gestione delle risorse idriche nel Mediterraneo. Tuttavia, essa opera in stretta collaborazione con l’ONU, tra l’altro, nel contesto dell’iniziativa Orizzonte 2020 e della convenzione di Barcellona.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010161/13

to the Commission

Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Water demand

It is well known that the increase in the population and hence in consumption is leading to growing water shortages. The Global Water Crisis report, published by the United Nations University, predicts that water consumption in developing countries will rise by 50% by 2025, while in developed countries it will rise by 18%. The problem, therefore, is how to guarantee water for all so that, by 2025, 1.8 billion people are not in a situation where they do not have enough water for their needs. There will of course be projects aimed at making this life-sustaining element as accessible as possible to the global population, but it would be useful to know what conclusions were reached by the Forum that was held recently by the Union for the Mediterranean in Bled, Slovenia and which devoted a special session to the ‘water challenges’ in the Mediterranean Sea.

| 1. | Given the lack of media coverage of this Forum, can the Commission say whether any specific projects relating to the increase in water resources in the Mediterranean basin were discussed? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Given the lack of media coverage of this Forum, can the Commission say whether any specific projects relating to the increase in water resources in the Mediterranean basin were discussed?

| 2. | If so, can it say what they are and what proportion of the population they relate to? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If so, can it say what they are and what proportion of the population they relate to?

| 3. | Are there any specific European projects financed by the EU budget? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Are there any specific European projects financed by the EU budget?

| 4. | Can the Commission say whether the EU is involved in any United Nations-led projects, and if so, which ones? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Can the Commission say whether the EU is involved in any United Nations-led projects, and if so, which ones?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

The video of the complete event organised by the Bled Strategic Forum on 1-3 September, including the session on Water Challenges in the MENA Region, can be consulted at:

http://www.bledstrategicforum.org/media/video/video_2013

As you can see from the video, the panellists presented various governance programmes but the only project mentioned was the Gaza Desalinisation Plant project, which, with a 55 cubic metres capacity, is expected to supply water to 1.7 million Palestinians. More information can be obtained at http://ufmsecretariat.org/the-desalination-facility-for-the-gaza-strip-project/

Within the framework set out in the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI) Regulation, the European Union finances projects dealing with water management in the Mediterranean region both at national and regional level, notably in support of the Horizon 2020 Initiative for the decontamination of the Mediterranean and the bilateral action plans with partner countries. At regional level, one of the most significant EU-funded initiatives related to water management is the project ‘Sustainable Water Integrated Management’ (SWIM). SWIM has two components: a support mechanism with a budget of EUR 6.7 million and a budget of EUR 15 million to support demonstration projects. More information can be obtained at www.swim-sm.eu.

The EU is not directly involved in any UN-led project regarding water management in the Mediterranean. However, the EU closely cooperates with UN in the context of, among others, the Horizon 2020 Initiative and the Barcelona Convention.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010163/13

alla Commissione

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(11 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Chiarimenti in merito alla sicurezza dei protocolli di telecomunicazione

Nella serata di giovedì 6 settembre, il Guardian, il New York Times e ProPublica hanno pubblicato una serie di articoli in cui si rivela che la National Security Agency (NSA), una delle più importanti agenzie di intelligence degli Stati Uniti, sarebbe in grado di leggere i dati criptati delle comunicazioni online. In pratica, la NSA e la sua agenzia omologa britannica GCHQ avrebbero avviato e adottato soluzioni per accedere ai sistemi che garantiscono la riservatezza delle comunicazioni su Internet attraverso la crittografia, ovvero il metodo che permette di rendere un messaggio non comprensibile o intelligibile a persone non autorizzate a leggerlo. Quindi la crittografia maschera un dato trasmesso online in modo che lo possano leggere solo il mittente e il ricevente e nessun altro.

L'NSA è riuscita a forzare buona parte delle soluzioni di crittografia realizzate per la salvaguardia dei sistemi bancari e del commercio globale, che proteggono dati sensibili come registri medici e segreti industriali e che automaticamente rendono sicure le email, le ricerche sul web, le chat e le chiamate telefoniche.

Questa notizia comprometterebbe la sicurezza delle comunicazioni tra gli Stati membri e l'Unione Europea.

I protocolli esistenti possono dirsi non più sicuri, poiché esiste una possibilità concreta di decodificazione delle informazioni che possono circolare tra le istituzioni.

Può la Commissione far sapere come intende affrontare questo problema che mina la segretezza delle informazioni tra gli Stati e se intende studiare un nuovo protocollo ad hoc che possa non essere decriptato a differenza di quelli odierni?

Risposta di Neelie Kroes a nome della Commissione

(6 novembre 2013)

La Commissione condivide le preoccupazioni espresse dall'onorevole parlamentare circa la possibilità di decriptare le comunicazioni fra gli Stati membri e l'Unione europea.

Come primo passo, è stato creato un gruppo transatlantico di alto livello composto da esperti di protezione dei dati e sicurezza dell'UE e degli Stati Uniti al fine di chiarire ulteriormente questa e altre questioni attinenti. La Commissione presenterà a breve una relazione sulle conclusioni del gruppo.

I servizi della Commissione stanno inoltre mettendo a punto ulteriori ricerche nel campo della cifratura avanzata nell'ambito di Orizzonte 2020, il programma quadro per la ricerca.

La Commissione ha adottato una proposta di regolamento sulla protezione dei dati con risvolti importanti su programmi quali PRISM e altre iniziative analoghe. La proposta precisa, ad esempio, che l'applicazione extraterritoriale di leggi e di altri strumenti legislativi di paesi terzi potrebbe essere contraria al diritto internazionale.

Al fine di aumentare la resilienza di internet, delle reti e dei sistemi informatici privati, la Commissione ha poi adottato una proposta di direttiva recante misure volte a garantire un livello comune elevato di sicurezza delle reti e dell'informazione nell'Unione (303).

La Commissione implementa i più moderni strumenti di protezione dei sistemi comunicativi e informatici della Commissione, comprese soluzioni ben collaudate, sviluppate e testate da servizi specializzati nella crittografia di informazioni UE riservate. Cooperando strettamente con gli organi preposti alla gestione della sicurezza informatica delle altre istituzioni dell'UE e degli Stati membri, tramite il CERT-EU, la Commissione ha inoltre elaborato un piano d'azione interno contro gli attacchi informatici, che prevede misure per l'individuazione e il blocco di tali attacchi, nonché per un costante miglioramento delle possibili difese.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010163/13

to the Commission

Matteo Salvini (EFD)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Clarification regarding communication protocol security

Late on Thursday 6 September 2013, the Guardian, the New York Times and ProPublica published a series of articles revealing that the National Security Agency (NSA), one of the United States’ most important intelligence agencies, is able to read encrypted data in online communications. It is alleged that the NSA and its UK counterpart, GCHQ, have in practice developed and implemented solutions for accessing systems that guarantee the confidentiality of Internet communications by means of encryption, the method used to make a message incomprehensible or unintelligible to anyone who is not authorised to read it. Therefore, encryption masks data transmitted online so that the sender and the recipient are the only ones who can read it.

The NSA has succeeded in cracking much of the encryption that safeguards banking systems and global commerce, protects sensitive data such as medical records and trade secrets, and automatically secures e-mails, Web searches, Internet chats and telephone calls.

This news threatens the security of the communications sent between Member States and the European Union.

The current protocols can no longer be considered secure, since there is a real possibility that any data circulating between the institutions could be decoded.

Can the Commission say how it intends to address this problem, which undermines the confidentiality of information shared between the States, and whether it plans to test a new ad hoc protocol that, unlike the ones currently used, cannot be decrypted?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member concerns about the possibility of decrypting communications sent between Member States and the European Union.

As a first step, a high level transatlantic group of data protection and security experts from the EU and the US was created in order to further clarify this and related matters. The Commission will report soon on the findings of the group.

The Commission services are also proposing further research into advanced encryption under the framework Program for Research H2020.

The Commission adopted a Proposal for a data protection Regulation, which contains elements relevant for PRISM and similar programmes. For example, it clarifies that the extraterritorial application of third countries' laws and other legal instruments may be in breach of international law.

Furthermore, to enhance the resilience of the Internet and the private network and information systems, the Commission adopted a proposal for a directive concerning measures to ensure a high common level of network and information security across the Union (304).

The Commission uses state of the art measures to protect the Commission's Communication and Information Systems, including well-proven products, developed and tested by specialised services to encrypt EU classified information. Furthermore, the Commission, in close cooperation with other EU institutions and Member States IT security management bodies through the CERT-EU, established an internal action plan against cyber-attacks, which includes measures aimed at detecting and stopping them and at continuously improving countermeasures.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-010164/13

za Komisijo

Mojca Kleva Kekuš (S&D)

(11. september 2013)

Zadeva: Prodaja večjih količin mazalnih olj in tekočin fizičnim osebam

Ogromno maziv (motorno olje, hidravlično olje, masti, olje za menjalnik, diferencialno olje idr.) se preko spleta in v trgovinah v neomejenih količinah neposredno prodaja fizičnim osebam. Pravne osebe, registrirane za servis motornih vozil, so že več let dolžne pristojnim inšpekcijskim službam predložiti dokumentacijo, iz katere je razvidno, da je bilo odpadno motorno olje ustrezno oddano pooblaščenim službam za uničenje oz. razgradnjo.

Drugače od pravnih oseb lahko danes fizične osebe preko spleta ali pri trgovcih na drobno državah članicah brez težav kupijo velike količine maziv, za katerimi se kasneje izgubi vsaka sled. Tako ni mogoče ugotoviti, ali je bilo uporabljeno motorno olje ustrezno uničeno oz. reciklirano. S tem se povečuje tveganje za onesnaževanje okolja, poleg tega je takšno pomanjkanje nadzora oz. količinske omejitve nakupa maziv za fizične osebe zlata jama za sivo ekonomijo na področju storitev servisiranja motornih vozil.

Veliko pravnih oseb kupuje maziva zunaj meja svoje države, okoljske dajatve pa so v državah članicah EU različno visoke. Poleg tega se okoljska dajatev plača v državi, kjer gre mazivo v prodajo in tako prodajalec (npr. v Nemčiji) zaračuna kupcu (npr. iz Slovenije) mazivo brez okoljske dajatve, saj mazivo ni šlo v končno porabo v državi prodajalca (tj. v Nemčiji). S tem, ko je mazivo na trgu cenejše za višino okoljske dajatve zopet nastaja nelojalna konkurenca.

Komisijo zato sprašujem:

| Ali evropska zakonodaja predvideva inšpekcijski nadzor ali katerikoli avtorizacijski ukrep pri prodaji večjih količin maziv fizičnim osebam preko spletnih trgovin in trgovcev na drobno v državah članicah? Ali v primeru nakupa/prodaje večjih količin maziv fizičnim osebam predpisuje predložitev dokumentacije oz. dokazil o primernem uničenju in reciklaži odpadnega motornega olja? |
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Ali evropska zakonodaja predvideva inšpekcijski nadzor ali katerikoli avtorizacijski ukrep pri prodaji večjih količin maziv fizičnim osebam preko spletnih trgovin in trgovcev na drobno v državah članicah? Ali v primeru nakupa/prodaje večjih količin maziv fizičnim osebam predpisuje predložitev dokumentacije oz. dokazil o primernem uničenju in reciklaži odpadnega motornega olja?

| Ali se v prizadevanjih EU za zajezitev sive ekonomije predvideva tudi ukrep omejitve prodaje velikih količin maziv fizičnim osebam in poenotenje višine okoljske dajatve na kilogram mazalnega olja in tekočin ter izboljšan nadzor nad pobiranjem okoljske dajatve v primeru nakupa maziv v drugi državi članici? |
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Ali se v prizadevanjih EU za zajezitev sive ekonomije predvideva tudi ukrep omejitve prodaje velikih količin maziv fizičnim osebam in poenotenje višine okoljske dajatve na kilogram mazalnega olja in tekočin ter izboljšan nadzor nad pobiranjem okoljske dajatve v primeru nakupa maziv v drugi državi članici?

Odgovor g. Potočnika v imenu Komisije

(13. november 2013)

Odpadna olja urejajo določbe Direktive 2008/98/ES o odpadkih (305), zlasti člen 21, ki določa, da države članice sprejmejo potrebne ukrepe za zagotovitev, da se odpadna olja zbirajo ločeno, kadar je to tehnično izvedljivo, in da se z njimi ravna v skladu s hierarhijo ravnanja z odpadki. Zakonodaja EU državam članicam ne predpisuje načina izvrševanja te zahteve.

Za ekološke dajatve na maziva na ravni EU ne obstaja harmonizacija. Države članice zato svobodno oblikujejo fiskalno politiko za izdelke, ki se uporabljajo kot maziva, pod pogojem, da izdelki, ki izvirajo iz drugih držav članic, niso prekomerno obdavčeni v primerjavi s podobnimi domačimi izdelki. Komisija trenutno ne načrtuje harmonizacije davčne zakonodaje na tem področju. Po mnenju Komisije je uvedba sistema za nadzor nad gibanjem maziv trenutno neupravičena.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010164/13

to the Commission

Mojca Kleva Kekuš (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Large-scale selling of lubricating oils and liquid lubricants to natural persons

Many lubricants (engine oil, hydraulic oil, greases, gearbox oil, differential oil, etc.) are sold in unrestricted quantities online or in shops directly to natural persons. Legal persons registered to service motor vehicles have for several years been obliged to furnish documentary evidence to the appropriate inspectorate clearly showing that waste engine oil has been duly delivered to the agencies authorised to destroy or decompose it.

Unlike legal persons, natural persons can now easily buy large quantities of lubricants online or in retail stores in Member States; once that has happened, all trace of the lubricants is lost. It is consequently impossible to ascertain whether used engine oil has been properly destroyed or recycled. Leaving aside the increased risk of environmental pollution, the fact that the purchase of lubricants for natural persons is not subject to supervision or quantitative restrictions is creating a rich source of profit for the shadow economy in the vehicle servicing business.

Legal persons often buy lubricants outside their home countries, but eco-tax rates vary from one Member State to another. Furthermore, eco-tax is paid in the country where a lubricant goes on sale. That being the case, the price charged by a seller (for example in Germany) to a buyer from, say, Slovenia will exclude eco-tax, as the final consumption of the lubricant will not have taken place in the seller’s country (in other words Germany). The fact that the market price is reduced by the amount of eco-tax gives rise, once again, to unfair competition.

| 1. | Does European legislation provide for inspection of, or any form of authorisation arrangement for, mass sales of lubricants to natural persons through online shops or retail stores in Member States? When large quantities of lubricants are bought by, or sold to, natural persons, is there any requirement to produce documents or other evidence concerning the proper destruction or recycling of waste engine oil? |
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1.

Does European legislation provide for inspection of, or any form of authorisation arrangement for, mass sales of lubricants to natural persons through online shops or retail stores in Member States? When large quantities of lubricants are bought by, or sold to, natural persons, is there any requirement to produce documents or other evidence concerning the proper destruction or recycling of waste engine oil?

| 2. | As the EU endeavours to curb the informal economy, will steps also be taken to restrict large-scale selling of lubricants to natural persons, standardise the eco-tax rate chargeable per kilogram of lubricating oil and liquid lubricant, and improve the oversight of eco-tax collection in cases where buyers purchase lubricants in Member States other than their home country? |
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2.

As the EU endeavours to curb the informal economy, will steps also be taken to restrict large-scale selling of lubricants to natural persons, standardise the eco-tax rate chargeable per kilogram of lubricating oil and liquid lubricant, and improve the oversight of eco-tax collection in cases where buyers purchase lubricants in Member States other than their home country?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

Waste oils are governed by the provisions of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste (306) and in particular by Article 21, which provides that Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that waste oils are collected separately, where this is technically feasible and treated in accordance with the waste hierarchy. EU legislation does not prescribe how Member States shall enforce this requirement.

There is no harmonisation of eco-taxes on lubricants at EU level. Member States are therefore free to design their fiscal policy for products used as lubricants provided that products originating from other Member States are not taxed in excess to similar domestic ones. At the current stage the Commission has no plans to harmonise the tax legislation in this area. The introduction of the control system for movements for lubricants seems currently unjustified to the Commission.

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-010165/13

za Komisijo

Mojca Kleva Kekuš (S&D)

(11. september 2013)

Zadeva: Podpora Komisije delavskim prevzemom podjetij v krizi

Evropski parlament je v svoji resoluciji o prispevku zadrug k izhodu iz krize, ki jo je sprejel 2. julija 2013, izpostavil, da so se zadruge v kriznih časih izkazale za odpornejše od številnih tradicionalnih podjetij. Da imajo zadruge in druga socialna podjetja pomembno vlogo v evropskem gospodarstvu, priznava tudi Evropska komisija v svojem sporočilu o spodbujanju zadrug v Evropi (COM(2004)0018).

V zadnjih letih je bilo zaradi prestrukturiranja podjetij v krizi ali brez naslednikov ustanovljenih več sto industrijskih in storitvenih zadružnih podjetij, kar je prispevalo k ohranitvi in ponovnem razvoju lokalnih gospodarskih dejavnosti in delovnih mest.

Tako v Sloveniji kot tudi v mnogih drugih državah članicah se soočamo s težavami pri prenosu podjetij v krizi na zaposlene zaradi zakonodajnih ovir in pomanjkanja ali oteženega pridobivanja finančnih sredstev delavcev za odkup podjetij.

Komisijo zato sprašujem:

| Ali bo Komisija v večletnem finančnem okviru 2014–2020 opredelila finančne instrumente za spodbujanje delavskih odkupov podjetij? |
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Ali bo Komisija v večletnem finančnem okviru 2014–2020 opredelila finančne instrumente za spodbujanje delavskih odkupov podjetij?

| Ali je v naslednjem večletnem finančnem okviru 2014–2020 načrtovana vzpostavitev programov za spodbujanje ustanavljanja zadrug, med njimi tudi finančnih zadrug, ki bi lahko nudile primerno finančno podporo v delavskih prevzemih podjetij v krizi? |
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Ali je v naslednjem večletnem finančnem okviru 2014–2020 načrtovana vzpostavitev programov za spodbujanje ustanavljanja zadrug, med njimi tudi finančnih zadrug, ki bi lahko nudile primerno finančno podporo v delavskih prevzemih podjetij v krizi?

| Ali Komisija načrtuje spremembo zakonodajnega okvira za harmonizacijo ureditve delavskih prevzemov v državah članicah, s čimer bi odpravili administrativne ovire pri izvedbi odkupov podjetij v krizi? |
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Ali Komisija načrtuje spremembo zakonodajnega okvira za harmonizacijo ureditve delavskih prevzemov v državah članicah, s čimer bi odpravili administrativne ovire pri izvedbi odkupov podjetij v krizi?

Odgovor g. Tajanija v imenu Komisije

(14. november 2013)

| 1. | Osnutek predloga o večletnem finančnem okviru za obdobje 2014–2020 ne vključuje posebnih instrumentov za spodbujanje delavskih odkupov podjetij. Vendar bo prihodnji program COSME zagotovil sredstva, ki jih bodo vsa mala in srednja podjetja lahko uporabila za financiranje odkupov. To velja tudi za odkupe podjetij s strani delavskih zadrug, med katerimi večina spada med mala in srednja podjetja (MSP). |
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1.

Osnutek predloga o večletnem finančnem okviru za obdobje 2014–2020 ne vključuje posebnih instrumentov za spodbujanje delavskih odkupov podjetij. Vendar bo prihodnji program COSME zagotovil sredstva, ki jih bodo vsa mala in srednja podjetja lahko uporabila za financiranje odkupov. To velja tudi za odkupe podjetij s strani delavskih zadrug, med katerimi večina spada med mala in srednja podjetja (MSP).

| 2. | Kar zadeva pravno obliko in cilje podjetja, so vsi programi EU oblikovani nevtralno, da imajo od njih lahko koristi vse vrste podjetij. Kot vsa druga MSP lahko tudi zadruge v celoti sodelujejo in izkoristijo vse programe v okviru Programa za konkurenčnost podjetij in MSP (COSME). Ni načrtov za vključitev dodatnih posebnih programov, ki bi zadrugam zagotavljali pomoč na splošno. |
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2.

Kar zadeva pravno obliko in cilje podjetja, so vsi programi EU oblikovani nevtralno, da imajo od njih lahko koristi vse vrste podjetij. Kot vsa druga MSP lahko tudi zadruge v celoti sodelujejo in izkoristijo vse programe v okviru Programa za konkurenčnost podjetij in MSP (COSME). Ni načrtov za vključitev dodatnih posebnih programov, ki bi zadrugam zagotavljali pomoč na splošno.

| 3. | Komisija ima stalno delovno skupino, ki jo sestavljajo strokovnjaki iz držav članic in ki opozarja na najpomembnejša vprašanja na področju prenosov podjetij. Posamezne primere bo preučila, zlasti če skupina ugotovi, da pravni okvir za čeznacionalne odkupe podjetij povzroča upravne ovire. Pri prenosih znotraj države članice so zadevni nacionalni organi pristojni za poenostavitev postopkov na nacionalni ravni, pri čemer morajo spoštovati veljavno zakonodajo EU (307). |
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3.

Komisija ima stalno delovno skupino, ki jo sestavljajo strokovnjaki iz držav članic in ki opozarja na najpomembnejša vprašanja na področju prenosov podjetij. Posamezne primere bo preučila, zlasti če skupina ugotovi, da pravni okvir za čeznacionalne odkupe podjetij povzroča upravne ovire. Pri prenosih znotraj države članice so zadevni nacionalni organi pristojni za poenostavitev postopkov na nacionalni ravni, pri čemer morajo spoštovati veljavno zakonodajo EU (307).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010165/13

to the Commission

Mojca Kleva Kekuš (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Commission support for employee takeovers of companies in crisis

In its resolution on the contribution of cooperatives to overcoming the crisis, adopted on 2 July 2013, Parliament pointed out that many cooperatives had proved themselves to be even more resilient in times of crisis than many conventional enterprises. And the Commission, in its communication on the promotion of cooperative societies in Europe (COM(2004)0018), recognised that cooperatives and other social enterprises have an important role to play in the European economy.

In recent years, several hundred industrial and service cooperative enterprises have been established as a result of the restructuring of businesses in crisis or without successors, thereby saving and re-developing local economic activities and jobs.

In Slovenia, as in many other Member States, it is difficult to transfer businesses in crisis to their employees because of legislative obstacles and a lack of, or difficulty in obtaining, funding for employee buyouts.

In view of the above, I would like to ask the Commission:

| Will the Commission include financial instruments to promote worker buyouts in the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework? |
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Will the Commission include financial instruments to promote worker buyouts in the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework?

| Are there plans to include programmes in the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework to promote the establishment of cooperatives, including financial cooperatives, which could provide appropriate financial support for worker buyouts of companies in crisis? |
| --- |

Are there plans to include programmes in the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework to promote the establishment of cooperatives, including financial cooperatives, which could provide appropriate financial support for worker buyouts of companies in crisis?

| Is the Commission planning to amend the legislative framework for the harmonisation of employee takeovers in the Member States in order to eliminate administrative barriers to employees buying out companies in crisis? |
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Is the Commission planning to amend the legislative framework for the harmonisation of employee takeovers in the Member States in order to eliminate administrative barriers to employees buying out companies in crisis?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

| 1. | The draft proposal for a 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework programme does not include any specific instruments to promote worker buy-outs. However, the forthcoming COSME programme provides for funds that can be used by all Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to finance buy-outs. This also applies to buy-outs by workers' cooperatives the overwhelming majority of which are SMEs. |
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1.

The draft proposal for a 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework programme does not include any specific instruments to promote worker buy-outs. However, the forthcoming COSME programme provides for funds that can be used by all Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to finance buy-outs. This also applies to buy-outs by workers' cooperatives the overwhelming majority of which are SMEs.

| 2. | All EU programmes are drafted in a neutral way as far as the legal form and objectives of an enterprise are concerned, so that all types of enterprises can benefit. Cooperatives can — like all other SMEs — fully participate in and benefit from all programmes within the Competitiveness and SME Programme (COSME). There are no plans to include additional specific programmes aimed at providing assistance to cooperatives in general. |
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2.

All EU programmes are drafted in a neutral way as far as the legal form and objectives of an enterprise are concerned, so that all types of enterprises can benefit. Cooperatives can — like all other SMEs — fully participate in and benefit from all programmes within the Competitiveness and SME Programme (COSME). There are no plans to include additional specific programmes aimed at providing assistance to cooperatives in general.

| 3. | The Commission has an ongoing working group with experts from Member States to identify the most important issues in the area of transfers of businesses. It will consider the results of the exercise in particular if the group finds that the legal framework for cross-national buy-outs raises administratives barriers. For transfers that take place within a Member State it is the respective national authorities' competence to simplify the procedures at the national level with due respect to the applicable EC law (308). |
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3.

The Commission has an ongoing working group with experts from Member States to identify the most important issues in the area of transfers of businesses. It will consider the results of the exercise in particular if the group finds that the legal framework for cross-national buy-outs raises administratives barriers. For transfers that take place within a Member State it is the respective national authorities' competence to simplify the procedures at the national level with due respect to the applicable EC law (308).

(Slovenska različica)

Vprašanje za pisni odgovor E-010166/13

za Komisijo

Mojca Kleva Kekuš (S&D)

(11. september 2013)

Zadeva: Avtobusni prevozniki

Pred časom so z mano stopili v stik avtobusni prevozniki in me seznanili s težavo, s katero se soočajo pri obračunu nacionalnih davkov za del prevožene poti pri prevozu potnikov v nekaterih državah EU.

Cestni prevozniki, ki prevažajo potnike v državah EU, se morejo najprej registrirati davčnim uradom držav, skozi katere nameravajo prevažati potnike, in za prevoze po njihovem ozemlju plačevati DDV po stopnji v skladu z nacionalno zakonodajo. V ta namen se je potrebno na davčnem uradu tuje države priglasiti ter pridobiti davčno številko, praktično so tako avtobusni prevozniki davčni zavezanci v vsaki posamezni državi EU, skozi katero peljejo potnike.

Težava nastane, ker ima vsaka država EU po svoje urejen sistem plačila davkov; in sicer nekatere države davek obračunavajo mesečno, nekatere trimesečno, polletno ali letno, nekatere ga obračunavajo vnaprej kot akontacijo za predvidene kilometre, ki jih bo v tisti državi prevozil, vsaka država ima svoj obrazec za prijavo davka, ponekod morajo avtobusni prevozniki sami urediti plačilo davka, ponekod pa preko posrednikov.

Slovenski avtobusni prevozniki se pri tem ne želijo izogniti plačevanja davka, temveč si želijo poenostavitve postopka, ki spremlja obračune davka za prevoženo pot v tuji državi.

Predvsem bi želeli, da bi obstajal enoten obrazec za prijavo davka za prevožene kilometre v EU, da bi časovno uskladili oddajo obrazca za prijavo davka (npr. letno) oziroma da bi za prijavo davka za prevožene kilometre v tujih državah skrbel Davčni urad Republike Slovenije, ki mu avtobusni prevoznik že po nacionalni zakonodaji dolguje DDV za opravljene prevoze po Sloveniji in tujini.

Komisijo sprašujem, ali pozna zgoraj opisano problematiko avtobusnih prevoznikov v EU in ali namerava ukrepati ob takšni diskriminaciji?

Odgovor g. Šemete v imenu Komisije

(21. oktober 2013)

Komisija se zaveda, da veljavni predpisi o DDV, ki se uporabljajo v sektorju prevoza potnikov, povzročajo težave. Te težave je izpostavila v svoji zeleni knjigi o prihodnosti DDV (309) (glej točko 5.1.2. in temo 3 delovnega dokumenta služb Komisije (310)). V svojem sporočilu o prihodnosti DDV (311) (glej točko 5.2.1.) je oznanila svojo namero, da bo predlagala nevtralnejši in enostavnejši okvir DDV za dejavnosti prevoza potnikov. V ta namen je naročila zunanjo ekonomsko študijo (ki se bo izvajala od leta 2013 do leta 2014), da se opravi poglobljena analiza trenutne obravnave DDV pri storitvah prevoza potnikov. Cilj analize je ugotoviti s tem povezane probleme in njihov obseg ter opredeliti možne rešitve. V tej študiji bo preučeno vprašanje upravne obremenitve mednarodnih prevoznih podjetij, ki izhaja iz veljavnih pravil o kraju izvajanja storitev, in s tem povezanih obveznosti obračuna DDV.

Nadalje je treba omeniti tudi, da bo Komisija v kratkem predstavila predlog standardnega obračuna DDV v EU, da se standardizirajo informacije, ki jih je treba predložiti pri nacionalnem obračunu DDV. Poleg tega bo opravljen pregled, da se razširi področje uporabe mini enotne vstopne točke, ki podjetjem omogoča, da v svoji državi članici obračunajo in plačajo DDV, ki ga je treba plačati v drugi državi članici.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010166/13

to the Commission

Mojca Kleva Kekuš (S&D)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Coach operators

I have recently been contacted by a number of coach operators who told me of the difficulties they face in paying national taxes for the part of a journey where they transport passengers in certain other Member States.

Coach operators which carry passengers in EU countries must first register with the tax office of the countries through which they intend to travel, and for journeys in those countries pay VAT at the rate determined in their national legislation. For this purpose, they have to register with the tax office of the foreign country and obtain a tax number, so in practice coach operators are taxable persons in every individual EU country through which they carry passengers.

Problems arise because each Member State has its own tax payment system. Some countries calculate tax on a monthly basis, some quarterly, others six-monthly or yearly. Some calculate it as an advance payment based on the distance expected to be driven in that country. Each country has its own form for declaring taxes. In some countries it is the coach operators themselves which have to make the payment, while elsewhere it is done through intermediaries.

Slovene coach operators are not seeking to avoid paying tax, but they do want to see a simplification of the procedure for calculating the tax to be paid in respect of the part of a journey undertaken abroad.

Above all they would like to see a standard form for declaring the tax on journeys in the EU and a standard tax declaration period (e.g. yearly). Alternatively, they would want the declaration of taxes on journeys undertaken in foreign countries to be dealt with by the Tax Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, to which, under national legislation, coach operators are already required to pay VAT on the transport of passengers in Slovenia and abroad.

Is the Commission aware of this problem with which coach operators in the EU have to contend, and does it intend to take action to address this discrimination?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

The Commission is aware that the current VAT rules applicable in the passenger transport sector cause difficulties and raised these in its Green Paper (312) on the future of VAT (see point 5.1.2 and topic 3 of the Commission staff working document (313)). In its communication (314) on the future of VAT (see point 5.2.1), the Commission announced its intention to propose a more neutral and simpler VAT framework for passenger transport activities. To this end, the Commission launched an external economic study (running from 2013 to 2014) whose objective is to provide an in-deep analysis of the current VAT treatment of passenger transport services in view of identifying and quantifying the problems it raises and the solutions that could be envisaged. The issue of administrative burdens for international transport operators linked to the current rules on the place of supply and the related VAT declaration obligations will be examined in this study.

Moreover, it is also worth mentioning that the Commission will shortly make a proposal for an EU standard VAT return to standardise the information to be provided on national VAT returns. As well a review will be undertaken to extend the scope of the mini-One Stop Shop, which allows businesses to declare and pay VAT due in another Member State in their own Member State.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010167/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Poluição atmosférica e risco de cancro do pulmão

Considerando o seguinte:

| — | Segundo um estudo publicado recentemente na revista científica The Lancet Oncology, a exposição prolongada à contaminação de partículas aumenta o risco de cancro do pulmão, em particular o adenocarcinoma, que se desenvolve também nos não fumadores. |
| --- | --- |

—

Segundo um estudo publicado recentemente na revista científica The Lancet Oncology, a exposição prolongada à contaminação de partículas aumenta o risco de cancro do pulmão, em particular o adenocarcinoma, que se desenvolve também nos não fumadores.

| — | A investigação, dirigida pelo Centro de Investigação da Sociedade Dinamarquesa do Cancro, avaliou o impacto da exposição, a longo prazo, aos óxidos de nitrogénio, bem como às partículas em suspensão de diâmetro inferior a 2,5 mícrones e a 10 mícrones, e analisou 17 estudos de 9 países europeus, abrangendo um total de 313 mil pessoas. |
| --- | --- |

—

A investigação, dirigida pelo Centro de Investigação da Sociedade Dinamarquesa do Cancro, avaliou o impacto da exposição, a longo prazo, aos óxidos de nitrogénio, bem como às partículas em suspensão de diâmetro inferior a 2,5 mícrones e a 10 mícrones, e analisou 17 estudos de 9 países europeus, abrangendo um total de 313 mil pessoas.

| — | Ao todo, 2 095 pessoas desenvolveram cancro do pulmão durante os 13 anos em que foram seguidas no âmbito desta investigação, e o estudo concluiu que por cada aumento de cinco microgramas por metro cúbico de contaminação de partículas de diâmetro inferior a 2,5 mícrones, o risco de cancro do pulmão sobe 18 por cento. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ao todo, 2 095 pessoas desenvolveram cancro do pulmão durante os 13 anos em que foram seguidas no âmbito desta investigação, e o estudo concluiu que por cada aumento de cinco microgramas por metro cúbico de contaminação de partículas de diâmetro inferior a 2,5 mícrones, o risco de cancro do pulmão sobe 18 por cento.

| — | Um dos investigadores, adiantou ainda que «a associação entre a contaminação por partículas do ar e o risco do cancro do pulmão persiste também em concentrações abaixo dos valores-limite da qualidade do ar na União Europeia em partículas de diâmetro inferior a 10 mícrones e a 2,5 mícrones». |
| --- | --- |

—

Um dos investigadores, adiantou ainda que «a associação entre a contaminação por partículas do ar e o risco do cancro do pulmão persiste também em concentrações abaixo dos valores-limite da qualidade do ar na União Europeia em partículas de diâmetro inferior a 10 mícrones e a 2,5 mícrones».

Pergunto à Comissão:

Como avalia as conclusões deste estudo?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(24 de outubro de 2013)

Os resultados que o Senhor Deputado menciona provêm do projeto Escape (European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects) (315), financiado pela UE no âmbito do Sétimo Programa-Quadro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Atividades de Demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013) e concluído em 2012. Alguns dos resultados foram publicados na revista The Lancet Oncology
   (316). Os resultados do projeto contribuíram para a análise, efetuada em 2013 pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), dos efeitos da poluição atmosférica na saúde (317), em apoio ao novo pacote de políticas da UE relativas ao ar, atualmente em fase de conclusão. A Comissão considera que a análise efetuada em 2013 pela OMS, que inclui os resultados do referido estudo, pode fornecer as bases para um exame aprofundado das orientações da OMS e das futuras normas da UE relativas à qualidade do ar.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010167/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Air pollution and the risk of lung cancer

According to a study published recently in the scientific journal The Lancet Oncology, prolonged exposure to contamination by particles increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma, which also develops in non-smokers.

The research, led by the Danish Society for Cancer Research, evaluated the impact of long-term exposure to nitrogen oxides, as well as suspended particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns and 10 microns, and analysed 17 studies from nine EU countries, covering a total of 313 000 people.

Overall, 2 095 people developed lung cancer during the 13 years in which they were followed in this research, and the study concluded that for every increase of five micrograms per cubic metre of contamination with particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, the risk of lung cancer rose by 18%.

One of the researchers also explained that there was still a link between air particle contamination and the risk of lung cancer at concentrations of particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns that were below the EU’s air-quality limits.

What is the Commission’s assessment of this study’s conclusions?

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

(24 October 2013)

The results mentioned by the Honourable Member come from the EU-funded ESCAPE (European study of cohorts for air pollution effects) project. (318) The project was funded under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013) and ended in 2012. Some of the results were published in The Lancet Oncology. (319) The project results have fed into the 2013 review by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on air pollution health impacts (320) set up in support of the new EU air policy package, presently being finalised. The Commission is of the opinion that the 2013 WHO review, which includes the referred study results, may provide the foundation for an in-depth review of the WHO global guidelines as well as future EU air quality standards.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010168/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Possível tratamento para o autismo e a depressão

Considerando que:

| — | Em Portugal a depressão afeta um em cada cinco portugueses e pode ser responsável, anualmente, por mais de 1 200 mortes no país. As consequências económicas são enormes, estimando-se um custo anual de cerca de 118 milhões de euros na Europa. |
| --- | --- |

—

Em Portugal a depressão afeta um em cada cinco portugueses e pode ser responsável, anualmente, por mais de 1 200 mortes no país. As consequências económicas são enormes, estimando-se um custo anual de cerca de 118 milhões de euros na Europa.

| — | Um grupo de investigadores da Universidade do Minho (UMinho) descobriu um «possível» tratamento para doenças de alteração do comportamento, como o autismo ou a depressão, através de uma investigação com glucocorticoides, hormonas produzidas durante o stress. |
| --- | --- |

—

Um grupo de investigadores da Universidade do Minho (UMinho) descobriu um «possível» tratamento para doenças de alteração do comportamento, como o autismo ou a depressão, através de uma investigação com glucocorticoides, hormonas produzidas durante o stress.

| — | Segundo os cientistas, esta descoberta «pode ter implicações para várias doenças neurológicas em que há deficiências emocionais e sociais semelhantes e/ou estão ligadas a stress pré-natal, incluindo autismo, hiperatividade, depressão e esquizofrenia». |
| --- | --- |

—

Segundo os cientistas, esta descoberta «pode ter implicações para várias doenças neurológicas em que há deficiências emocionais e sociais semelhantes e/ou estão ligadas a stress pré-natal, incluindo autismo, hiperatividade, depressão e esquizofrenia».

Pergunta-se à Comissão:

Tem conhecimento deste estudo?

Uma vez que um diagnóstico preciso, algo que ainda não existe para as doenças mentais, pode levar a um tratamento muito mais eficaz, de que forma pode a Comissão impulsionar e incentivar projetos como o acima referido?

Resposta dada porMáire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(25 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão está consciente da sobrecarga que pressupõem as perturbações do humor na UE (113 mil milhões de euros em 2010) (321) e a recente descoberta da equipa da professora Ana João Rodrigues e dos seus colaboradoressobre o papel da dopamina como um modulador de défices afetivos e sociais em ratinhos expostos in utero a elevados níveis de hormonas do stress, os glucocorticóides (Gc) (322). Embora os investigadores tenham conseguido demonstrar que a dopamina podem normalizar as anomalias de comportamento social dos ratinhos expostos a níveis elevados de Gc, será necessário prosseguir a investigação sobre o papel do stress pré-natal e dos Gc no desenvolvimento de um comportamento emocional e social anormal nos seres humanos. Os Gc não são apenas responsáveis pelos efeitos negativos do stress mas são também reguladores essenciais do metabolismo.

Entre 2007 e 2012, o Sétimo Programa-Quadro de atividades em matéria de Investigação, Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Demonstração (7.° PQ, 2007-2013) investiu um montante de 280 milhões de euros em investigação sobre doenças neuropsiquiátricas. Inclui investigação sobre os mecanismos subjacentes de doenças neuropsiquiátricas com o objetivo de desenvolver melhores diagnósticos e tratamentos para a população afetada. Este esforço específico no que diz respeito à investigação no domínio da saúde mental contribui diretamente para a execução do «Pacto Europeu para a Saúde Mental e o Bem-Estar» (323)
   (324).Foi igualmente lançada uma ação conjunta para a saúde mental no âmbito do programa de trabalho de 2012 do Programa de Saúde.

O programa Horizonte 2020, o próximo programa de financiamento da UE para a investigação e a inovação (325) (2014‐2020), proporcionará novas oportunidades para apoiar esta área de investigação.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010168/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Possible treatment for autism and depression

Depression affects one in five people in Portugal and could be responsible for more than 1 200 deaths in the country every year. The economic consequences are enormous, with the estimated annual cost in the EU being around EUR 118 million.

A group of researchers at the University of Minho has discovered a possible treatment for diseases that affect behaviour, such as autism and depression, through research involving glucocorticoids, hormones that are produced during stress.

According to the scientists, this discovery could have implications for neurological disorders with similar emotional and social impairment and/or which are linked to prenatal stress, including autism, hyperactivity, depression and schizophrenia.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

As accurate diagnosis, which does not currently exist for mental illnesses, could lead to more effective treatment, how can the Commission drive and encourage projects like that mentioned above?

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

(25 October 2013)

The Commission is aware of the burden imposed by mood disorders in the EU (EUR 113 billion in 2010) (326) and of the recent findings by the team of Professor Ana João Rodrigues and her collaboratorson the role of dopamine as a modulator of affective and social deficits in rats exposed in utero to high levels of stress hormones, glucocorticoids (GCs). (327) While the researchers were able to show that dopamine can normalise the abnormal social behaviour of rats exposed prenatally to high levels of GCs, further research will be needed on the role of prenatal stress and GCs in the development of abnormal emotional and social behaviour in humans. In particular, GCs are not only responsible for the negative effects of stress but are also essential regulators of the metabolism.

Between 2007 and 2012, the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7, 2007-2013) has invested EUR 280 million in research on neuropsychiatric diseases. This includes research on the underlying mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases with the aim of developing better diagnostics and treatments for the affected people. This specific effort with respect to research on mental health is directly implementing the ‘European Pact for Mental Health and Well-Being’. (328)
  ,
   (329)
  A Joint Action on mental health was also launched under the 2012 work programme of the Health Programme.

Horizon 2020, the next EU funding Programme for Research and Innovation (330) (2014‐2020), will provide further opportunities to support this area of research.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010169/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Doença de Crohn e colite ulcerosa — novo tratamento

Considerando que:

| — | Dois ensaios clínicos internacionais recentemente publicados na revista New England Journal of Medicine revelaram um novo tratamento contra a doença de Crohn e a colite ulcerosa, inflamações intestinais incapacitantes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Dois ensaios clínicos internacionais recentemente publicados na revista New England Journal of Medicine revelaram um novo tratamento contra a doença de Crohn e a colite ulcerosa, inflamações intestinais incapacitantes.

| — | Os ensaios clínicos foram realizados em 39 países e contaram com a participação de 3 000 pessoas com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 80 anos, das quais 1 900 sofriam da doença de Crohn e 1 100 de colite ulcerosa. Os doentes foram tratados durante um ano e os efeitos foram observados após seis semanas. |
| --- | --- |

—

Os ensaios clínicos foram realizados em 39 países e contaram com a participação de 3 000 pessoas com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 80 anos, das quais 1 900 sofriam da doença de Crohn e 1 100 de colite ulcerosa. Os doentes foram tratados durante um ano e os efeitos foram observados após seis semanas.

| — | Segundo o diretor do centro das doenças intestinais inflamatórias na Universidade da Califórnia, que conduziu o estudo sobre a doença de Crohn, os resultados são «muito animadores para os pacientes da doença de Crohn e de colite ulcerosa nos quais falham os tratamentos convencionais como os esteroides ou os supressores do sistema imunitário» |
| --- | --- |

—

Segundo o diretor do centro das doenças intestinais inflamatórias na Universidade da Califórnia, que conduziu o estudo sobre a doença de Crohn, os resultados são «muito animadores para os pacientes da doença de Crohn e de colite ulcerosa nos quais falham os tratamentos convencionais como os esteroides ou os supressores do sistema imunitário»

| — | O tratamento consiste na toma da vedolizumab, um anticorpo monoclonal humanizado experimental para o tratamento de adultos com colite ulcerosa e doença de Crohn, tendo a farmacêutica Takeda pedido já autorização às agências europeia e norte-americana que regulam o setor dos medicamentos, a EMA e a FDA, respetivamente, para a colocação da vedolizumab no mercado. |
| --- | --- |

—

O tratamento consiste na toma da vedolizumab, um anticorpo monoclonal humanizado experimental para o tratamento de adultos com colite ulcerosa e doença de Crohn, tendo a farmacêutica Takeda pedido já autorização às agências europeia e norte-americana que regulam o setor dos medicamentos, a EMA e a FDA, respetivamente, para a colocação da vedolizumab no mercado.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Como avalia os resultados desta investigação?

Resposta dada por Tonio Borg em nome da Comissão

(29 de outubro de 2013)

Em conformidade com a legislação do setor farmacêutico (331), a Agência Europeia de Medicamentos, nomeadamente o seu Comité dos Medicamentos para Uso Humano, efetua uma avaliação científica dos dados apresentados com o pedido de autorização de introdução no mercado da UE de um medicamento, através do procedimento centralizado. Já foram concedidas, a nível central, autorizações de introdução no mercado de vários medicamentos para o tratamento da doença de Crohn e da colite ulcerosa (substâncias ativas adalimumab, infliximab) e existem atualmente pedidos de autorização de introdução no mercado cuja avaliação está em curso. Os pormenores da avaliação científica ficarão disponíveis ao público, no sítio Web da agência, após a finalização do procedimento de autorização de introdução no mercado sob a forma de «Relatório Público Europeu de Avaliação» (332).

No âmbito da autorização de introdução no mercado de medicamentos, a Comissão não efetua uma avaliação individual com base em artigos científicos sobre medicamentos específicos. Por conseguinte, a Comissão não dispõe de uma avaliação dos resultados da investigação referida pelo Senhor Deputado.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010169/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: New treatment for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Two international clinical trials recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine have revealed a new treatment for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are incapacitating inflammatory bowel conditions.

The clinical trials were conducted in 39 countries and involved 3 000 people between 18 and 80 years of age, 1 900 of whom suffered from Crohn’s disease and 1 100 from ulcerative colitis. The patients were treated for one year and the effects were observed after six weeks.

According to the director of the Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at the University of California, which conducted the Crohn’s disease study, ‘the two trials showed highly encouraging results for patients suffering from moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis when conventional therapy such as steroids or immune suppressive drugs failed’.

The treatment consists of taking vedolizumab, an experimental humanised monoclonal antibody for treating adults with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The pharmaceutical company Takeda is already requesting authorisation to bring vedolizumab to market from the EU and US agencies that regulate the drugs industry, the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration respectively.

What is the Commission’s assessment of the results of this research?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

In accordance with pharmaceutical legislation (333), a scientific assessment of data submitted with the application for an EU-wide marketing authorisation of a medicinal product via the centralised procedure is performed by the European Medicines Agency, particularly its Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use. Marketing authorisations for several medicinal products for treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have been already granted centrally (active substances adalimumab, infliximab) and there are marketing authorisation applications with the evaluation ongoing. Details of the scientific assessment will be available for the public after the finalisation of the marketing authorisation procedure on the website of the Agency as the ‘European public assessment report’ (334).

In the framework of the marketing authorisation of medicinal products, the Commission does not perform individual assessment of scientific articles on specific products. Therefore, the Commission does not have at its disposal an assessment of the results of the research mentioned by the Honourable Member.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010170/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Técnica contra a erosão na sequência dos incêndios florestais

Considerando que:

| — | Segundo dados da CE, Portugal é o país europeu mais afetado pelos incêndios florestais e — em comparação com os restantes países da bacia mediterrânica: Espanha, França, Itália e Grécia — é o único país em que a média da área ardida tem aumentado desde 1980; |
| --- | --- |

—

Segundo dados da CE, Portugal é o país europeu mais afetado pelos incêndios florestais e — em comparação com os restantes países da bacia mediterrânica: Espanha, França, Itália e Grécia — é o único país em que a média da área ardida tem aumentado desde 1980;

| — | De acordo com o último relatório provisório sobre incêndios florestais do Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), entre 1 de janeiro e 31 de agosto do corrente ano registaram-se 14 143 ocorrências de fogo, que resultaram em 94 155 hectares de área ardida; |
| --- | --- |

—

De acordo com o último relatório provisório sobre incêndios florestais do Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), entre 1 de janeiro e 31 de agosto do corrente ano registaram-se 14 143 ocorrências de fogo, que resultaram em 94 155 hectares de área ardida;

| — | Na sequência de um incêndio, com a vegetação e a manta morta da superfície dos terrenos transformados em cinzas, o solo fica extremamente vulnerável à ação da erosão, resultando na perda de fertilidade e afetando a produtividade dos solos e a destruição de ecossistemas; |
| --- | --- |

—

Na sequência de um incêndio, com a vegetação e a manta morta da superfície dos terrenos transformados em cinzas, o solo fica extremamente vulnerável à ação da erosão, resultando na perda de fertilidade e afetando a produtividade dos solos e a destruição de ecossistemas;

| — | Uma equipa de investigação da Universidade de Aveiro está a desenvolver uma técnica inovadora — o “mulching” — que consiste na distribuição pelos solos consumidos pelo fogo de uma camada de restos florestais triturados, cujo objetivo é reduzir drasticamente o nível de erosão dos solos florestais depois da ocorrência de um incêndio; |
| --- | --- |

—

Uma equipa de investigação da Universidade de Aveiro está a desenvolver uma técnica inovadora — o “mulching” — que consiste na distribuição pelos solos consumidos pelo fogo de uma camada de restos florestais triturados, cujo objetivo é reduzir drasticamente o nível de erosão dos solos florestais depois da ocorrência de um incêndio;

Pergunto à Comissão:

Tem conhecimento desta técnica?

Apesar de não existir uma política florestal europeia, considera que medidas como a descrita poderão vir a divulgadas e implementadas no âmbito de iniciativas europeias que visem a proteção das florestas?

Resposta dada por Janez Potočnik em nome da Comissão

(16 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão está consciente das técnicas existentes para reduzir a erosão do solo após incêndios florestais. A Comissão, no âmbito do Sistema Europeu de Informação sobre Incêndios Florestais (EFFIS (335)), implementou um módulo de «erosão do solo pós-incêndio», que avalia as potencialidades das perdas de solo na sequência de incêndios florestais, sublinhando os domínios em que tal possa constituir um sério problema após a época de incêndios.

A Comissão presta apoio aos Estados-Membros para as medidas de recuperação no âmbito da política de Desenvolvimento Rural e apoia projetos de investigação neste domínio, tal como o projeto Forrisk (336).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010170/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Techniques to tackle erosion following forest fires

According to EU figures, Portugal is the EU country worst affected by forest fires and, in comparison with the other Mediterranean countries — Spain, France, Italy and Greece — is the only country in which the average area of burnt forest has gone up since 1980.

According to the latest provisional report on forest fires by the Nature and Forest Conservation Institute, between 1 January and 31 August 2013 there were 14 143 fires, resulting in 94 155 hectares being burnt.

Following a fire, with the vegetation and leaf cover on the surface of the land turned to ashes, the soil becomes extremely vulnerable to erosion, resulting in a loss of fertility, productivity being affected and ecosystems destroyed.

A team of researchers at the University of Aveiro is developing an innovative mulching technique, which consists of spreading a layer of crushed forest waste over the scorched ground in order drastically to reduce the level of erosion of the forest soil after a fire.

Is the Commission aware of this technique?

Although there is no European forestry policy, does it believe that measures such as that above could be disseminated and implemented under EU initiatives to protect forests?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 2013)

The Commission is aware of existing techniques to reduce soil losses after forest fires. The Commission, within the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS (337)), has implemented a ‘Post-fire soil erosion’ module, which assesses the potential soil losses after forest fires, highlighting areas where this can be a serious problem after the fire season.

The Commission provides support to Member States for restoration measures under Rural Development policy and supports research projects in this field, such as the FORRISK project (338).

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010171/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Tratamento precoce de cancro de alto risco

Considerando que:

| — | Anualmente aparecem quatro a cinco novos casos de mieloma sintomático por cada 100 000 pessoas. |
| --- | --- |

—

Anualmente aparecem quatro a cinco novos casos de mieloma sintomático por cada 100 000 pessoas.

| — | Um grupo de investigadores espanhóis descobriu um tratamento precoce do mieloma de alto risco assintomático, que origina um cancro designado mieloma múltiplo ou sintomático, conseguindo retardar a progressão do tumor e aumentar a sobrevivência dos doentes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Um grupo de investigadores espanhóis descobriu um tratamento precoce do mieloma de alto risco assintomático, que origina um cancro designado mieloma múltiplo ou sintomático, conseguindo retardar a progressão do tumor e aumentar a sobrevivência dos doentes.

| — | O ensaio clínico, no qual participaram 21 hospitais espanhóis e três portugueses, envolveu 120 pacientes, metade dos quais não recebeu terapia até ao aparecimento dos sintomas, enquanto os restantes foram tratados com os medicamentos lenalidomida e dexametasona. |
| --- | --- |

—

O ensaio clínico, no qual participaram 21 hospitais espanhóis e três portugueses, envolveu 120 pacientes, metade dos quais não recebeu terapia até ao aparecimento dos sintomas, enquanto os restantes foram tratados com os medicamentos lenalidomida e dexametasona.

| — | Segundo os investigadores, os resultados são satisfatórios porque se demonstrou que o tratamento precoce adia o aparecimento dos sintomas da doença. O risco de progressão do mieloma para sintomático foi 5,6 vezes mais baixo nos que receberam terapia. |
| --- | --- |

—

Segundo os investigadores, os resultados são satisfatórios porque se demonstrou que o tratamento precoce adia o aparecimento dos sintomas da doença. O risco de progressão do mieloma para sintomático foi 5,6 vezes mais baixo nos que receberam terapia.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Tem conhecimento deste estudo?

Como avalia os resultados apresentados?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(11 de novembro de 2013)

A Comissão tem conhecimento do estudo clínico realizado por um grupo de hospitais espanhóis, referido pelo Senhor Deputado (339).

Os resultados mostram que o tratamento precoce com lenalidomida e dexametasona, seguido de uma terapia de manutenção com lenalidomida, em doentes assintomáticos com um mieloma múltiplo de alto risco, retarda de forma significativa, a progressão da doença sintomática e resultou num aumento da taxa global de sobrevivência.

Por uma questão de princípio, a Comissão não avalia projetos de investigação individuais que não estão diretamente relacionados com as suas atividades de financiamento.

A proposta da Comissão relativa ao Horizonte 2020 — Programa-quadro de Investigação e Inovação (2014-2020) (340), através da «saúde, alterações demográficas e Bem-Estar» desafio societal como, entre outros, irá proporcionar oportunidades de investigação sobre doenças malignas do sangue, como o mieloma múltiplo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010171/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Early treatment of high-risk cancer

Every year, there are between four and five new cases of symptomatic myeloma for every 100 000 people.

A group of Spanish researchers has discovered a form of early treatment for high-risk asymptomatic myeloma, which causes cancer known as multiple or symptomatic myeloma, successfully delaying tumour progression and improving patient survival.

The clinical trial took place at 21 Spanish and 3 Portuguese hospitals and involved 120 patients, half of whom received no therapy until symptoms appeared, while the remainder were treated with the drugs lenalidomide and dexamethasone.

According to the researchers, the results were satisfactory because they demonstrated that onset of the disease’s symptoms could be delayed with early treatment. The risk of progressing to symptomatic myeloma was 5.6 times lower in the group that received therapy.

Is the Commission aware of this study?

What is its assessment of the results?

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

(11 November 2013)

The Commission is aware of this clinical study, conducted by a group of Spanish hospitals, referred to by the Honourable Member (341).

The results show that early treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, followed by maintenance therapy with lenalidomide, in asymptomatic patients with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM), significantly delayed the time to progression to symptomatic disease and resulted in an overall survival benefit.

As a matter of policy, the Commission does not judge individual research projects which do not directly relate to its funding activities.

The Commission's proposal for Horizon 2020 — The framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) (342) through the ‘Health, demographic change and well-being’ societal challenge, amongst others, will offer opportunities to address research on haematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010172/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Venda de produtos fora do prazo de validade

Na Grécia, entrou recentemente em vigor uma lei, que autoriza as lojas e supermercados gregos a venderem produtos fora do prazo desde que estes se encontrem em prateleiras separadas e a um preço mais reduzido.

Em declarações recentes, o secretário-geral do Ministério do Desenvolvimento refere que a medida foi mal interpretada e que a data-referência para estas regras é a de venda ao público e não a de validade, mas a Organização Grega de Segurança Alimentar alertou que esta medida pode fazer com que empresários «sem escrúpulos» coloquem no mercado «produtos alimentícios de qualidade duvidosa».

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Que interpretação faz da nova lei recentemente promulgada?

De que forma pode a UE assegurar que a segurança alimentar dos cidadãos europeus não será posta em causa e que os mecanismos de controlo de qualidade destes produtos não serão violados?

Resposta dada por Tonio Borg em nome da Comissão

(12 de novembro de 2013)

A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para a resposta dada à pergunta escrita E‐009999/2013 (343).

Os Estados-Membros são responsáveis pela fiscalização do cumprimento da legislação alimentar da UE (344) e por verificar que os requisitos aplicáveis são cumpridos pelos operadores das empresas. Devem ser realizados regularmente controlos oficiais e devem ser tomadas medidas adequadas para eliminar os riscos e garantir o respeito da legislação alimentar da UE. Cabe igualmente aos Estados-Membros estabelecer as regras relativas às medidas e sanções aplicáveis às infrações à legislação alimentar.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010172/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Sale of out-of-date products

A law recently entered into force in Greece authorising Greek shops and supermarkets to sell products after their expiry date, as long as they are placed on separate shelves and sold at a discounted price.

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Development recently stated that the measure had been misunderstood and that the reference date for these rules was the sell-by date and not the expiry date. However, the Greek Food Safety Authority has warned that this measure could enable unscrupulous businesses to place food products of dubious quality on to the market.

What is the Commission’s view of the new law?

How can the EU ensure that the food safety of European citizens is not put at risk and that the quality control mechanisms for these products are not violated?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to tis answer to Written Question E‐009999-2013 (345).

Member States are responsible for the enforcement of EU food law (346) and verify that the relevant requirements thereof are fulfilled by business operators. Official controls must be carried out regularly, and appropriate measures must be taken to eliminate risk and ensure enforcement of EU food law. Member States shall also lay down the rules on measures and penalties applicable to infringements of food law.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010173/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Vazio legislativo em matéria de imigração e refugiados na UE

O Presidente do Parlamento Europeu, Martin Schulz, declarou recentemente existir um «vazio legislativo na Europa» no que diz respeito a questões relacionadas com a imigração, referindo como exemplo a situação dos milhares de refugiados africanos que têm acorrido à ilha de Lampedusa, no sul de Itália.

Acrescentou ainda que «uma lei para a imigração na Europa pode ser considerada uma utopia», salientando, no entanto, a necessidade de averiguar as razões que estão por trás do fenómeno dos refugiados.

| 1. | Pode a Comissão fazer o atual ponto de situação do número de refugiados em território europeu? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Pode a Comissão fazer o atual ponto de situação do número de refugiados em território europeu?

| 2. | Tem a Comissão vindo a desenvolver algum pacote de medidas no sentido de encontrar soluções que envolvam e possam contar com a solidariedade de todos os Estados‐Membros? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Tem a Comissão vindo a desenvolver algum pacote de medidas no sentido de encontrar soluções que envolvam e possam contar com a solidariedade de todos os Estados‐Membros?

Resposta dada por Cecilia Malmström em nome da Comissão

(19 de novembro de 2013)

Não é possível fornecer o número exato de refugiados que se encontram atualmente na UE. O Eurostat publica dados com os números de pedidos de asilo, o número das pessoas a quem é concedida a proteção internacional (refugiados e outros estatutos) e quantos são reinstalados a partir de países terceiros. Mas não existem registos centralizados sobre as pessoas acima mencionadas que tenham saído da UE ou falecido.

Em junho de 2013 foi adotado um pacote de leis relativas ao asilo pelo que não existe qualquer vazio legislativo nessa matéria na UE. Para além desses instrumentos jurídicos, o Gabinete Europeu de Apoio ao Asilo, criado em 2011, presta apoio prático aos Estados-Membros. As medidas de solidariedade incluem o financiamento, através do Fundo Europeu para os Refugiados e do futuro Fundo para o asilo e a migração (2014-2020).

As medidas da UE em matéria de imigração legal abrangem as condições de entrada e de residência para os nacionais de países terceiros. Desde 2003 foi adotado um quadro da UE de seis diretivas para diferentes categorias de imigrantes, tais como os residentes de longa duração, os candidatos ao reagrupamento familiar, os trabalhadores altamente qualificados, os estudantes e os investigadores. Até ao final de 2013, os Estados-Membros devem ter transposto a Diretiva «Autorização única», destinada a simplificar os procedimentos e a criar um conjunto de direitos para os imigrantes que residem legalmente num Estado-Membro. Estão a ser debatidas com o Parlamento Europeu e o Conselho três propostas de diretivas relativas aos trabalhadores transferidos temporariamente pela empresa, ao trabalho sazonal e à investigação, aos estudos, intercâmbio de estudantes, formação não remunerada e voluntariado e aos intercâmbios «au pair».

A Comissão continuará a velar pela correta transposição e a aplicação efetiva da referida legislação, pelos Estados-Membros. A reflexão em curso entre a Comissão, o PE, o Conselho e as partes interessadas na futura agenda da UE no domínio dos assuntos internos integra um maior desenvolvimento da ação da UE neste domínio.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010173/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Legal vacuum with regard to immigration and refugees in the EU

The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, recently stated that there was a legal vacuum in Europe when it came to immigration issues, giving the example of the thousands of African refugees on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.

He added that a law for immigration in Europe could be considered utopian, but stressed that it was necessary to understand the reasons behind the refugee phenomenon.

| 1. | Can the Commission confirm exactly how many refugees are currently in the EU? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Can the Commission confirm exactly how many refugees are currently in the EU?

| 2. | Has the Commission been developing a package of measures to find solutions that involve all Member States and will receive their support? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Has the Commission been developing a package of measures to find solutions that involve all Member States and will receive their support?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2013)

It is not possible to provide the exact number of refugees currently within the EU. Eurostat publishes data with numbers of asylum applications and on how many people are granted international protection (refugee and other statuses), and how many are resettled from third countries. But records are not maintained centrally on such people who have left the EU or died.

A package of laws on asylum was adopted in June 2013; there is therefore no legal vacuum in the EU. In addition to such legal instruments, the European Asylum Support Office, set up in 2011, provides practical support to Member States. Solidarity measures include funding through the European Refugee Fund and the future Asylum and Migration Fund (2014-20).

EU measures on legal immigration cover the conditions of entry and residence for third-country nationals. An EU framework of six directives has been adopted since 2003 for different categories of immigrants, such as long-term residents, candidates for family reunification, highly-qualified workers, students and researchers. By the end of 2013, Member States should have implemented the ‘Single Permit’ directive, simplifying procedures and creating a set of rights for immigrants legally residing in a Member State. Three proposed directives are being discussed with the EP and Council: on intra-corporate transfers, on seasonal employment and on research, studies, pupil exchange, training, voluntary service and au-pairing.

The Commission will remain vigilant as to the proper transposition and effective application by Member States of this legislation. Further development of EU action in this field is part of the reflection underway between the Commission, EP, Council and stakeholders on the future EU home affairs agenda.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010174/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Vacina contra a malária

Considerando que:

| — | A malária é uma doença que infeta mais de 200 milhões de pessoas e mata cerca de um milhão por ano. |
| --- | --- |

—

A malária é uma doença que infeta mais de 200 milhões de pessoas e mata cerca de um milhão por ano.

| — | Um grupo de investigadores da empresa norte-americana Sanaria anunciou recentemente progressos para alcançar uma vacina eficaz contra a malária. |
| --- | --- |

—

Um grupo de investigadores da empresa norte-americana Sanaria anunciou recentemente progressos para alcançar uma vacina eficaz contra a malária.

| — | A nova vacina, conhecida como PfSPZ, só pode ser administrada por via intravenosa, o que a difere das atuais, que são injetadas por via intramuscular ou intradermal, ou são administradas pelas vias respiratórias, e abre caminho à prevenção da malária se for aplicada em larga escala. |
| --- | --- |

—

A nova vacina, conhecida como PfSPZ, só pode ser administrada por via intravenosa, o que a difere das atuais, que são injetadas por via intramuscular ou intradermal, ou são administradas pelas vias respiratórias, e abre caminho à prevenção da malária se for aplicada em larga escala.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Tem acompanhado esta investigação?

Poderá esta vacina, cuja aplicação se faz por via intravenosa, ser usada de forma generalizada entre as populações mais necessitadas?

Resposta dada por Máire Geoghegan-Quinn em nome da Comissão

(25 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão tem conhecimento da nova vacina potencial contra a malária, a PfSPZ. Esta possível vacina é composta por esporozoítos atenuados, asséticos, purificados e criopreservados do parasita Plasmodium falciparum. A Comissão tem igualmente conhecimento de que, num primeiro ensaio clínico de investigação em seres humanos, em que a vacina foi administrada por via intravenosa a 40 adultos, se demonstrou que a mesma é segura e bem tolerada e que apenas pode ser administrada por essa via. Com uma contribuição financeira de cerca de 800 000 euros da Parceria entre a Europa e os Países em Desenvolvimento para a Realização de Ensaios Clínicos (EDCTP), está prevista a realização de um ensaio clínico desta vacina potencial na África subsariana. (347)

É, no entanto, ainda necessário realizar mais ensaios clínicos e em maior escala em seres humanos, a fim de (1) determinar o grau e a duração da proteção contra estirpes heterólogas do parasita, (2) estabelecer correlatos de proteção imunológica e (3) otimizar a administração intravenosa da vacina. Por conseguinte, é ainda demasiado cedo para avaliar se esta vacina intravenosa pode ser administrada sistematicamente às populações mais necessitadas, como as crianças das zonas rurais da África subsariana.

A UE apoia significativamente a investigação destinada a melhorar a prevenção da malária através de esforços específicos em matéria de investigação sobre vacinas. Ao longo da última década, através do sexto e do sétimo programas-quadro de atividades de investigação, desenvolvimento tecnológico e demonstração (6.°PQ, 2002-2006; 7.° PQ, 2007-2013), foram atribuídos mais de 45 milhões de euros a 16 projetos de investigação pré-clínica no domínio das vacinas contra a malária. Além disso, a EDCTP está a apoiar quatro outros projetos de potenciais vacinas contra a malária na África subsariana, para cujos ensaios destinou mais de 13 milhões de euros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010174/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(11 September 2013)

Subject: Malaria vaccine

More than 200 million people contract malaria and around 1 million die from it every year.

A team of researchers at the US company Sanaria recently announced that they had made progress towards producing an effective vaccine for malaria.

The new vaccine, known as PfSPZ, can only be administered intravenously — unlike other vaccines, which are administered via intramuscular or intradermal injection or are inhaled — and paves the way for preventing malaria, if applied on a large scale.

Is the Commission aware of this research?

Could this intravenous vaccine be administered routinely to those populations most in need?

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

(25 October 2013)

The Commission is aware of the new malaria vaccine candidate PfSPZ. This vaccine candidate is composed of attenuated, aseptic, purified, cryopreserved sporozoites from the parasite ‘Plasmodium falciparum’. The Commission is also aware of the fact that a first investigational clinical trial in humans has demonstrated that it is safe and well-tolerated when administered intravenously to 40 adults, and that it can only be administered intravenously. A clinical trial on this vaccine candidate is planned in sub-Saharan Africa with a financial contribution of nearly EUR 800 000 from the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) (348).

Additional and larger-scale clinical trials in humans are still needed, in order to: (1) determine the degree and duration of protection against heterologous strains of the parasite; (2) establish immune correlates of protection; and (3) optimize approaches to deliver intravenous vaccine administration. Therefore, it is too early to assess whether this intravenous vaccine could be administered routinely to those populations most in need, such as the children in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

The EU supports significantly research to improve the prevention of malaria with specific efforts in vaccine research. Over the course of the last decade, through the Sixth and Seventh Framework Programmes for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP6, 2002-2006 — FP7, 2007-2013), more than EUR 45 million has been granted to 16 malaria preclinical vaccine research projects. In addition, the EDCTP is supporting 4 additional malaria vaccine candidates in sub-Saharan Africa dedicating more than EUR 13 million to these trials.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-010175/13

do Komisji

Paweł Zalewski (PPE)

(12 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Pomoc dla białoruskich organizacji pozarządowych

Jak powszechnie wiadomo, na Białorusi występuje poważny deficyt zasad demokratycznych. Inicjatywy społeczeństwa obywatelskiego w tym kraju rozpaczliwie potrzebują wsparcia politycznego i finansowego ze źródeł zewnętrznych. UE opracowała szereg narzędzi i programów w celu niesienia mieszkańcom krajów rządzonych przez podobne reżimy pomocy polegającej na budowie struktur społeczeństwa obywatelskiego i podtrzymywaniu ich działalności. Niedawno kilka białoruskich organizacji pozarządowych zaalarmowało nas, że odmówiono im finansowania unijnego specjalnie przeznaczonego dla tamtejszych organizacji, ponieważ organizacje te są oficjalnie zarejestrowane nie na Białorusi, lecz w innych krajach (w większości przypadków w państwach członkowskich UE). Z oczywistych powodów podmioty takie jak organizacje pozarządowe, które nie popierają reżimu prezydenta Aleksandra Łukaszenki, nie mogą swobodnie rozwijać swojej działalności, jeśli ich siedzibą jest Białoruś lub jeśli są w tym kraju zarejestrowane. Wydaje się zatem naturalne, że polityka UE powinna uwzględniać ten fakt, a oficjalna rejestracja organizacji pozarządowej na Białorusi nie powinna być warunkiem kwalifikowania się do otrzymania pomocy w ramach systemów unijnych, które mają na celu pomoc obywatelom białoruskim, a nie reżimowi. Tymczasem w 2013 r., po raz pierwszy od 2003 r., w przypadku białoruskich projektów, które ubiegały się o finansowanie z Europejskiego Instrumentu na rzecz Wspierania Demokracji i Praw Człowieka oraz programu tematycznego „Podmioty niepaństwowe i władze lokalne w procesie rozwoju”, przynajmniej jeden współwnioskodawca musiał być zarejestrowany w administracji białoruskiego reżimu.

Czy Komisja może uzasadnić powyższe kryteria, uwzględniając wyjątkową specyfikę tego kraju i jego deficyt praworządności? Dlaczego UE nie zezwala organizacjom niezarejestrowanym na Białorusi na korzystanie ze wspomnianych funduszy?

Jakie przewidziano w 2013 r. instrumenty i jakie sumy na rzecz wsparcia białoruskich organizacji społeczeństwa obywatelskiego, które nie są zarejestrowane na Białorusi lub które nie mogą oficjalnie współpracować z innymi (zarejestrowanymi) białoruskimi organizacjami pozarządowymi?

Ponadto, jakie ogólne podejście przyjęła Komisja w kwestii wsparcia społeczeństwa obywatelskiego w reżimach autorytarnych?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Štefana Fülego w imieniu Komisji

(8 października 2013 r.)

Komisja jest świadoma niezwykłych trudności, w obliczu których stoi społeczeństwo obywatelskie na Białorusi, i znacząco zwiększyła swoje wsparcie po kryzysie, do jakiego doszło po wyborach w 2010 r., korzystając przy tym z wszelkich dostępnych instrumentów. Wśród nich można wymienić m.in.: Europejski Instrument na rzecz Wspierania Demokracji i Praw Człowieka (EIDHR), instrument na rzecz podmiotów niepaństwowych i władz lokalnych (NSA/LA), Europejski Instrument Sąsiedztwa i Partnerstwa oraz Instrument na rzecz Stabilności.

Nie nastąpiła żadna zmiana, jeżeli chodzi o stosowanie kryteriów dotyczących organizacji niezarejestrowanych na Białorusi. Tak jak w poprzednich cyklach, zaproszenia do składania wniosków z 2013 r. zawierały wymóg, by wnioskodawca lub jeden z partnerów był zarejestrowany w tym państwie. Ma to zapewnić większe odziaływanie środków UE na ludność miejscową.

Organizacje niezarejestrowane na Białorusi zostały jednak celowo uwzględnione w projektach finansowanych z EIDHR i NSA/LA, np. jako stowarzyszeni partnerzy i beneficjenci dotacji w systemie kaskadowym (do kwoty 60 000 EUR na osobę trzecią).

W 2013 r. środki przydzielone w ramach EIDHR i NSA/LA przekraczają 5 mln EUR. Ponadto projekt w ramach Instrumentu na rzecz Stabilności (4 mln EUR, 2013-2015) zapewnia dodatkową elastyczność i możliwość dotarcia do organizacji niezarejestrowanych na Białorusi, szczególnie jeżeli chodzi o wsparcie dla ofiar represji.

Ponadto Komisja wprowadziła w życie kilka ułatwień dotyczących opodatkowania, poziomów współfinansowania, systemu przekazywania środków za pośrednictwem organizacji lub instytucji pełniącej rolę operatora (re-granting), przekazywania informacji poufnych itp., aby ułatwić pracę organizacji pozarządowych w tym jakże restrykcyjnym środowisku.

Ogólniej rzecz biorąc, działania na rzecz poprawy warunków rozwoju społeczeństwa obywatelskiego są dla UE kwestią priorytetową. Jeżeli kraje nie wywiązują się z przyjętych na siebie zobowiązań do przestrzegania praw człowieka, UE może ograniczyć współpracę z organami krajowymi i zwiększyć wsparcie dla ludności miejscowej poprzez organizacje społeczeństwa obywatelskiego.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010175/13

to the Commission

Paweł Zalewski (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Assistance for Belarusian NGOs

It is common knowledge that Belarus suffers from a severe lack of democratic principles. The civil society initiatives in this country are in desperate need of political and financial support from external sources. The EU has developed a range of tools and programmes to assist people in countries governed by such regimes to build up their civil society structures and maintain their activities. Recently, we have been alerted by a number of Belarusian NGOs that they were refused EU funding specifically designed for such organisations because they were officially registered not in their home country but in other countries (in most cases in EU Member States). For obvious reasons, organisations such as NGOs that are not supportive of President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime cannot freely develop their activities while being headquartered or registered in their home country. Thus, it only seems right that EU policy should take account of this fact and should not make official registration in Belarus a precondition for eligibility for EU assistance schemes that are designed to help the citizens of Belarus, not the regime. However, in 2013, for the first time since 2003, in order to be eligible for funding from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights for Non State Actors and Local Authorities in Development, projects had to include at least one co-applicant registered with the Belarusian regime.

Taking into consideration the extraordinary specific circumstances of this country and its deficiency in the rule of law, can the Commission explain the rationale behind such criteria? Why does the EU exclude organisations that are not registered in Belarus from accessing the funds?

What instruments and what sums are to be granted in 2013 to support Belarusian civil society organisations which are not registered in Belarus or which are unable to officially partner with other (registered) Belarusian NGOs?

Moreover, what general approach has the Commission taken on the issue of support for civil societies under authoritarian regimes?

Answer given by Mr Füle on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 2013)

The Commission is well aware of the extremely difficult situation facing civil society in Belarus, and significantly intensified its support after the 2010 post-electoral crisis using all the available instruments. This includes the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), the Non-State Actors and Local Authorities Instrument (NSA&LA), the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), and the Instrument for Stability.

There has not been any change in policy regarding the criteria for non-registered organisations. As in previous rounds, 2013 calls for proposals require that either the applicant or one of the partners is established in the country. This is in order to ensure that EU funds have a higher impact on the local population.

Non-registered organisations in Belarus have nonetheless deliberately been included in EIDHR and NSA&LA projects, e.g. as associated partners and sub-grantees (for up to EUR 60 000 per third party).

In 2013 the funding allocated under EIDHR and NSA&LA exceeds EUR 5 million. In addition, the Instrument for Stability project (EUR 4 million, 2013-2015) offers additional flexibility and reach-out to non-registered organisations, notably for support to victims of repression.

Furthermore, the Commission has put in place a number of facilitating measures on taxation, co-financing rates, re-granting, confidential communications, etc. to assist the work of the NGOs (349) in this restrictive environment.

More generally, the EU prioritises the promotion of an enabling environment for civil society. When countries falter in their commitment to human rights, the EU can decrease cooperation with national authorities and increase support to local populations through civil society.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord P-010176/13

aan de Commissie

Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL)

(12 september 2013)

Betreft: Overschrijding Acute Referentie Dosis door landbouwgif op groente en fruit

De ngo's Milieudefensie en Foodwatch hebben maandag 9 september in Nederland een onderzoek gepubliceerd, waaruit blijkt dat op groente en fruit in de Europese voedselketen hoeveelheden landbouwgif achterblijven die zorgen voor een overschrijding van de Acute Referentie Dosis (ARfD) bij zowel kwetsbare groepen als bij de gehele populatie.

| 1. | Erkent de Commissie dat er bij verschillende bestrijdingsmiddelen een Maximum Residu Limiet (MRL) is vastgesteld, dat kan zorgen voor een overschrijding van de Acute Referentie Dosis bij bepaalde bevolkingsgroepen (in dit geval jonge kinderen), zoals genoemd in tabel 3 van het onderzoek „Wettelijke normen voor gifresten op groente en fruit onvoldoende” (2013). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Erkent de Commissie dat er bij verschillende bestrijdingsmiddelen een Maximum Residu Limiet (MRL) is vastgesteld, dat kan zorgen voor een overschrijding van de Acute Referentie Dosis bij bepaalde bevolkingsgroepen (in dit geval jonge kinderen), zoals genoemd in tabel 3 van het onderzoek „Wettelijke normen voor gifresten op groente en fruit onvoldoende” (2013).

| 2. | Zo ja, kan en gaat de Commissie op korte  termijn actie ondernemen, door bijvoorbeeld bestaande normen te herevalueren en te komen tot veiligheidsnormen die overschrijding van de ARfD voor alle bevolkingsgroepen uitsluiten? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Zo ja, kan en gaat de Commissie op korte  termijn actie ondernemen, door bijvoorbeeld bestaande normen te herevalueren en te komen tot veiligheidsnormen die overschrijding van de ARfD voor alle bevolkingsgroepen uitsluiten?

| 3. | Indien de Commissie zich niet kan vinden in de conclusies van het onderzoek, sluit zij dan uit dat er Europese MRL-normen bestaan die in gevallen kunnen zorgen voor een overschrijding van de ARfD? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Indien de Commissie zich niet kan vinden in de conclusies van het onderzoek, sluit zij dan uit dat er Europese MRL-normen bestaan die in gevallen kunnen zorgen voor een overschrijding van de ARfD?

| 4. | Artikel 1 van verordening (EG) nr.1107/2009 stelt dat bestrijdingsmiddelen die op de markt komen niet schadelijk mogen zijn voor de gezondheid van mensen en dieren of het milieu. De ARfD van bepaalde bestrijdingsmiddelen wordt overschreden, terwijl binnen de wettelijke normen geopereerd wordt. In hoeverre zijn de wettelijke veiligheidsnormen in strijd met Artikel 1 van verordening (EG) nr. 1107/2009? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Artikel 1 van verordening (EG) nr.1107/2009 stelt dat bestrijdingsmiddelen die op de markt komen niet schadelijk mogen zijn voor de gezondheid van mensen en dieren of het milieu. De ARfD van bepaalde bestrijdingsmiddelen wordt overschreden, terwijl binnen de wettelijke normen geopereerd wordt. In hoeverre zijn de wettelijke veiligheidsnormen in strijd met Artikel 1 van verordening (EG) nr. 1107/2009?

| 5. | Het genoemde onderzoek verwijst tevens naar cumulatieve risico's bij consumptie van verschillende soorten fruit en groente en daarmee consumptie van verschillende soorten landbouwgif. In hoeverre is onderzoek gedaan naar de gezondheidsrisico's bij consumptie van combinaties van toegelaten bestrijdingsmiddelen? Welke onderzoeken zijn specifiek gedaan naar de cumulatieve gezondheidseffecten van verschillende soorten toegelaten landbouwgif? Is onderzoek gedaan op basis van de verschillende consumptiepatronen in de verschillende lidstaten? |
| --- | --- |

5.

Het genoemde onderzoek verwijst tevens naar cumulatieve risico's bij consumptie van verschillende soorten fruit en groente en daarmee consumptie van verschillende soorten landbouwgif. In hoeverre is onderzoek gedaan naar de gezondheidsrisico's bij consumptie van combinaties van toegelaten bestrijdingsmiddelen? Welke onderzoeken zijn specifiek gedaan naar de cumulatieve gezondheidseffecten van verschillende soorten toegelaten landbouwgif? Is onderzoek gedaan op basis van de verschillende consumptiepatronen in de verschillende lidstaten?

Antwoord van de heer Borg namens de Commissie

(10 oktober 2013)

De Europese Commissie is momenteel bezig met de systematische beoordeling van alle bestaande maximumresidugehalten krachtens artikel 12 van Verordening (EG) nr. 396/2005 (350), een procedure die met hoge prioriteit wordt uitgevoerd. Maximumresidugehalten (MRL's) zijn de maximale wettelijk toegestane gehalten van een concentratie aan residuen van bestrijdingsmiddelen in en op levensmiddelen of diervoeders op basis van goede landbouwpraktijken en de laagst mogelijke blootstelling van de consument. Aangezien meer dan 400 actieve stoffen onderdeel uitmaken van dit beoordelingsprogramma en er voor elke stof meer dan 300 MRL's moeten worden beoordeeld, geeft de Commissie voorrang aan de stoffen die mogelijk een gezondheidsrisico vormen. Daarom is voor ongeveer een derde van de in het verslag van de ngo's genoemde stoffen de beoordelingsprocedure inmiddels afgerond of zijn er juridische voorstellen in voorbereiding waarover met de lidstaten besprekingen worden gevoerd. De meeste andere stoffen staan op de prioriteitenlijst voor beoordeling door de EFSA. Zodra de wetenschappelijke beoordelingen beschikbaar zijn, volgen er juridische maatregelen. Voor stoffen die niet op de prioriteitenlijst van de EFSA staan, verbindt de Commissie zich ertoe deze zaken grondig te onderzoeken teneinde de noodzaak van verdere stappen te bepalen.

De Commissie wijst erop dat voor het door de ngo's opgestelde verslag een ander model is gebruikt voor de beoordeling van de acute blootstelling van consumenten dan het internationaal erkende model dat de EFSA gebruikt. De conclusies kunnen daarom in sommige gevallen van elkaar verschillen.

Met betrekking tot het cumulatieve risico van verschillende pesticiden, werkt de EFSA momenteel aan een methodologie waarmee de cumulatieve risico's kunnen worden beoordeeld. Zodra de methodologie beschikbaar is, zal de Commissie bij de vaststelling van de MRL's rekening houden met de cumulatieve blootstelling.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010176/13

to the Commission

Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Pesticide contamination of fruit and vegetables exceeding acute reference dose

On 9 September, the Environmental Defence and Foodwatch NGOs published a report in the Netherlands expressing concern that the acute reference dose was being exceeded by the contamination of fruit and vegetables in European food chains by pesticide residues, affecting not only vulnerable sectors of society but also the population as a whole.

| 1. | Does the Commission acknowledge that the maximum residue limit (MRL) applicable to a number of pesticides may allow the acute reference dose for certain sectors of the population (in this case young children) to be exceeded, as indicated in Table 3 of the report entitled ‘Inadequate statutory limits in respect of toxic residues in vegetables and fruit’ (2013). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission acknowledge that the maximum residue limit (MRL) applicable to a number of pesticides may allow the acute reference dose for certain sectors of the population (in this case young children) to be exceeded, as indicated in Table 3 of the report entitled ‘Inadequate statutory limits in respect of toxic residues in vegetables and fruit’ (2013).

| 2. | If so, can the Commission take prompt action to reassess existing limits and introduce safety standards accordingly so as to ensure that acute reference doses are not exceeded in respect of any population sectors? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If so, can the Commission take prompt action to reassess existing limits and introduce safety standards accordingly so as to ensure that acute reference doses are not exceeded in respect of any population sectors?

| 3. | If the Commission disagrees with the conclusions of the report, does that mean it is satisfied that the acute reference dose cannot be exceeded under any of the European maximum residue limits? |
| --- | --- |

3.

If the Commission disagrees with the conclusions of the report, does that mean it is satisfied that the acute reference dose cannot be exceeded under any of the European maximum residue limits?

| 4. | Article 1 of Regulation EC No 1107/2009 underlines the need to ensure that active substances or products placed on the market do not adversely affect animal or human health or the environment. However a number of pesticides, while remaining within statutory legal limits, still exceed the acute reference dose. To what extent do statutory safety limits run counter to the provisions of Article 1 of Regulation EC No 1107/2009? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Article 1 of Regulation EC No 1107/2009 underlines the need to ensure that active substances or products placed on the market do not adversely affect animal or human health or the environment. However a number of pesticides, while remaining within statutory legal limits, still exceed the acute reference dose. To what extent do statutory safety limits run counter to the provisions of Article 1 of Regulation EC No 1107/2009?

| 5. | The report also expresses concern at the cumulative risk of consuming certain fruits and vegetables resulting in the ingestion of certain types of pesticide. To what extent has research been carried out into the health risks of pesticide combinations? What specific research has been carried out into the cumulative effect on health of various types of authorised pesticide? Has research been carried out on the basis of consumption patterns in the various Member States? |
| --- | --- |

5.

The report also expresses concern at the cumulative risk of consuming certain fruits and vegetables resulting in the ingestion of certain types of pesticide. To what extent has research been carried out into the health risks of pesticide combinations? What specific research has been carried out into the cumulative effect on health of various types of authorised pesticide? Has research been carried out on the basis of consumption patterns in the various Member States?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(10 October 2013)

The European Commission is currently systematically reviewing all existing maximum residue limits under Art. 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 (351), an exercise that is carried out with high priority. Maximum residue levels (MRLs) are the upper legal levels of a concentration for pesticide residues in or on food or feed based on good agricultural practices and the lowest possible consumer exposure. Since more than 400 active substances are in this review programme and more than 300 MRLs for each substance are to be reviewed, the Commission has prioritised those substances where potential health concerns exist. Therefore, for about one third of the substances mentioned in the report of the NGOs the review exercise is either already finalised in the meantime or legal proposals are being prepared and under discussion with the Member States. The majority of the other substances are on the priority list for EFSA review. Once scientific opinions are available, this will be followed up by legal action. For substances not on the EFSA priority list the Commission commits to closely examine these cases with a view to deciding about the need for further steps.

The Commission notes that in the report drafted by the NGOs, the assessment of the acute exposure to consumers has been carried out using a different model than the internationally recognised model that is used by EFSA. Conclusions may therefore differ in some cases.

As regards the cumulative risk from different pesticides, EFSA is currently working on a methodology that will allow the assessment of cumulative risks. The Commission will take into account cumulative exposure when setting MRLs once the methodology is available.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení E-010177/13

Komisi

Andrea Češková (ECR)

(12. září 2013)

Předmět: Chybějící datum výroby a spotřeby na kosmetických přípravcích

Kosmetické výrobky musí mít na obalu uvedené datum spotřeby, ale pouze v případě, že doba jejich upotřebitelnosti je kratší než 30 měsíců. Dle výrobců kosmetiky se toto týká prakticky a převážně pouze sluneční kosmetiky. Ostatní kosmetické přípravky nemusí mít na obalech uvedenou dobu spotřeby, ale jsou pouze označeny symbolem, který označuje dobu upotřebitelnosti přípravku po otevření.

Spotřebitel není schopen při koupi přípravku zjistit, kdy byl vyroben a do kdy si přípravek zachová deklarované vlastnosti. Zda není přípravek prošlý, musí spotřebitel dle vlastností výrobku poznat sám. Na většině ryze kosmetických přípravků se datum spotřeby nevyskytuje, a to ani na kosmetice určené pro děti, jako jsou tělové krémy, šampony a sprchové gely. Tato situace vede k nejistotě spotřebitelů ohledně kvality a bezpečnosti zakoupených kosmetických přípravků.

V této souvislosti si dovoluji položit Komisi následující otázku a požádat o její individuální zodpovězení:

Mohla by Komise objasnit, zda se tato situace řeší a v jaké fázi se proces řešení nachází?

Odpověď komisaře Mimicy jménem Komise

(7. listopadu 2013)

Nařízení (ES) č. 1223/2009 o kosmetických přípravcích (352) vyžaduje, aby na trh byly uváděny pouze bezpečné kosmetické přípravky, a stanoví přísné požadavky na odpovědné osoby, které zaručují vysokou úroveň bezpečnosti pro spotřebitele.

Podle tohoto nařízení smí být kosmetický přípravek dodáván na trh, pouze pokud jsou na obalu, do kterého je přípravek naplněn, a na jeho vnějším obalu nesmazatelně, čitelně a viditelně uvedeny údaje, jejichž seznam je obsažen v čl. 19 odst. 1. Mezi údaji, které musí být poskytnuty, je datum, do kterého kosmetický přípravek skladovaný za vhodných podmínek bude nadále plnit svou původní funkci, a zejména datum, do kterého bude nadále bezpečný pro lidské zdraví („datum minimální trvanlivosti“). Datum minimální trvanlivosti musí být zřetelně uvedeno a musí být podle potřeby doplněno údajem o podmínkách, které musí být splněny, aby byla zaručena uvedená trvanlivost přípravku.

Údaj o datu minimální trvanlivosti však není povinný u kosmetických přípravků, jejichž minimální trvanlivost přesahuje 30 měsíců. U těchto přípravků se uvede údaj o době, po kterou je přípravek po otevření bezpečný a lze jej používat, aniž by došlo k újmě na zdraví spotřebitele. Proto lze mít za to, že tyto přípravky jsou pro spotřebitele bezpečné během „doby po otevření“, která je uvedena na obalu.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010177/13

to the Commission

Andrea Češková (ECR)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Missing manufacture and ‘use-by’ dates on cosmetic products

Cosmetic products must include ‘use‐by’ dates on their packaging, but only in cases where they should be used within 30 months. According to cosmetics manufacturers, this category almost exclusively consists of sun care products. Other cosmetic products are not required to provide a ‘use‐by’ date on their packaging, but rather they must include a symbol indicating the period within which the product should be used once it has been opened.

Consumers are unable to determine when a product was manufactured and for how long it will retain its declared properties when purchasing a product. It is up to the customer to determine whether or not a product has expired by examining its properties. ‘Use‐by’ dates are not provided for most purely cosmetic products, and this includes cosmetic products for children, such as body milk, shampoo and shower gel. This situation gives rise to uncertainty in consumers with regard to the quality and safety of the cosmetic products that they buy.

Could the Commission explain if this issue is being addressed? If so, what is the state of play as regards the process to find a solution?

Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (353) requires that only safe cosmetic products are placed on the market and imposes strict requirements on responsible persons, which guarantee a high level of safety for consumers.

According to this regulation cosmetic products shall be made available on the market only where the container and packaging of cosmetic products bear the information listed in Article 19(1) in indelible, easily legible and visible lettering. Among the information which must be provided is the date until which the cosmetic product, stored under appropriate conditions, will continue to fulfil its initial function and, in particular, the date until which it will remain safe for human health (‘date of minimum durability’). The date of minimum durability shall be clearly expressed and if necessary it shall be supplemented by an indication of the conditions which must be satisfied to guarantee the stated durability of the product.

However, the indication of the date of minimum durability is not mandatory for cosmetic products with a minimum durability of more than 30 months. For such products, there shall be an indication of the period of time after opening for which the product is safe and can be used without any harm to the consumer. Thus it can be considered that such products are safe for the consumers during the ‘period after opening’ indicated on the labelling.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010178/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Descubrimiento de ocho cadáveres de saharauis asesinados por el Ejército marroquí

El pasado martes, un equipo de investigación forense de la Universidad del País Vasco que trabajaba en territorios del Sahara Occidental descubrió ocho cadáveres de víctimas saharauis ejecutadas en 1976 por el Ejército marroquí, conservando dos de ellas incluso su Documento Nacional de Identidad español.

Se trata del primer hallazgo documentado de fosas comunes que demuestran los asesinatos de civiles que el Ejército marroquí llevó a cabo en territorio del Sahara Occidental. Las ocho víctimas, entre las que se encuentran dos menores de edad, fueron asesinadas por disparos de arma de fuego el 12 de febrero de 1976. El testimonio de un testigo que presenció los hechos y que entonces tenía 13 años ayudó al equipo a localizar los cadáveres.

El asesinato tuvo lugar en la región de Smara y, según los testimonios aportados, fueron detenidos por pertenecer supuestamente al Frente Polisario. El Ejército detuvo a un grupo que incluía a tres menores de edad, incluyendo al testigo de los hechos. Fueron asesinados a sangre fría beduinos que no habían cometido crimen alguno y cuyo paradero se ha mantenido en secreto por parte de Marruecos, cuyo «Informe de la Instancia de Equidad y Reconciliación» de 2006 queda completamente en entredicho. El descubrimiento del equipo permite esclarecer que Marruecos facilitó información falsa, puesto que afirmaba que los civiles documentados fallecieron durante las detenciones en la base militar de Smara.

Este descubrimiento señala la necesidad de recuperar la memoria de las víctimas del conflicto del Sahara Occidental para poder demostrar la falsedad de las informaciones aportadas por Marruecos a la comunidad internacional, así como exigir responsabilidades a España en la investigación de dichos crímenes.

¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante el descubrimiento de los citados cadáveres? A la luz de estos descubrimientos, ¿piensa que la Minurso debe incorporar los Derechos Humanos entre sus competencias para poder esclarecer las mentiras de las informaciones aportadas por Marruecos en sus informes sobre el conflicto?

¿Considera necesaria la investigación por parte de equipos independientes de las desapariciones de saharauis aún no esclarecidas? ¿Piensa solicitar a España que emprenda una investigación al respecto de los ciudadanos españoles asesinados por Marruecos de cara a la persecución universal de crímenes contra los derechos humanos?

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

(24 de octubre de 2013)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta está perfectamente al corriente del descubrimiento de los cadáveres de los ocho saharauis desaparecidos desde 1976 e identificados por Carlos Martín Beristain y Francisco Etxeberria Gabilondo (Universidad del País Vasco). La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta lamenta la violencia en el conflicto del Sahara Occidental y acompaña en el sentimiento a las familias de las víctimas. Las consecuencias jurídicas de este y otros asuntos, así como las relacionadas con las obligaciones internacionales en materia de derechos humanos, son objeto de conversaciones periódicas, sobre todo entre el Gobierno de Marruecos y el Grupo de Trabajo sobre Desapariciones Forzadas o Involuntarias de las Naciones Unidas. La UE velará por mantenerse puntualmente informada. También insta a todas las partes a respetar sus obligaciones internacionales en materia de derechos humanos y condena la violencia con la máxima firmeza.

Los miembros del Consejo de Seguridad de ls Naciones Unidas adoptaron el 25 de abril de 2013 el mandato de la Minurso para el período en curso. No le corresponde a la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta comentar tales decisiones. La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta insta a las partes a esforzarse por encontrar una solución política justa, duradera y aceptable para todas las partes que contemple la autodeterminación de la población del Sáhara Occidental, de acuerdo con las resoluciones pertinentes del Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas. En opinión de la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta, esclarecer la historia reciente forma parte de este proceso.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010178/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Discovery of the bodies of eight Sahrawis killed by the Moroccan army

Last Tuesday, a forensic investigation team from the University of the Basque Country working in the territory of Western Sahara discovered eight bodies of Sahrawi victims executed in 1976 by the Moroccan army, two of which still had their Spanish national identity cards.

This is the first documented finding of mass graves which prove the killing of civilians by the Moroccan army in the territory of Western Sahara. The eight victims, two of whom were minors, were shot dead on 12 February 1976. The account of a witness who saw what happened and who was aged 13 at the time helped the team to locate the bodies.

The killings took place in the Smara region and, according to the accounts provided, they were arrested for supposedly belonging to the Frente Polisario. The army arrested a group which included three minors, including the witness. Bedouins were killed in cold blood without having committed any crime and their whereabouts has been kept quiet by Morocco, whose 2006 ‘Equity and Reconciliation Commission Report’ is still being called into question in every respect. The team’s discovery makes it clear that Morocco provided false information, as it stated that the documented civilians died while being held at the military base in Smara.

This discovery signals the need to remember the victims of the conflict in Western Sahara to prove that the information provided by Morocco to the international community was false and to ask Spain to take responsibility for investigating these crimes.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of the discovery of these bodies? In the light of these discoveries, does she believe that the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) should incorporate Human Rights into its competencies in order to shed light on the lies in the information provided by Morocco in its reports on the conflict?

Does she consider it necessary for independent teams to investigate the disappearances of Sahrawis who have still not been found? Does she plan to ask Spain to undertake an investigation with regard to Spanish citizens killed by Morocco with a view to the universal prosecution of crimes against human rights?

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

(24 October 2013)

The HR/VP is well aware of the discovery of the bodies of the eight Sahrawis which were missing since 1976, identified by Carlos Martín Beristain and Francisco Etxeberria Gabilondo (University of the Basque Country). The HR/VP deplores the violence in the Western Sahara conflict and shares the sadness of the relatives. The legal implications and those in terms of international human rights obligations of this case (as well as others) are subject to regular discussions notably between the government of Morocco andthe U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. The EU will ensure it remains closely informed. The EU calls on all parties to respect their international human rights obligations and condemns violence in the strongest terms.

The MINURSO mandate for the ongoing period has been adopted on 25 April 2013 by the UN Security Council members. It is not the role of the HR/VP to comment on those decisions. The HR/VP encourages the parties to work towards achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in agreement with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In the understanding of the HR/VP, elucidation of recent history is part of this process.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010179/13

aan de Commissie

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(12 september 2013)

Betreft: Meer geld voor Griekenland

De Duitse minister van Financiën, Wolfgang Schäuble, heeft voor de eerste keer in augustus 2013 aangekondigd dat Griekenland opnieuw een reddingsoperatie zou nodig hebben (354). Dit is nu ook bevestigd door Luc Coene, gouverneur van de Nationale Bank van België en lid van de Raad van bestuur van de ECB, die uitdrukkelijk heeft verklaard dat Griekenland nog één of zelfs twee reddingsoperaties nodig heeft (355).

Volgens het Internationaal Monetair Fonds (IMF) zal Griekenland tussen 2014 en 2016 tegen een financieringstekort van 11 miljard euro aankijken en zal het land naar alle waarschijnlijkheid een bijkomende schuldverlichting nodig hebben tegen eind 2013 (356).

Kan de Commissie in het licht hiervan antwoorden op de volgende vragen:

| Deelt de Commissie de standpunten van het IMF en van de heer Coene? |
| --- |

Deelt de Commissie de standpunten van het IMF en van de heer Coene?

| Indien ja, welke initiatieven zal zij nemen om het Griekse financieringstekort aan te pakken? Zal zij vragen om een nieuwe reddingsoperatie of schuldverlichting? |
| --- |

Indien ja, welke initiatieven zal zij nemen om het Griekse financieringstekort aan te pakken? Zal zij vragen om een nieuwe reddingsoperatie of schuldverlichting?

| Kan zij in het geval van een nieuwe reddingsoperatie garanderen dat de leningen volledig zullen worden  terugbetaald? |
| --- |

Kan zij in het geval van een nieuwe reddingsoperatie garanderen dat de leningen volledig zullen worden  terugbetaald?

| Stemt zij ermee in dat de eurozone is omgevormd tot een permanente „overschrijvingsunie”? |
| --- |

Stemt zij ermee in dat de eurozone is omgevormd tot een permanente „overschrijvingsunie”?

| Indien ja, waarom geeft zij het publiek niet een serieuze en nauwkeurige kosten-batenanalyse van een Griekse wanbetaling? |
| --- |

Indien ja, waarom geeft zij het publiek niet een serieuze en nauwkeurige kosten-batenanalyse van een Griekse wanbetaling?

| Is de Commissie het er niet mee eens dat indien Griekenland zijn schulden niet aflost, dit veel minder zal kosten voor de schuldeisende landen en minder pijnlijk zal zijn voor de Griekse bevolking? |
| --- |

Is de Commissie het er niet mee eens dat indien Griekenland zijn schulden niet aflost, dit veel minder zal kosten voor de schuldeisende landen en minder pijnlijk zal zijn voor de Griekse bevolking?

| Indien zij het niet eens is met de hoger genoemde uitspraken en bevindingen, kan zij deze weerleggen? |
| --- |

Indien zij het niet eens is met de hoger genoemde uitspraken en bevindingen, kan zij deze weerleggen?

Antwoord van de heer Rehn namens de Commissie

(25 oktober 2013)

Het Grieks programma laat tot eind 2014 een relatief klein financieringstekort van 3,8 miljard euro, zoals vermeld in tabel 9 van het door de Europese Commissie gepubliceerde nalevingsrapport (357) na het derde controlebezoek. Een bijgewerkte beoordeling van de Griekse financieringsbehoeften wordt voorbereid tijdens de lopende controle en zal in de desbetreffende programmeringsdocumenten worden medegedeeld. In dit stadium is het niet raadzaam om te speculeren over de omvang van het tekort en over de mogelijke manieren om het te dekken.

In november 2012 heeft de Eurogroep gesteld dat de lidstaten van de eurozone, indien nodig, verdere maatregelen en bijstand zouden overwegen, wanneer Griekenland een jaarlijks primair overschot boekt, mits alle voorwaarden in het programma zijn vervuld, om ervoor te zorgen dat Griekenland in 2020 kan komen tot een schuldquote van 124 % van het bbp en tot een veel lagere schuldquote van minder dan 110 % in 2022. Daarom hangt de uitkomst van mogelijke besprekingen over verdere maatregelen en bijstand aan Griekenland in de eerste plaats af van het realiseren door Griekenland van een primair overschot en van de volledige uitvoering van het programma.

De financiële bijstand aan Griekenland vereist de naleving van Griekenland van de voorwaarden van het economisch aanpassingsprogramma, dat is opgesteld om te komen tot een meer solide basis voor groei en jobcreatie en om ervoor te zorgen dat Griekenland in de eurozone bleef. Dit doel is bereikt en de hypothese van een Griekse wanbetaling waarnaar het geachte Parlementslid verwijst, is uitgesloten.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010179/13

to the Commission

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: More money for Greece

Germany’s finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, announced for the first time in August 2013 that Greece would need another bailout (358). This has now been confirmed by Luc Coene, Governor of the National Bank of Belgium and member of the Governing Council of the ECB, who has explicitly stated that Greece will need one or even two additional bailouts (359).

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Greece will face a EUR 11 billion funding gap between 2014 and 2016 and the country will most likely need additional debt relief by the end of 2013 (360).

In the light of the above:

| Does the Commission share the views of the IMF and Mr Coene? |
| --- |

Does the Commission share the views of the IMF and Mr Coene?

| If so, what action does it plan to take in order to address the Greek funding gap? Will it ask for a new bailout or debt relief? |
| --- |

If so, what action does it plan to take in order to address the Greek funding gap? Will it ask for a new bailout or debt relief?

| In the case of an additional bailout, can it guarantee that the loans will be fully repaid? |
| --- |

In the case of an additional bailout, can it guarantee that the loans will be fully repaid?

| Does it agree that the eurozone has been transformed into a permanent transfer union? |
| --- |

Does it agree that the eurozone has been transformed into a permanent transfer union?

| If so, why does it not provide the public with a serious and accurate cost-benefit analysis of a Greek default? |
| --- |

If so, why does it not provide the public with a serious and accurate cost-benefit analysis of a Greek default?

| Does the Commission not agree that if Greece defaults on its repayments it will be far less onerous for creditor countries and less painful for the Greek people? |
| --- |

Does the Commission not agree that if Greece defaults on its repayments it will be far less onerous for creditor countries and less painful for the Greek people?

| If it does not agree with the above statements and findings, can it refute them? |
| --- |

If it does not agree with the above statements and findings, can it refute them?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

The Greek programme has a relatively small financing gap of EUR 3.8 billion until the end of 2014, as indicated in Table 9 of the compliance report (361) published by the European Commission following the 3rd review mission. An updated assessment of Greece's financing needs is being prepared during the ongoing review mission and will be communicated in the related programme documents. Speculation at this stage about the size of the gap and possible ways to cover it is not warranted.

In November 2012, the Eurogroup stated that euro area Member States will consider further measures and assistance, if necessary, when Greece reaches an annual primary surplus, conditional on full implementation of all conditions contained in the programme in order to ensure that Greece can reach a debt-to-GDP ratio of 124% of GDP in 2020, and a debt-to-GDP ratio substantially lower than 110% in 2022. Therefore, the outcome of possible discussions on further measures and assistance to Greece hinges first and foremest upon the achievement by Greece of a primary surplus and full programme implementation.

Financial assistance to Greece requires compliance of Greece with the conditions set out in its economic adjustment programme, which was conceived to build a more solid basis for growth and job creation and ensure that Greece remained in the euro area. This objective has been achieved, and the hypothesis of a Greek default mentioned by the Honourable Member is out of the question.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010180/13

to the Commission

Glenis Willmott (S&D) and Bill Newton Dunn (ALDE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Retrofit Emission Control

After three years of consultation and preparation, the Inland Transport Committee of UNECE (the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) and its World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations are about to finalise, through the Working Party on Pollution and Energy (WP 29) and for 2014, a proposal for a new regulation on uniform provisions concerning the approval of Retrofit Emission Control Devices (REC) for heavy duty vehicles, agricultural and forestry tractors and non-road mobile machinery equipped with compression ignition engines.

This new regulation will be of great importance for the use and homologation of retrofit devices. Given the urgent need to reduce air pollution in Europe, retrofitting is an opportunity to raise emission standards for older diesel engines.

Can the Commission provide information on the process and a timeline for making the UNECE REC standard legally binding in the EU?

Can the Commission explain how EU standards for certification of retrofitted emission control devices (replacing Vert, FAD, and other national standards) will be introduced?

Furthermore, can the Commission clarify whether funds earmarked for the promotion of clean urban transport under the European Regional Development Fund can be used for retrofitting city buses?

Does the Commission offer grants or other funding schemes to assist Member States in meeting their air quality targets?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

| 1. | The draft Regulation on REC is being developed at UNECE in two stages. A first text will be adopted in WP29 (362) in November 2013. The second one, gathering enhanced requirements in terms of equipment performance, should be adopted by WP29 in June 2014. Once that latter text is adopted, it will become applicable among UNECE Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement (363), and therefore in EU Member States for the purposes of mutual recognition of REC type-approvals. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The draft Regulation on REC is being developed at UNECE in two stages. A first text will be adopted in WP29 (362) in November 2013. The second one, gathering enhanced requirements in terms of equipment performance, should be adopted by WP29 in June 2014. Once that latter text is adopted, it will become applicable among UNECE Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement (363), and therefore in EU Member States for the purposes of mutual recognition of REC type-approvals.

| 2. | The requirements on mandatory type-approval apply to new vehicles and engines, and not to retrofit technology. This approach has proven so far to be satisfactory, and hence, it is not envisaged to make the REC UNECE rules legally binding for the purposes of EC type-approval. This would mean, in principle, that authorities at national, regional or local level could reinforce the requirements of the regulation with complementary or alternative national measures in order to improve the air quality in their respective areas. However, it is believed that the REC Regulation sets out a strong reference for national retrofit schemes, and expected that the latter are developed in accordance with the regulation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The requirements on mandatory type-approval apply to new vehicles and engines, and not to retrofit technology. This approach has proven so far to be satisfactory, and hence, it is not envisaged to make the REC UNECE rules legally binding for the purposes of EC type-approval. This would mean, in principle, that authorities at national, regional or local level could reinforce the requirements of the regulation with complementary or alternative national measures in order to improve the air quality in their respective areas. However, it is believed that the REC Regulation sets out a strong reference for national retrofit schemes, and expected that the latter are developed in accordance with the regulation.

| 3. | Under the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy, about EUR 5.9 billion have been allocated to projects which aimed at the promotion of clean urban transport. It is for each Member State to select and implement relevant projects and to decide about the level of co-financing from the Structural and Cohesion funds. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Under the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy, about EUR 5.9 billion have been allocated to projects which aimed at the promotion of clean urban transport. It is for each Member State to select and implement relevant projects and to decide about the level of co-financing from the Structural and Cohesion funds.

| 4. | Grants have been available for research and innovation aimed at improving air quality during the FP7 and will continue to be available under the new Horizon 2020. In addition, under the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy, about EUR 850 Million have been allocated to ‘air quality’ programmes and projects. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Grants have been available for research and innovation aimed at improving air quality during the FP7 and will continue to be available under the new Horizon 2020. In addition, under the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy, about EUR 850 Million have been allocated to ‘air quality’ programmes and projects.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-010181/13

do Komisji

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE) oraz Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE)

(12 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Uczciwość pomocy humanitarnej

W 2012 r. w reakcji na klęskę żywiołową, jaką był huragan Sandy, Komisja przyznała kwotę 6 mln EUR z tytułu pomocy finansowej w sytuacjach wyjątkowych na rzecz osób poszkodowanych między innymi na Kubie i Haiti. Pomoc ta przyniosła natychmiastowy efekt: dostarczono żywność i artykuły pierwszej potrzeby oraz wyremontowano domy i przywrócono dostawy wody.

Na Kubie większość pomocy otrzymanej z zewnątrz, zwłaszcza materiały budowlane przeznaczone dla instytucji państwowych, które ucierpiały w wskutek huraganu – głównie szkół i szpitali – sprzedano na czarnym rynku. Nadal jednak wiele osób pozostaje bez dachu nad głową.

Ziarno i zboże, jak np. ryż i fasola, które Komisja przekazała w pakiecie pomocy, zostały sprzedane w wielu punktach kraju po bardzo rozsądnych cenach w ciągu pierwszych dwóch miesięcy po przejściu huraganu.

Zwracam się w związku z tym z pytaniem:

jak Komisja udoskonali niesienie pomocy humanitarnej, tak aby w przyszłości trafiała ona bezpośrednio do osób najbardziej potrzebujących oraz jak Komisja zapewni uczciwość tej pomocy?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarz Kristalinę Georgijewą w imieniu Komisji

(6 listopada 2013 r.)

Finansowane przez UE działania w ramach pomocy humanitarnej są prowadzone przez partnerów humanitarnych, którymi są przeważnie organizacje międzynarodowe i pozarządowe mające siedziby w Unii. Komisja zapewnia właściwą realizację takich działań poprzez wielostopniowe środki kontroli przewidziane na różnych etapach cyklu projektu, w tym:

| — | rygorystyczne warunki i kryteria wyboru partnerów humanitarnych; |
| --- | --- |

—

rygorystyczne warunki i kryteria wyboru partnerów humanitarnych;

| — | ocenę proponowanych projektów oraz regularne monitorowanie ich realizacji przez Komisję, zarówno w centrali, jak i w terenie, z silnym zaangażowaniem ekspertów terenowych Komisji (asystentów technicznych) na całym świecie; |
| --- | --- |

—

ocenę proponowanych projektów oraz regularne monitorowanie ich realizacji przez Komisję, zarówno w centrali, jak i w terenie, z silnym zaangażowaniem ekspertów terenowych Komisji (asystentów technicznych) na całym świecie;

| — | wymóg przedstawiania sprawozdań przez partnerów na koniec każdego działania; |
| --- | --- |

—

wymóg przedstawiania sprawozdań przez partnerów na koniec każdego działania;

| — | ocenę działań (i publikację wyników na stronie internetowej Komisji); |
| --- | --- |

—

ocenę działań (i publikację wyników na stronie internetowej Komisji);

| — | dodatkową gwarancję wynikającą z audytów ex post. |
| --- | --- |

—

dodatkową gwarancję wynikającą z audytów ex post.

Mechanizmy te uzupełniają się nawzajem, oferując racjonalną gwarancję prawidłowości i jakości realizacji działań w ramach pomocy humanitarnej.

Reakcja UE na huragan Sandy na Kubie była szybka i dobrze skoordynowana. W jej ramach przeznaczono 4 mln euro na sześć projektów w Santiago i w prowincji Holguin. Asystenci techniczni Komisji przeprowadzili dwie misje monitorujące w maju i wrześniu 2013 r. Wyniki tych misji, uwzględniające opinie partnerów humanitarnych i beneficjentów, świadczyły o efektywnej realizacji trwających projektów. Większą część pomocy przeznaczono na naprawę dachów: 30 % dachów już odbudowano, natomiast 60 % materiałów budowlanych było gotowych do dystrybucji, a więc prawdopodobieństwo ich odsprzedaży było niewielkie. Nie stwierdzono nadużyć ani nielegalnego handlu.

Komisja jest gotowa prowadzić dalsze dochodzenia dotyczące podejrzeń zgłoszonych przez Szanownych Panów Posłów, o ile zostaną przedstawione bardziej szczegółowe dowody.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010181/13

to the Commission

Filip Kaczmarek (PPE) and Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Integrity of humanitarian aid

In 2012, in response to the natural disaster caused by Hurricane Sandy, the Commission allocated EUR 6 million in emergency funding to people affected in Cuba and Haiti, among other countries. This assistance provided immediate relief: delivering food and basic household items, repairing houses and restoring water services.

In Cuba most of the aid received from abroad, particularly building materials destined for state institutions which had suffered damage during the hurricane — mainly schools and hospitals — was sold on the black market. Yet there are still many people who are living without shelter.

Grains and cereals, such as rice and beans, which were part of the Commission aid package, were sold at various locations at very reasonable prices in the first two months following the hurricane.

In the light of the above:

How will the Commission improve the delivery of humanitarian aid in the future so that it goes directly to those who need it the most, and how will it ensure its integrity?

Answer given by Ms Georgieva on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

EU-funded humanitarian aid actions are carried out by humanitarian partners (mostly international organisations and non-governmental organisations based in the Union). The Commission ensures proper implementation of these actions through several layers of checks and controls at various stages of the project cycle, including:

| — | strict conditions and criteria for the selection of humanitarian partners; |
| --- | --- |

—

strict conditions and criteria for the selection of humanitarian partners;

| — | appraisal of project proposals and regular project monitoring by the Commission, both at headquarters and field levels, relying strongly on the Commission field experts (technical assistants) worldwide; |
| --- | --- |

—

appraisal of project proposals and regular project monitoring by the Commission, both at headquarters and field levels, relying strongly on the Commission field experts (technical assistants) worldwide;

| — | obligation for partners to produce reports at the end of each action; |
| --- | --- |

—

obligation for partners to produce reports at the end of each action;

| — | evaluations of actions (results are posted on the Commission’s website); |
| --- | --- |

—

evaluations of actions (results are posted on the Commission’s website);

| — | additional assurance derived from ex-post audits. |
| --- | --- |

—

additional assurance derived from ex-post audits.

These mechanisms are mutually supportive in providing reasonable assurance on the regularity and quality of implementation of humanitarian aid actions.

The EU's response to Hurricane Sandy in Cuba has been fast and well-coordinated. It led to EUR 4 000 000 being allocated to six projects in Santiago and the Holguin province. The Commission's technical assistants conducted two monitoring missions in May and September 2013. Their findings, taking into account views from humanitarian partners and beneficiaries, pointed to an effective implementation of ongoing projects. Most of the aid was earmarked for roofing work; 30% of roofs had already been rebuilt while 60% of building material was ready for distribution, thus not likely to be subject to resale. No trafficking or fraud has been reported.

The Commission stands ready to investigate further the allegations made by the Honourable Members should more detailed evidence be presented.

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor E-010182/13

upućeno Komisiji

Nikola Vuljanić (GUE/NGL)

(12. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: Garancija EU-a za mlade

Europska komisija je pokrenula projekt „Garancija za mlade” kojim želi potaknuti veću zaposlenost mladih, posebno u zemljama pogođenima dubokom krizom poput Grčke, Španjolske, ali i Hrvatske koja je u prošloj godini u ukupnom broju nezaposlenih, imala čak 40 % mladih do 29 godina.

Svjesni problema da generacije mladih ne mogu pronaći posao, jasno je da je ovakav potez i više nego potreban.

S druge strane, postavlja se pitanje kvalitete i sveobuhvatnosti „Garancije za mlade” s obzirom na to da je za taj projekt planirano svega 6 milijardi eura, što su istaknule i brojne organizacije mladih diljem Europe.

U posljednjoj preporuci Europska komisija postavila je do kraja listopada rok za predaju implementacijskih planova sa statističkim regijama gdje nezaposlenost prelazi 25 % što, nažalost, dovodi do procesa u kojem se želi zadovoljiti forma nauštrb kvalitete.

Treba napomenuti da u Hrvatskoj nije provedena kvalitetna rasprava između socijalnih partnera poput sindikata i udruženja mladih Hrvatske koji su svoje primjedbe predstavili Glavnoj upravi za zapošljavanje, socijalna pitanja i jednake mogućnosti (DG EMPL).

Ima li Komisija precizne procjene o tome koliki će biti učinak „Garancije za mlade”, posebno u Hrvatskoj?

Na koji se način planira provoditi nadzor i evaluacija provedbe i hoće li biti moguća izmjena mjera s obzirom na to da neke od njih nisu u skladu s društveno-ekonomskim prilikama u Hrvatskoj?

Odgovor gospodina Andora u ime Komisije

(31. listopada 2013.)

Program država članica Jamstvo za mlade financirat će se posebno sa 6 milijardi eura namijenjenih za Inicijativu zapošljavanja mladih u razdoblju 2014. — 2020. Pola iznosa doći će iz Europskog socijalnog fonda, glavnog instrumenta EU-a za ulaganje u ljude, dok se ostala sredstva država članica iz Europskog socijalnog fonda za razdoblje 2014. — 2020. mogu također koristiti u svrhu rješavanja nezaposlenost mladih putem zaposlenja, obrazovanja i osposobljavanja.

U skladu s preporukama Jamstva za mlade  (364), program Jamstvo za mlade usmjerit će se na regije država članica koje su najviše pogođene nezaposlenošću mladih te na pružanje pomoći putem „kvalitetne ponude poslova, nastavka obrazovanja, strukovnog naukovanja ili pripravništva unutar razdoblja od četiri mjeseca nakon gubitka posla ili nakon napuštanja formalnog obrazovanja”. Sredstva Inicijative zapošljavanja mladih pružaju financijsku pomoć za aktivnosti koje čine sastavni dio programa Jamstvo za mlade kako bi se pripomoglo integraciji mladih osoba na tržište rada.

Preporukom o Jamstvu za mlade ujedno se preporučuje da „države članice osiguraju aktivnu uključenost socijalnih partnera na svim razinama izrade i provedbe politika orijentiranih na mlade te da promoviraju sinergiju između njihovih inicijativa kako bi se razvili programi strukovnog naukovanja i pripravništva.” Države članice trebaju iznijeti partnerske pristupe u svojim planovima provedbe Jamstva za mlade.

U ovom stadiju Komisija ne može procijeniti potencijalni utjecaj Jamstva za mlade u Hrvatskoj, koji će ovisiti o kvaliteti usvojenih mjera i njihovoj pravovremenoj provedbi.

Programi Jamstva za mlade pratit će se i ocjenjivati u skladu s Preporukom Jamstva za mlade. U prijedlogu Komisije za Uredbu Europskog socijalnog fonda za razdoblje 2014. — 2020. utvrđuju se posebne odredbe o izvještavanju rezultata.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010182/13

to the Commission

Nikola Vuljanić (GUE/NGL)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: EU Youth Guarantee

The Commission launched its ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme in order to stimulate youth employment rates, particularly in those countries hardest hit by the crisis, such as Greece and Spain, but also in Croatia, where in 2012 young people up to 29‐years‐old accounted for as many as 40% of all unemployed.

Given that generations of young people are unable to find employment, such an effort is absolutely vital.

However, questions remain as to the quality and universality of the ‘Youth Guarantee’. Many youth organisations throughout Europe have pointed out that the total amount of funds to be set aside for this scheme is only EUR 6 billion.

In its most recent recommendation, the Commission set a deadline for the end of October 2013 for the submission of implementation plans in respect of statistical regions where unemployment exceeds 25%. This, regrettably, will result in a process favouring form at the expense of quality.

It must be pointed out that no proper consultations are being held with social partners, such as the Croatian trade unions and youth organisations which have submitted comments to the Directorate‐General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

Does the Commission have accurate estimates as to how large an effect the ‘Youth Guarantee’ will have, with particular regard to Croatia?

How does it plan to monitor and evaluate implementation, and will it be possible to modify the measures in view of the fact that several of them are at odds with Croatia's socio‐economic circumstances?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

The Member States’ Youth Guarantee (YG) schemes will be funded in particular through the EUR 6 billion earmarked for the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) for 2014-20. Half of that amount will come from the European Social Fund (ESF), the EU’s main instrument for investing in people, while other Member State ESF resources for 2014-20 can also be used to tackle youth unemployment and support young people through employment, education and training measures.

In line with the YG Recommendation (365), YG schemes will focus on the Member State regions most affected by youth unemployment and provide support through ‘a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education’. The YEI’s resources will provide financial support for activities forming part of YG schemes to help integrate young people into the labour market.

The YG Recommendation also recommends that the Member States ‘ensure the active involvement of social partners at all levels in designing and implementing policies targeted at young people and promote synergies amongst their initiatives to develop apprenticeship and traineeship schemes’. The Member States are to outline their partnership approaches in their YG implementation plans.

The Commission has at this stage no estimate of the YG’s potential impact in Croatia, which will depend on the quality of the measures adopted and their timely implementation.

YG schemes will be monitored and evaluated in accordance with the YG Recommendation. The Commission proposal for an ESF Regulation for 2014-20 lays down special provisions on the reporting of results.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010183/13

alla Commissione

Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: AGCOM — Violazioni del diritto d'autore realizzate nella rete Internet

L'Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (di seguito «AGCOM») ha posto in pubblica consultazione, il 25 luglio 2013, lo Schema di regolamento in materia di tutela del diritto d'autore sulle reti di comunicazione elettronica e procedure attuative ai sensi del decreto legislativo 9 aprile 2003, n. 70, nel cui allegato B sono esplicitate le competenze che l'Autorità italiana intende autoattribuirsi nel perseguimento delle violazioni del diritto d'autore realizzate nella rete Internet.

La Delibera consentirà infatti all'AGCOM di impedire — in maniera automatica e prescindendo dall'accertamento di qualsiasi requisito di colpevolezza, attraverso la forzosa collaborazione degli Internet Service Providers — l'accesso a siti Internet, blog, testate online ed altre fonti di informazione posti anche fuori dall'Ordinamento italiano, e/o di eliminare i contenuti pubblicati sulla rete Internet se sospettati di violazione del diritto d'autore.

Questo provvedimento rappresenta una seria minaccia per la tutela delle libertà di espressione e di informazione, garantite dall'articolo 11 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea.

Sulla base di quanto sopra esposto, si chiede alla Commissione, alla quale il regolamento AGCOM in esame è stato notificato dalle Autorità italiane in data 2 settembre 2013 (Numero della notifica: 2013/496/I):

| — | Intende reagire e in che modo, e quali osservazioni intende esplicitare ai sensi dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE? |
| --- | --- |

—

Intende reagire e in che modo, e quali osservazioni intende esplicitare ai sensi dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE?

| — | Quale garante della Carta dei diritti fondamentali, non intende intervenire nei confronti delle Autorità italiane per impedire il dispiegarsi degli effetti di questo pernicioso provvedimento amministrativo che potrebbero mettere a rischio in seno all'Unione europea l'adeguato rispetto della libertà di espressione, così come garantita dagli strumenti internazionali concernenti i diritti umani, e in particolare dagli articoli 6 e 7 del trattato sull'Unione europea e dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali? |
| --- | --- |

—

Quale garante della Carta dei diritti fondamentali, non intende intervenire nei confronti delle Autorità italiane per impedire il dispiegarsi degli effetti di questo pernicioso provvedimento amministrativo che potrebbero mettere a rischio in seno all'Unione europea l'adeguato rispetto della libertà di espressione, così come garantita dagli strumenti internazionali concernenti i diritti umani, e in particolare dagli articoli 6 e 7 del trattato sull'Unione europea e dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali?

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010741/13

alla Commissione

Patrizia Toia (S&D) e Luigi Berlinguer (S&D)

(19 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Regolamento AGCOM implementazione direttiva 2000/31/CE

La norma di attuazione del decreto legislativo n. 70 del 2003 che ha recepito in Italia la direttiva 2000/31/CE sul commercio elettronico non presenta di fatto alcuna «procedura attuativa» che debba essere posta in essere dall'Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni.

L'AGCOM ha posto in pubblica consultazione il 25 luglio 2013 lo schema di regolamento in materia di tutela del diritto d'autore sulle reti di comunicazione elettronica e procedure attuative ai sensi del decreto legislativo 9 aprile 2003, n. 70 (366) , nel cui allegato B sono invece esplicitate le competenze che l'Autorità Italiana intende autoattribuirsi nel perseguimento delle violazioni del diritto d'autore realizzate nella rete internet.

La Commissione europea, alla quale era stata notificata la proposta di regolamento AGCOM, nel rispondere formalmente ai sensi dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE del 22 giugno 1998 aveva fortemente censurato il provvedimento, effettuando rilievi importanti al testo della delibera che, in questi giorni, è stato tuttavia ripresentato con disposizioni ancora più limitative dei diritti e delle libertà fondamentali garantite dall'Unione.

Può la Commissione far sapere:

| ritiene che questo provvedimento rappresenti una minaccia per la tutela delle libertà di espressione e di informazione, garantite dall'articolo 11 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea; |
| --- |

ritiene che questo provvedimento rappresenti una minaccia per la tutela delle libertà di espressione e di informazione, garantite dall'articolo 11 della Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'Unione europea;

| Come intende reagire alla luce del fatto che il regolamento AGCOM in esame le è stato notificato dalle autorità italiane in data 2 settembre 2013 (numero della notifica: 2013/496/I) e quali osservazioni intende esplicitare ai sensi dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE; |
| --- |

Come intende reagire alla luce del fatto che il regolamento AGCOM in esame le è stato notificato dalle autorità italiane in data 2 settembre 2013 (numero della notifica: 2013/496/I) e quali osservazioni intende esplicitare ai sensi dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE;

| se intende, nella sua qualità di garante della Carta dei diritti fondamentali, intervenire nei confronti delle autorità italiane per impedire il dispiegarsi degli effetti di questo provvedimento amministrativo che potrebbero mettere a rischio in seno all'Unione europea l'adeguato rispetto della libertà di espressione, così come garantita dagli strumenti internazionali concernenti i diritti umani, in particolare dagli articoli 6 e 7 del trattato sull'Unione europea e dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali? |
| --- |

se intende, nella sua qualità di garante della Carta dei diritti fondamentali, intervenire nei confronti delle autorità italiane per impedire il dispiegarsi degli effetti di questo provvedimento amministrativo che potrebbero mettere a rischio in seno all'Unione europea l'adeguato rispetto della libertà di espressione, così come garantita dagli strumenti internazionali concernenti i diritti umani, in particolare dagli articoli 6 e 7 del trattato sull'Unione europea e dalla Carta dei diritti fondamentali?

Risposta congiunta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(11 novembre 2013)

La Commissione conferma che lo Schema di regolamento in materia di tutela del diritto d'autore sulle reti di comunicazione elettronica (367) è stato effettivamente notificato ai sensi della direttiva 98/34/CE (368).

La Commissione rileva che con l'attuale notifica le autorità italiane hanno comunicato una nuova misura che pertanto fuoriesce dal quadro della notifica precedente di una misura analoga (369).

| 1. | L'esame della Commissione è incentrato sulla conformità dell'atto notificato con il diritto dell'UE, come previsto all'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE, e comporta in particolare l'analisi della conformità di tutte le disposizioni legislative previste con la Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE, nella misura in cui il provvedimento nazionale in questione attua il diritto dell'Unione europea. |
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1.

L'esame della Commissione è incentrato sulla conformità dell'atto notificato con il diritto dell'UE, come previsto all'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, della direttiva 98/34/CE, e comporta in particolare l'analisi della conformità di tutte le disposizioni legislative previste con la Carta dei diritti fondamentali dell'UE, nella misura in cui il provvedimento nazionale in questione attua il diritto dell'Unione europea.

In questo contesto, la Commissione desidera ricordare che, ai sensi della direttiva sul commercio elettronico, la rimozione delle informazioni o la disabilitazione dell'accesso alle medesime devono essere effettuate nel rispetto del principio della libertà di espressione (370).

| 2. | In questa fase della valutazione, sarebbe prematuro affermare che la Commissione intende formulare osservazioni o emettere un parere circostanziato, oppure non reagire affatto alla notifica. Il termine per una potenziale risposta della Commissione, ai sensi della direttiva 98/34/CE, è il 3 dicembre 2013. |
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2.

In questa fase della valutazione, sarebbe prematuro affermare che la Commissione intende formulare osservazioni o emettere un parere circostanziato, oppure non reagire affatto alla notifica. Il termine per una potenziale risposta della Commissione, ai sensi della direttiva 98/34/CE, è il 3 dicembre 2013.

| 3. | È ferma intenzione ed è compito della Commissione garantire che gli Stati membri rispettino il diritto dell'Unione e i diritti fondamentali in particolare anche quando danno attuazione all'ordinamento dell'Unione, di cui i diritti fondamentali sono parte integrante. Pertanto la Commissione si avvarrà di qualsiasi strumento necessario, all'occorrenza, per garantire che le azioni delle autorità nazionali competenti non pregiudichino tali principi. |
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3.

È ferma intenzione ed è compito della Commissione garantire che gli Stati membri rispettino il diritto dell'Unione e i diritti fondamentali in particolare anche quando danno attuazione all'ordinamento dell'Unione, di cui i diritti fondamentali sono parte integrante. Pertanto la Commissione si avvarrà di qualsiasi strumento necessario, all'occorrenza, per garantire che le azioni delle autorità nazionali competenti non pregiudichino tali principi.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010183/13

to the Commission

Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject:  AGCOM — Online copyright infringement

On 25 July 2013 the Italian Communications Regulatory Authority, AGCOM, opened to public consultation the draft regulation on the protection of copyright on electronic communications networks and procedures for the implementation thereof pursuant to Legislative Decree No 70 of 9 April 2003. Annex B of the regulation sets out the powers that the Italian authority intends to grant itself in order to prosecute online copyright infringement.

The resolution will in fact enable AGCOM to block — automatically and without any prior requirement to establish guilt, through the obligatory cooperation of Internet Service Providers — access to websites, blogs, online newspapers and other sources of information, including those outside Italian jurisdiction, and/or to remove content from the Internet if it suspects copyright infringement.

Freedom of expression and information, guaranteed by Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, are seriously threatened by this measure.

— In view of the above, can the Commission, to which the AGCOM regulation in question was notified by the Italian authorities on 2 September 2013 (Notification No 2013/496/I), say whether it intends to take any action, and what form that action will take? What comments does it intend to make pursuant to Article 8(2) of Directive 98/34/EC?

— As guardian of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, will it not take action against the Italian authorities to prevent the spread of the effects of this harmful administrative measure, which could put due respect for freedom of expression, as guaranteed by international human rights instruments and in particular by Articles 6 and 7 of the EU Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, at risk within the European Union?

Question for written answer E-010741/13

to the Commission

Patrizia Toia (S&D) and Luigi Berlinguer (S&D)

(19 September 2013)

Subject:  AGCOMregulation implementing Directive 2000/31/EC

The regulation implementing Legislative Decree No 70 of 2003, which transposed in Italy Directive 2000/31/EC on electronic commerce, does not contain any ‘implementing procedure’, as must be established by the Italian Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM).

On 25 July 2013, AGCOMopened to public consultation the draft regulation on the protection of copyright on electronic communications networks and procedures for the implementation thereof pursuant to Legislative Decree No 70 (371) of 9 April 2003. Annex B of the regulation sets out the powers that the Italian authority intends to grant itself in order to prosecute online copyright infringement.

The Commission was notified of the draft AGCOMregulation and, in its formal reply pursuant to Article 8(2) of Directive 98/34/EC of 22 June 1998, roundly condemned the measure and was highly critical of the text of the resolution, which has recently been resubmitted with even tighter restrictions on the rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the EU.

| 1. | Does the Commission think that the freedom of expression and information, guaranteed by Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, are threatened by this measure? |
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1.

Does the Commission think that the freedom of expression and information, guaranteed by Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, are threatened by this measure?

| 2. | What does it plan to do in response, in view of the fact that the AGCOMregulation in question was notified by the Italian authorities on 2 September 2013 (Notification No: 2013/496/I) and what comments does it intend to make pursuant to Article 8(2) of Directive 98/34/EC? |
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2.

What does it plan to do in response, in view of the fact that the AGCOMregulation in question was notified by the Italian authorities on 2 September 2013 (Notification No: 2013/496/I) and what comments does it intend to make pursuant to Article 8(2) of Directive 98/34/EC?

| 3. | As guardian of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, will it take action against the Italian authorities to prevent the spread of the effects of this administrative measure, which could put due respect for freedom of expression, as guaranteed by international human rights instruments and in particular by Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, at risk within the European Union? |
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3.

As guardian of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, will it take action against the Italian authorities to prevent the spread of the effects of this administrative measure, which could put due respect for freedom of expression, as guaranteed by international human rights instruments and in particular by Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, at risk within the European Union?

Joint answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The Commission can confirm that the Italian Draft Regulation Concerning the Protection of Copyright on Electronic Communication Networks (372) was notified under the directive 98/34/EC (373).

The Commission notes that the current notification represents a new notification of a new measure and is therefore not considered as part of the previous notification on a similar subject (374).

| 1. | The Commission’s examination is focusing on the compliance of the notified act with EC law, as envisaged by Article 8(2) of Directive 98/34/EC. This examination includes, among others, the analysis of the compliance of the envisaged legislative measures with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, to the extent that the national legislation at stake is implementing EC law. |
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1.

The Commission’s examination is focusing on the compliance of the notified act with EC law, as envisaged by Article 8(2) of Directive 98/34/EC. This examination includes, among others, the analysis of the compliance of the envisaged legislative measures with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, to the extent that the national legislation at stake is implementing EC law.

In this context, the Commission would like to recall that according to the e-Commerce Directive, any removal or disabling of access of illegal content or information has to be undertaken in observance of the principle of freedom of expression (375).

| 2. | It would, at this stage of the assessment, be premature to conclude whether the Commission will send comments or a detailed opinion to the Italian authorities, or not react at all, on the present notification. The deadline for a potential response from the Commission under Directive 98/34/EC is 3 December 2013. |
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2.

It would, at this stage of the assessment, be premature to conclude whether the Commission will send comments or a detailed opinion to the Italian authorities, or not react at all, on the present notification. The deadline for a potential response from the Commission under Directive 98/34/EC is 3 December 2013.

| 3. | The Commission is firmly committed to ensuring that Member States respect EC law, including, when they implement EC law, the fundamental rights that form an integral part of it. It will therefore use any instrument necessary, where needed, to ensure that these principles are not undermined by the actions of the competent national authorities. |
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3.

The Commission is firmly committed to ensuring that Member States respect EC law, including, when they implement EC law, the fundamental rights that form an integral part of it. It will therefore use any instrument necessary, where needed, to ensure that these principles are not undermined by the actions of the competent national authorities.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010184/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Cabo Verde

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com Cabo Verde têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010185/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Comores

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com as Comores têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010186/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Costa do Marfim

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Costa do Marfim têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010187/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas— Gâmbia

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Gâmbia têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010188/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Gronelândia

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Gronelândia têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010189/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Guiné

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Guiné têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010190/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Guiné-Equatorial

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Guiné Equatorial têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010191/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Kiribati

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com o Kiribati têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010192/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Gabão

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com o Gabão têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010193/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Guiné-Bissau

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Guiné-Bissau têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010194/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Mauritânia

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Mauritânia têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010195/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Micronésia

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Micronésia têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010196/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Moçambique

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com Moçambique têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010197/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — São Tomé e Príncipe

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio daspescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio daspescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com São Tomé e Príncipe têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010198/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Senegal

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com o Senegal têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010199/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Seychelles

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com as Seychelles têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010200/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Madagáscar

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com o Madagáscar têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010201/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Marrocos

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com Marrocos têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010202/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Maurícia

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com a Maurícia têm sido atingidos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010203/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas — Ilhas Salomão

Considerando que:

| — | No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros. |
| --- | --- |

—

No âmbito dos acordos de parceria no domínio das pescas, a UE concede apoio financeiro e técnico, em troca de direitos de pesca para os navios da UE, tendo como um dos objetivos fomentar a pesca sustentável, bem como promover o desenvolvimento das políticas de pesca dos países parceiros.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Considera que os objetivos dos acordos de pesca com as Ilhas Salomão têm sido atingidos?

Resposta conjunta dada por Maria Damanaki em nome da Comissão

(27 de novembro de 2013)

Cada protocolo de um Acordo de Parceria no domínio da pesca (APP) atribui um montante específico para o apoio à aplicação da política setorial da pesca e ao fomento da pesca sustentável no país terceiro. Os objetivos anuais e plurianuais são acordadas entre a UE e o país terceiro, no âmbito de um comité conjunto que é igualmente responsável pela supervisão da utilização do apoio setorial. As atas de todas as comissões mistas (bem como os documentos comprovativos, tais como relatórios anuais sobre a utilização do apoio setorial) são enviados ao Parlamento Europeu (Secretariado da comissão PECH).

Antes da abertura de negociações com vista à renovação dos protocolos, são efetuadas avaliações ex post por consultores externos. Estas avaliações analisam os resultados alcançados no âmbito do acordo de parceria de pesca e, em especial, da utilização do apoio setorial. Todas as avaliações são enviadas ao Parlamento Europeu, e são publicadas no sítio Web da Comissão (376).

A Comissão considera que, em geral, os acordos de parceria em vigor no domínio da pesca atingiram os seus objetivos. A nova geração dos APP — Acordos de Parceria no domínio da pesca sustentável (APPS) está concebida de modo a assegurar uma maior sustentabilidade e benefícios económicos para os países parceiros.

Não existem atualmente protocolos em vigor com os seguintes países: Micronésia, Marrocos, Gâmbia, Guiné, Guiné Equatorial, Guiné Bissau, Senegal, Maurícia e Ilhas Salomão.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010184/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Cape Verde

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Cape Verde have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010185/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Comoros

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with the Comoros have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010186/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Côte d'Ivoire

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Côte d'Ivoire have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010187/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — The Gambia

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with the Gambia have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010188/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Greenland

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Greenland have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010189/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Guinea

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Guinea have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010190/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Equatorial Guinea

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Equatorial Guinea have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010191/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Kiribati

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Kiribati have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010192/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Gabon

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Gabon have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010193/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Guinea-Bissau

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Guinea-Bissau have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010194/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Mauritania

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Mauritania have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010195/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Micronesia

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Micronesia have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010196/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Mozambique

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Mozambique have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010197/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — São Tomé and Principe

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with São Tomé and Principe have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010198/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Senegal

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Senegal have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010199/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Seychelles

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Seychelles have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010200/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Madagascar

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Madagascar have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010201/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Morocco

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Morocco have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010202/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Mauritius

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with Mauritius have achieved their aims?

Question for written answer E-010203/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fisheries partnership agreements — Solomon Islands

Under fisheries partnership agreements the EU grants financial and technical support in return for fishing rights for EU vessels, one aim being to encourage sustainable fishing while furthering the development of partner countries’ fisheries policies.

Does the Commission consider that the fisheries agreements with the Solomon Islands have achieved their aims?

Joint answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2013)

Each protocol to a Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) allocates a specific amount for supporting the implementation of the sectoral fisheries policy and promoting sustainable fishing in the third country. Annual and multiannual objectives are agreed by the EU and the third country in a Joint Committee that is also responsible for monitoring the use of sectoral support. The minutes of all Joint Committees (as well as supporting documents such as annual reports on the use of sectoral support) are sent to the European Parliament (secretariat of the PECH committee).

Before the opening of negotiations on the renewal protocols, ex-post evaluations are carried out by external consultants. These evaluations analyse the results achieved in the framework of the FPA and in particular with the use of sectoral support. All evaluations are sent to the European Parliament and are published on the Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/documentation/studies/index_en.htm

The Commission considers that the FPAs in force have in general achieved their aims. The new generation of FPAs — Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) are designed to bring in enhanced sustainability and economic benefits for the partner countries.

There is currently no protocol in force with the following countries: Micronesia, Morocco, Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Mauritius and Salomon Islands.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010204/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Publicidad institucional en un número muy limitado de medios de comunicación

Recibo la respuesta de la Comisión a mi preocupación sobre la peligrosa incidencia de los contratos de publicidad institucional, porque colocan en una situación privilegiada a un número muy limitado de medios de comunicación (E-007756/2013), y espero las resoluciones en los procedimientos de información, inspección y, en su caso, de infracción que se abran. Resulta importante defender la correcta aplicación de la publicidad de los contratos públicos y las reglas de una sana competencia leal, máxime cuando estamos en el ámbito de las empresas de información, cuya actividad tanta repercusión tiene.

Sin perjuicio de la información que requiera la Comisión, les indico que, con posterioridad a la presentación de mi anterior pregunta, el Departamento de la Presidencia del Gobierno de Cataluña (España) publicó en su boletín oficial la relación de contratos suscritos durante el primer semestre de este año 2013 (377). Como puede verse, junto al contrato de publicidad institucional de 1 306 800 euros al que en su momento aludí, se recogen otros contratos de publicidad, de información para la ciudadanía y de anuncios para los actos de la festividad de esa Comunidad autónoma: 2 899 974,94 euros, 933 988,26 euros y 665 487,90 euros.

De ahí que insista en preguntar:

| ¿Considera la Comisión que unos contratos de publicidad con un grupo de comunicación que casi alcanzan los tres millones de euros no implican que esa empresa esté en una situación ventajosa respecto a otros medios de comunicación europeos? |
| --- |

¿Considera la Comisión que unos contratos de publicidad con un grupo de comunicación que casi alcanzan los tres millones de euros no implican que esa empresa esté en una situación ventajosa respecto a otros medios de comunicación europeos?

| ¿No estima la Comisión que, si se trata de divulgar «información de interés general para la ciudadanía», deberían contratarse anuncios con la mayoría de los medios de comunicación y no solo con los pertenecientes a un grupo empresarial? ¿No sería preferible distribuir en el mayor número de lotes posibles los contratos para garantizar la máxima difusión de esas «informaciones de interés general»? |
| --- |

¿No estima la Comisión que, si se trata de divulgar «información de interés general para la ciudadanía», deberían contratarse anuncios con la mayoría de los medios de comunicación y no solo con los pertenecientes a un grupo empresarial? ¿No sería preferible distribuir en el mayor número de lotes posibles los contratos para garantizar la máxima difusión de esas «informaciones de interés general»?

| ¿Juzga la Comisión que la preparación y adjudicación de esos contratos de publicidad ha satisfecho las previsiones contenidas en la Directiva 2004/18/CE, de 31 de marzo, sobre coordinación de los procedimientos de adjudicación de los contratos públicos de obras, de suministro y de servicios? |
| --- |

¿Juzga la Comisión que la preparación y adjudicación de esos contratos de publicidad ha satisfecho las previsiones contenidas en la Directiva 2004/18/CE, de 31 de marzo, sobre coordinación de los procedimientos de adjudicación de los contratos públicos de obras, de suministro y de servicios?

Respuesta del Sr. Barnier en nombre de la Comisión

(29 de octubre de 2013)

Su Señoría aporta información adicional sobre los contratos de publicidad institucional adjudicados por el Gobierno catalán durante el primer trimestre de 2013. Esta información será tenida en cuenta por la Comisión en el marco de los contactos con las autoridades españolas para recabar los elementos fácticos en relación con la situación planteada por Su Señoría. Se trata de un paso previo a la evaluación jurídica de la situación a la luz de la Directiva 2004/18/CE.

En el marco de las normas de contratación pública de la UE, los órganos de contratación siguen teniendo libertad para definir el contenido y el ámbito de los contratos públicos que decidan someter a concurso. Sin embargo, la libertad de los órganos de contratación de definir sus objetivos no puede obstaculizar la eficacia de las normas de contratación pública de la UE. En cualquier caso, deben respetar los principios de igualdad de trato y de no discriminación de los licitadores con vistas a garantizar una competencia efectiva entre los agentes económicos.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010204/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Institutional advertising in a very limited number of media outlets

I received the Commission’s answer to my concerns about the dangerous use of institutional advertising contracts because they put a very limited number of media outlets in a privileged position (E-007756/2013), and I await the outcome of the information, inspection and, where applicable, infringement proceedings. It is important to defend the correct application of the advertising of public contracts and the rules of fair, healthy competition, all the more so when it comes to media companies, whose activities have such repercussions.

Without prejudice to the information required by the Commission, I would highlight that, following my previous question, the Office of the Head of the Government of Catalonia (Spain) published in its official journal details of the contracts signed during the first quarter of 2013 (378). As you can see, together with the institutional advertising contract for EUR 1 306 800 which I referred to at the time, there are other advertising contracts, contracts on information for citizens and advertisements for events held in this Autonomous Community worth EUR 2 899 974.94, EUR 933 988.26 and EUR 665 487.90.

I therefore ask:

| Does the Commission not consider that having advertising contracts with one media group worth almost EUR 3 million implies that this company is at an advantage compared with other European media outlets? |
| --- |

Does the Commission not consider that having advertising contracts with one media group worth almost EUR 3 million implies that this company is at an advantage compared with other European media outlets?

| Does the Commission not believe that, if it is a case of disseminating ‘information of general interest to citizens’, advertisements should be taken out with most media outlets and not just those belonging to one business group? Would it not be preferable to distribute the contracts between as many sources as possible in order to ensure maximum dissemination of this ‘information of general interest’? |
| --- |

Does the Commission not believe that, if it is a case of disseminating ‘information of general interest to citizens’, advertisements should be taken out with most media outlets and not just those belonging to one business group? Would it not be preferable to distribute the contracts between as many sources as possible in order to ensure maximum dissemination of this ‘information of general interest’?

| Does the Commission consider that the preparation and award of these advertising contracts comply with the provisions contained in Directive 2004/18/EC of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts? |
| --- |

Does the Commission consider that the preparation and award of these advertising contracts comply with the provisions contained in Directive 2004/18/EC of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The Honourable Member provides additional information related to the contracts for institutional advertising awarded by the Catalan Government during the first quarter of 2013. This information will be taken into account by the Commission in the context of the ongoing contacts with the Spanish authorities to gather the factual elements in relation to the situation raised by the Honourable Member. This is a step prior to the legal assessment of the situation in the light of Directive 2004/18/EC.

In the context of EU public procurement rules, contracting authorities remain free to define the content and the scope of the public contracts that they decide to tender out. However, the freedom of contracting authorities to define their objectives cannot hamper the ‘effet utile’ of EU public procurement rules. They have, in any case, to observe the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination of the bidders in order to ensure effective competition among the economic operators.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010205/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Real Colegio de España en Bolonia (Italia)

A mi pregunta sobre el acceso discriminado del Real Colegio de España en Bolonia a las becas que ofrece, entre otros motivos, por razones de sexo, nacionalidad o creencias (E-007189/2013), me remite la Comisión Europea a los Tribunales. Tienen ciertamente los jueces y tribunales españoles jurisdicción y competencia para analizar la incompatibilidad de los Estatutos del citado Colegio con el Derecho comunitario europeo. Pero si me dirigí a la Comisión fue porque considero que, en virtud de sus funciones enunciadas en el artículo 17, apartado1, del Tratado de Lisboa, puede sugerir de manera más eficaz a los órganos rectores de esa institución que reconsideren los requisitos de acceso y no echen sobre las espaldas de jóvenes licenciados la pesada carga de los recursos judiciales, cuya sentencia pueden conocer muchos años después, habiendo perdido su finalidad el recurso.

Por ello me permito insistir:

| ¿No considera la Comisión que la discriminación por razones de sexo en el estudio, formación e investigación de futuros profesionales contradice la tendencia que marcan las instituciones europeas, entre otros muchos documentos, en su Programa Europa 2020? |
| --- |

¿No considera la Comisión que la discriminación por razones de sexo en el estudio, formación e investigación de futuros profesionales contradice la tendencia que marcan las instituciones europeas, entre otros muchos documentos, en su Programa Europa 2020?

| ¿No podría parecer incoherente que el Derecho comunitario europeo insista en que se sienten en los consejos de administración de las empresas privadas mujeres y se desatienda que una institución de estudio e investigación las excluya de su programa de becas? ¿Por qué ha de cuidarse solo la igualdad de género en las cúpulas directivas de las empresas privadas y no atender a que todo proceso de formación garantice la igualdad de trato? |
| --- |

¿No podría parecer incoherente que el Derecho comunitario europeo insista en que se sienten en los consejos de administración de las empresas privadas mujeres y se desatienda que una institución de estudio e investigación las excluya de su programa de becas? ¿Por qué ha de cuidarse solo la igualdad de género en las cúpulas directivas de las empresas privadas y no atender a que todo proceso de formación garantice la igualdad de trato?

Respuesta de la Sra. Vassiliou en nombre de la Comisión

(25 de octubre de 2013)

La Comisión está comprometida con la defensa del principio de igualdad, lo que incluye la igualdad entre los sexos. A iniciativa de la Comisión, la Unión Europea ha adoptado un marco jurídico sólido de protección contra la discriminación en el empleo, que afecta también a la formación profesional.

Sin embargo, la Comisión desearía recordar que incumbe en primer lugar a los órganos jurisdiccionales nacionales y al Tribunal de Justicia garantizar la plena aplicación de la legislación de la Unión Europea en todos los Estados miembros, así como proporcionar la tutela judicial de los derechos que el Derecho comunitario confiere a los justiciables (véase, en este sentido, el asunto C‐432/05 Unibet [2007] Rec. I‐2271, apartado 38 y jurisprudencia citada). La Comisión, en el marco de la misión que le confiere el artículo 258 del TFUE, carece de autoridad para realizar recomendaciones sobre el cumplimiento de los requisitos de la legislación de la UE para personas físicas o jurídicas, dado que, con arreglo a dicho artículo, solamente puede ejercer sus competencias en relación con los Estados miembros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010205/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Royal College of Spain in Bologna (Italy)

In response to my question on discriminatory access to the grants offered by the Royal College of Spain in Bologna on grounds of gender, nationality or belief (E-007189/2013), the Commission referred me to the courts. Spanish judges and courts do of course have jurisdiction and competences to analyse the incompatibility of this College’s Statutes with EC law. However, I addressed the Commission because I believe that, in view of its functions as set out in Article 17(1) of the Lisbon Treaty, it could suggest more effectively that the governing bodies of this institution reconsider the access requirements and ensure that young graduates do not have to bear the burden of legal redress, which may not bear fruit for many years, by which time it will no longer be relevant.

Therefore, I must stress:

| Does the Commission not consider that discrimination on grounds of gender in the education, training and research of future professionals contradicts the trend highlighted by the European institutions in their Europe 2020 Programme, and many other documents? |
| --- |

Does the Commission not consider that discrimination on grounds of gender in the education, training and research of future professionals contradicts the trend highlighted by the European institutions in their Europe 2020 Programme, and many other documents?

| Could it not seem inconsistent that EC law insists that women should sit on the boards of directors of private companies while a research and education establishment is allowed to exclude them from its grant scheme? Why does gender equality only have to be maintained in the management of private companies while training processes are not expected to guarantee equal treatment? |
| --- |

Could it not seem inconsistent that EC law insists that women should sit on the boards of directors of private companies while a research and education establishment is allowed to exclude them from its grant scheme? Why does gender equality only have to be maintained in the management of private companies while training processes are not expected to guarantee equal treatment?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

The Commission is committed to the principle of equality, including gender equality. It was at the initiative of the Commission that the European Union adopted a solid legal framework protecting against discrimination in employment, including concerning vocational training.

However, the Commission would recall that it is primarily for the national courts and tribunals and for the Court of Justice to ensure the full application of European Union law in all Member States and to ensure judicial protection of an individual’s rights under that law (see, to that effect, Case C‐432/05 Unibet [2007] ECR I‐2271, paragraph 38 and case-law cited). Within the framework of the mission entrusted to it by Article 258 TFEU, the Commission has no authority to make recommendations on compliance with EC law requirements to natural or legal persons, given that its powers under the said article can only be exercised in relation to Member States.

(Dansk udgave)

Forespørgsel til skriftlig besvarelse E-010206/13

til Kommissionen

Bendt Bendtsen (PPE)

(12. september 2013)

Om: Manglende godkendelse af energiforlig

Et bredt flertal i det danske Folketing vedtog i marts 2012 et ambitiøst energiforlig, som bl.a. skulle hæve afregningsprisen for biogas til 1,15 DKK og dermed sikre rentabiliteten i den danske biogassektor.

Da Kommissionen tre gange har stillet supplerende spørgsmål til ordningen, er ca. 40 projekter ifølge Energistyrelsen gået i stå. Dette gælder både nye anlæg og udvidelser af eksisterende anlæg.

| 1. | Er Kommissionen bevidst om, at den i alvorlig grad er med til at bremse udviklingen i en betydningsfuld og ansvarsfuld energibranche? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Er Kommissionen bevidst om, at den i alvorlig grad er med til at bremse udviklingen i en betydningsfuld og ansvarsfuld energibranche?

| 2. | Mener Kommissionen, at det er hensigtsmæssigt over for medarbejdere og bestyrelser i eksisterende biogasanlæg at forhindre vækst i stedet for at skabe tiltrængt vækst i bygge‐ og energisektoren i Europa? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Mener Kommissionen, at det er hensigtsmæssigt over for medarbejdere og bestyrelser i eksisterende biogasanlæg at forhindre vækst i stedet for at skabe tiltrængt vækst i bygge‐ og energisektoren i Europa?

| 3. | Kan Kommissionen venligst forklare, hvorfor det skal tage så lang tid at træffe en afgørelse? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Kan Kommissionen venligst forklare, hvorfor det skal tage så lang tid at træffe en afgørelse?

| 4. | Hvornår kan den danske biogassektor og de mange relaterede industrier forvente en endelig afgørelse fra Kommissionen? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Hvornår kan den danske biogassektor og de mange relaterede industrier forvente en endelig afgørelse fra Kommissionen?

Svar afgivet på Kommissionens vegne af Joaquín Almunia

(24. oktober 2013)

De danske myndigheder har underrettet Kommissionen om en støtteordning for anvendelse af biogas, der markant ændrer den støttemekanisme, som allerede foreligger, og som tidligere er blevet godkendt af Kommissionen [N356/2008].

Medlemsstaterne kan yde statsstøtte til produktion af el fra biogas, så længe bestemmelserne i retningslinjerne for statsstøtte til miljøbeskyttelse opfyldes. Kommissionen skal vurdere ordningens nye elementer — hvoraf nogle kan give komplekse tekniske problemer — for at kunne sikre, at støtten, som ydes, ikke forvrider konkurrencevilkårene i et omfang, der strider mod de fælles interesser.

Kommissionen foretager p.t. sin vurdering i fællesskab med de danske myndigheder, for snarest muligt at kunne skabe retssikkerhed. Afhængigt af, hvordan vurderingen skrider frem, vil en afgørelse kunne vedtages før årets udgang.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010206/13

to the Commission

Bendt Bendtsen (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: No approval of an energy agreement

In March 2012, by a large majority, the Danish Parliament adopted an ambitious energy agreement which inter alia would raise the price of biogas to DKK 1.15, thus ensuring the profitability of the Danish biogas sector.

On three occasions the Commission has submitted additional questions about the scheme, and as a result, according to the Danish Energy Agency, some 40 projects have come to a halt. Both new plants and extensions to existing installations are affected.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware that it is seriously curbing development in what is a significant and responsible energy sector? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware that it is seriously curbing development in what is a significant and responsible energy sector?

| 2. | Does the Commission consider it proper, vis-à-vis the staff and management of existing biogas plants, to impede growth instead of creating it, which is what is needed, in the construction and sectors in Europe? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission consider it proper, vis-à-vis the staff and management of existing biogas plants, to impede growth instead of creating it, which is what is needed, in the construction and sectors in Europe?

| 3. | Can the Commission explain why it should take so long to make a decision? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Can the Commission explain why it should take so long to make a decision?

| 4. | When can the Danish biogas sector and the many related industries expect a final decision by the Commission? |
| --- | --- |

4.

When can the Danish biogas sector and the many related industries expect a final decision by the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

The Danish authorities have notified a support scheme for biogas to the Commission that significantly changes the previous support mechanism that had been in place, and which had been approved by the Commission in the past [N356/2008].

State aid for electricity production from biogas can be granted by Member States provided it complies with the provisions of the Environmental Aid Guidelines. The Commission must assess compliance of the novel elements of the scheme — some of which raise complex technical issues — in order to ensure that the aid granted does not distort competition to an extent contrary to the common interest.

The Commission is carrying out this assessment in cooperation with the Danish authorities in order to provide legal certainty as quickly as possible. Depending on the progress of this assessment, a decision could be adopted before the end of the year.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010207/13

aan de Raad

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(12 september 2013)

Betreft: SWIFT volgens Europese normen

De huidige tekst van de overeenkomst tussen de Europese Unie en de Verenigde Staten van Amerika inzake de verwerking en doorgifte van gegevens betreffende het financiële berichtenverkeer van de Europese Unie naar de Verenigde Staten ten behoeve van het programma voor het traceren van  terrorismefinanciering werd aangenomen in 2010. Sindsdien zijn er verschillende problemen met betrekking tot de rechtszekerheid aan het licht gekomen.

| 1. | Wat is het standpunt van de Raad ten aanzien van deze controversiële overeenkomst? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wat is het standpunt van de Raad ten aanzien van deze controversiële overeenkomst?

| 2. | Hoe kunnen de rechtszekerheid en de privacy van EU-burgers worden gewaarborgd als er geen voorafgaande rechterlijke uitspraak is vereist voor de doorgifte van gegevens, en er geen juridische beroepsmogelijkheden zijn? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Hoe kunnen de rechtszekerheid en de privacy van EU-burgers worden gewaarborgd als er geen voorafgaande rechterlijke uitspraak is vereist voor de doorgifte van gegevens, en er geen juridische beroepsmogelijkheden zijn?

| 3. | Bereidt de Raad een evaluatie van de bovengenoemde overeenkomst voor om de juridische kwesties die sinds de inwerkintreding daarvan aan het licht zijn gekomen te bespreken? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Bereidt de Raad een evaluatie van de bovengenoemde overeenkomst voor om de juridische kwesties die sinds de inwerkintreding daarvan aan het licht zijn gekomen te bespreken?

| 4. | Is de Raad voornemens de huidige overeenkomst te wijzigen zodat de Verenigde Staten ertoe zullen worden verplicht aan de Europese normen op dit vlak te voldoen? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Is de Raad voornemens de huidige overeenkomst te wijzigen zodat de Verenigde Staten ertoe zullen worden verplicht aan de Europese normen op dit vlak te voldoen?

Antwoord

(25 november 2013)

De Raad wacht momenteel op het derde verslag over het functioneren van de TFTP-overeenkomst dat door de Commissie wordt opgesteld. Hij heeft de andere aangelegenheden die in de vraag aan de orde worden gesteld, niet besproken.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010207/13

to the Council

Auke Zijlstra (NI)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: SWIFT under European standards

The current text of the Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of financial messaging data from the EU to the USA for the purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme was adopted in 2010; several issues relating to legal certainty have since come to light.

| 1. | Can the Council share its position on this controversial agreement? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Can the Council share its position on this controversial agreement?

| 2. | How is the legal certainty and privacy of EU citizens guaranteed, if there is no requirement for a prior judicial ruling for the transfer of data, and no legal redress available? |
| --- | --- |

2.

How is the legal certainty and privacy of EU citizens guaranteed, if there is no requirement for a prior judicial ruling for the transfer of data, and no legal redress available?

| 3. | Is the Council preparing any kind of evaluation of the aforementioned agreement in order to discuss the legal issues that have come to light since its entry into force? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Is the Council preparing any kind of evaluation of the aforementioned agreement in order to discuss the legal issues that have come to light since its entry into force?

| 4. | Is the Council planning to alter the current agreement so that the USA will be forced to comply with European standards in this field? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Is the Council planning to alter the current agreement so that the USA will be forced to comply with European standards in this field?

Reply

(25 November 2013)

The Council is currently waiting for the third report on the functioning of the TFTP Agreement to be prepared by the Commission. It has not discussed the other issues referred to in the question.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010208/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Sandrine Bélier (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Michèle Rivasi (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE) y Eva Joly (Verts/ALE)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Protección de un parque natural en Guinea-Bisáu

El parque nacional Varela de Guinea-Bisáu está situado en la costa atlántica cerca de la frontera con Senegal, frente a las islas Boloma Bijagós, que han estado bajo la protección de la Unesco como reserva de la biosfera desde 1996 (379). El parque, habitado por los djolas, está caracterizado por la diversidad de sus ecosistemas.

Los djolas, el parque y las plantas y los animales que lo habitan están actualmente en peligro debido a la riqueza mineral de la zona. Empresas chinas ya han declarado su interés en la explotación de los yacimientos de petróleo que se espera encontrar en la costa, y la última amenaza para los djolas es la presencia actual de empresas rusas en el parque para explorar el potencial de explotación de varios minerales, entre los que hay algunos radiactivos.

La Comisión ha declarado recientemente que era consciente de la situación gracias a sus relaciones con la sociedad civil en Guinea-Bisáu, pero ha indicado que no podrá tomar medidas porque la UE no reconoce al gobierno de transición del país.

| 1. | ¿Planteará la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante la cuestión de la integridad del parque nacional Varela, y el desarrollo sostenible de los territorios de los djolas en su diálogo con las autoridades de Guinea-Bisáu? |
| --- | --- |

1.

¿Planteará la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante la cuestión de la integridad del parque nacional Varela, y el desarrollo sostenible de los territorios de los djolas en su diálogo con las autoridades de Guinea-Bisáu?

| 2. | ¿Adoptará la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante una posición formal ante la asamblea parlamentaria conjunta ACP-UE acerca de la necesidad de proteger el parque? |
| --- | --- |

2.

¿Adoptará la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante una posición formal ante la asamblea parlamentaria conjunta ACP-UE acerca de la necesidad de proteger el parque?

| 3. | ¿Recurrirá la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante a la Unesco para organizar una misión de investigación para determinar las medidas más apropiadas que se deben tomar, tales como el reconocimiento del parque como sitio natural incluido en el patrimonio mundial o como reserva de la biosfera, y posiblemente incluirlo en la reserva de la biosfera de las islas Boloma Bijagós? |
| --- | --- |

3.

¿Recurrirá la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante a la Unesco para organizar una misión de investigación para determinar las medidas más apropiadas que se deben tomar, tales como el reconocimiento del parque como sitio natural incluido en el patrimonio mundial o como reserva de la biosfera, y posiblemente incluirlo en la reserva de la biosfera de las islas Boloma Bijagós?

Respuesta de la alta representante y vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(8 de noviembre de 2013)

Tal y como se indicó en la respuesta que facilitó este junio último la Comisión sobre el problema del parque nacional Varela, la UE y, por tanto, la Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta no mantienen diálogo alguno con las autoridades de Guinea-Bisáu porque la Unión no las reconoce, ya que no han sido nombradas mediante un proceso democrático.

No obstante, la UE siente inquietud por la situación medioambiental de Guinea-Bisáu, por lo que nuestra Delegación en el país está siguiendo de cerca la cuestión (dicha Delegación ha contratado a un experto en biodiversidad y recursos naturales para que facilite una descripción global de la situación).

La UE ha venido proporcionado apoyo a la protección medioambiental en Guinea-Bisáu desde 2005, centrándose especialmente en sus parques nacionales. Gracias a su decidida participación, junto con todas las comunidades locales, el 24 % del territorio nacional está actualmente cubierto por siete zonas protegidas. Hasta donde sabe la Comisión, no se ha creado aun oficialmente ningún parque nacional en la zona de Varela.

Pese a que, por el momento, la UE no puede plantear oficialmente a las autoridades esta cuestión, sí que lo ha hecho ante otros socios, tales como la representación local de las Naciones Unidas y el Representante Especial del Secretario General de la ONU para Guinea-Bisáu, el excelentísimo señor Ramos-Horta, así como ante la sociedad civil. La UE seguirá ejerciendo presión diplomática sobre esta cuestión.

Cuando asuma el poder un gobierno legítimo, la UE se asegurará de que se incluya en el diálogo político la protección de los recursos naturales.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010208/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Sandrine Bélier (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Michèle Rivasi (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE) et Eva Joly (Verts/ALE)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Protection du parc national de Varela, en Guinée-Bissau

Le parc national de Varela se situe en Guinée-Bissau, sur la côte atlantique, près de la frontière sénégalaise et face à l'archipel des Bijagós, placé depuis 1996 sous la protection de l'Unesco en tant que réserve de biosphère (380). Habité par des populations diola, le parc se caractérise par la diversité de ses écosystèmes.

Les Diolas, le parc, ainsi que la faune et la flore locales se trouvent actuellement menacés du fait de la présence d'abondantes ressources minières dans la région. Certaines sociétés chinoises ont déjà exprimé le souhait d'exploiter les gisements de pétrole susceptibles de se trouver au large des côtes, tandis que des entreprises russes prospectent actuellement sur le terrain afin de déterminer le potentiel minier du parc pour l'extraction de plusieurs minerais, y compris radioactifs, ajoutant aux menaces qui pèsent sur les populations diola.

La Commission a récemment indiqué qu'elle avait eu connaissance de la situation grâce à ses relations avec la société civile en Guinée-Bissau, mais a déclaré qu'elle ne pouvait agir, l'Union européenne ne reconnaissant pas le gouvernement de transition à la tête du pays.

Nous posons par conséquent à la vice-présidente et haute représentante de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité les questions suivantes:

| Soulèvera-t-elle la question de la préservation du parc national de Varela et du développement durable des territoires habités par les Diolas dans le cadre de son dialogue avec les autorités de Guinée-Bissau? |
| --- |

Soulèvera-t-elle la question de la préservation du parc national de Varela et du développement durable des territoires habités par les Diolas dans le cadre de son dialogue avec les autorités de Guinée-Bissau?

| Adoptera-t-elle une position officielle devant l'Assemblée parlementaire paritaire ACP-UE sur la nécessité de protéger le parc? |
| --- |

Adoptera-t-elle une position officielle devant l'Assemblée parlementaire paritaire ACP-UE sur la nécessité de protéger le parc?

| Invitera-t-elle l'Unesco à organiser une mission d'étude visant à déterminer les mesures les plus adaptées à cette fin, telles que l'inscription du parc sur la liste du patrimoine mondial en tant que bien naturel ou sa désignation comme réserve de biosphère, et éventuellement son inclusion dans la réserve de biosphère de l'archipel des Bijagós? |
| --- |

Invitera-t-elle l'Unesco à organiser une mission d'étude visant à déterminer les mesures les plus adaptées à cette fin, telles que l'inscription du parc sur la liste du patrimoine mondial en tant que bien naturel ou sa désignation comme réserve de biosphère, et éventuellement son inclusion dans la réserve de biosphère de l'archipel des Bijagós?

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

(8 novembre 2013)

Comme l'indiquait la Commission dans sa réponse de juin dernier portant sur le parc national de Varela, l'UE, et donc également la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante, n'a pas établi de dialogue avec les autorités de Guinée-Bissau qu'elle ne reconnaît pas étant donné qu'elles n'ont pas été désignées dans le cadre d'un processus démocratique.

Toutefois, l'Union s'intéresse à la situation environnementale en Guinée-Bissau et notre délégation dans le pays suit de près ce dossier (un expert en matière de biodiversité et de ressources naturelles a été recruté par la délégation de l'UE pour faire un bilan complet de la situation).

L'UE soutient la protection de l'environnement en Guinée-Bissau depuis 2005, en mettant particulièrement l'accent sur les parcs nationaux. Cette forte implication, conjuguée à l'engagement de l'ensemble des communautés locales, a permis d'instaurer 7 zones protégées qui couvrent désormais 24 % du territoire national. À la connaissance de l'UE, aucun parc national n'a jusqu'à présent été officiellement créé dans la région de Varela.

Bien que cette question ne puisse pas être évoquée officiellement avec les autorités à ce stade, l'UE l'a abordée avec d'autres partenaires, parmi lesquels la représentation locale de l'ONU et le représentant spécial du Secrétaire général des Nations unies pour la Guinée-Bissau, S.E. M. Ramos-Horta, ainsi qu'avec la société civile. L'UE continuera d'exercer des pressions diplomatiques dans ce domaine.

Par ailleurs, lorsqu'un gouvernement légitime sera au pouvoir, l'UE veillera à ce que la protection des ressources naturelles soit intégrée dans le dialogue politique.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010208/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Sandrine Bélier (Verts/ALE), Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Michèle Rivasi (Verts/ALE), Catherine Grèze (Verts/ALE) and Eva Joly (Verts/ALE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Protection of national park in Guinea-Bissau

The Varela National Park in Guinea-Bissau is situated on the Atlantic coast near the Senegal border facing the Boloma Bijagos islands, which have been under Unesco protection as a biosphere reserve since 1996 (381). The park, which is inhabited by the Djola people, is characterised by the diversity of its ecosystems.

The Djolas, the park and the plants and animals in it are currently under threat because of the area’s mineral wealth. Chinese companies have already declared an interest in exploiting oil deposits expected to be found off the coast, and the latest threat to the Djolas is the current presence of Russian companies in the park to explore the mining potential of several minerals, including radioactive ones.

The Commission has recently stated that it was aware of the situation through its relations with civil society in Guinea-Bissau, but has declared that it could not take action because the EU does not recognise the country’s transitional government.

We therefore ask the Vice-President/High Representative the following:

| Will she raise the issue of the Varela National Park’s integrity, and the sustainable development of the territories of the Djola people, in her dialogue with the Guinea-Bissau authorities? |
| --- |

Will she raise the issue of the Varela National Park’s integrity, and the sustainable development of the territories of the Djola people, in her dialogue with the Guinea-Bissau authorities?

| Will she take a formal position before the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on the need to the safeguard the park? |
| --- |

Will she take a formal position before the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on the need to the safeguard the park?

| Will she call on Unesco to organise a fact-finding mission aimed at identifying the most appropriate measures to take, such as recognition of the park as a natural world heritage site or biosphere reserve, and possibly including it in the Boloma Bijagos islands biosphere reserve? |
| --- |

Will she call on Unesco to organise a fact-finding mission aimed at identifying the most appropriate measures to take, such as recognition of the park as a natural world heritage site or biosphere reserve, and possibly including it in the Boloma Bijagos islands biosphere reserve?

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

(8 November 2013)

As indicated in the reply provided last June by the Commission on the issue of the Varela National Park, the EU, and therefore also the HR/VP, does not have a dialogue with the Guinea-Bissau authorities, because they are not recognised by the EU, as they were not designated through a democratic process.

However, the EU is concerned with the environmental situation in Guinea Bissau and our Delegation in the country is closely following the issue (an expert on biodiversity and natural resources has been recruited by the EU Delegation to provide a comprehensive description of the situation).

The EU has provided support for environmental protection in Guinea Bissau since 2005, focusing in particular on its national parks. Thanks to this strong involvement, along with all the local communities, 24% of the national territory is now covered by 7 protected areas. As far as the EU is aware, no national park has officially been created yet in the area of Varela.

Although this issue cannot at this stage be formally raised with the authorities, the EU has raised it with other partners such as the local UN representation and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Mr Ramos-Horta, as well as with the civil society. The EU will continue to exercise diplomatic pressure on this matter.

Once a legitimate government is in power, the EU will also ensure that the protection of natural resources is included in the political dialogue.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010209/13

alla Commissione

Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Limite di acquisto presso i punti vendita Louis Vuitton

Nei propri negozi la società di moda Louis Vuitton limiterebbe a un numero di unità predefinito la vendita dei propri prodotti per singolo cliente (nello specifico, borse da donna).

Può la Commissione confermare l'esistenza di una tale pratica?

Ritiene che tale limite sia compatibile con le vigenti normative europee, con i principi del libero mercato e della concorrenza e con le leggi che regolano l'offerta al pubblico di prodotti esposti in libera vendita?

Conferma che, in fase produttiva, le politiche commerciali di Louis Vuitton si contraddistinguono per un'accentuata apertura a risorse globali, per il ricorso a procedure internazionali di delocalizzazione produttiva e per la variazione anche sensibile del prezzo di offerta finale dei propri prodotti in base al mercato finale di vendita?

Ritiene che sia legittima l'applicazione di una misura che, limitando i vantaggi offerti dalle procedure di globalizzazione economica e produttiva internazionale alla sola società produttrice, impedisce di fatto l'acquisto di un prodotto in un mercato ove tale prodotto sia offerto al consumatore a costo più vantaggioso per lo stesso?

Ritiene che tale disposizione, ove confermata, debba essere considerata come protezionistica e dunque vietata ai sensi dell'ordinamento vigente?

Ritiene infine di dover aprire un'opportuna indagine in merito?

Risposta data dal Vicepresidente Joaquín Almunia a nome della Commissione

(24 ottobre 2013)

La Commissione è consapevole del fatto che i produttori di beni di lusso adottino spesso una politica che prevede prezzi diversi a seconda dei paesi in cui si effettuano le vendite. Per garantire che questa strategia non venga compromessa da grandi volumi di importazioni parallele, gli stessi produttori possono adottare misure volte a contingentare le attività degli importatori, ad esempio limitando il volume delle merci che possono essere vendute a un unico acquirente.

Se un produttore non è in posizione dominante, il fatto che simili pratiche violino o meno le regole dell'UE sulla concorrenza dipende, in genere, dai due fattori principali:

| — | se la discriminazione sulla base dei prezzi avvenga tra l'UE e paesi terzi, o invece tra Stati membri dell'UE, e |
| --- | --- |

—

se la discriminazione sulla base dei prezzi avvenga tra l'UE e paesi terzi, o invece tra Stati membri dell'UE, e

| — | se il produttore in questione è proprietario dei propri punti vendita, o al contrario vende la propria merce tramite un sistema di distribuzione costituito da imprese indipendenti. |
| --- | --- |

—

se il produttore in questione è proprietario dei propri punti vendita, o al contrario vende la propria merce tramite un sistema di distribuzione costituito da imprese indipendenti.

Per quanto riguarda il primo fattore, le regole unionali relative alla concorrenza non si applicano se le pratiche in questione hanno poca o nessuna incidenza sugli scambi tra Stati membri dell'Unione europea — ad esempio, se la discriminazione in materia di prezzi coinvolge Giappone e UE.

Per quanto riguarda il secondo aspetto, l'articolo 101 del trattato (che è stato spesso utilizzato nel caso di produttori che limitano il commercio parallelo) si applica solo quando il comportamento in questione avviene nel quadro di un accordo tra imprese indipendenti. Nel caso in cui i prodotti in questione siano distribuiti attraverso punti vendita appartenenti al produttore stesso dei beni di lusso, l'articolo 101 non si applica poiché il limite posto al numero di articoli che possono essere venduti a un singolo acquirente non sorge da un accordo ma è stato imposto unilateralmente.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010209/13

to the Commission

Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Limit on purchases made in Louis Vuitton stores

The fashion company Louis Vuitton has reportedly set a limit on the number of its products (in particular women’s handbags) that individual customers may purchase in its stores.

Can the Commission confirm that such a practice exists?

Does it believe that this limit is compatible with current EU legislation, with the principles of the free market and competition, and with the laws governing the supply of goods on open sale to the public?

Can it confirm that Louis Vuitton’s business policies in the production phase are characterised by the extensive use of global resources, by recourse to international relocation procedures and by an at times considerable variation in the final price of the company’s goods depending on the market in which they are ultimately sold?

Does it consider it legitimate to apply a measure that, by only allowing the producer to benefit from procedures based on economic globalisation and globalisation of production, actually prevents goods from being purchased in a market in which they are offered to consumers at a more favourable price?

Does it believe that this measure, if confirmed, should be deemed protectionist and hence prohibited under current legislation?

Lastly, does it believe it should launch an appropriate investigation into the matter?

Answer given by Vice-President Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

The Commission is aware that producers of luxury goods often sell at different prices in different countries. To ensure that this strategy is not frustrated by large volumes of parallel imports, they may take measures to curtail importers' activities, for instance by limiting the volume of goods that may be sold to a single purchaser.

If a producer is not in a dominant position, the question as to whether or not these practices may breach the EU competition rules generally depends on two main factors:

| — | whether the price discrimination takes place between the EU and third countries, or rather between EU Member States, and |
| --- | --- |

—

whether the price discrimination takes place between the EU and third countries, or rather between EU Member States, and

| — | whether the producer in question owns its own outlets, or rather sells through a distribution system made up of independent firms. |
| --- | --- |

—

whether the producer in question owns its own outlets, or rather sells through a distribution system made up of independent firms.

As to the first factor, the EU competition rules do not apply if the practices have little or no impact on trade between EU Member States — for instance, if the price discrimination takes place between Japan and the EU.

As to the second aspect, Article 101 of the Treaty (which has often been used when producers restrict parallel trade) only applies when the behaviour in question takes place within the framework of an agreement between independent firms. Where the products in question are distributed through a luxury goods producer's own outlets, Article 101 will not apply, since the limit on the number of items that may be sold to a single buyer will not arise from an agreement, but instead will have been unilaterally imposed.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010210/13

alla Commissione

Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD) e Giancarlo Scottà (EFD)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Costo della procedura di risposta alle interrogazioni parlamentari

La Commissione conosce o ha avuto modo di verificare il costo medio della procedura di risposta ad una singola interrogazione parlamentare? Qual è la percentuale complessiva della spesa per le interrogazioni parlamentari rispetto al bilancio della Commissione?

Risposta di Maroš Šefčovič a nome della Commissione

(30 ottobre 2013)

Gli onorevoli parlamentari sono pregati di far riferimento alla risposta della Commissione all’interrogazione scritta E-7064/13 (punto 4).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010210/13

to the Commission

Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD) and Giancarlo Scottà (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Cost of the procedure for answering parliamentary questions

Does the Commission know, or has it been able to check, the average cost of the procedure for answering a single parliamentary question? What percentage of the Commission’s budget is spent in total on parliamentary questions?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

The Honourable Members are referred to the Commission’s answer to Written Question E-7064/13 (point 4).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010211/13

alla Commissione

Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Imposta su prodotti e attività finanziarie in ambito UE, incompatibilità della legge italiana 214/2011 con la normativa comunitaria

In data 16 gennaio 2013 l'interrogante presentava alla Commissione europea l'interrogazione n. P-000432/2013 tesa ad accertare eventuali profili d'incompatibilità rispetto alla normativa comunitaria della legge italiana n. 214/2011.

La Commissione europea replicava all'interrogante (P-000432/2013) rilevando che avrebbe approfondito l'esame della questione sottopostagli al fine di stabilire se le differenze tra l’IVAFE e l’imposta di bollo configurassero di fatto una violazione del diritto dell'UE, in particolare del principio di libera circolazione dei capitali.

Ha la Commissione concluso tale approfondimento? Qual è stato l'esito di tale verifica? Può dare una risposta conclusiva all'interrogazione P-000432/2013?

Risposta di Algirdas Šemeta a nome della Commissione

(25 ottobre 2013)

Facendo seguito alla risposta all’interrogazione P-000432/2013, la Commissione conferma di aver esaminato la legislazione italiana in vigore riguardante l’IVAFE e l’imposta di bollo.

L’analisi ha indicato che sussistono alcuni dubbi sulla compatibilità con il diritto dell’Unione della legislazione sull’IVAFE. Di conseguenza, le autorità italiane sono state invitate a trasmettere la loro posizione in merito e a indicare la loro disponibilità a modificare le disposizioni pertinenti.

Nella loro risposta del luglio 2013, le autorità italiane hanno indicato di aver avviato la procedura amministrativa per allineare le disposizioni pertinenti con il diritto dell’UE.

In settembre 2013 i servizi della Commissione hanno chiesto alle autorità italiane di presentare una bozza dei testi che saranno adottati e un calendario per la loro entrata in vigore.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010211/13

to the Commission

Francesco Enrico Speroni (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Tax on financial products and activities in the EU — incompatibility of Italian Law No 214/2011 with EU legislation

On 16 January 2013 this author submitted question P-000432/2013 to the Commission with a view to establishing whether Italian Law No 214/2011 is in any way incompatible with EU legislation.

The Commission stated in its answer (P-000432/2013) that it would investigate the issue further in order to establish whether the differences between the IVAFE and the ‘bollo’ effectively constitute a violation of EC law, and in particular a violation of the principle of free movement of capital.

Has the Commission concluded this investigation? What was the outcome? Can it provide a definitive answer to question P-000432/2013?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

Further to the answer to Question P-000432/2013, the Commission confirms that it has investigated the Italian legislation in force concerning the IVAFE and the ‘bollo’.

The analysis indicated that there are some doubts as to the compatibility with EC law of the legislation on IVAFE. Accordingly, the Italian authorities were requested to transmit their position on the issue and to indicate their willingness to modify the relevant provisions.

In their reply in July 2013, the Italian authorities indicated that they have initiated the administrative procedure to align the relevant provisions with EC law.

In September 2013, the Commission services requested that the Italian authorities submit a draft of the texts that will be adopted and a timetable for their entry into force.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010212/13

alla Commissione

Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Gino Trematerra (PPE), Fabrizio Bertot (PPE) e Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Progettazione e costruzione della tangente nord ad alta velocità di Sofia con fondi europei

Lo scorso 29.4.2013 la JV Salini — Impregilo, dopo aver partecipato a una procedura di gara aperta con il criterio dell'offerta economicamente più vantaggiosa per la progettazione e costruzione della tangente nord ad alta velocità di Sofia, in Bulgaria (dal km 0+000 al km 16 +540), aveva ricevuto la comunicazione di aggiudicazione (Decisione AIS No 52/29.4.2013) dall'Agenzia bulgara per le infrastrutture stradali (AIS) per il miglior punteggio ottenuto in base alla proposta tecnica e ai tempi realizzativi previsti.

A seguito di impugnazione da parte di due degli altri partecipanti, la PorrBau GmbH (Austria) e il Consorzio HPVS-SST (Bulgaria), il 19.6.2013 la commissione per la tutela della concorrenza (CTC) dichiarava accolto l'appello del Consorzio HPVS-SST squalificando la JV Salini-Impregilo in base all'asserita mancanza dei seguenti requisiti di gara:

| — | dimostrazione che l'esperienza degli specialisti proposti per le posizioni di responsabile del progetto e vice responsabile del progetto equivale alla laurea magistrale in «Costruzioni di Trasporto/Ingegneria»; |
| --- | --- |

—

dimostrazione che l'esperienza degli specialisti proposti per le posizioni di responsabile del progetto e vice responsabile del progetto equivale alla laurea magistrale in «Costruzioni di Trasporto/Ingegneria»;

| — | dimostrazione dell'esperienza di lavoro richiesta per la posizione di coordinatore per la salute e la sicurezza. |
| --- | --- |

—

dimostrazione dell'esperienza di lavoro richiesta per la posizione di coordinatore per la salute e la sicurezza.

L'impresa sostiene di aver fornito tutta la documentazione richiesta per provare l'esistenza dei requisiti.

Alla luce di quanto sopra, si chiede alla Commissione:

| È vero che la realizzazione dell'infrastruttura in oggetto verrà eseguita con fondi provenienti dal bilancio dell'Unione europea? |
| --- |

È vero che la realizzazione dell'infrastruttura in oggetto verrà eseguita con fondi provenienti dal bilancio dell'Unione europea?

| Se così fosse e visti i sospetti di illegittimità nelle decisioni dell'Agenzia bulgara per le infrastrutture stradali (AIS) in questa vicenda, quali controlli di audit intende porre in essere per garantire un corretto, efficace ed efficiente utilizzo dei fondi europei? |
| --- |

Se così fosse e visti i sospetti di illegittimità nelle decisioni dell'Agenzia bulgara per le infrastrutture stradali (AIS) in questa vicenda, quali controlli di audit intende porre in essere per garantire un corretto, efficace ed efficiente utilizzo dei fondi europei?

| Inoltre, ritiene la Commissione che le direttive europee in materia di appalti pubblici siano state violate visto che sembrano disattesi i principi di trasparenza e non discriminazione? |
| --- |

Inoltre, ritiene la Commissione che le direttive europee in materia di appalti pubblici siano state violate visto che sembrano disattesi i principi di trasparenza e non discriminazione?

| Ritiene infine che anche il diritto europeo in materia di qualifiche professionali sia stato violato visto che è stato negato il riconoscimento di professionisti dotati di tutte le caratteristiche richieste? |
| --- |

Ritiene infine che anche il diritto europeo in materia di qualifiche professionali sia stato violato visto che è stato negato il riconoscimento di professionisti dotati di tutte le caratteristiche richieste?

Risposta di Johannes Hahn a nome della Commissione

(5 novembre 2013)

Il cofinanziamento unionale del progetto della tangente nord ad alta velocità di Sofia è previsto nel contesto del programma di sviluppo regionale bulgaro. Trattandosi però di un grande progetto l'investimento è subordinato alla valutazione e all'approvazione della Commissione e si è ancora in attesa della sua presentazione formale da parte della Bulgaria. Soltanto in seguito a una valutazione positiva da parte della Commissione potrà essere confermato un eventuale cofinanziamento dell'UE.

Nel contesto della gestione concorrente la Commissione svolge un ruolo di supervisione e si limita ad accertare che i sistemi di gestione e di controllo posti in atto negli Stati membri siano conformi alla legislazione dell'UE. A tal fine essa verifica regolarmente il funzionamento effettivo di tali sistemi. La Commissione effettua un audit su un contratto specifico soltanto ex-post, dopo la firma del contratto ed il completamento di tutte le procedure pertinenti a livello nazionale. La Commissione, qualora riscontri irregolarità in una procedura d'appalto cofinanziata, procede agli appropriati interventi correttivi tra cui rientra anche la possibilità di cancellare, in toto o in parte, la sovvenzione dell'UE ove ciò sia ritenuto necessario.

Dalle informazioni di cui dispone la Commissione su questo caso particolare emerge che, in seguito a un ricorso, la procedura d'appalto è stata rinviata per riesame. Finora però la Commissione non ha ricevuto informazioni dettagliate sulla procedura d'appalto in questione tali da consentirle di accertare se in questo caso siano state violate le procedure relative agli appalti pubblici e, in particolare, i principi di non discriminazione e trasparenza.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010212/13

to the Commission

Alfredo Pallone (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Gino Trematerra (PPE), Fabrizio Bertot (PPE) and Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Design and construction of Sofia's high-speed northern bypass using European funds

On 29 April 2013, after participating in the open tender procedure and offering the most financially advantageous bid for designing and constructing Sofia’s high-speed northern bypass (from 0+000 km to 16+540 km), the Salini‐Impregilo joint venture had received notification of being awarded the contract (ARI Decision No 52/29.4.2013) by the Bulgarian Agency for Roads and Infrastructure (ARI) for the highest score achieved, based on the technical proposal and implementation times envisaged.

As a result of an appeal lodged by two of the other participants, Porr Bau GmbH (Austria) and the HPVS‐SST consortium (Bulgaria), the Bulgarian Commission for the Protection of Competition (CPC) announced on 19 June 2013 that it upheld the appeal from the HPVS‐SST consortium, while disqualifying the Salini‐Impregilo joint venture based on its alleged failure to meet the following tender requirements:

| — | demonstrating that the experience of the specialists being put forward for the project manager and assistant project manager positions was equivalent to a master's degree in ‘Transport construction/Engineering’; |
| --- | --- |

—

demonstrating that the experience of the specialists being put forward for the project manager and assistant project manager positions was equivalent to a master's degree in ‘Transport construction/Engineering’;

| — | demonstrating the necessary work experience for the position of health and safety coordinator. |
| --- | --- |

—

demonstrating the necessary work experience for the position of health and safety coordinator.

The company maintains that it supplied all the necessary documentation to prove the requirements were met.

In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:

| Is it true that the infrastructure in question will be constructed using funds coming from the European Union’s budget? |
| --- |

Is it true that the infrastructure in question will be constructed using funds coming from the European Union’s budget?

| If this is the case and given the suspected illegitimate nature of the decisions made by the Bulgarian Agency for Roads and Infrastructure (ARI) on this matter, what audit checks does the Commission intend to carry out to ensure that European funds are used properly, efficiently and effectively? |
| --- |

If this is the case and given the suspected illegitimate nature of the decisions made by the Bulgarian Agency for Roads and Infrastructure (ARI) on this matter, what audit checks does the Commission intend to carry out to ensure that European funds are used properly, efficiently and effectively?

| Furthermore, does the Commission believe that the European directives on public procurement have been infringed, given that the principles of transparency and non-discrimination seem to have been disregarded? |
| --- |

Furthermore, does the Commission believe that the European directives on public procurement have been infringed, given that the principles of transparency and non-discrimination seem to have been disregarded?

| Finally, does it also believe that European law on professional qualifications has been infringed, given the refusal to recognise the specialists who have all the necessary attributes? |
| --- |

Finally, does it also believe that European law on professional qualifications has been infringed, given the refusal to recognise the specialists who have all the necessary attributes?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

EU co-financing of the Sofia high-speed northern bypass project is planned under the Bulgarian regional development programme. However, the investment is a major project subject to appraisal and approval by the Commission and the formal submission of this project by Bulgaria is currently pending. Only after a positive assessment by the Commission could any EU co-financing be confirmed.

Under shared management, the Commission plays a supervisory role by satisfying itself that the management and control systems in Member States are compliant with EU legislation. It does so by regularly verifying the effective functioning of these systems. A Commission audit of a specific contract would only be carried out ex-post following signature of the contract and completion of all related procedures at national level. Where the Commission detects irregularities in a co-financed tender procedure, appropriate corrective actions are applied, including possible cancellation of all or part of the EU grant if judged necessary.

The information available to the Commission about this particular case indicates that, following an appeal, the procurement procedure was sent back for re-evaluation. However, until now, the Commission has not received any detailed information related to the procurement procedure in question which would allow it to ascertain whether EU public procurement rules and in particular, the principles of non-discrimination and transparency have been infringed in this case.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010213/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Obstacles, frontières et charges handicapant la libre circulation

Dans ce cadre, nous ne pouvons que regretter que la proportionnalité soit rarement évaluée.

La Commission pourrait-elle préciser la notion de proportionnalité?

La Commission pourrait-elle publier des orientations pratiques à l'intention des États membres sur les modalités de son application, se fondant sur la jurisprudence en vigueur de la Cour de justice?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

La proportionnalité, en tant que principe général du droit de l'Union, joue un rôle central en ce qui concerne la libre circulation des personnes, et elle a été utilisée de façon constante comme critère par la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne en vue d'évaluer si une mesure nationale ayant une incidence négative sur le droit à la libre circulation des citoyens de l'Union et fondée sur des considérations objectives d'intérêt général indépendantes de la nationalité des personnes concernées est appropriée pour atteindre l'objectif visé et ne va pas au-delà de ce qui est nécessaire à la réalisation dudit objectif.

En particulier, comme la libre circulation des personnes constitue un droit fondamental conféré aux citoyens de l'Union par le traité, elle doit être interprétée de manière stricte, et les mesures restrictives ne peuvent se justifier que si elles respectent le principe de proportionnalité. Ce dernier imprègne l'application des règles établies par la directive 2004/38/CE relative au droit des citoyens de l'Union et des membres de leurs familles de circuler et de séjourner librement sur le territoire des États membres, comme le montrent notamment les références figurant au considérant 16 et à l'article 27, paragraphe 2, de cette directive.

La Commission a publié des lignes directrices destinées à améliorer la transposition et l'application de la directive 2004/38/CE (382) en se fondant sur la jurisprudence de la Cour de justice. Dans ces lignes directrices, elle a énoncé en détail les modalités d'examen du critère de proportionnalité lorsque les États membres déterminent si un citoyen de l'Union est devenu une charge déraisonnable pour le système d'assistance sociale et lorsqu'ils envisagent des mesures restrictives pour des raisons d'ordre public ou de sécurité publique.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010213/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Obstacles, borders and charges impeding freedom of movement

It is regrettable that proportionality is only rarely evaluated in respect of the above.

Could the Commission clarify the principle of proportionality?

Could the Commission publish practical guidance for the Member States on the arrangements for application of this principle on the basis of ECJ case law?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

Proportionality, as a general principle of EC law, plays a central role with regards to free movement of people and has been consistently used by the Court of Justice of the European Union as a test in order to evaluate whether a national measure negatively affecting EU citizens' free movement rights and based on objective considerations of public interest independent of the nationality of the persons concerned, is appropriate to achieve the objective pursued and does not go beyond what is necessary in order to attain that objective.

In particular, as free movement of persons is a fundamental right conferred to EU citizens by the Treaty, any derogation must be interpreted strictly and restrictive measures may only be justified if they respect the principle of proportionality. This principle therefore permeates the application of the rules of Directive 2004/38 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, as illustrated notably in the references made in Recital 16 and Article 27(2) of this directive.

The Commission has issued guidelines for better transposition and application of Directive 2004/38 (383) based on relevant case-law of the Court of Justice. In these guidelines it has set down in detail criteria for carrying out this proportionality test where Members States assess whether an EU citizen has become an unreasonable burden on their social assistance system and where they envisage restrictive measures on grounds of public policy or security.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010214/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Guichets uniques

La Commission a-t-elle des pistes pour moderniser les guichets uniques, par exemple en les faisant évoluer vers la deuxième génération afin d'en faire des portails d'administration en ligne pleinement fonctionnels, plurilingues et faciles d'utilisation?

La Commission partage-t-elle l'avis selon lequel il importe d'adopter une approche relative aux prestataires de services qui couvre l'ensemble du cycle économique?

La Commission estime-t-elle que les procédures électroniques renforceront la simplification, réduiront les coûts de mise en conformité et amélioreront la sécurité juridique?

La Commission pourrait-elle définir des critères de comparaison précis pour l'évaluation des guichets uniques, y compris des données sur leur niveau d'utilisation, et faire rapport régulièrement au Parlement sur les progrès enregistrés?

Réponse donnée par M. Barnier au nom de la Commission

(11 novembre 2013)

La Commission, en collaboration avec les États membres, a établi les critères applicables aux guichets uniques de deuxième génération sous la forme d'une charte des guichets uniques, qui a été approuvée le 3 juin 2013 par le groupe de haut niveau du Conseil «Compétitivité». La charte définit les principales caractéristiques d'un guichet unique convivial pour les entreprises et les critères d'évaluation de cet aspect. Ces critères concernent la qualité et la disponibilité de l'information, la disponibilité et l'accessibilité des procédures électroniques, y compris l'accessibilité pour les utilisateurs transfrontières, et la facilité d'utilisation. La Charte vise à ce que, tout au long du cycle de vie des entreprises, les guichets uniques répondent mieux aux besoins de celles-ci et leur facilitent la tâche. La première évaluation de la conformité à la charte des guichets uniques est prévue pour 2014.

L'article 8 de la directive «services» (384) impose aux États membres de veiller à ce que les prestataires de services puissent accomplir les procédures par voie électronique. Les travaux prévus par les orientations pour les télécommunications  (385) dans le cadre du MIE (386), une fois celles-ci approuvées par le législateur, viseront à promouvoir le déploiement de services en ligne, contribuant à l'accomplissement transfrontière de procédures électroniques par l'intermédiaire de guichets uniques. Comme souligné dans l'examen annuel de la croissance en 2012 et en 2013, la Commission considère que la numérisation de l'administration publique contribue particulièrement à la croissance, étant donné que les procédures électroniques peuvent réduire les coûts pour les entreprises, engendrer des économies pour les administrations publiques et contribuer à la simplification administrative. Les États membres devraient revoir et moderniser leurs procédures avant de les mettre en ligne.

La Commission communique régulièrement des informations sur les guichets uniques (387). Le tableau de bord explique comment la comparaison a été réalisée et quels critères ont été appliqués pour évaluer les performances de ces guichets.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010214/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Points of single contact

Does the Commission have any plans to modernise the points of single contact, for example by bringing them up to second-generation standards so that they become fully functional online administration portals which are multilingual and user friendly?

Does the Commission agree that it is important to adopt a service provider strategy which covers the entire economic cycle?

Does the Commission believe that electronic procedures will promote administrative simplification, reduce compliance costs and increase legal certainty?

Could the Commission provide details of the comparison criteria used to evaluate points of single contact, including usage data, and make regular progress reports to Parliament?

Answer given by Mr. Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

Together with the Member States, the Commission has agreed on the criteria for the second generation Points of Single Contact (PSCs) in the form of the PSC Charter, which was endorsed by the High Level Group of the Competitiveness Council on 3 June 2013. The Charter sets out the key features and assessment criteria of a business friendly PSC. The criteria cover the quality and the availability of information, availability and accessibility of e-procedures, including accessibility for cross-border users, and usability. The Charter aims at moving towards PSCs that respond better to businesses' needs and make life easier for businesses taking into account the entire business life cycle. The first assessment of compliance with the PSC Charter is foreseen for 2014.

Under Article 8 of the Services Directive (388), Member States have an obligation to make the completion of procedures by electronic means available to the service providers. The work foreseen under CEF (389) Telecom Guidelines (390), once approved by the legislator, aims to support the deployment of online services thus contributing to the cross-border completion of e-procedures via PSCs. As highlighted in the Annual Growth Survey in 2012 and 2013, the Commission considers the digitalisation of public administration to be particular contributor to growth, as electronic procedures can reduce costs for businesses, generate savings for public administrations and contribute to administrative simplification. Member States should revise and modernise their procedures before putting them online.

The Commission provides regular reporting on the PSCs (391). In the Scoreboard an explanation is given on how the comparison was carried out and what criteria were applied to evaluate the performance of the PSCs.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010215/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Mesures de protection des langues

La Commission compte-t-elle proposer des mesures concrètes de protection des langues menacées de disparition?

La Commission , dans le cadre des compétences que lui confère le traité, va-t-elle adapter les politiques de l'Union et prévoir des programmes pour soutenir la préservation des langues en danger et de la diversité linguistique au travers des outils de soutien financier de l'Union pour la période 2014-2020, notamment les programmes pour l'étude de ces langues, pour l'éducation et la formation, l'insertion sociale, la jeunesse et le sport, la recherche et le développement, les programmes Culture et MEDIA, les Fonds structurels (Fonds de cohésion, FEDER, FSE, coopération territoriale européenne, Feader), ainsi que tous les outils ouvrant aux nouvelles technologies, aux médias sociaux et aux plateformes multimédias, y compris, à cet égard, le soutien à la production tant de contenu que d'applications?

Ces outils ne devraient-ils pas être centrés sur des programmes et des initiatives qui affichent des ambitions culturelles ou économiques de grande envergure qui vont au-delà de leur communauté et de leur région?

La Commission va-t-elle lancer une réflexion sur les obstacles administratifs et législatifs auxquels sont soumis les projets relatifs à des langues en danger, du fait de la taille réduite des communautés linguistiques concernées?

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(15 octobre 2013)

La Commission est tout à fait consciente de la nécessité de protéger les langues européennes menacées de disparition, mais tient à souligner que la politique linguistique est une question qui relève de la compétence nationale. Conformément au principe de subsidiarité, elle travaille de concert avec les États membres et les parties intéressées à la réalisation d'objectifs communs non seulement dans ce domaine, mais aussi dans la sphère numérique.

Par ailleurs, la Commission coopère avec des organisations internationales telles que le Conseil de l'Europe en matière de politique linguistique. Son accord de coopération actuel est axé sur l'utilisation des technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC) pour l'apprentissage des langues et l'évaluation des compétences linguistiques. Bien qu'il n'existe pas d'initiatives spécifiques visant à protéger et promouvoir les langues menacées de disparition, la Commission fait régulièrement référence à la charte européenne des langues régionales ou minoritaires, l'instrument juridique international consacré à la protection et à la promotion des langues régionales ou minoritaires.

Dans le nouveau programme de financement pour l'éducation, la formation, la jeunesse et le sport, Erasmus +, les langues seront intégrées à tous les domaines du programme. Il sera donc possible de présenter une demande de financement pour des partenariats stratégiques dans le domaine des langues menacées de disparition. Lorsque les programmes «Erasmus +» et «Europe créative» seront entrés en vigueur, la Commission fournira des informations détaillées sur les possibilités de financement sur son site internet.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010215/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Protecting languages

Will the Commission be proposing concrete policy measures for the protection of endangered languages?

Within its terms of reference under the Treaty, will it adapt EU policies and schedule programmes so as to support the preservation of the endangered languages and linguistic diversity, using EU financial support tools for the period between 2014 and 2020, including programmes on documentation of these languages, as well as on education and training, social inclusion, youth and sport, research and development, the culture and media programme, the structural funds (cohesion fund, ERDF, ESF, European territorial cooperation, EARDF), and all instruments and exchange platforms designed to promote new technologies, social media, and multimedia platforms, encompassing support for the generation of both content and applications?

Should these tools not focus on programmes and actions that demonstrate a positive wider agenda, either culturally or economically, beyond their community and their region?

Will the Commission look into the administrative and legislative obstacles that are posed to projects relating to endangered languages on account of the small size of the language communities concerned?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2013)

The Commission is well aware of the importance of protecting endangered European languages, but would like to underline that language policy is a matter of national competency. In line with the principle of subsidiarity it works with Member States and stakeholders towards achieving common objectives in this field, also in the digital sphere.

The Commission also cooperates with international organisations such as the Council of Europe on language policies. Its current cooperation agreement focuses on ICT in language learning and assessment of language competences. Although there are no specific initiatives to protect and promote endangered languages, the Commission regularly refers to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the international legal instrument specifically devoted to the protection and promotion of regional or minority languages.

In the new funding programme for education, training, youth and sport ‘Erasmus+’, languages will be mainstreamed across the programme. There will thus be opportunities to apply for funding for strategic partnerships in the field of endangered languages. Once the Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes enter into force, the Commission will provide detailed information on funding possibilities on its website.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010216/13

au Conseil

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Mesures de protection des langues

Le Conseil va-t-il, comme le lui demande le Parlement dans son rapport A7-0239/2013, dans le cadre des compétences que lui confère le traité, adapter les politiques de l'Union et prévoir des programmes pour soutenir la préservation des langues en danger et de la diversité linguistique au travers des outils de soutien financier de l'Union pour la période 2014-2020, notamment les programmes pour l'étude de ces langues, pour l'éducation et la formation, l'insertion sociale, la jeunesse et le sport, la recherche et le développement, les programmes Culture et MEDIA, les Fonds structurels (Fonds de cohésion, FEDER, FSE, coopération territoriale européenne, Feader), ainsi que tous les outils ouvrant aux nouvelles technologies, aux médias sociaux et aux plateformes multimédias, y compris, à cet égard, le soutien à la production tant de contenu que d'applications?

Réponse

(25 novembre 2013)

En ce qui concerne le contenu et les priorités de la nouvelle génération de programmes et d'instruments de l'Union européenne (2014-2020), l'Honorable Parlementaire n'est pas sans ignorer qu'ils ne sont pas déterminés par le seul Conseil, mais qu'ils sont dans la plupart des cas soumis à la procédure législative ordinaire dans laquelle le Parlement européen joue pleinement son rôle de colégislateur. La plupart des programmes sont maintenant en passe d'être mis au point et, dans un certain nombre de cas, les textes sur lesquels les colégislateurs se sont mis d'accord contiennent des dispositions qui portent spécifiquement sur la question de la diversité linguistique. Par exemple, le nouveau programme de soutien en faveur de la culture et des médias, le programme «Europe créative» 2014-2020, compte parmi ses objectifs la sauvegarde, le développement et la promotion de la diversité culturelle et linguistique européenne.

En ce qui concerne de manière plus générale les politiques de l'UE, l'Honorable Parlementaire sait certainement que, en application des articles 165 et 166 TFUE, des sujets tels que ceux mentionnés dans sa question relèvent pour l'essentiel de la compétence des États membres. Cela étant, l'article 165, paragraphe 2, TFUE préconise une action de l'UE visant à développer la dimension européenne dans l'éducation, notamment par l'apprentissage et la diffusion des langues des États membres, tandis que l'article 3, paragraphe 3, TUE et l'article 165, paragraphe 1, TFUE garantissent le respect de la diversité culturelle et linguistique de l'Europe.

Comme l'Honorable Parlementaire s'en souvient sans doute, la réunion du Conseil européen de Barcelone de 2002 a défini comme objectif pour les États membres l'enseignement d'au moins deux langues étrangères dès un âge très précoce. En 2006, le Parlement européen et le Conseil ont adopté une recommandation sur les compétences clés pour l'éducation et la formation tout au long de la vie (392), qui citait la communication en langues étrangères parmi les huit compétences clés que chaque citoyen devrait acquérir.

Le Conseil n'a en outre cessé d'apporter la preuve de son engagement en faveur de la promotion de la diversité linguistique et a adopté plusieurs initiatives importantes dans ce domaine. Deux initiatives spécifiques mériteraient d'être mentionnées à cet égard:

La résolution du Conseil de 2008 relative à une stratégie européenne en faveur du multilinguisme (393) voyait dans la diversité linguistique à la fois un atout et un défi pour l'Europe et soulignait l'importance que revêt la promotion de l'apprentissage des langues, y compris la promotion des langues européennes moins répandues, en tant que moyen de renforcer la cohésion sociale et le dialogue interculturel et d'encourager la compétitivité et l'employabilité.

Les conclusions du Conseil de novembre 2011 sur les compétences linguistiques visant à améliorer la mobilité (394) ont également encouragé les États membres à proposer un choix plus vaste de langues à tous les niveaux d'enseignement.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010216/13

to the Council

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Protecting languages

Will the Council act on Parliament's request in report A7-0239/2013 and, within its terms of reference under the Treaty, adapt EU policies and schedule programmes so as to support the preservation of the endangered languages and linguistic diversity, using EU financial support tools for the period between 2014 and 2020, including programmes on documentation of these languages, as well as on education and training, social inclusion, youth and sport, research and development, the culture and media programme, the structural funds (cohesion fund, ERDF, ESF, European territorial cooperation, EARDF), and all instruments and exchange platforms designed to promote new technologies, social media, and multimedia platforms, encompassing support for the generation of both content and applications?

Reply

(25 November 2013)

With regard to the content and priorities of the new generation of European Union programmes and instruments (2014-2020), the Honourable Member will be aware that these are not determined by the Council alone but are in most cases subject to the ordinary legislative procedure in which the European Parliament plays its full role as a co-legislator. Most of the programmes are now close to finalisation, and in a number of cases the texts agreed between the co-legislators do contain provisions that specifically address the issue of linguistic diversity. For example the new support programme for culture and media, the Creative Europe Programme 2014-2020, has among its objectives the safeguarding, development and promotion of European cultural and linguistic diversity.

As for EU policies more generally, the Honourable Member is certainly aware that, pursuant to Articles 165 and 166 TFEU, issues such as those referred to in his question essentially come under Member States' competence. This being said,Article 165(2) TFEU promotes Union action aimed at developing the European dimension in education, in particular through the teaching and dissemination of the languages of the Member States, while Article 3(3) TEU and Article 165(1) TFEU ensure respect for Europe's cultural and linguistic diversity.

As the Honourable Member will no doubt remember, the 2002 Barcelona European Council meeting set Member States the objective of teaching at least two foreign languages from a very early age. In 2006, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a recommendation on key competence for lifelong learning (395), which included communication in foreign languages as one of eight key competences that every citizen should acquire.

The Council has also consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering linguistic diversity and has adopted several important initiatives in this area. Two specific initiatives could be mentioned in this respect:

The 2008 Council Resolution on a European strategy for multilingualism (396) identified linguistic diversity as both an asset and a challenge for Europe, and highlighted the importance of promoting language learning — including that of less widely used European languages — as a means of strengthening social cohesion and intercultural dialogue, as well as boosting competitiveness and employability.

Also, the Council conclusions of November 2011 on language competences to enhance mobility (397) encouraged the Member States to offer a broader choice of languages at all levels of education.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010217/13

au Conseil

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: SESM et lacunes de la PMI de 2007

Le Conseil compte-t-il, comme le lui a demandé le Parlement durant sa session de septembre 2013, élaborer une SESM qui prévoie l'articulation et la coordination entre tous les acteurs européens et les États membres concernés par la sûreté maritime et se fonde sur elles?

Réponse

(11 novembre 2013)

Dans ses conclusions du 26 avril 2010 sur la stratégie en matière de sécurité maritime, le Conseil a invité la Haute Représentante, conjointement avec la Commission et les États membres, «à entreprendre des travaux en vue de définir des options pour l'éventuelle élaboration d'une stratégie en matière de sécurité du domaine maritime mondial (...). Les travaux se dérouleront dans le contexte de la PESC/PSDC, dans le cadre de la stratégie européenne de sécurité.» Ce processus a été lancé en 2010 par la présidence espagnole et a depuis été élargi pour ne pas confiner les délibérations au seul cadre de la PESC/PESD. Ce travail est mené conjointement avec la Commission de manière à garantir la pleine participation de tous les services concernés, ainsi qu'une coordination interne appropriée. Tous les acteurs européens concernés, y compris les États membres, participent à ce processus: ils sont consultés et apportent des contributions actives en tant que présidences du Conseil ou des contributions écrites.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010217/13

to the Council

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: EMSS and shortcomings of the 2007 IMP

Will the Council, as Parliament requested in its September 2013 part-session, elaborate an EMSS centred on articulation and coordination among all European players and Member States concerned by maritime security?

Reply

(11 November 2013)

In its conclusions on a maritime security strategy dated 26 April 2010, the Council invited the High Representative, together with the Commission and Member States, ‘to undertake work with a view to preparing options for the possible elaboration of a Security Strategy for the global maritime domain [...] Work will take place in the context of CFSP/CSDP, within the framework of the European Security Strategy.’ The process that was initiated by the Spanish Presidency in 2010 and has since been extended, in the sense that deliberations would not remain confined to CFSP/CSDP. The work is carried out jointly with the Commission in order to ensure the full involvement of all relevant services as well as appropriate internal coordination. All relevant European stakeholders, including Member States, are involved in the process via consultations and active contributions as Presidencies of the Council or written contributions.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010218/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — SESM et lacunes de la PMI de 2007

| 1. | La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante compte-t-elle, comme le lui a demandé le Parlement durant sa session de septembre 2013, élaborer une SESM qui prévoie l'articulation et la coordination entre tous les acteurs européens et les États membres concernés par la sûreté maritime et se fonde sur elles? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante compte-t-elle, comme le lui a demandé le Parlement durant sa session de septembre 2013, élaborer une SESM qui prévoie l'articulation et la coordination entre tous les acteurs européens et les États membres concernés par la sûreté maritime et se fonde sur elles?

| 2. | Pourrait-elle également combler les lacunes de la PMI de 2007, qui n'intègre pas la dimension de la sécurité, ni les limites de la SES, celle-ci n'abordant pas les menaces et les risques en matière de sécurité maritime? Le niveau d'ambition de la SESM ainsi que ses moyens et capacités devraient être consacrés dans la SES et la PMI, et devraient être déterminés par la nécessité d'agir comme un pourvoyeur de sécurité au niveau mondial, garantissant ainsi des flux maritimes et un accès libres à la haute mer dans le monde entier. Le fait de réglementer la sécurité maritime affectera, à court, moyen et long terme, toutes les autres composantes de la sécurité et de la prospérité européennes. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Pourrait-elle également combler les lacunes de la PMI de 2007, qui n'intègre pas la dimension de la sécurité, ni les limites de la SES, celle-ci n'abordant pas les menaces et les risques en matière de sécurité maritime? Le niveau d'ambition de la SESM ainsi que ses moyens et capacités devraient être consacrés dans la SES et la PMI, et devraient être déterminés par la nécessité d'agir comme un pourvoyeur de sécurité au niveau mondial, garantissant ainsi des flux maritimes et un accès libres à la haute mer dans le monde entier. Le fait de réglementer la sécurité maritime affectera, à court, moyen et long terme, toutes les autres composantes de la sécurité et de la prospérité européennes.

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010219/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: SESM et lacunes de la PMI de 2007

| 1. | La Commission, compte-t-elle, comme le lui a demandé le Parlement durant sa session de septembre 2013, élaborer une SESM qui prévoie l'articulation et la coordination entre tous les acteurs européens et les États membres concernés par la sûreté maritime et se fonde sur elles? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission, compte-t-elle, comme le lui a demandé le Parlement durant sa session de septembre 2013, élaborer une SESM qui prévoie l'articulation et la coordination entre tous les acteurs européens et les États membres concernés par la sûreté maritime et se fonde sur elles?

| 2. | Pourrait-elle également combler les lacunes de la PMI de 2007, qui n'intègre pas la dimension de la sécurité, ni les limites de la SES, celle-ci n'abordant pas les menaces et les risques en matière de sécurité maritime? Le niveau d'ambition de la SESM ainsi que ses moyens et capacités devraient être consacrés dans la SES et la PMI, et devraient être déterminés par la nécessité d'agir comme un pourvoyeur de sécurité au niveau mondial, garantissant ainsi des flux maritimes et un accès libres à la haute mer dans le monde entier. Le fait de réglementer la sécurité maritime, affectera, à court, moyen et long terme, toutes les autres composantes de la sécurité et de la prospérité européennes. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Pourrait-elle également combler les lacunes de la PMI de 2007, qui n'intègre pas la dimension de la sécurité, ni les limites de la SES, celle-ci n'abordant pas les menaces et les risques en matière de sécurité maritime? Le niveau d'ambition de la SESM ainsi que ses moyens et capacités devraient être consacrés dans la SES et la PMI, et devraient être déterminés par la nécessité d'agir comme un pourvoyeur de sécurité au niveau mondial, garantissant ainsi des flux maritimes et un accès libres à la haute mer dans le monde entier. Le fait de réglementer la sécurité maritime, affectera, à court, moyen et long terme, toutes les autres composantes de la sécurité et de la prospérité européennes.

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

(5 novembre 2013)

La Commission examine actuellement un projet d'éléments constitutifs d'une vaste stratégie européenne en matière de sécurité maritime, en vue de présenter une proposition aux États membres et au Parlement européen. C'est en effet dans ce contexte que les enjeux et les lacunes soulignés par l'Honorable Parlementaire seront traités. La Commission remercie l'Honorable Parlementaire d'avoir mis en lumière ces préoccupations et d'apporter son soutien à l'approche globale.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010218/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — EMSS and shortcomings of the 2007 IMP

| 1. | Will the High Representative, as Parliament requested in its September 2013 part-session, elaborate an EMSS centred on articulation and coordination among all European players and Member States concerned by maritime security? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Will the High Representative, as Parliament requested in its September 2013 part-session, elaborate an EMSS centred on articulation and coordination among all European players and Member States concerned by maritime security?

| 2. | Could she also address the shortcomings of the 2007 IMP, which does not include a security dimension, as well as the limits of the ESS, which fails to tackle maritime security threats and risks? The EMSS's level of ambition, means and capabilities should be anchored in the ESS and the IMP and should be framed by the need to act as a global security provider, thereby ensuring free maritime flows and access on the high seas worldwide. Regulating maritime security will in the short, medium and long term affect all the other components of European security and prosperity. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Could she also address the shortcomings of the 2007 IMP, which does not include a security dimension, as well as the limits of the ESS, which fails to tackle maritime security threats and risks? The EMSS's level of ambition, means and capabilities should be anchored in the ESS and the IMP and should be framed by the need to act as a global security provider, thereby ensuring free maritime flows and access on the high seas worldwide. Regulating maritime security will in the short, medium and long term affect all the other components of European security and prosperity.

Question for written answer E-010219/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: EMSS and shortcomings of the 2007 IMP

| 1. | Will the Commission, as Parliament requested in its September 2013 part-session, elaborate an EMSS centred on articulation and coordination among all European players and Member States concerned by maritime security? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Will the Commission, as Parliament requested in its September 2013 part-session, elaborate an EMSS centred on articulation and coordination among all European players and Member States concerned by maritime security?

| 2. | Could the Commission also address the shortcomings of the 2007 IMP, which does not include a security dimension, as well as the limits of the ESS, which fails to tackle maritime security threats and risks? The EMSS's level of ambition, means and capabilities should be anchored in the ESS and the IMP and should be framed by the need to act as a global security provider, thereby ensuring free maritime flows and access on the high seas worldwide. Regulating maritime security will in the short, medium and long term affect all the other components of European security and prosperity. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Could the Commission also address the shortcomings of the 2007 IMP, which does not include a security dimension, as well as the limits of the ESS, which fails to tackle maritime security threats and risks? The EMSS's level of ambition, means and capabilities should be anchored in the ESS and the IMP and should be framed by the need to act as a global security provider, thereby ensuring free maritime flows and access on the high seas worldwide. Regulating maritime security will in the short, medium and long term affect all the other components of European security and prosperity.

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

(5 November 2013)

The Commission is reflecting on draft elements for comprehensive European Maritime Security Strategy in view of putting forward a proposal to Member States and the European Parliament. Indeed, the challenges and shortcomings as outlined by the Honourable Member will be addressed in that context. The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for highlighting these concerns and for the support to the overall approach.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010220/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Projet Galileo pour l'Arctique

La Commission pourrait-elle présenter des propositions concernant la manière dont le projet Galileo pourrait bénéficier à la politique de l'Union pour l'Arctique, et la façon dont il pourrait évoluer afin de permettre une navigation plus sûre dans les eaux de l'Arctique, en investissant donc plus particulièrement dans la sûreté et l'accessibilité du passage du Nord‐Est?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

En disposant de son propre système mondial de navigation par satellite dans le cadre du programme Galileo, l'Union européenne réduira la vulnérabilité, offrira de meilleurs résultats et garantira une navigation plus sûre dans l'Arctique.

Grâce à la couverture mondiale de Galileo, ses services devraient donner des résultats aussi satisfaisants dans les zones septentrionales qu'à de plus basses latitudes. De plus, à eux deux, Galileo et GPS disposeront de plus de satellites et de plus de fréquences, et résisteront mieux à l'interférence des signaux. Le signal Galileo offrira également une meilleure précision dans les conditions ionosphériques difficiles de l'Arctique.

Le service Galileo de recherche et de sauvetage (Search and Rescue Service, SAR) apportera une nouvelle valeur ajoutée dans l'environnement arctique éprouvant, car il garantira une couverture complète et instantanée. Il améliorera le service SAR mondial actuel, qui, pour l'instant, ne peut pas garantir de couverture immédiate dans les situations d'urgence.

Le service commercial Galileo présentera des caractéristiques et donnera des résultats que les autres systèmes de navigation par satellite n'offrent pas actuellement. Plus particulièrement, ses services d'authentification et de haute précision peuvent être utilisés en mer, par exemple pour les opérations sismiques et le positionnement dynamique des plates-formes et des navires.

Tous les services Galileo contribueront à renforcer la sécurité de la navigation dans l'Arctique, y compris pour les navires qui empruntent le passage du Nord-Est.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010220/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: GALILEO and the Arctic

Would it be possible for the Commission to put forward proposals regarding the way in which GALILEO could be used to promote the EU’s Arctic policy, and the way in which this project could be developed to allow safer navigation of Arctic waters, in particular by investing in the safety and accessibility of the North East Passage?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

By having its own global satellite navigation system, established under the Galileo programme, the European Union will offer reduced vulnerability and better performance and ensure safer navigation in the Arctic.

With Galileo's global coverage, the performance of its services is expected to be as good in the northern areas as at lower latitudes. In addition, Galileo and GPS combined will have more satellites and more frequencies and will provide increased robustness against signal interference. The Galileo signal will also offer increased precision in the difficult ionospheric conditions of the Arctic.

The Galileo Search and Rescue Service (SAR) will provide new added value in the challenging Arctic environment, as it will ensure a complete and instantaneous coverage. It will improve the current worldwide SAR service which can for the moment not guarantee immediate coverage in emergency situations.

The Galileo Commercial Service will provide characteristics and a performance which are currently not offered by other satellite navigation systems. More particularly, its authentication and high precision services can be used offshore, such as for seismic operations and dynamic positioning of platforms and ships.

All the Galileo services will contribute to making navigation in the Arctic safer, including the ships that will follow the North East Passage.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010221/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Biélorussie et des Droits de l'homme

| 1. | La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante va-t-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, prier instamment les autorités biélorusses de respecter les Droits de l'homme et d'œuvrer en faveur d'une transition démocratique afin de mettre fin à l'isolement par rapport au reste de l'Europe dans lequel le pays s'est lui-même plongé? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante va-t-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, prier instamment les autorités biélorusses de respecter les Droits de l'homme et d'œuvrer en faveur d'une transition démocratique afin de mettre fin à l'isolement par rapport au reste de l'Europe dans lequel le pays s'est lui-même plongé?

| 2. | Va-t-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, exiger la libération inconditionnelle et immédiate de tous les prisonniers politiques, ainsi que le rétablissement de l'ensemble de leurs droits civils et politiques, qui sont des conditions préalables absolues à une amélioration des relations bilatérales entre l'Union et la Biélorussie qui pourrait conduire à la levée progressive des mesures restrictives imposées par l'Union européenne et à un déblocage des relations UE‐Biélorussie? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Va-t-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, exiger la libération inconditionnelle et immédiate de tous les prisonniers politiques, ainsi que le rétablissement de l'ensemble de leurs droits civils et politiques, qui sont des conditions préalables absolues à une amélioration des relations bilatérales entre l'Union et la Biélorussie qui pourrait conduire à la levée progressive des mesures restrictives imposées par l'Union européenne et à un déblocage des relations UE‐Biélorussie?

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

(6 novembre 2013)

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante suit de près la situation en Biélorussie. Elle saisit toutes les occasions qui se présentent pour faire part des préoccupations de l'UE aux autorités biélorusses, notamment à chaque fois qu'apparaît, dans ses contacts avec l'administration biélorusse, une question ou une affaire relative au respect des Droits de l'homme et de la démocratie.

La libération immédiate et inconditionnelle de tous les prisonniers politiques et leur réhabilitation sont une priorité politique pour l'UE. En témoigne la référence aux prisonniers politiques et notamment à leurs conditions d'incarcération et à leur état de santé, dans toutes les actions, déclarations et messages diplomatiques de l'UE dans ce domaine. Les prisonniers politiques, et en règle générale, les victimes de répression, ont reçu et continuent de recevoir le soutien de l'UE.

L'Union européenne poursuivra son dialogue avec la Biélorussie sur la question des prisonniers politiques et des violations des Droits de l'homme en général. Le développement de relations bilatérales dans le cadre du Partenariat oriental est subordonné aux progrès de la Biélorussie en matière de respect des principes de démocratie, d'État de droit et de Droits de l'homme. Les mesures restrictives de l'UE sont réexaminées régulièrement.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010221/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Belarus and human rights

| 1. | Does the High Representative intend to comply with Parliament’s request to urge the Belarusian authorities to respect human rights and to work towards a democratic transition in order to put an end to the country’s self-imposed isolation from the rest of Europe? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the High Representative intend to comply with Parliament’s request to urge the Belarusian authorities to respect human rights and to work towards a democratic transition in order to put an end to the country’s self-imposed isolation from the rest of Europe?

| 2. | Will the High Representative comply with Parliament’s request by demanding the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners and the full restoration of their civil and political rights, given that these are absolute prerequisites for the improvement of bilateral relations between the EU and Belarus and could result in a gradual lifting of the restrictions imposed by the European Union and a thawing in relations between the EU and Belarus? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Will the High Representative comply with Parliament’s request by demanding the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners and the full restoration of their civil and political rights, given that these are absolute prerequisites for the improvement of bilateral relations between the EU and Belarus and could result in a gradual lifting of the restrictions imposed by the European Union and a thawing in relations between the EU and Belarus?

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

(6 November 2013)

The HR/VP follows closely the situation in Belarus. The HR/VP takes every opportunity to raise the EU's concerns with the Belarusian authorities. This includes any issues and cases related to respect of human rights and democracy in any contacts with the Belarusian administration.

The immediate and unconditional release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners is a political priority for the EU. This is evidenced by the reference to the political prisoners, including the conditions under which they are imprisoned and their state of health, in all relevant actions, statements and diplomatic messages of the EU. Political prisoners, and in general victims of repression, have been and continue to be supported by the EU.

The EU will continue to engage Belarus on the issue of political prisoners and human rights violations in general. The development of bilateral relations under the Eastern Partnership is conditional on progress towards respect by Belarus for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The EU restrictive measures remain under constant review.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite P-010248/13

à la Commission (Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante)

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: VP/HR — Fermetures des tunnels et situation humanitaire à Gaza

Depuis le coup d'État militaire du 3 juillet en Égypte, le régime militaire a détruit presque tous les tunnels souterrains qui passent sous la frontière entre l'Égypte et Gaza. Ces dernières années, les tunnels ont joué un rôle de vitale importance pour l'approvisionnement de la bande de Gaza.

L'Égypte a commencé à démolir des maisons situées le long de sa frontière avec Gaza, ce qui est interprété comme le prélude de la future mise en place d'une «zone tampon» appelée à isoler encore plus Gaza.

Par ailleurs, la frontière de Rafah, seule porte d'entrée et de sortie de Gaza est fréquemment fermée et le poste-frontière d'Erez, seul point de passage permettant le transit entre Israël et Gaza, a été fermé par les autorités israéliennes en représailles de la publication des lignes directrices de l'Union.

D'après le Bureau de la coordination des affaires humanitaires des Nations unies (OCHA), 57 % des ménages de Gaza sont en situation d'insécurité alimentaire (données de juillet 2013). Si les mesures actuelles prises par Israël et l'Égypte restent telles, ce sont 65 % des ménages qui se trouveront en situation d'insécurité alimentaire.

En août 2013, plus d'un tiers (35,5 %) des personnes capables et volontaires pour travailler sont sans emploi (Bureau central palestinien des statistiques) — l'un des taux de chômage les plus élevés au monde. Les économistes s'attendent à ce que la fermeture permanente des tunnels conduise à une montée conséquente du niveau du chômage (43 % fin 2013 en comparaison des 32 % de juin 2013).

Plus de 90 % de l'eau pompée dans la nappe phréatique de Gaza est impropre à la consommation humaine et environ 90 millions de litres d'eaux usées finissent chaque jour dans la mer au large de la côte de Gaza, créant des dangers pour la santé publique.

| 1. | La haute représentante de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité ne considère-t-elle pas que la catastrophe en cours à Gaza est un effet calculé et délibéré du siège, ce qui en fait un crime de guerre et une punition collective au regard du droit international? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La haute représentante de l'Union pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité ne considère-t-elle pas que la catastrophe en cours à Gaza est un effet calculé et délibéré du siège, ce qui en fait un crime de guerre et une punition collective au regard du droit international?

| 2. | Quels sont les moyens de pression que l'Union peut mettre en œuvre afin de rouvrir les tunnels souterrains pour garantir l'approvisionnement de Gaza et ainsi éviter une crise humanitaire qui s'annonce déjà? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Quels sont les moyens de pression que l'Union peut mettre en œuvre afin de rouvrir les tunnels souterrains pour garantir l'approvisionnement de Gaza et ainsi éviter une crise humanitaire qui s'annonce déjà?

| 3. | Quelles mesures urgentes sont envisagées afin d'aider la population gazaouie en situation extrême? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Quelles mesures urgentes sont envisagées afin d'aider la population gazaouie en situation extrême?

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

(21 octobre 2013)

La Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante suit de près l'évolution de la situation dans la bande de Gaza et est très préoccupée par le contexte socio-économique déplorable qui y règne et qui constitue une priorité à long terme de l'aide humanitaire de l'UE.

L'UE continue d'apporter une aide humanitaire aux personnes les plus vulnérables et une assistance technique aux infrastructures de la bande de Gaza.

Les tunnels de contrebande qui passent sous la frontière entre l'Égypte et Gaza ne résolvent pas les problèmes liés au blocus de Gaza. Au contraire, ils ne font qu'accroître les inquiétudes sur le plan de la sécurité. Tout en étant pleinement consciente des besoins d'Israël et de l'Égypte en matière de sécurité, l'Union européenne a demandé à plusieurs reprises l'ouverture immédiate, durable et sans condition de points de passage pour permettre l'acheminement de l'aide humanitaire ainsi que la circulation des marchandises et de personnes à destination et en provenance de la bande de Gaza (voir les conclusions du Conseil «Affaires étrangères» de décembre 2012). À cet égard, la Vice-présidente/Haute Représentante a salué la décision prise récemment par les autorités égyptiennes et israéliennes d'autoriser le passage d'un plus grand nombre de personnes et d'un volume plus important de matériaux de construction aux postes-frontières de Rafah et Kerem Shalom.

La situation de la bande de Gaza restera intenable tant qu'elle sera politiquement et économiquement séparée de la Cisjordanie. L'UE demeurera attachée au respect de la résolution n° 1860/2009 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies ainsi que des critères arrêtés par le Quartet (UE, États-Unis, Russie, Nations unies) pour l'établissement de relations officielles avec les autoritésde fait de Gaza, à savoir s'engager à ne pas recourir à la violence, reconnaître l'État d'Israël et accepter les accords conclus antérieurement entre Israéliens et Palestiniens. Elle continue de jouer un rôle d'intermédiaire sur le plan diplomatique entre les partenaires israéliens, égyptiens et palestiniens et accorde une attention particulière au cessez‐le-feu du 21 novembre 2012 ainsi qu'au processus de réconciliation entre Palestiniens.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010248/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Closure of tunnels and humanitarian situation in Gaza

Since the 3 July 2013 coup, the military regime in Egypt has destroyed almost all of the tunnels running underneath the Egypt‐Gaza border. Over the last few years, these tunnels have played a crucial role in getting goods into the Gaza Strip.

Egypt has begun to demolish homes along the Gaza border, which is seen as a prelude to the setting up of a ‘buffer zone’ which would segregate Gaza still further.

What is more, the Rafah crossing — the only border crossing between Egypt and Gaza — is often closed and the Erez crossing, which is the only border crossing through which goods can be transported between Israel and Gaza, has been closed by the Israeli authorities in retaliation to the publication of EU guidelines prohibiting cooperation with settlements.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 57% of households in Gaza were food insecure in July 2013. If the action currently being taken by Israel and Egypt continues, the proportion of households short of food will increase to 65%.

In August 2013, over a third (35.5%) of those able and willing to work were unemployed in Gaza (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics) — one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. Economists predict that closing the tunnels permanently would result in a sharp increase in the unemployment rate (to 43% by the end of 2013, compared with 32% in June 2013).

More than 90% of the water pumped from Gaza’s aquifer is not fit for human consumption and approximately 90 million litres of wastewater are discharged into Gaza’s coastal waters each day, creating a public health risk.

| 1. | Does the High Representative not believe that the disaster unfolding in Gaza is an intentional consequence of the siege, and thus constitutes a war crime and collective punishment under international law? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the High Representative not believe that the disaster unfolding in Gaza is an intentional consequence of the siege, and thus constitutes a war crime and collective punishment under international law?

| 2. | What pressure can the Union exert in an effort to reopen the underground tunnels, thus enabling supplies to be brought into Gaza and the impending humanitarian crisis to be averted? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What pressure can the Union exert in an effort to reopen the underground tunnels, thus enabling supplies to be brought into Gaza and the impending humanitarian crisis to be averted?

| 3. | What urgent action is being considered with a view to alleviating the plight of the hard‐pressed population of Gaza? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What urgent action is being considered with a view to alleviating the plight of the hard‐pressed population of Gaza?

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

(21 October 2013)

The HR/VP closely follows developments in the Gaza Strip and is concerned with the miserable socioeconomic situation — a long term priority of the EU assistance. The EU continues humanitarian and technical assistance to most vulnerable people and infrastructure of the Gaza Strip.

Smuggling tunnels underneath Egyptian — Gaza border are not a solution to Gaza blockade problem — on the contrary they contribute to the security dimension of the problem. Rather, while fully recognising both Israel and Egypt's legitimate security needs, the EU has repeatedly called for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip (ref. December 2012 Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions). In this regard, the HR/VP appreciated the recent decisions by Egyptian and Israeli authorities to allow for increased passage of people and construction material through Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings.

The situation of the Gaza strip is unsustainable as long as it remains politically and economically separated from the West Bank. The EU remains committed to the UNSC resolution 1860/2009 as well as the Quartet (EU, US, Russia, UN) parameters for establishing official relations with Gaza de facto authorities; i.e. commitment to nonviolence, recognition of the State of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements between Israeli and Palestinian parties. The EU shall continue its intermediary diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis Israeli, Egyptian and Palestinian partners with a special attention to the ceasefire of 21 November 2012 and the Palestinian reconciliation process.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010249/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Drones — right to privacy

Could the Commission comment on reports of drones operating in European skies? Does the Commission feel that drones represent a violation of Directive 95/46/EC on the protection of personal data?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

There is currently no European legislation in place on operations of drones (also referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or RPAS). Member States are competent for granting specific and individual authorisations to RPAS operators. Such operators have to respect the terms of specific authorisation, including the relevant legislation on the protection of personal data.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010251/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Drones — EU bases

Could the Commission provide details on the countries out of which drones in European skies are operating?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

The Commission has no official information on States out of which drones (also referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or RPAS) have flown in European airspace.

There are no EU rules on operations of drones. Drone operations fall under Article 8 of the Chicago Convention which provides as follows: ‘No aircraft capable of being flown without a pilot shall be flown without a pilot over the territory of a contracting State without special authorization by that State and in accordance with the terms of such authorization’.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010252/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Drones — military capacity

Could the Commission comment on whether drones with military capacities are operating in European skies?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission has no information on operations of drones (also referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or RPAS) with military capacities in the European airspace, a matter which is not regulated by EC law. These operations are usually conducted in accordance with military aviation rules.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010253/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Foreign drones in EU skies

Can the Vice-President comment on whether or not drones from non-EU states have flown over EU skies?

Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2013)

The Commission has no information on whether or not drones (also referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or RPAS) from non-EU states have flown in the airspace under the responsibility of EU Member States.

Operations of RPAS are not as such regulated by EU legislation. However, the Commission draws the attention of the Honourable Member to the provisions of Article 8 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago convention) which provides as follows:

‘No aircraft capable of being flown without a pilot shall be flown without a pilot over the territory of a contracting State without special authorisation by that State and in accordance with the terms of such authorisation’.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010254/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Solar panels — job losses

According to the group EU ProSun, two thirds of the 15 000 solar panel-industry jobs already lost in Europe have been in Germany (International Herald Tribune, 28 July 2013).

Could the Commission comment on whether Globalisation Adjustment Funds have been requested by these companies?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2013)

Applications for aid from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) cannot be submitted by companies dismissing workers, but only by the relevant Member State, since it will be responsible for carrying out any measures part-funded by the EGF to help the workers find new jobs as soon as possible.

The Commission has received an application for EGF support from the German authorities with respect to 1 244 workers made redundant by the solar modules manufacturer First Solar Manufacturing GmbH. The application is currently being assessed with a view to its forwarding to Parliament and the Council in the third week of October 2013.

Further details concerning the application are available on the EGF website (398). The relevant webpage is updated in line with progress made in the procedure (i.e. completion of Commission analysis, start of budgetary procedure, adoption of decision by Budgetary Authority, payment of the EU contribution, etc.) and various EU documents will be made available for consultation on the webpage once they are adopted or approved.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010255/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Solar panels — lobbying by Member States

It has been reported that the EU has launched ‘crusades’ against Chinese industry, with a particular focus on steel, ceramics and raw materials (Financial Times, 31 July 2013).

Could the Commission provide details on any dialogue pursued or actions taken in regard to these industries in China?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The actions taken by the European Union against imports from the People’s Republic of China are based on thorough investigations into alleged injurious unfair trade resulting from dumping or subsidisation practices that are contrary to the rules set by the relevant EU legislation. Such investigations are initiated upon receipt of a duly substantiated complaint by the relevant European Union producers providing sufficient evidence that they are suffering injury as a result of unfair trade practices.

The Commission has a broad range of regular dialogues with its Chinese counterparts including through specific sectoral dialogues such as the Steel Working Group and a Raw Materials dialogue. The overall objective of these dialogues is to increase transparency and mutual understanding in order to resolve or prevent any problems that may arise.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010256/13

to the Commission

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Solar panels — USA

It has been reported that the EU trade war with China on the issue of solar panels has caused concern with the US authorities (International Herald Tribune, 28 July 2013).

Could the Commission comment on whether any requests have been made by the USA on this issue?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

Both the EU and the US have pursued trade defence cases against Chinese solar panels. While the EU and the US are in frequent contact regarding ongoing trade matters, the idea of a joint approach to these cases has not been pursued as they relate to two separate independent legal proceedings.

In instances where international trade in manufactured goods is distorted by unfair competition, in so far as subsidisation and/or dumping practices cause injury to the Union industry, anti-subsidy and/or anti-dumping duties may be imposed after investigation by the Commission. The use of trade defence instruments is regulated amongst other by the World Trade Organisation

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita P-010257/13

à Comissão

Mário David (PPE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Estatuto SPG+ para o Paquistão

O Prémio Sakharov para a Liberdade de Pensamento, que o Parlamento Europeu atribui anualmente, é um dos prémios com mais prestígio e renome a nível mundial no domínio dos direitos humanos e das liberdades fundamentais. Além disso, os nossos acordos comerciais com países terceiros têm critérios vinculativos em matéria de direitos humanos, laborais e ambientais.

Ao defender os valores universais nos quais a nossa União assenta, denunciamos e controlamos as violações dos direitos humanos e das liberdades fundamentais, quer as vítimas sejam crianças, mulheres ou minorias.

É por isso mesmo que somos respeitados em todo o mundo.

A UE não negoceia a democracia, o Estado de direito, a universalidade e indivisibilidade dos direitos humanos e das liberdades fundamentais, o respeito pela dignidade humana, os princípios da igualdade e da solidariedade ou o respeito dos princípios da Carta das Nações Unidas e do direito internacional (artigo 21.° do TUE). Estes valores, além de estarem consagrados nos nossos Tratados desde a fundação da União Europeia, foram reforçados pela Carta dos Direitos Fundamentais.

Recentemente, a Comissão, através de um ato delegado, afirmou que 10 países (tão diferentes entre si como Cabo Verde, Mongólia, Geórgia, Arménia, Bolívia, Equador, Paraguai, Peru, Costa Rica e Paquistão, embora incluídos no mesmo ato legislativo...) cumprem os critérios de adesão relevantes, nos termos do artigo 9.°, n.° 1, do Regulamento (UE) n.° 978/2012, relativo à aplicação de um sistema de preferências pautais generalizadas, para beneficiar das preferências pautais adicionais previstas ao abrigo do SPG+.

Sabemos, e foi confirmado por vários relatórios da ONU, e, em certa medida, pela própria Comissão, que o Paquistão enquanto Estado tem revelado sérias deficiências em matéria de imposição do respeito por direitos humanos fundamentais.

À luz do acima exposto, pergunto à Comissão:

| Procedeu a UE a alguma alteração dos critérios sobre as relações com países terceiros de que o Parlamento não tenha conhecimento? |
| --- |

Procedeu a UE a alguma alteração dos critérios sobre as relações com países terceiros de que o Parlamento não tenha conhecimento?

| Caso contrário, considera a Comissão que o Paquistão cumpre os critérios previstos no artigo 21.° do TUE e no artigo 9.°, n.° 1, alínea b), do Regulamento «SPG» n.° 978/2012? |
| --- |

Caso contrário, considera a Comissão que o Paquistão cumpre os critérios previstos no artigo 21.° do TUE e no artigo 9.°, n.° 1, alínea b), do Regulamento «SPG» n.° 978/2012?

Resposta dada por Karel De Gucht em nome da Comissão

(1 de outubro de 2013)

No âmbito da preparação do ato delegado ao abrigo do regime especial de incentivo ao desenvolvimento sustentável e à boa governança (SPG+), a Comissão analisou a rigorosa conformidade de todos os países candidatos com os requisitos jurídicos estabelecidos no Regulamento (UE) n.° 978/2012 (399).

Após esta análise, a Comissão concluiu que o Paquistão, conjuntamente com todos os demais candidatos incluídos no ato delegado, cumpre os requisitos jurídicos para beneficiar das preferências pautais SPG+. Por conseguinte, em consonância com os requisitos do Regulamento (UE) n.° 978/2012, a Comissão adotou o ato delegado.

A Comissão remete o Senhor Deputado para a resposta dada às perguntas escritas E‐04904/2013 e E-007870/2013 (400).

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010257/13

to the Commission

Mário David (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: GSP+ status for Pakistan

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which the European Parliament awards every year, is one of the most prestigious and celebrated world prizes in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, the EU’s trade agreements with third countries include binding criteria relating to human, labour and environmental rights.

Defending the universal values our Union is built upon, we denounce, expose and monitor violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those perpetrated against children, women or minorities.

This is why we are respected all over the world.

The EU does not barter democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, or respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law (Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU)). These values, besides being embedded in the EU’s Treaties since its foundation, have been reinforced by the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Recently, the Commission, in a delegated act, stated that 10 countries — as different as Cape Verde, Mongolia, Georgia, Armenia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Costa Rica and Pakistan, although dealt with in the same legislative act — now meet the criteria, under Article 9(1) of the GSP Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 978/2012), for the additional tariff preferences provided under GSP+.

We know — and it has been confirmed by several UN reports and, to some extent, by the Commission itself — that Pakistan as a state exhibits serious failings when it comes to imposing respect for basic human rights.

| 1. | Taking this into consideration, can the Commission state whether the EU has introduced any changes in the criteria governing relations with third countries which Parliament is not aware of? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Taking this into consideration, can the Commission state whether the EU has introduced any changes in the criteria governing relations with third countries which Parliament is not aware of?

| 2. | If this is not the case, does the Commission consider that Pakistan fulfils the criteria set out in Article 21 TEU and Article 9(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If this is not the case, does the Commission consider that Pakistan fulfils the criteria set out in Article 21 TEU and Article 9(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 2013)

In the preparation of the delegated act under the EU’s special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) the Commission has analysed the compliance of all applicant countries strictly in accordance with the legal requirements set in Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 (401).

Following this analysis, the Commission concluded that Pakistan, together with all the other applicants included in the delegated act, comply with the legal requirements to be granted GSP+ trade preferences. As a result, and in line also with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 978/2012, the Commission adopted the delegated act accordingly.

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to its answer to previous written questions E-004904/2013 and E-007870/2013 (402).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-010258/13

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Gravi minacce alla conservazione degli uccelli selvatici in Italia a causa dell'attività di caccia esercitata in palese violazione della direttiva «Uccelli» 2009/147/CE

Con le interrogazioni E-007486/2012 e P-007639/2012 lo scrivente denunciava alla Commissione alcune gravi violazioni alla direttiva 2009/147/CE a causa dei calendari venatori — stagione 2012/2013 — delle regioni italiane e della legge italiana n. 157/92 sulla caccia.

A distanza di un anno in Italia la situazione rimane la stessa e sia la legge statale sulla caccia (L. 157/92) sia le leggi regionali sia i calendari venatori delle regioni italiane per la stagione 2013/2014 prevedono che: 1) diverse specie di uccelli migratori sono cacciabili durante le fasi di dipendenza, 2) diverse specie di uccelli migratori sono cacciabili dopo l'inizio del ritorno al luogo di nidificazione, 3) carnieri giornalieri e stagionali sono incompatibili con lo stato di conservazione di alcune specie di uccelli, 4) la caccia a specie di uccelli è ammissibile nonostante il loro status negativo.

In Italia, inoltre, non sono ancora stati attuati i piani di gestione concernenti le seguenti 19 specie di uccelli: Allodola, Moriglione, Pernice rossa, Coturnice, Pavoncella, Combattente, Canapiglia, Codone, Marzaiola, Mestolone, Moretta, Fagiano di monte, Pernice sarda, Starna, Quaglia, Frullino, Beccaccia, Beccaccino, Tortora, tutte specie che si trovano in sfavorevole stato di conservazione, ma che sono attualmente soggette all'attività venatoria da parte di circa 750.000 cacciatori italiani.

Inoltre, nella stagione venatoria 2013/2014, in Italia, ben 16 regioni italiane hanno aperto la stagione venatoria anticipatamente già in data 1o settembre (403), anziché in data 15 settembre, consentendo la caccia di specie di uccelli in riproduzione con i piccoli nei nidi (Colombaccio) o in grave declino (Tortora e Quaglia).

Può la Commissione riferire:

| se è al corrente dell'attuale grave situazione sopra descritta esistente in Italia; |
| --- |

se è al corrente dell'attuale grave situazione sopra descritta esistente in Italia;

| se ha valutato ed esaminato la situazione così come annunciato nelle risposte alle succitate interrogazioni ricevute in data 4.9.2012 e 1.10.2012; |
| --- |

se ha valutato ed esaminato la situazione così come annunciato nelle risposte alle succitate interrogazioni ricevute in data 4.9.2012 e 1.10.2012;

| quali misure e procedimenti intende intraprendere nei confronti dell'Italia considerata la palese e reiterata violazione dei principi fondamentali di tutela degli uccelli stabiliti dalla direttiva 2009/147/CE? |
| --- |

quali misure e procedimenti intende intraprendere nei confronti dell'Italia considerata la palese e reiterata violazione dei principi fondamentali di tutela degli uccelli stabiliti dalla direttiva 2009/147/CE?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(15 ottobre 2013)

La Commissione si è informata e ha esaminato i fatti segnalati dall'onorevole deputato relativamente alla caccia agli uccelli in Italia e alla non conformità con la direttiva 2009/147/CE (404) (cosiddetta direttiva «Uccelli selvatici»).

Stando alle informazioni disponibili e ai dati sui concetti fondamentali (405), non risulta esserci sovrapposizione tra i periodi di caccia e i periodi di riproduzione e di migrazione prenuziale, soprattutto se si considerano la possibilità di una sovrapposizione parziale teorica di una decade (punto 2.7.2 della Guida alla disciplina della caccia (406)) o situazioni specifiche come il periodo prolungato di nidificazione del germano reale (Anas platyrhynchos) (punto 2.7.12).

Inoltre la Commissione non ha ricevuto alcun elemento che confermi l'incompatibilità con la direttiva dei carnieri stagionali e giornalieri stabiliti dalle regioni italiane per le diverse specie cacciabili

La Commissione continuerà a seguire l'applicazione della direttiva «Uccelli selvatici» in Italia, in particolare gli ultimi sviluppi della stagione venatoria 2013-2014.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010258/13

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Serious threats to wild bird conservation in Italy as a result of hunting being carried out in clear breach of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)

In written questions E-007486/2012 and P-007639/2012 the Commission was made aware of a number of serious infringements of Directive 2009/147/EC stemming from Italian regions' hunting calendars for the 2012/2013 season and Italian Law No 157/92 on hunting.

One year on, the situation has still not changed and Italian Law No 157/92 on hunting, Italian regional laws and the regions' hunting calendars for the 2013/2014 season all allow: 1) the hunting of various migratory bird species during periods of vulnerability; 2) the hunting of various species of migratory birds following return migration to nesting areas; 3) seasonal and daily game bag limits that are incompatible with the conservation of certain bird species; and 4) the hunting of bird species despite the fact that their numbers are declining.

Moreover, management plans have yet to be introduced for the following 19 species of bird: Skylark, Common Pochard, Red-legged Partridge, Greek partridge, Peewit, Ruff, Gadwall, Pintail, Garganey, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Black Grouse, Barbary Partridge, Grey Partridge, Quail, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Common Snipe and Turtle Dove which, although declining in number, are still being hunted by some 750 000 Italian hunters.

In the 2013/2014 hunting season in Italy, 16 regions declared the season open early (on 1 September (407)), when it would normally open on 15 September, meaning that birds in their period of reproduction with chicks (Common Wood Pigeon) or species in serious decline (Turtle Dove and Quail) could be hunted.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of the serious situation in Italy? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of the serious situation in Italy?

| 2. | Has it assessed the situation as it said it would do in its replies it gave to written questions on 4 September 2012 and 1 October 2012? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Has it assessed the situation as it said it would do in its replies it gave to written questions on 4 September 2012 and 1 October 2012?

| 3. | What measures or proceedings does it intend to take against Italy in response to the blatant and continual infringement of the fundamental principles of bird conservation established by Directive 2009/147/EC? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What measures or proceedings does it intend to take against Italy in response to the blatant and continual infringement of the fundamental principles of bird conservation established by Directive 2009/147/EC?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2013)

The Commission has collected and assessed information about the issues raised by the Honourable Member in relation to bird hunting in Italy and compliance with Directive 2009/147/EC (‘Birds Directive (408)’).

On the basis of the available information and of the Key Concepts data (409), there appears to be no contradiction between the hunting periods for the relevant species and their reproduction and pre-nuptial migration periods, especially taking into account the possibility of a partial, theoretical overlap of one decade (point 2.7.2. of the Hunting Guide (410)), or certain specific situations such as the prolonged breeding season of the Mallard — Anas platyrhynchos (point 2.7.12. of the Hunting Guide).

As regards the seasonal and daily bag limits set by Italian regions for the different huntable species, the Commission has not received any evidence that they would be incompatible with the Birds Directive's provisions.

The Commission will continue monitoring the implementation of the Birds Directive in Italy including the recent developments related to the new hunting season 2013-2014.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010259/13

a la Comisión

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Futuro de una estrategia europea para el espacio atlántico

La Comisión ha publicado recientemente un informe relativo al valor añadido de las estrategias macrorregionales (COM(2013)0468) en el que, a petición del Consejo, se aclara el concepto de las estrategias macrorregionales, se evalúan sus ventajas y su valor añadido y se formulan recomendaciones sobre el trabajo futuro.

En junio de 2003, el Consejo invitó a la Comisión a definir una Estrategia europea para el espacio atlántico, y en 2011, publicó una Comunicación sobre la estrategia para el Atlántico. El Parlamento Europeo ha expresado en varias ocasiones su posición sobre este tema, insistiendo en que la creación de una estrategia macrorregional para el espacio atlántico abordaría los desafíos y los problemas y favorecería las sinergias entre los distintos instrumentos y niveles de acción y entre los diversos actores presentes sobre el terreno.

Asimismo, ha pedido a la Comisión que proponga un plan de acción para poner en práctica la estrategia en el período 2014-2020. Este plan —que utilizaría fondos europeos ya existentes, sin crear nuevos instrumentos presupuestarios— establecería las prioridades y los proyectos emblemáticos, adoptaría un proceso de evaluación y una revisión a medio período de los logros alcanzados e identificaría los recursos necesarios para llevar a cabo el plan de acción.

El Plan de acción para una estrategia marítima en la región atlántica fue aprobado el pasado mes de mayo por la Comisión, y por el Consejo a finales de junio.

¿Podría informar la Comisión del avance de los trabajos relativos a la implementación del mecanismo de seguimiento del Plan de acción? ¿Para cuándo ve factible la Comisión la puesta en práctica de la estrategia macrorregional?

Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión

(11 de noviembre de 2013)

El Plan de acción para una estrategia marítima en la región atlántica fue adoptado por la Comisión en mayo de 2013 y respaldado un mes más tarde por el Consejo de Asuntos Generales y por el Consejo Europeo. Para que este plan tenga éxito, es importante establecer un mecanismo de aplicación que refuerce el compromiso de los actores nacionales y locales y que haga posible el seguimiento de los avances conseguidos. De acuerdo con lo previsto, ese mecanismo podrá comenzar a funcionar a principios de 2014. En estos momentos, con vistas a la revisión a medio plazo a la que se someterá la aplicación del plan a finales de 2017, la Comisión está elaborando una metodología para ese seguimiento. La metodología que se adopte no deberá imponer nuevas exigencias en materia de comunicación, sino, más bien, utilizar la información de base existente.

El respaldo del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo tiene una importancia capital para la aplicación de una estrategia macrorregional en el Atlántico (véase el Informe de la Comisión sobre el valor añadido de las estrategias macrorregionales (411)). Hasta la fecha, los Estados miembros ribereños del Atlántico han expresado su preferencia por dar a esa región un enfoque marítimo, más que un enfoque macrorregional de mayor alcance. La Comisión opina, por lo tanto, que las regiones y los Estados miembros atlánticos deben, a través de los Fondos europeos y con la participación del sector privado, poner todo su empeño en aplicar el Plan de acción a fin de impulsar el crecimiento económico y la creación de empleo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010259/13

to the Commission

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: The future of a European strategy for the Atlantic area

The Commission recently published a report on the added value of macro‐regional strategies (COM(2013)0468) which, as per the Council’s request, clarifies the concept of macro‐regional strategies, evaluates the benefits and added value thereof, and makes recommendations for future action.

In June 2003, the Council called on the Commission to establish a European Strategy for the Atlantic area, and a communication on the Atlantic Strategy was published in 2011. Parliament has expressed its opinion of this topic on several occasions, emphasising that the creation of a macro‐regional strategy for the Atlantic area would tackle challenges, resolve problems and enhance synergies among the various instruments and levels of action and among the various actors on the ground.

In addition, Parliament has called on the Commission to bring forward an action plan for the implementation of the strategy from 2014 to 2020. The plan, which would use existing European funding and would not create any new budgetary instruments, would set out the priorities and flagship projects, adopt a process of evaluation and a mid‐term review of achievements and would identify the resources required to implement the action plan.

The action plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area was adopted by the Commission in May 2013 and by the Council at the end of June 2013.

What is the state of play as regards the implementation of the action plan’s monitoring mechanism? At what point will it be possible to implement the macro‐regional strategy?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The action plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area was adopted by the Commission in May 2013 and endorsed by the General Affairs and European Councils in June 2013. An implementation mechanism to enhance engagement of national and local actors and enable progress to be monitored will be an important element in making the action plan a success. As planned, this mechanism is scheduled to be operational early in 2014. The Commission is currently developing a methodology for monitoring progress, in view of the mid-term review of implementation of the action plan by the end of 2017. It should not create any new reporting requirements, but rather use existing baseline information.

Endorsement by the European Parliament and Council is crucial for the implementation of a macro-regional strategy for the Atlantic (cfr Report from the Commission concerning the added value of macro-regional strategies (412)). So far, Atlantic Member States have expressed their support for a maritime approach for the Atlantic, rather than a broader macro-regional approach for this region. The Commission is therefore of the view that the Atlantic regions and Member States should make every effort to implement the action plan, both through the deployment of European Funds, and through private sector involvement, in order to spur economic growth and job creation.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010260/13

a la Comisión

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Pobreza y retroceso del Estado de bienestar en Europa

La pasada semana, la organización Cáritas Europa publicó un informe sobre el futuro del Estado de bienestar en la Unión Europea en el que subraya el grave deterioro del Estado de bienestar por las consecuencias de los recortes presupuestarios, en particular en las políticas sociales. Los efectos de la crisis económica y de las duras políticas de austeridad han provocado un aumento de las desigualdades que sufren los sectores más vulnerables de la sociedad, como los niños y los mayores.

El Parlamento Europeo rechazó, el pasado mes de junio, la propuesta del Consejo que pretendía reducir en 1 000 millones de euros, de los 3 500 millones actuales, el Fondo de Ayuda a las Personas Desfavorecidas de la UE para el periodo 2014-2020, que pretende ayudar a cubrir las necesidades básicas de las personas más vulnerables.

Sin embargo, los datos económicos apuntan a que la pobreza continuará aumentando, y por ello la Unión Europea debe prevenir situaciones no deseadas proponiendo soluciones más ambiciosas para atender a las necesidades de los colectivos más vulnerables.

¿Se plantea la Comisión complementar el Fondo de Ayuda con nuevos mecanismos de solidaridad para proporcionar los recursos necesarios (no solo alimentarios) a las personas que viven en una situación real de emergencia social?

¿Cómo podría mejorarse la dimensión social de la Estrategia Europa 2020 en un momento en el que prima la austeridad frente a la defensa de las políticas públicas en materia de educación, sanidad y educación social?

¿No cree la Comisión que Europa se enfrenta a un retroceso de los sistemas de bienestar?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de noviembre de 2013)

La Comisión es consciente de que la crisis financiera y económica y las medidas de saneamiento presupuestario necesarias para hacer frente a la crisis de la deuda soberana han tenido un grave efecto en la pobreza y la desigualdad, especialmente en los países receptores de ayuda financiera internacional.

Tal y como se indica en el Estudio Prospectivo Anual sobre Crecimiento de 2013, el saneamiento presupuestario debería tener como objetivo minimizar los efectos adversos sobre los colectivos con ingresos reducidos y salvaguardar el potencial de futuro crecimiento. Los responsables de la elaboración de políticas (413) cuentan con opciones para determinar cómo se distribuye el efecto del saneamiento mediante la elección de una combinación adecuada de medidas relativas a gastos y a ingresos, así como el diseño y los objetivos de las mismas.

La Comisión acoge con satisfacción el acuerdo alcanzado entre el Parlamento y el Consejo para conceder al Fondo de Ayuda Europea para los Más Necesitados un presupuesto de 3 500 millones de euros, de los cuales 2 500 millones de euros constituyen una parte obligatoria, reforzada con mil millones de euros que los Estados miembros podrán movilizar de forma voluntaria. La propuesta de la Comisión prevé además que los Estados miembros proporcionen una cofinanciación del 15 %, lo que permitirá aumentar los recursos de los programas de ayuda a los más necesitados.

El Paquete sobre Inversión Social (414) establece un nuevo programa de políticas sociales para ayudar a los Estados miembros a modernizar sus sistemas sociales, hacer frente a la pobreza y a la exclusión social y salir de la crisis siendo más fuertes, más cohesivos y más competitivos. El Paquete se aplicará a través del Semestre Europeo y con ayuda de los fondos de la UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010260/13

to the Commission

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Poverty and the shrinking welfare state in Europe

Last week, Caritas Europa published a report on the future of the welfare state in the European Union, in which it highlights the serious damage that budget cuts — particularly in the area of social policy — have caused to the welfare state in Europe. The effects of the economic crisis and tough austerity policies have led to an increase in inequality for the most vulnerable groups in society, such as children and the elderly.

In June 2013, the European Parliament rejected a Council proposal to cut EUR 1 000 million from the budget of the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived for the period between 2014 and 2020 (the current budget stands at EUR 3 500 million). The aim of the fund is to help cover the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in society.

Economic data, however, suggest that poverty will continue to rise. The European Union should therefore prevent undesirable situations by proposing more ambitious solutions to meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups.

Is the Commission considering supplementing the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived by introducing new solidarity schemes to provide the necessary resources (in addition to food) to people facing a genuine social emergency?

How can the social dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy be improved at a time when austerity is taking precedence over the safeguarding of public policy in the areas of education, health and social education?

Does the Commission agree that Europe’s welfare systems are in decline?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission is aware that the financial and economic crisis and the fiscal consolidation measures necessary to deal with the sovereign debt crisis, especially in countries receiving international financial assistance, have seriously affected income poverty and inequality.

As stressed in the 2013 Annual Growth Survey, fiscal consolidation should aim at minimising adverse effects on low-income groups and preserving future growth potential. Policy-makers (415) do have options to affect the distributional impact of consolidation by selecting the appropriate mix of expenditure and revenue measures, their design and targeting.

The Commission welcomes the agreement between Parliament and the Council to allocate a budget of EUR 3.5 billion — consisting of an obligatory sum of EUR 2.5 billion plus a further EUR 1 billion that the Member States can provide on a voluntary basis — to the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD). The Commission's proposal also requires the Member States to provide 15% of the funding, thus increasing the resources available for programmes to aid the most deprived people in society.

The Social Investment Package (416) sets a new agenda for social policies to help Member States modernise their social systems, address poverty and social exclusion and emerge from the crisis stronger, more cohesive and more competitive. The Package will be implemented through the European Semester and with the support of EU Funds.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010261/13

a la Comisión

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Incremento de la demanda de mano de obra en el sector de la asistencia sanitaria

Hace unos días, la Comisión Europea publicó el último informe del Observatorio Europeo de Ofertas de Empleo, en el que se subraya el claro incremento de la demanda de mano de obra en el sector de la asistencia sanitaria (casi un 2 % anual entre 2008 y 2012). Los profesionales de los cuidados personales en servicios de salud, los profesionales de enfermería y las comadronas, los técnicos médicos y farmacéuticos y otros profesionales de la salud (como dentistas, farmacéuticos y fisioterapeutas) se encuentran entre las veinticinco profesiones con mayor crecimiento entre el cuarto trimestre de 2011 y el cuarto trimestre de 2012.

Después de los cuidados personales en servicios de salud, las profesiones con mayor crecimiento del número de personas empleadas fueron los programadores y analistas de software, los secretarios administrativos y especializados, los supervisores en ingeniería de minas, de industrias manufactureras y de la construcción y los maestros de enseñanza primaria y preescolar.

Al mismo tiempo, las cifras de desempleo en la Unión Europea continúan siendo alarmantes y el número de parados se sitúa en 26,4 millones de personas, por lo que es urgente poner en práctica medidas para dinamizar el mercado laboral.

— ¿Qué medidas podría plantear la Comisión para animar a las autoridades públicas a invertir en la formación de personas con el objeto de su inserción laboral en los sectores con mayor potencial de creación de empleo en Europa?

— ¿Cómo lograr que una parte de los recursos del Fondo Social Europeo se destinen a la formación en estas materias?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(6 de noviembre de 2013)

El documento de trabajo de los servicios de la Comisión «Plan de acción para el personal sanitario de la UE», que forma parte del paquete de medidas para el empleo (417), propone iniciativas concretas para apoyar el sector sanitario de los Estados miembros e impulsar la creación de empleo a medio y largo plazo. Esto ayudará a los Estados miembros a mejorar la formación de estos profesionales.

Las acciones contempladas son: prever las necesidades de personal, mejorar las metodologías de planificación en materia de personal y anticipar las aptitudes que serán necesarias en el sector. Se ha iniciado un estudio de viabilidad previo a un Consejo dedicado a esta cuestión de las aptitudes, al objeto de revisar los perfiles de competencias, en el cual los interlocutores sociales son agentes clave.

Las nuevas tecnologías para la atención sanitaria pueden mejorar la calidad laboral de quienes trabajan cuidando a familiares y, en consecuencia, atraer a más personas a este sector. Para explorar más a fondo estas oportunidades, el JRC (418) está estudiando el modo en que las TIC pueden contribuir a una vida independiente y mejorar los cuidados a domicilio de los ancianos (419), al tiempo que su investigación sobre los servicios integrados de asistencia sanitaria y social (420) ha puesto de manifiesto que las TIC refuerzan el papel del personal de enfermería (421).

Por lo que se refiere al FSE (422), la propuesta de la Comisión para el período 2014-2020 introduce una prioridad de inversión para mejorar el acceso a los servicios, incluidos los de asistencia sanitaria y social, en el marco del objetivo temático de la inclusión social.

El FSE financia acciones para promover el empleo e invertir en educación, y se propone cerrar el «déficit de aptitudes» ofreciendo a los solicitantes de empleo las aptitudes y cualificaciones que requiere el mercado laboral.

A fin de garantizar los recursos adecuados para estas intervenciones, la Comisión ha propuesto que del presupuesto de la política de cohesión se destine un mínimo del 25 % al FSE, y de este, al menos un 20 % a la inclusión social. Los colegisladores están negociando todo esto, y la Comisión ha trabajado estrechamente con los Estados miembros para planificar las acciones necesarias en cada país.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010261/13

to the Commission

María Irigoyen Pérez (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Increased labour demand in the healthcare sector

The Commission published recently the latest report by the European Vacancy Monitor which pointed to a clear rise in demand for labour in the healthcare sector (by almost 2% per year between 2008 and 2012). Personal care workers in health services, nursing staff and midwives, medical and pharmaceutical technicians, and other health professionals (e.g. dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists) are among the 25 occupations registering the most growth between the fourth quarter of 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2012.

Software programmers and analysts, secretaries in administration and specialist fields, mining, manufacturing and construction supervisors, and primary school and early childhood teachers are the occupations that had the highest growth in employee numbers after personal care workers in health services.

At the same time, unemployment figures in the European Union continue to cause alarm and the number of people out of work stands at 26.4 million. Action needs to be taken urgently to energise the labour market therefore.

— How might the Commission suggest encouraging public authorities to invest in training people so they can find work in those sectors in the EU with the greatest potential for job creation?

— What needs to be done for part of the European Social Fund to be allocated to training in these fields?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission's SWD An action plan for the EU health workforce as part of the Employment Package (423) proposed concrete initiatives to assist MS in the EU healthcare sector and boost employment in medium to long-term. This will help MSs in improving training in health professions.

The actions envisaged are: forecasting workforce needs and improving workforce planning methodologies; anticipating future skills needs in the health professions. A feasibility study to launch an EU skills council in this area has been launched to review the competence profiles, where social partners are key actors.

New technologies for care can improve the job quality of family employed carers, and consequently, attract more people in this sector. To further explore these opportunities, the JRC (424) is investigating ICT for independent living and elderly care at home (425) while its research on Integrated Personal Health/care Services (426) has identified how ICT helps enhance the role of nurses. (427)

As regards the ESF (428), the Commission's proposal for the period 2014-2020 introduces an investment priority on enhancing access to services, including healthcare and social services, under the social inclusion thematic objective.

ESF supports actions to promote employment and to invest in education and aims at closing the ‘skills gap’ by giving job-seekers the skills and qualifications that are in demand on the labour market.

To ensure adequate resources for these interventions, the Commission proposed that a minimum share of 25% of the cohesion policy budget should be allocated to the ESF and at least 20% of this to social inclusion. This is currently negotiated by the co-legislators and the Commission has been working closely with MS in order to plan the actions needed in each country.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010262/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(12 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Incumplimiento de la Directiva sobre Morosidad — SOC

El Grupo Aula, que imparte cursos de formación para favorecer el empleo, servicio que presta bajo la financiación del Servei d`Ocupació de Catalunya [Servicio de Empleo de Cataluña] (SOC), se ve obligado al cierre de sus instalaciones y a la cancelación de los cursos de formación ante el impago de más de 500 000 euros en facturas desde 2008.

A causa de este cierre, que se suma a otros posibles ajustes por parte del grupo, se han producido despidos y se ha interrumpido el curso para medio centenar de alumnos. Tan solo han sobrevivido algunos de los programas, esencialmente con financiación estatal. El Gobierno catalán se escuda en la terrible situación económica para evitar o retrasar los pagos.

Vemos pues que la administración autonómica está incumpliendo la Directiva 2011/7/UE del Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo, de 16 de febrero de 2011, por la que se establecen medidas de lucha contra la morosidad en las operaciones comerciales, poniendo en riesgo un servicio público de gran calado como es la formación, garante de mayor oportunidades en la búsqueda de empleo y la reducción de la dramática tasa de desempleo de España. Asimismo, y tal y como indican las sentencias del Tribunal de Justicia Europeo relativas al asunto Gravier, Blaizot o las sentencias de 7 de julio de 1992 en el asunto C-295/90 o de 27 de septiembre de 1988 en el asunto 42/87, entre otras, el acceso a la educación orientada a la formación profesional se encuentra dentro de las competencias del Derecho comunitario, que debe garantizar dicho acceso.

— ¿Qué acciones piensa acometer la Comisión para que el Gobierno español y sus administraciones autonómicas cumplan la Directiva sobre Morosidad?

— ¿Cree la Comisión que las acciones de formación son un elemento importante para fomentar la inserción laboral? Considerando las sentencias del TJE, ¿cómo garantizará la Comisión el acceso a la formación profesional?

— ¿Prevé la Comisión realizar algún paquete de ayuda para fomentar esta formación y evitar el cierre de centros?

— ¿Recomendará a España fomentar instrumentos como el SOC?

Respuesta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de noviembre de 2013)

| 1. | La Comisión controla rigurosamente la correcta transposición y aplicación de la Directiva 2011/7/UE en todos los Estados miembros y no dudará en adoptar medidas si constata que los Estados miembros no han transpuesto y aplicado correctamente la Directiva. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Comisión controla rigurosamente la correcta transposición y aplicación de la Directiva 2011/7/UE en todos los Estados miembros y no dudará en adoptar medidas si constata que los Estados miembros no han transpuesto y aplicado correctamente la Directiva.

En el caso de España, la Comisión está analizando actualmente la legislación por la que se transpone la Directiva y está en contacto con las autoridades españolas para evaluar la información facilitada por España.

Además, en las recomendaciones específicas hechas a España en 2013 por la Comisión en el marco del proceso 2020, se recomendó «tomar medidas para reducir los atrasos pendientes de la Administración y evitar que se vuelvan a acumular» (429).

| 2. | La Comisión considera que la formación continua es uno de los medios más eficaces para mejorar la empleabilidad de la población. También recomendó a España que potenciara la educación permanente, prorrogando la aplicación de la formación profesional (430). |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Comisión considera que la formación continua es uno de los medios más eficaces para mejorar la empleabilidad de la población. También recomendó a España que potenciara la educación permanente, prorrogando la aplicación de la formación profesional (430).

| 3. | En la actualidad, el Fondo Social Europeo está cofinanciando un amplio conjunto de actividades en este ámbito y continuará potenciando la formación y los programas de activación en el marco del nuevo periodo de programación, utilizando también los fondos adicionales de la Iniciativa de Empleo Juvenil (IEJ) |
| --- | --- |

3.

En la actualidad, el Fondo Social Europeo está cofinanciando un amplio conjunto de actividades en este ámbito y continuará potenciando la formación y los programas de activación en el marco del nuevo periodo de programación, utilizando también los fondos adicionales de la Iniciativa de Empleo Juvenil (IEJ)

| 4. | El SOC es el servicio de empleo de Cataluña y la Comisión no tiene competencias para intervenir en los organismos de los Estados miembros. |
| --- | --- |

4.

El SOC es el servicio de empleo de Cataluña y la Comisión no tiene competencias para intervenir en los organismos de los Estados miembros.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010262/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Breach of the Late Payment Directive and ‘SOC’

Grupo Aula receives funding from the ‘Servei d`Ocupació de Catalunya’ [Catalonia Employment Service], known as SOC, to run training courses for job seekers. It now finds itself forced to close its facilities and cancel training courses because it is owed more than EUR 500 000 in unpaid invoices dating back to 2008.

The closure of these facilities, which come on top of other adjustments the Group might have to make, has led to redundancies and to some 50 students having their courses interrupted. Only a few training courses have survived, basically because of state funding. The Catalan regional government is using the terrible economic situation as a shield to avoid or delay making payments.

The autonomous regional government is thus in breach of Directive 2011/7/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on combating late payment in commercial transactions. It is jeopardising a very important public service: training, which guarantees a better chance of finding work and of reducing Spain's dire unemployment rate. Furthermore, access to vocational training is one of the competences of Community law, which must guarantee access to this training. This has been confirmed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in its judgments in the Gravier and Blaizot cases, for example, other examples being its judgments of 7 July 1992 in Case C-295/90 and of 27 September 1988 in Case C-42/87.

— What action will the Commission take to ensure the Spanish Government and its autonomous regional governments comply with the Late Payments Directive?

— Does the Commission believe that training schemes are an important factor in helping people find work? In light of the ECJ judgments, how will the Commission guarantee access to vocational training?

— Is the Commission planning any aid packages to encourage this training and stop centres being closed?

— Will it recommend that Spain promotes vehicles such as the SOC?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is strictly monitoring the correct transposition and implementation of Directive 2011/7/EU in all 28 Member States and will not hesitate to take action should it find that Member States have not correctly transposed and implemented the directive. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is strictly monitoring the correct transposition and implementation of Directive 2011/7/EU in all 28 Member States and will not hesitate to take action should it find that Member States have not correctly transposed and implemented the directive.

In the case of Spain, the Commission is currently analysing the transposition law of the directive and is in contact with the Spanish authorities in order to assess the information provided by Spain.

Moreover in the Commission’s 2013 Country Specific Recommendations to Spain in the framework of the Europe 2020 process, it was recommended to ‘take measures to reduce the outstanding amount of government arrears and avoid their accumulation’ (431).

| 2. | The Commission believes that continuous training is among the most effective ways to improve the employability of the population. It was also recommended to Spain to reinforce the life-long learning by expanding the dual vocational education (432). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission believes that continuous training is among the most effective ways to improve the employability of the population. It was also recommended to Spain to reinforce the life-long learning by expanding the dual vocational education (432).

| 3. | The European Social Fund is at present co-funding a wide range of activities in this field and will continue to reinforce the training and activation programmes under the new programming period also using the additional Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) funds. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The European Social Fund is at present co-funding a wide range of activities in this field and will continue to reinforce the training and activation programmes under the new programming period also using the additional Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) funds.

| 4. | The SOC is the regional employment service in Cataluña and the Commission has no prerogative to intervene in the institution settings in the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The SOC is the regional employment service in Cataluña and the Commission has no prerogative to intervene in the institution settings in the Member States.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010263/13

to the Commission

Andrew Henry William Brons (NI)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: EUROGENDFOR

In which countries has the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) been deployed since its establishment, and for what purposes?

Has it participated directly or indirectly in any situation relating to civil unrest?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The Commission refers to its reply to questions E-003470/2012, E-003548/2012, E-003551/2012, E-003552/2012, E-2592/2013, E-2617/2013, E-2620/2013, E-2623/2013, E-2626/2013, E-2629/2013, E-2632/2013, E-2635/2013.

The European Gendarmerie Force (EGF) is not an EU body. The European Commission has no involvement in or competence for the missions, tasks, internal organisation, means or operations of EGF. EUROGENDFOR is not accountable to the Commission or to any other EU institution.

The publicly available website of EUROGENDFOR http://www.eurogendfor.eu includes some information on its deployments.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010264/13

aan de Commissie

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE) en Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE)

(12 september 2013)

Betreft: Belastingontwijking via Nederland door Portugese bedrijven

Uit een onlangs gepubliceerd verslag „Belastingontwijking in tijden van bezuinigingen” (433) blijkt dat Nederland fungeert als belastingroute voor Portugese bedrijven voor belastingplanningsdoeleinden.

| 1. | Is de Commissie niet van mening dat Portugal door het huidige belastingstelsel in Nederland belastinginkomsten van Portugese bedrijven misloopt? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is de Commissie niet van mening dat Portugal door het huidige belastingstelsel in Nederland belastinginkomsten van Portugese bedrijven misloopt?

| 2. | Is de Commissie niet van mening dat herziening van de Nederlandse belastingwetgeving die momenteel een agressieve fiscale planning door Portugese bedrijven faciliteert, een positieve uitwerking zal hebben op de verwezenlijking van de doelstellingen van het economisch aanpassingsprogramma voor Portugal? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Is de Commissie niet van mening dat herziening van de Nederlandse belastingwetgeving die momenteel een agressieve fiscale planning door Portugese bedrijven faciliteert, een positieve uitwerking zal hebben op de verwezenlijking van de doelstellingen van het economisch aanpassingsprogramma voor Portugal?

| 3. | Zal vicevoorzitter Olli Rehn de kwestie van de agressieve fiscale planning door Portugese bedrijven via Nederland in het kader van de komende herziening van het economisch aanpassingsprogramma voor Portugal in de Eurogroep aan de orde stellen? Zo neen, waarom niet? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Zal vicevoorzitter Olli Rehn de kwestie van de agressieve fiscale planning door Portugese bedrijven via Nederland in het kader van de komende herziening van het economisch aanpassingsprogramma voor Portugal in de Eurogroep aan de orde stellen? Zo neen, waarom niet?

Antwoord van de heer Šemeta namens de Commissie

(6 november 2013)

| 1. | De Commissie is ook bezorgd over het aanzienlijke verlies aan belastinginkomsten waarmee de lidstaten geconfronteerd worden als gevolg van belastingontduiking of agressieve fiscale planningen door een aantal multinationals. Het is om die reden dat de Commissie op 6 december 2012 haar actieplan en twee aanbevelingen heeft gepresenteerd, en dat zij het platform inzake goed fiscaal bestuur heeft opgericht om werk te maken van deze aanbevelingen en bredere kwesties die verband houden met goed bestuur in fiscale aangelegenheden. De huidige fiscale behandeling van doorstroomlichamen door Nederland is getoetst en goedgekeurd door de Groep gedragscode (belastingregeling voor ondernemingen). De Commissie is verheugd over en draagt actief bij aan de uitvoering van het actieplan van de OESO betreffende grondslaguitholling en winstverschuiving (BEPS) waarmee onder meer de praktijk van doorstroomlichamen zal worden aangepakt. |
| --- | --- |

1.

De Commissie is ook bezorgd over het aanzienlijke verlies aan belastinginkomsten waarmee de lidstaten geconfronteerd worden als gevolg van belastingontduiking of agressieve fiscale planningen door een aantal multinationals. Het is om die reden dat de Commissie op 6 december 2012 haar actieplan en twee aanbevelingen heeft gepresenteerd, en dat zij het platform inzake goed fiscaal bestuur heeft opgericht om werk te maken van deze aanbevelingen en bredere kwesties die verband houden met goed bestuur in fiscale aangelegenheden. De huidige fiscale behandeling van doorstroomlichamen door Nederland is getoetst en goedgekeurd door de Groep gedragscode (belastingregeling voor ondernemingen). De Commissie is verheugd over en draagt actief bij aan de uitvoering van het actieplan van de OESO betreffende grondslaguitholling en winstverschuiving (BEPS) waarmee onder meer de praktijk van doorstroomlichamen zal worden aangepakt.

| 2. | De uitvoering van de aanbevelingen van de Commissie en de oplossingen die in het BEPS-project zullen worden ontwikkeld, zou de lidstaten — waaronder Portugal — moeten helpen om hun doelstellingen inzake begrotingsdiscipline te verwezenlijken. De huidige tekortkomingen in het internationale belastingstelsel zijn echter niet de verantwoordelijkheid van één land en kunnen niet met eenzijdige actie worden opgelost. Dit vereist politieke wil en actie van alle lidstaten en vaak ook op mondiaal niveau. De Commissie zal in dat verband haar steun blijven aanbieden. |
| --- | --- |

2.

De uitvoering van de aanbevelingen van de Commissie en de oplossingen die in het BEPS-project zullen worden ontwikkeld, zou de lidstaten — waaronder Portugal — moeten helpen om hun doelstellingen inzake begrotingsdiscipline te verwezenlijken. De huidige tekortkomingen in het internationale belastingstelsel zijn echter niet de verantwoordelijkheid van één land en kunnen niet met eenzijdige actie worden opgelost. Dit vereist politieke wil en actie van alle lidstaten en vaak ook op mondiaal niveau. De Commissie zal in dat verband haar steun blijven aanbieden.

| 3. | De precieze fiscale regelingen van individuele Portugese ondernemingen zijn zeer technisch en ingewikkeld. Deze kwesties dienen op de eerste plaats te worden besproken in de Groep gedragscode (belastingregeling voor ondernemingen) die zich bezighoudt met mogelijk schadelijke regelingen van individuele lidstaten aanpakt, of via het platform inzake goed fiscaal bestuur, voor zover het systematische kwesties binnen het Europees fiscaal kader betreft. |
| --- | --- |

3.

De precieze fiscale regelingen van individuele Portugese ondernemingen zijn zeer technisch en ingewikkeld. Deze kwesties dienen op de eerste plaats te worden besproken in de Groep gedragscode (belastingregeling voor ondernemingen) die zich bezighoudt met mogelijk schadelijke regelingen van individuele lidstaten aanpakt, of via het platform inzake goed fiscaal bestuur, voor zover het systematische kwesties binnen het Europees fiscaal kader betreft.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010264/13

à Comissão

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE) e Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE)

(12 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Otimização fiscal através dos Países Baixos por parte de empresas portuguesas

Um relatório recentemente publicado, «Avoiding Tax in Times of Austerity» (434) (Otimização fiscal em tempo de austeridade), mostra que os Países Baixos constituem um canal financeiro utilizado pelas empresas portuguesas para fins de planeamento fiscal.

| 1. | A Comissão partilha a nossa preocupação com a perda, por parte de Portugal, de receitas fiscais de empresas portuguesas devido ao regime fiscal existente nos Países Baixos? |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão partilha a nossa preocupação com a perda, por parte de Portugal, de receitas fiscais de empresas portuguesas devido ao regime fiscal existente nos Países Baixos?

| 2. | A Comissão não concorda que a revisão dos regimes fiscais neerlandeses que atualmente facilitam o planeamento fiscal agressivo por parte de empresas portuguesas seria positiva para o processo de consecução dos objetivos do programa de ajustamento económico de Portugal? |
| --- | --- |

2.

A Comissão não concorda que a revisão dos regimes fiscais neerlandeses que atualmente facilitam o planeamento fiscal agressivo por parte de empresas portuguesas seria positiva para o processo de consecução dos objetivos do programa de ajustamento económico de Portugal?

| 3. | O Vice-Presidente Olli Rehn tenciona levantar a questão do planeamento fiscal agressivo através dos Países Baixos por parte de empresas portuguesas, no âmbito da próxima revisão do programa de ajustamento económico de Portugal, durante o Eurogrupo? Em caso negativo, por que razão? |
| --- | --- |

3.

O Vice-Presidente Olli Rehn tenciona levantar a questão do planeamento fiscal agressivo através dos Países Baixos por parte de empresas portuguesas, no âmbito da próxima revisão do programa de ajustamento económico de Portugal, durante o Eurogrupo? Em caso negativo, por que razão?

Resposta dada por Algirdas Šemeta em nome da Comissão

(6 de novembro de 2013)

| 1. | A Comissão partilha a preocupação de que os Estados-Membros percam receitas fiscais significativas devido à evasão fiscal ou a mecanismos de planeamento fiscal agressivo de algumas multinacionais. É por esta razão que a Comissão apresentou o seu Plano de Ação e duas recomendações, em 6 de dezembro de 2012, e estabeleceu a Plataforma para a boa governação fiscal para acompanhar essas recomendações e questões mais abrangentes relacionadas com a boa governação em questões fiscais. O atual tratamento fiscal neerlandês de empresas fictícias foi examinado e aprovado pelo Grupo do Código de Conduta (fiscalidade das empresas). A Comissão acolhe com agrado e contribui ativamente para a execução do plano de ação da OCDE contra a erosão da base tributável e a transferência de lucros (BEPS), o qual, entre outros aspetos, abordará a prática das empresas fictícias. |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Comissão partilha a preocupação de que os Estados-Membros percam receitas fiscais significativas devido à evasão fiscal ou a mecanismos de planeamento fiscal agressivo de algumas multinacionais. É por esta razão que a Comissão apresentou o seu Plano de Ação e duas recomendações, em 6 de dezembro de 2012, e estabeleceu a Plataforma para a boa governação fiscal para acompanhar essas recomendações e questões mais abrangentes relacionadas com a boa governação em questões fiscais. O atual tratamento fiscal neerlandês de empresas fictícias foi examinado e aprovado pelo Grupo do Código de Conduta (fiscalidade das empresas). A Comissão acolhe com agrado e contribui ativamente para a execução do plano de ação da OCDE contra a erosão da base tributável e a transferência de lucros (BEPS), o qual, entre outros aspetos, abordará a prática das empresas fictícias.

| 2. | A execução das recomendações da Comissão e as soluções a desenvolver no Projeto BEPS devem ajudar os Estados-Membros — incluindo Portugal — a atingir os objetivos de consolidação orçamental. No entanto, as atuais deficiências do sistema fiscal internacional não são responsabilidade de um só país e não podem ser resolvidas através de uma ação unilateral. É necessária vontade e ação políticas por parte de todos os Estados-Membros e, frequentemente, também a nível global. A Comissão continuará a prestar a sua assistência a esse respeito. |
| --- | --- |

2.

A execução das recomendações da Comissão e as soluções a desenvolver no Projeto BEPS devem ajudar os Estados-Membros — incluindo Portugal — a atingir os objetivos de consolidação orçamental. No entanto, as atuais deficiências do sistema fiscal internacional não são responsabilidade de um só país e não podem ser resolvidas através de uma ação unilateral. É necessária vontade e ação políticas por parte de todos os Estados-Membros e, frequentemente, também a nível global. A Comissão continuará a prestar a sua assistência a esse respeito.

| 3. | Os regimes fiscais específicos das empresas portuguesas, consideradas individualmente, são altamente técnicos e complexos. Antes do mais, essas questões devem ser debatidas no Grupo do Código de Conduta (fiscalidade das empresas), que aborda regimes potencialmente prejudiciais dos Estados-Membros individualmente, ou na Plataforma para a boa governação fiscal, na medida em que se refere a questões sistemáticas no quadro fiscal da UE. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Os regimes fiscais específicos das empresas portuguesas, consideradas individualmente, são altamente técnicos e complexos. Antes do mais, essas questões devem ser debatidas no Grupo do Código de Conduta (fiscalidade das empresas), que aborda regimes potencialmente prejudiciais dos Estados-Membros individualmente, ou na Plataforma para a boa governação fiscal, na medida em que se refere a questões sistemáticas no quadro fiscal da UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010264/13

to the Commission

Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE) and Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Portuguese companies avoiding tax via the Netherlands

A recently published report, ‘Avoiding Tax in Times of Austerity’ (435), shows that the Netherlands serves as a financial conduit for Portuguese firms for tax planning reasons.

| 1. | Does the Commission share our concern that Portugal is missing out on tax revenues from Portuguese companies because of the existing tax regime in the Netherlands? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission share our concern that Portugal is missing out on tax revenues from Portuguese companies because of the existing tax regime in the Netherlands?

| 2. | Does the Commission agree that revising the Dutch tax regimes that currently facilitate aggressive tax planning by Portuguese companies would have a positive impact on the progress being made towards achieving the objectives of the Economic Adjustment Programme for Portugal? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission agree that revising the Dutch tax regimes that currently facilitate aggressive tax planning by Portuguese companies would have a positive impact on the progress being made towards achieving the objectives of the Economic Adjustment Programme for Portugal?

| 3. | Will Vice‐President Rehn raise the issue of aggressive tax planning by Portuguese companies via the Netherlands in the framework of the next review of Portugal’s Economic Adjustment Programme during the Eurogroup? If not, why not? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Will Vice‐President Rehn raise the issue of aggressive tax planning by Portuguese companies via the Netherlands in the framework of the next review of Portugal’s Economic Adjustment Programme during the Eurogroup? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Šemeta on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

| 1. | The Commission shares the concern that Member States lose significant tax revenues as a result of tax evasion or the aggressive tax planning arrangements of some multinationals. That is why the Commission came forward with its Action Plan and two Recommendations on 6 December 2012 and established the Platform for Tax Good Governance to follow up on these recommendations and wider issues related to good governance in tax matters. The current Dutch tax treatment of conduit companies has been reviewed and approved by the Code of Conduct Group (business taxation). The Commission welcomes and actively contributes to the implementation of the OECD Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) which will inter alia address the practice of conduit companies. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission shares the concern that Member States lose significant tax revenues as a result of tax evasion or the aggressive tax planning arrangements of some multinationals. That is why the Commission came forward with its Action Plan and two Recommendations on 6 December 2012 and established the Platform for Tax Good Governance to follow up on these recommendations and wider issues related to good governance in tax matters. The current Dutch tax treatment of conduit companies has been reviewed and approved by the Code of Conduct Group (business taxation). The Commission welcomes and actively contributes to the implementation of the OECD Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) which will inter alia address the practice of conduit companies.

| 2. | Implementing the Commission's recommendations and the solutions to be developed in the BEPS Project should help Member States — including Portugal — in achieving fiscal consolidation objectives. The current deficiencies in the international tax system, however, are not one single country's responsibility and they cannot be solved by unilateral action. It requires political willingness and action from all Member States and often also globally. The Commission will continue to offer its assistance in that respect. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Implementing the Commission's recommendations and the solutions to be developed in the BEPS Project should help Member States — including Portugal — in achieving fiscal consolidation objectives. The current deficiencies in the international tax system, however, are not one single country's responsibility and they cannot be solved by unilateral action. It requires political willingness and action from all Member States and often also globally. The Commission will continue to offer its assistance in that respect.

| 3. | The detailed tax arrangements of individual Portuguese companies are highly technical and complex. These issues should primarily be discussed at the Code of Conduct Group (business taxation) which addresses potentially harmful regimes of individual Member States, or by the Platform for Tax Good Governance, to the extent that it concerns systematic issues within the EU tax framework. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The detailed tax arrangements of individual Portuguese companies are highly technical and complex. These issues should primarily be discussed at the Code of Conduct Group (business taxation) which addresses potentially harmful regimes of individual Member States, or by the Platform for Tax Good Governance, to the extent that it concerns systematic issues within the EU tax framework.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010265/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: MALE RPAS

La Commission a-t-elle conscience de la nécessité de créer une approche européenne commune visant à développer un système d'engins volants pilotés à distance de moyenne altitude et de longue endurance (MALE RPAS)?

La Commission va-t-elle élaborer une approche innovante pour concrétiser cette ambition?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

La Commission convient de la nécessité d'adopter une démarche européenne commune pour le développement d'un système d'aéronefs pilotés à distance de moyenne altitude et de longue endurance (MALE RPAS). L'Europe est totalement dépendante du reste du monde dans ce domaine et le développement d'un MALE RPAS européen de nouvelle génération est important pour l'avenir de notre base industrielle et technologique de défense européenne.

La Commission estime qu'un développement à l'échelle nationale n'est ni pratique ni réaliste et que les États membres devraient mettre en commun leurs ressources dans un programme militaire industriel de moyenne altitude et de longue endurance. La Commission n'a pas de rôle direct à jouer dans ce domaine, qui relève davantage de la compétence de l'Agence européenne de défense, chargée d'assister le Conseil et les États membres dans leurs efforts visant à améliorer les capacités de défense de l'Union européenne. La Commission pourrait toutefois soutenir ce programme:

| — | en finançant la recherche visant une double finalité dans des domaines tels que l'insertion d'un système d'aéronefs pilotés à distance dans l'espace aérien ou la charge de surveillance, recherche qui peut profiter à la fois au développement d'un système civil d'aéronefs pilotés à distance et d'un programme moyenne altitude et longue endurance; |
| --- | --- |

—

en finançant la recherche visant une double finalité dans des domaines tels que l'insertion d'un système d'aéronefs pilotés à distance dans l'espace aérien ou la charge de surveillance, recherche qui peut profiter à la fois au développement d'un système civil d'aéronefs pilotés à distance et d'un programme moyenne altitude et longue endurance;

| — | en promouvant la normalisation hybride et la certification à l'échelle de l'Union européenne, qui peuvent avoir un usage double et aider ainsi à réduire les coûts d'un programme MALE RPAS. |
| --- | --- |

—

en promouvant la normalisation hybride et la certification à l'échelle de l'Union européenne, qui peuvent avoir un usage double et aider ainsi à réduire les coûts d'un programme MALE RPAS.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010265/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: MALE RPAS

Does the Commission realise that it needs to forge a common European approach on the development of a medium-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system (MALE RPAS)?

Is the Commission going to come up with an innovative approach to that end?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission agrees that there is a need for a common European approach to the development of a medium-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system (MALE RPAS). Europe is completely dependent on the rest of the world in this field and the development of a new generation European MALE RPAS is important for the future of our European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.

The Commission believes that it is neither practical nor realistic for this development to be made on a national basis and that Member States should pool ressources into a joint industrial military MALE programme. The Commission has no direct role to play in this as this may fall more in the remit of the European Defence Agency which is to support the Council and the Member States in their efforts to improve the European Union’s defense capabilities. The Commission could however support such programme by:

| — | funding dual use research in areas like RPAS airspace insertion or surveillance payloads which can be beneficial to both the development of civil RPAS and a MALE programme; |
| --- | --- |

—

funding dual use research in areas like RPAS airspace insertion or surveillance payloads which can be beneficial to both the development of civil RPAS and a MALE programme;

| — | promoting hybrid standardisation and certification at the EU level that can be used for dual purposes and so help alleviate the costs of a MALE RPAS programme. |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting hybrid standardisation and certification at the EU level that can be used for dual purposes and so help alleviate the costs of a MALE RPAS programme.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010267/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Principes communs contraignants en matière de procédure administrative dans l'administration de l'Union européenne

Qu'en est-il de la demande du médiateur, formulée dans sa résolution du 15 janvier 2013 à l'attention de la Commission, d'adopter des règles et des principes communs contraignants en matière de procédure administrative dans l'administration de l'Union européenne et de présenter un projet de règlement à cette fin sur la base de l'article 298 du TFUE?

Que pense la Commission des expériences glanées jusqu'à présent par le médiateur ainsi que de ses publications y afférentes? Estime-t-elle qu'elles puissent fournir une orientation en termes de contenu pour un tel projet de loi?

Ne s'agirait-il pas de la meilleure manière d′assurer un changement durable de la culture administrative des institutions de l′Union?

Réponse donnée par M. Šefčovič au nom de la Commission

(17 octobre 2013)

En réponse à la résolution du Parlement européen contenant des recommandations à la Commission sur un droit de la procédure administrative de l'Union européenne (436), la Commission a exposé le 19 juin 2013 la suite qu'elle entend donner à la résolution (437). En résumé, elle va à présent dresser un bilan détaillé de la situation. Dans le cadre de cet exercice, la Commission tiendra compte de tous les éléments pertinents, y compris des orientations fournies par le médiateur. Le statut impose déjà des règles strictes aux fonctionnaires de l'UE, et la Commission est soucieuse de garantir les valeurs éthiques les plus élevées dans les contacts de son administration avec le public, en pleine conformité avec le code de bonne conduite administrative.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010267/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Common binding principles to govern administrative procedure in the Union's administration

What action has been taken following the request made by the Ombudsman to the Commission, in Parliament’s resolution of 15 January 2013, to adopt common binding rules and principles on administrative procedure in the Union’s administration and to submit a proposal for a regulation on that subject on the basis of Article 298 TFEU?

What view does the Commission take of the examples of best practice gathered thus far by the Ombudsman and of his related publications? Does it consider that these can inform the substance of a legislative proposal of this kind?

Would this not be the best way to bring about lasting change in the administrative culture of the EU institutions?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2013)

In response to Parliament's resolution with recommendations to the Commission on a Law of Administrative Procedure of the European Union (438), the Commission has set out its intended follow-up on 19 June 2013. (439) In short, the Commission will now launch a detailed stocktaking exercise. In this exercise the Commission will take all relevant material into account, including guidelines from the Ombudsman. The staff regulations already impose strong rules for EU officials, and the Commission is committed to the highest ethical values in regard to contacts of its administration with the public, in full accordance with the Code of Good Administrative Behaviour.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010269/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Horizon de secteur créatif et culturel

Pourquoi les actions proposées par la Commission dans sa communication consacrée aux SCC n'ont qu'un horizon et une portée limités?

N'est-il pas important de souligner la nécessité d'envisager les perspectives de ces secteurs à plus long terme et d'établir un programme de mesures structurées et concrètes afin de s'aligner sur la stratégie Europe 2020?

Le soutien de l'Union, des États membres et des collectivités locales à la création culturelle n'est-il pas indispensable?

Réponse donnée par Mme Vassiliou au nom de la Commission

(15 octobre 2013)

Dans sa communication intitulée «Promouvoir les secteurs de la culture et de la création pour favoriser la croissance et l'emploi dans l'Union européenne» (440), la Commission invite les États membres à déployer des stratégies à plusieurs niveaux ayant une triple finalité: accroître le potentiel de la culture et de la création, faire figurer ces secteurs en tête des priorités nationales de développement, et permettre la mise en œuvre de la future politique de cohésion et la réalisation des objectifs de la stratégie Europe 2020.

La Commission partage pleinement l'avis de l'Honorable Parlementaire selon lequel il est fondamental que les secteurs de la culture et de la création reçoivent le soutien de l'UE, des États membres et des collectivités locales. De fait, à long terme, l'ambition stratégique de la Commission est la reconnaissance pleine et entière du potentiel des industries culturelles et créatives et leur adéquate promotion à tous les niveaux de décision. Outre les mesures régionales et nationales de soutien, il est essentiel que la communauté artistique continue à mettre à profit toutes les possibilités existant au niveau européen, en particulier, celles offertes par les fonds de la politique de cohésion, mais aussi celles proposées par tous les programmes européens en la matière comme Europe créative, COSME, Erasmus + et Horizon 2020.

La communication de la Commission définit une vision stratégique de long terme et établit également un calendrier opérationnel à court terme. Ainsi, à l'heure actuelle, plus de 40 actions, s'inscrivant dans cinq axes d'entraînement, sont mises en œuvre dans l'ensemble de la Commission, qui poursuivra son action coordonnée dans les années à venir.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010269/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Prospects for the creative and cultural sectors (CCS)

Why are the actions proposed in the Commission's communication on the CCS of a limited scope and duration?

Should we not be taking a more long‐term view when planning the future of these sectors and establishing a programme of clear and properly structured measures, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy?

Would the Commission not agree that it is essential for the CCS to receive support from the EU, the Member States and local authorities?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2013)

The Commission Communication on ‘Promoting the cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the EU’ (441) called on the Member States to develop multi-layered strategies to boost the potential of culture and creativity and to place them high on national development agendas, also with a view to the future Cohesion Policy and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.

The Commission fully agrees with the Honourable Member's view that it is essential for the CCS to receive support from the EU, the Member States and local authorities. Indeed, the long-term strategic ambition of the Commission is that the economic potential of cultural and creative industries should be fully recognised and properly enhanced at all levels of governance. In addition to national and regional support measures, it is crucial that the creative community continues to make the most of all the opportunities available at EU level, in particular those of the Cohesion Policy Funds, but also the relevant EU programmes, such as Creative Europe, COSME, Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020.

While the Commission Communication laid down a long-term strategic vision, it also set a short-term practical agenda: more than 40 different actions related to five policy drivers are currently being implemented across the Commission which will pursue its coordinated action in the coming years.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010270/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Protection des enfants

La Commission compte-t-elle, comme le lui demande le Parlement, mettre en œuvre des mesures législatives et non législatives visant à garantir la protection adéquate des enfants et des mineurs non accompagnés, notamment en améliorant les méthodes permettant de trouver des solutions durables?

Réponse donnée par Mme Reding au nom de la Commission

(29 novembre 2013)

Dans sa communication intitulée «Programme de l'Union européenne en matière de droits de l'enfant», la Commission réaffirme son engagement à veiller à ce que l'intérêt supérieur de l'enfant soit au cœur de toutes les actions et politiques de l'UE concernées. Ce programme de l'UE met en avant une série de mesures concrètes ayant trait à des domaines dans lesquels l'Union peut apporter une réelle valeur ajoutée, comme la justice adaptée aux enfants, la protection des enfants en situation de vulnérabilité et la lutte contre la violence à l'encontre des enfants tant à l'intérieur de l'Union européenne qu'au-delà de ses frontières. En dehors de la législation de l'UE prévoyant des dispositions pour protéger les enfants et trouver des solutions durables (442), les efforts visant à promouvoir la nécessité d'une coopération renforcée entre les différents acteurs et entre les secteurs, y compris les différents ministères nationaux, font l'objet de discussions lors du Forum européen annuel sur les droits de l'enfant (443) et des réunions avec le groupe informel d'experts nationaux sur les droits de l'enfant. La Commission entend également aider les autorités nationales à mettre en œuvre des services efficaces et efficients, comme indiqué dans la recommandation de la Commission «Investir dans l'enfance pour briser le cercle vicieux de l'inégalité» (444).

Plusieurs mesures visant à améliorer la situation des enfants non accompagnés ont été prises par l'UE, notamment dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du plan d'action de l'UE pour les mineurs non accompagnés (445). La législation clé pour le renforcement des droits des enfants non accompagnés a été adoptée récemment; elle est constituée en particulier du régime d'asile européen commun qui a été amélioré et du code frontières Schengen. Pour parvenir à des solutions durables, la Commission continuera de travailler avec les pays tiers au sein des structures de coopération existantes, en particulier dans le cadre de l'approche globale de la question des migrations et de la mobilité (AGMM) et du processus d'élargissement de l'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010270/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Child protection

Is the Commission intending to act on Parliament’s call and implement legislative and non-legislative measures designed to ensure adequate protection of children and unaccompanied minors, in particular by improving methods so that lasting solutions can be found?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2013)

The Commission's communication ‘EU Agenda on the Rights of the Child’ reaffirms its commitment to ensure that the child's best interests are at the centre of all relevant EU actions and policies. The EU Agenda focuses on a number of concrete actions in areas where the EU can bring real added value, such as child-friendly justice, protecting children in vulnerable situations and fighting violence against children both inside the European Union and externally. Aside from EU legislation including provisions to protect children and to provide durable solutions (446), efforts to promote the need for stronger collaboration among different actors and across sectors, including various national ministries, are addressed at the annual European Forum on the rights of the child (447) and meetings with the informal Member State expert group on the rights of the child. The Commission also aims to support national authorities in delivering effective and efficient services as outlined in the Commission Recommendation ‘Investing in children: Breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ (448).

Several steps to improve the situation of unaccompanied children have been taken by the EU, including as part of the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Unaccompanied Minors (449). Key legislation to strengthen the rights of unaccompanied children was adopted recently, in particular the improved Common European Asylum System and the Schengen Borders code. In order for durable solutions to be found, the Commission will continue to work with third countries within the existing cooperation structures, in particular the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM) and the EU enlargement process.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010271/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Droits fondamentaux des mineurs

Nous saluons l'adoption par la Commission d'un plan d'action sur les mineurs non accompagnés pour 2010-2014.

| 1. | Cependant, pourquoi l'approche de la Commission n'est-elle pas davantage fondée sur la protection des droits fondamentaux de ces mineurs? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Cependant, pourquoi l'approche de la Commission n'est-elle pas davantage fondée sur la protection des droits fondamentaux de ces mineurs?

| 2. | D'après la Commission, les mesures existantes sont-elles vraiment suffisantes? |
| --- | --- |

2.

D'après la Commission, les mesures existantes sont-elles vraiment suffisantes?

| 3. | N'estime-t-elle pas que de nouvelles mesures sont nécessaires pour assurer la protection complète des mineurs non accompagnés? |
| --- | --- |

3.

N'estime-t-elle pas que de nouvelles mesures sont nécessaires pour assurer la protection complète des mineurs non accompagnés?

Pour rappel, l'un des objectifs du plan d'action pour les mineurs non accompagnés consistait, pour l'Union et ses États membres, à s'attaquer aux causes premières de la migration, à inscrire la question des mineurs non accompagnés dans la coopération au développement, et à contribuer, par là même, à la création de conditions sûres pour permettre aux enfants de grandir dans leur pays d'origine.

Réponse donnée par Mme Malmström au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

Le plan d'action pour les mineurs non accompagnés (2010-2014) (450) indique expressément que «la Commission place les normes instituées par la convention des Nations unies relative aux droits de l'enfant au cœur de toute action concernant les mineurs non accompagnés». Plusieurs mesures ont déjà été prises, et des textes législatifs clés visant à renforcer les droits des mineurs non accompagnés ont été adoptés récemment (dans le cadre du paquet «Asile» et de la révision du code frontières Schengen).

Nous devons à présent veiller à ce que la législation adoptée soit correctement mise en œuvre, d'une manière adaptée aux enfants et respectant les droits fondamentaux de ces derniers.

La Commission soutient les travaux actuellement menés par le HCR et ses experts sur la mise en œuvre pratique de la convention des Nations unies relative aux droits de l'enfant et des principes qui y sont établis, notamment en ce qui concerne la détermination de l'intérêt supérieur de l'enfant. La Commission continuera à vérifier s'il existe des lacunes dans la protection des enfants non accompagnés dans l'Union.

Le document de travail des services de la Commission qui accompagne la révision à mi-parcours de la mise en œuvre du plan d'action (451) énumère plusieurs projets financés par l'Union dans les pays d'origine, dont les objectifs sont d'empêcher les migrations à risque ou la traite d'êtres humains et de soutenir la recherche des familles. Plusieurs projets financés au titre de l'aide au développement concernent spécifiquement les enfants et leur environnement dans les pays tiers. Pour la période 2007-2013, un montant de 82 millions d'euros a été dépensé spécifiquement pour promouvoir et protéger les droits de l'enfant dans les pays en développement. Le dernier appel à projets, publié en 2012, permettra de financer environ 40 nouveaux projets, en mettant l'accent sur la lutte contre toutes les formes de violence contre les enfants, y compris la traite d'êtres humains.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010271/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Fundamental rights of minors

We welcome the adoption by the Commission of an action plan on unaccompanied minors 2010-2014. We must, however, ask the following questions:

| Why is the Commission’s approach not based more on protecting the fundamental rights of such minors? |
| --- |

Why is the Commission’s approach not based more on protecting the fundamental rights of such minors?

| Does the Commission consider that the existing measures are really sufficient? |
| --- |

Does the Commission consider that the existing measures are really sufficient?

| Does it not consider that new measures are required in order to provide comprehensive protection for unaccompanied minors? |
| --- |

Does it not consider that new measures are required in order to provide comprehensive protection for unaccompanied minors?

We would remind the Commission that one of the objectives of the EU Action Plan on Unaccompanied Minors was for the EU and its Members States to address the root causes of migration and integrate the issue of unaccompanied minors into development cooperation, thus contributing to the creation of safe environments for children to grow up in in their countries of origin.

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The action plan on Unaccompanied Minors (2010-2014) (452) specifically states that ‘the Commission places the standards established by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of any action concerning unaccompanied minors’. Several steps have already been taken and key legislation to strengthen the rights of unaccompanied minors was adopted recently (in the Asylum Package and in the revision of the Schengen Borders code).

We should now ensure that the agreed legislation is correctly implemented, in a child-friendly manner and respecting the fundamental rights of children.

The Commission supports the ongoing work of UNHCR and its experts on the practical implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the principles therein, in particular on the determination of the best interests of the child. The Commission will continue to assess whether there are any gaps in the protection of unaccompanied children in the EU.

The Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the Mid-term Review on the Implementation of the action plan (453) lists several EU-funded projects in countries of origin, aiming at preventing risky migration or trafficking and at supporting family tracing. Several projects funded under development aid specifically target children and their environment in third countries. EURO 82 million have been spent in the period 2007-13 specifically to promote and protect child rights in developing countries. The last call, published in 2012, is going to fund about 40 new projects, focusing on the fight of all forms of violence against children including trafficking.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010272/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Manuel juridique sur la protection des mineurs

On ne peut que regretter l'éparpillement des dispositions européennes concernant les mineurs non accompagnés.

La Commission pourrait-elle, comme le lui suggère le Parlement, réaliser un manuel à l'intention des États membres et de tous les professionnels du secteur, qui contiendrait ces différentes bases juridiques, afin de faciliter leur mise en œuvre par les États membres et de renforcer la protection des mineurs non accompagnés?

Réponse donnée par Mme Malmström au nom de la Commission

(15 novembre 2013)

La Commission soutient l'idée consistant à réaliser un manuel à l'intention des États membres et de tous les professionnels du secteur, qui regroupe les différentes bases juridiques (asile, frontières, trafics) applicables aux mineurs non accompagnés, comme l'a suggéré le Parlement européen dans son rapport d'initiative sur «la situation des mineurs non accompagnés dans l'UE» (454).

La Commission est d'avis qu'un tel manuel rendra la situation plus transparente pour les professionnels et clarifiera le cadre juridique à chaque étape du processus migratoire. Nous pensons qu'un tel ouvrage pourrait voir le jour dans le courant de l'année prochaine.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010272/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Legal guidelines on the protection of minors

The fragmentation of the European provisions concerning unaccompanied minors is a regrettable state of affairs.

Will the Commission — as Parliament has recommended — produce a set of guidelines for the Member States and all those working in the sector which contains these different legal bases in order to facilitate their implementation by the Member States and improve the protection of unaccompanied minors?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

The Commission supports the idea of compiling a handbook, for Member States and for all practitioners, drawing together the various legal bases (asylum, borders, trafficking) applied to unaccompanied minors, as suggested by the European Parliament in its own-initiative report on ‘The situation of Unaccompanied Minors in the EU’ (455).

The Commission believes such a handbook will improve transparency for practitioners and provide clarity on the legal framework at every stage of the migratory process. We expect such a handbook could be issued in the course of next year.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010273/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Reconnaissance des métiers d'excellence

Quelle est la position de la Commission quant à la reconnaissance de la spécificité des métiers d'excellence, véritables viviers d'emplois pour l'Europe, ceux-ci reposant sur quatre critères communs à tous les SCC du haut de gamme: l'innovation et la créativité, l'excellence et l'esthétisme, le savoir-faire et la technologie, ainsi que l'apprentissage tout au long de la carrière et la promotion des connaissances?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(12 novembre 2013)

Les secteurs de la culture et de la création européens (456), et en leur sein la mode et les industries du haut de gamme, sont particulièrement tributaires de certaines compétences et expertises provenant des métiers d'excellence. Le secteur européen du haut de gamme investit notamment dans le maintien de l'artisanat d'art européen, souvent unique au monde, et dans la transmission des connaissances aux jeunes générations (457).

Dans sa communication de 2012, intitulée «Promouvoir les secteurs de la culture et de la création pour favoriser la croissance et l'emploi dans l'Union européenne» (458), la Commission a reconnu la nécessité de relever différents défis liés aux compétences auxquels les SCC sont confrontés, notamment un manque de personnel ayant des compétences techniques et traditionnelles, y compris dans l'artisanat. Cette communication était accompagnée de deux documents de travail des services de la Commission, l'un sur le secteur européen de la mode (459) et l'autre sur les industries européennes du haut de gamme (460).

En outre, depuis 2011, le groupe informel de haut niveau sur la mode et le haut de gamme, avec la participation des PDG des plus grandes marques européennes (461), est un forum de discussion sur les meilleures pratiques et idées, notamment sur les moyens de soutenir les métiers d'excellence à différents niveaux (y compris par des actions d'associations du secteur, à l'échelon local et national ou à celui de l'Union européenne).

Par ailleurs, le Conseil européen des compétences pour le textile, l'habillement et le cuir (462) a pour but de mettre en évidence les tendances et les prévisions en matière de compétences et d'améliorer les liens entre l'industrie et les établissements d'enseignement et de formation.

Enfin, le cadre européen des certifications (CEC) rend les qualifications nationales plus lisibles en Europe, vise à promouvoir la mobilité des travailleurs et des apprenants entre pays et facilite leur formation tout au long de la vie. Les particuliers et les employeurs pourront utiliser ce cadre pour mieux comprendre et comparer les niveaux de qualification dans les différents pays et systèmes d'éducation et de formation.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010273/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Recognition of master crafts

What is the Commission's position on recognising the specific nature of master crafts, which are genuine sources of European jobs and are based on four criteria common to all the high‐end creative and cultural sectors: innovation and creativity; excellence and aestheticism; know‐how and technology, and career‐long learning and the promotion of knowledge?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

European cultural and creative sectors (463) and within them fashion and high-end industries, are particularly dependent on certain skills and expertise stemming from master crafts. The European high-end industry in particular invests in maintaining Europe’s artistic crafts, often unique in the world, and passing on the knowledge to younger generations (464).

In the 2012 Communication ‘Promoting cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the EU’ (465), the Commission recognised the need to address various skills-related challenges that the CCS are confronted with, in particular a shortage of employees with technical and traditional skills, including crafts. This communication was accompanied by two Staff Working Documents, one on fashion industries (466) and another on high-end industries (467).

In addition, since 2011 the informal High-Level Group on fashion and high-end, with the participation of CEOs of top European brands (468), is a forum for discussing best practice and ideas, notably on how to support master crafts at different levels (including actions by sector associations, at local and national level or at EU level).

Moreover, the European Skills Council Textile, Leather and Clothing (469) aims at identifying skills trends and forecasts and of improving links between the industry and the education and training providers.

Finally, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) makes national qualifications more readable across Europe, promotes workers' and learners' mobility between countries and facilitates their lifelong learning. Individuals and employers will be able to use the EQF to better understand and compare the qualifications levels of different countries and different education and training systems.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010274/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Brevet Samsung préjudiciable

En novembre dernier, la Commission européenne était déjà intervenue à la suite d'un litige entre Apple et Samsung. Samsung, qui dispose de brevets appelés FRAND, refuse en effet de céder des licences d'exploitation des droits détenus sur des technologies aujourd'hui considérées comme essentielles au développement des produits concurrents.

| 1. | La Commission partage-t-elle l'avis que Samsung abuse de ses brevets FRAND pour attaquer les autres fabricants de Smartphone? |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission partage-t-elle l'avis que Samsung abuse de ses brevets FRAND pour attaquer les autres fabricants de Smartphone?

| 2. | Ces technologies faisant même office de norme de développement, la Commission estime-t-elle que des actions en justice contre des entreprises prêtes à payer les frais d'utilisation de ces brevets seraient anticoncurrentielles? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Ces technologies faisant même office de norme de développement, la Commission estime-t-elle que des actions en justice contre des entreprises prêtes à payer les frais d'utilisation de ces brevets seraient anticoncurrentielles?

| 3. | Samsung ne devrait-il pas s'engager à les céder de façon juste et à un prix raisonnable? En effet, visiblement, Samsung aurait pris pour habitude d'abuser de ses brevets pour attaquer notamment Apple partout dans le monde. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Samsung ne devrait-il pas s'engager à les céder de façon juste et à un prix raisonnable? En effet, visiblement, Samsung aurait pris pour habitude d'abuser de ses brevets pour attaquer notamment Apple partout dans le monde.

Réponse donnée par M. Almunia au nom de la Commission

(5 novembre 2013)

Dans une communication des griefs de décembre 2012, la Commission a informé Samsung de sa conclusion préliminaire selon laquelle le fait que cette société tente d'obtenir des injonctions préliminaires et permanentes devant les juridictions de différents États membres sur la base de ses brevets essentiels liés à une norme (BEN) portant sur la technologie UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), pour lesquels ladite société s'est engagée à octroyer des licences à des conditions équitables, raisonnables et non discriminatoires (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory — FRAND) durant le processus de normalisation à l'Institut européen des normes de télécommunications, constitue, dans les circonstances exceptionnelles de l'espèce, un abus de position dominante.

De manière générale, les détenteurs de brevets peuvent légitimement recourir à l'injonction en cas de violation de ces derniers. Toutefois, la Commission a estimé, à titre préliminaire, qu'une demande d'injonction présentée sur la base de BEN est constitutive d'un abus de position dominante dans le cas où le titulaire des BEN s'est engagé à concéder des licences à des conditions FRAND et où la société à l'encontre de laquelle une injonction est demandée n'est pas opposée à la conclusion d'un accord de licence à des conditions FRAND.

Samsung a récemment présenté à la Commission des engagements formels qui visent à répondre aux préoccupations exprimées par cette dernière dans sa communication des griefs. Le 18 octobre 2013, la Commission a officiellement demandé aux acteurs du marché de se prononcer sur ces engagements.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010274/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Samsung's misuse of patents

In November 2012, the Commission intervened following a court case involving Apple and Samsung. Samsung, which holds a series of patents known as FRAND, refuses to grant operating licences for patented technologies that are now considered essential to the development of competing products.

| 1. | Does the Commission agree that Samsung is misusing the FRAND patents in order to damage other smartphone manufacturers? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission agree that Samsung is misusing the FRAND patents in order to damage other smartphone manufacturers?

| 2. | Given that these technologies serve as industry standards, does the Commission feel that the court cases brought against companies that are willing to pay royalties to use the patents could be anti‐competitive? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Given that these technologies serve as industry standards, does the Commission feel that the court cases brought against companies that are willing to pay royalties to use the patents could be anti‐competitive?

| 3. | It has clearly become common practice at Samsung to misuse patents in order to damage Apple and other companies throughout the world. Should Samsung not undertake to grant authorisation to use its patents fairly and at a reasonable price? |
| --- | --- |

3.

It has clearly become common practice at Samsung to misuse patents in order to damage Apple and other companies throughout the world. Should Samsung not undertake to grant authorisation to use its patents fairly and at a reasonable price?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

In December 2012, the Commission informed Samsung in a Statement of Objections of its preliminary conclusion that its seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions before the courts of various Member States on the basis of its standard essential patents (‘SEPs’) covering Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) technology that Samsung has committed to license on fair reasonable and non-discriminatory (‘FRAND’) terms during the standard setting process in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute constitutes, in the exceptional circumstances of the case, an abuse of a dominant position.

Recourse to injunctive relief is generally a legitimate remedy for patent holders in cases of patent infringements. However, the Commission's preliminary view is that the seeking of an injunction based on SEPs is an abuse of a dominant position in circumstances where the holder of a SEP has given a FRAND commitment and where the company against which an injunction is sought is not unwilling to enter into a licensing agreement on FRAND terms.

Samsung has recently submitted formal commitments to the Commission that seek to address the concerns expressed by the Commission in its Statement of Objections. The Commission has launched a formal market test on 18 October 2013.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010275/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Surcapacité de défense

Que compte faire la Commission afin de prendre les mesures nécessaires pour faciliter la restructuration et la consolidation des capacités industrielles de défense, en vue de réduire les surcapacités existantes qui ne sont pas viables?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(28 octobre 2013)

Les décisions de consolidation et de restructuration restent du domaine de compétence de l'industrie même. Toutefois, la Commission s'est engagée à poursuivre l'amélioration du cadre réglementaire du marché européen de la défense.

Comme indiqué dans la récente communication sur le secteur de la défense et de la sécurité (470), une priorité majeure consistera à renforcer le marché intérieur de la défense et à veiller, en particulier, à ce que la directive 2009/81/CE sur les marchés publics dans les domaines de la sécurité et de la défense et la directive 2009/43/CE sur les transferts de produits liés à la défense dans l'Union soient appliquées correctement et atteignent leurs objectifs. Il devrait en résulter une amélioration de la transparence, de l'ouverture et de la compétitivité du marché de la défense, favorisant ainsi la sécurité de l'approvisionnement.

En outre, la communication présente une politique industrielle européenne adaptée qui met en avant des mesures en faveur de la normalisation et de la certification, des petites et moyennes entreprises, de l'accès aux matières premières et du développement de compétences. La Commission souligne dans cette communication qu'elle offre, en collaboration avec les États membres, un éventail d'instruments européens qui contribuent à l'acquisition de nouvelles compétences et atténuent l'impact d'une restructuration.

La communication constitue la contribution de la Commission à la réunion du Conseil européen sur la défense qui se tiendra en décembre. La Commission prendra pleinement en considération les conclusions de cette réunion pour élaborer un plan d'action plus détaillé destiné à donner une impulsion aux propositions.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010275/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Defence overcapacity

What will the Commission do to take the necessary measures to facilitate restructuring and consolidation of industrial defence capacities with a view to reducing the existing overcapacity, which is not viable?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

While decisions on consolidation and restructuring remain with the industry itself, the Commission is committed to further improving the regulatory framework of the European defence market.

As outlined in the recent Communication on the defence and security sector (471), a key priority will be to further strengthen the internal market for defence, and in particular ensure that the directive 2009/81 on Defence and Security Procurement and the directive 2009/43 on intra-EU transfers of defence-related products are being correctly applied and fulfil their objectives. This should lead to increased transparency, openness and competitiveness in the defence market, thereby facilitating the consolidation of the supply side.

In addition, the communication presents a tailored European industrial policy which sets out actions in support of standardisation and certification, SMEs, access to raw materials and skills. The Commission underlined that it offers — together with the Member States — a range of European tools that foster new skills and tackle the impact of restructuring.

The communication serves as the Commission’s contribution to the meeting of the European Council on defence in December. Taking full account of its conclusions, the Commission will prepare a more detailed Action Plan to take forward the proposals.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010276/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 septembre 2013)

Objet: Objectif défense et sécurité

Il faut souligner le travail accompli par la task-force de la Commission européenne sur les industries et les marchés de défense.

À ce propos, quand et comment la Commission compte-t-elle élaborer des propositions sur la manière dont des politiques et des instruments de l'Union plus étendus pourraient être utilisés, dans le cadre d'une approche flexible, pour soutenir les objectifs de défense et de sécurité, en particulier dans des domaines transversaux tels que les technologies à double usage?

Réponse donnée par M. Tajani au nom de la Commission

(29 octobre 2013)

La task-force de la Commission sur les industries et les marchés de défense a été créée pour aider la Commission à élaborer des propositions concrètes visant à renforcer le marché intérieur, à favoriser l'innovation et à accroître la compétitivité du secteur européen de la défense. La task-force a par conséquent joué un rôle important dans la préparation de la communication de la Commission intitulée «Vers un secteur de la défense et de la sécurité plus compétitif et plus efficace», adoptée en juillet de cette année (472).

Cette communication propose un ensemble ambitieux de mesures et de politiques pour soutenir la défense européenne. Celles‐ci s'appuient non seulement sur la législation relative au marché intérieur et les politiques industrielles élaborées par la Commission mais trouvent aussi leur inspiration dans des domaines connexes comme l'espace, l'énergie et la recherche sur les technologies à double usage. La communication est actuellement examinée par les autres institutions, y compris le Parlement européen et le Conseil, puis elle fera l'objet d'un débat au sein du Conseil européen en décembre. À la suite du Conseil européen, la Commission élaborera un plan de mise en œuvre, qui tiendra compte des conclusions du Conseil européen et des avis émis par le Parlement et les autres institutions.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010276/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Defence and security objectives

The work carried out by the Commission Task Force on Defence Industries and Markets deserves acknowledgment.

In that connection: when and how does the Commission plan to draft proposals on ways of using more wide‐ranging EU policies and instruments, as part of a flexible approach, to achieve defence and security objectives, with particular reference to cross‐cutting areas such as dual‐use technologies?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The Commission's Task Force on Defence Industries and Markets was established to help the Commission develop concrete proposals to strengthen the internal market, reinforce competitiveness and support innovation for the European defence sector. As a consequence, the Task Force played a significant role in the preparation of the Commission's Communication on ‘Towards a more Competitive and Efficient Defence and Security Sector’ adopted in July this year (473).

This communication puts forward an ambitious range of proposed measures and policies to support Europe's defence sector. They not only draw on the Commission's internal market legislation and industrial policies but also in related areas including space, energy and research in dual-use technologies. The communication is currently being considered by other institutions, including the European Parliament and Council, and it will be discussed in the European Council in December. Following the European Council, the Commission will draft an implementation plan which will take into account the Conclusions of the European Council and the opinions received from the Parliament and other institutions.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010277/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Chiusura del Tribunale di Bassano del Grappa in provincia di Vicenza, ed efficienza del sistema giudiziario italiano

Lo scorso marzo 2013 la Commissione europea, con la comunicazione COM(2013)0160 final, ha presentato il «Quadro di valutazione UE della giustizia», finalizzato a promuovere l'efficacia dei sistemi giudiziari nell'Unione europea e rafforzare la crescita economica degli Stati membri. L'Italia ha recentemente disposto la soppressione di 30 tribunali e 30 procure, 220 sezioni distaccate e 667 sedi di giudice di pace. Tra questi il Tribunale di Bassano del Grappa, in provincia di Vicenza, una sede giudiziaria tra le più efficienti d'Italia, la cui operatività serve 190 mila abitanti e 20 mila attività produttive. Categorie professionali ed economiche, amministratori e cittadini si sono uniti per protestare contro una decisione che infliggerà un altro duro colpo alla competitività dell'intero sistema economico territoriale. I cittadini europei e bassanesi devono avere una giustizia che agisca in tempi brevi: oggi nel Tribunale di Bassano la durata media dei procedimenti è di circa 3 anni, ma la sua chiusura raddoppierà tale durata.

Considerato lo spreco di denaro pubblico legato alla costruzione di una nuova sede, mai inaugurata e costata 12 milioni di euro; preso atto che l'Italia è tra i sei Stati membri «problematici, soprattutto per quanto riguarda la durata dei procedimenti giudiziari e l'organizzazione della magistratura», la Commissione, che nel COM(2013)0160 final afferma che «qualità, indipendenza ed efficienza sono le componenti fondamentali di un sistema giudiziario efficace»:

può emettere raccomandazioni in proposito ai fatti sopra esposti in ambito del semestre europeo del quadro di valutazione UE della giustizia?

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(13 dicembre 2013)

Il miglioramento della qualità, indipendenza ed efficienza dei sistemi giudiziari è una priorità del semestre europeo, il ciclo annale di coordinamento delle politiche economiche dell’UE. Nel 2013, in seguito ad un’analisi approfondita delle realtà nazionali, il Consiglio ha adottato raccomandazioni specifiche per 10 Stati membri (Italia compresa), con l’obiettivo di migliorare i loro sistemi giudiziari. La Commissione segue gli sforzi compiuti da tali Stati membri per riformare i loro sistemi giudiziari.

Tuttavia, nell’ambito del processo del semestre europeo, la Commissione non può intervenire su questioni specifiche, come la chiusura del Tribunale di Bassano del Grappa menzionata dall’onorevole deputato. Questo tipo di decisione è di competenza esclusiva degli Stati membri. Non vi è alcuna normativa europea riguardo al numero di tribunali o alla distanza tra i tribunali all’interno di uno Stato membro. Pertanto, la Commissione non può intervenire su questioni specifiche di questo tipo.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010277/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Closure of the Bassano del Grappa Court in the Province of Vicenza and efficiency of the Italian justice system

In March 2013, the Commission presented the ‘EU Justice Scoreboard’ in its communication COM(2013)0160 final, aimed at promoting effective justice systems within the EU and strengthening Member States’ economic growth. In Italy, the closure of 30 courts, 30 public prosecutors’ offices, 220 local divisions and 667 magistrates’ courts has been announced. Among these is the court in Bassano del Grappa in the Province of Vicenza, which is one of Italy’s most efficient courts and serves 190 000 residents and 20 000 businesses. Professional and trade associations, officials and members of the public have joined forces to protest against a decision that will be a further blow to the competitiveness of the country’s entire economy. Both European citizens and those of Bassano del Grappa need a swift-acting justice system. At present, the average duration of proceedings before the Bassano court is around three years and this will double if it closes.

Public money was wasted to the tune of EUR 12 million on building a new court house which was never officially opened. Italy is among the six Member States ‘having challenges, particularly with regard to the length of judicial proceedings and the organisation of the judiciary’. Given that in its communication COM(2013)0160 final the Commission states that ‘quality, independence and efficiency are the key components of an effective justice system’, can the Commission issue recommendations in connection with the situation described above, within the framework of the EU Justice Scoreboard and the European Semester?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(13 December 2013)

The improvement of the quality, independence and efficiency of judicial systems is a priority in the European Semester, the EU annual cycle of economic policy coordination. In 2013, as a result of a thorough country analysis, country specific recommendations were adopted by the Council for 10 Member States, including Italy, to improve their justice systems. The Commission is following the efforts of these Member States to reform their judicial systems.

However, within the European Semester process, the Commission cannot intervene on specific issues such as the decision to close the Bassano del Grappa Court raised by the Honourable Member. Such a decision is under the sole responsibility of the Member States. There is no European Union legislation with regard to the number of courts, or the distance between courts inside a Member State, and therefore the Commission has no power to intervene on such specific issues.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010278/13

alla Commissione

Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)

(12 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Parità di trattamento del corpo docente italiano

Ho ricevuto lettere di denuncia da parte del corpo docente italiano per il mancato riconoscimento dei diritti degli insegnanti abilitati in Italia tramite la frequenza ed il superamento del Tirocinio Formativo Attivo (TFA) (ai sensi del D.M. 249/10). Sembra che la legislazione italiana li discrimini rispetto ad altre figure professionali, per le quali è stata sancita la recente integrazione nelle Graduatorie ad esaurimento (GaE), uno dei due canali validi ai fini dell'immissione in ruolo a tempo indeterminato. Il D.M. 572/13, infatti, integra nelle suddette Graduatorie solo gli abilitati che hanno conseguito il titolo in uno dei Paesi UE entro l'anno 2009, lasciando fuori gli abilitati europei che lo hanno conseguito successivamente e chi, congelando il vecchio percorso di abilitazione SSIS (Scuole di Specializzazione per l'Insegnamento Secondario) e iscrivendosi con riserva nelle GaE nel 2009, ha frequentato lo stesso corso di TFA durante lo scorso anno accademico.

Così sembra si sia sancita una disparità di trattamento, riconoscendo agli abilitati negli Stati UE entro il 2009, in seguito ad una procedura di infrazione avviata dalla Commissione europea nei confronti dello Stato italiano, il diritto ad essere inseriti nelle Graduatorie ad esaurimento con il medesimo punteggio dei docenti abilitati SSIS e negando, invece, tale diritto agli abilitati che hanno frequentato un corso equipollente in Italia, violando così di fatto la direttiva 36/2005/CE.

Chiediamo alla Commissione:

| — | se è a conoscenza di questa discrepanza tra le varie figure di docenti abilitati tramite percorsi di formazione a numero chiuso (SSIS e TFA) |
| --- | --- |

—

se è a conoscenza di questa discrepanza tra le varie figure di docenti abilitati tramite percorsi di formazione a numero chiuso (SSIS e TFA)

| — | se ritiene in atto un restringimento del principio della parità di trattamento tra le stesse figure professionali. |
| --- | --- |

—

se ritiene in atto un restringimento del principio della parità di trattamento tra le stesse figure professionali.

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(7 novembre 2013)

A condizione che venga rispettata la normativa dell'UE (le disposizioni in materia di libera circolazione dei lavoratori nonché la direttiva 2005/36 relativa al riconoscimento delle qualifiche professionali), le qualifiche richieste per la selezione dei docenti sono di competenza degli Stati membri, in quanto responsabili primari del contenuto dell'insegnamento nonché dell'organizzazione dei loro sistemi d'istruzione (articolo 165 del trattato sul funzionamento dell'Unione europea). La Commissione non ha pertanto alcuna competenza per intervenire in tale contesto.

La procedura di infrazione alla quale si riferisce l'onorevole deputato riguarda la discriminazione per motivi di nazionalità, in particolare il fatto che, ai fini del punteggio per le graduatorie del personale docente, prima del decreto ministeriale n. 572/2013 la legge italiana attribuiva punteggio aggiuntivo solo a determinate qualifiche conseguite in Italia. Dopo l'entrata in vigore del decreto ministeriale n. 572/2013 sono considerate per l'attribuzione di punteggio aggiuntivo anche le qualifiche simili acquisite in altri Stati membri. Questo è in linea con la direttiva 2005/36/CE in virtù della quale una qualifica professionale, una volta riconosciuta, conferisce al titolare il diritto di esercitare la professione alle stesse condizioni dei cittadini dello Stato in questione.

Secondo la Commissione il fatto che la qualifica italiana ottenuta a seguito del completamento di un corso di formazione (tirocinio formativo attivo o «TFA») non figuri fra le qualifiche considerate dall'Italia per l'assegnazione di punteggio aggiuntivo è da considerarsi una questione puramente interna che non richiede l'applicazione di disposizioni di legge dell'UE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010278/13

to the Commission

Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Equal treatment of Italian teaching staff

I have received a letter from teaching staff in Italy complaining at the failure to recognise the rights of teachers who have successfully completed the Active Teaching Traineeship course (Tirocinio Formativo Attivo or ‘TFA’) established pursuant to Ministerial Decree No 249/2010). Italian law would appear to discriminate against them in comparison to other teachers, who have recently been included on reserve lists for qualified staff (graduatorie ad esaurimento or ‘GaEs’), with this being one of the two ways in which teachers can be awarded an open‐ended contract. Indeed, under Ministerial Decree No 572/2013, only teachers who qualified in an EU country prior to 2009 can be entered on the GaEs, thereby excluding teachers who qualified in Europe after that date and those who put on hold their courses at Specialist Secondary School Teacher Training Colleges (scuole di specializzazione per l'insegnamento secondario or ‘SSISs’) and, after registering on the GaE reserve lists in 2009, followed the TFA course during the last academic year.

This inequality in treatment would appear to have been formalised, since teachers who qualified in an EU Member State prior to 2009 have, following the launch of infringement proceedings by the Commission against the Italian State, now be granted the right to inclusion on the GaEs with the same points total as teachers who qualified via an SSIS, while this right has been denied to teachers who qualified by following an equivalent course in Italy, which constitutes an infringement of Directive 36/2005/EC.

Can the Commission state:

| — | whether it is aware of this differentiation between teachers who have qualified via different types of training course (SSIS as opposed to TFA); |
| --- | --- |

—

whether it is aware of this differentiation between teachers who have qualified via different types of training course (SSIS as opposed to TFA);

| — | whether it does not consider the principle of equal treatment between people in the same profession to have been curtailed? |
| --- | --- |

—

whether it does not consider the principle of equal treatment between people in the same profession to have been curtailed?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

Provided that EC law (on free movement of workers and Directive 2005/36 on recognition of professional qualifications) is respected, the qualifications required for the selection of teachers are a matter for the Member States, as they are primarily responsible for the content of the teaching and the organisation of their education systems (Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The Commission has therefore no competence to intervene in such matters.

The infringement procedure to which the Honourable member refers, concerns discrimination by reason of nationality and in particular the fact that, for the purposes of ranking in the reserve lists of teachers, prior to Ministerial Decree No 572/2013, Italian law awarded additional points to only certain specific qualifications obtained in Italy. After the entry into force of Ministerial Decree No 572/2013, similar qualifications obtained in other Member States are also considered for the awarding of additional points. This is in line with Directive 2005/36/EC under which once a professional qualification has been recognised it gives to the holder the right to exercise the profession under the same conditions as nationals.

The Commission's view is that the fact that an Italian qualification obtained following successful completion of a training course (Tirocinio Formativo Attivo or ‘TFA’) is not included among the qualifications retained by Italy for awarding additional points has to be regarded as a purely internal matter which does not call for the application of EC law provisions.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-010279/13

adresată Comisiei

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(12 septembrie 2013)

Subiect: Menținerea producției de lapte în zonele de munte, zonele defavorizate și regiunile ultraperiferice după expirarea sistemului de cote pentru lapte

Renunțarea la sistemul de cote pentru lapte are efecte asupra întregii piețe europene a laptelui, iar producătorii de lapte din zonele de munte și regiunile ultraperiferice sunt cel mai grav afectați, deoarece oportunitățile de creștere rezultate în urma liberalizării nu pot fi valorificate în aceste regiuni.

Agricultura practicată în aceste regiuni contribuie în mod semnificativ la conservarea și protejarea peisajului rural și a biodiversității, precum și la limitarea pericolelor naturale, constituind baza pentru o dezvoltare regională de succes, fără de care alte domenii economice, în special turismul, nu se pot dezvolta.

Având în vedere că producțiile de lapte sunt mult mai mari în aceste regiuni decât în regiunile situate în locuri mai favorabile și reprezintă cea mai importantă ramură a producției agricole, ce măsuri are în vedere Comisia pentru a sprijini producătorii de lapte și, implicit, pentru a contribui la protejarea acestor regiuni de munte, defavorizate și ultraperiferice, astfel încât să se poată evita renunțarea la creșterea animalelor și producția de lapte, care, de multe ori, are drept rezultat renunțarea la agricultură și mutarea populației?

Răspuns dat de dl Cioloș în numele Comisiei

(21 octombrie 2013)

Cadrul PAC prevede instrumente și oferă statelor membre o marjă de manevră pentru a oferi sprijin specific în vederea menținereii producției de lapte în zonele caracterizate de constrângeri naturale specifice, inclusiv în zonele de munte.

În baza noilor dispoziții privind plățile directe, statele membre pot decide să aplice alte sisteme, cum ar fi plăți legate de constrângeri naturale, și sprijin cuplat facultativ, pentru a direcționa ajutorul către zonele defavorizate. Definiția pajiștilor și pășunilor permanente este extinsă, lărgind domeniului de aplicare al zonelor eligibile care pot beneficia de sprijin direct. Sprijinul cuplat facultativ va fi disponibil în special pentru sectorul creșterii animalelor.

Noile normele privind dezvoltarea rurală permit statelor membre să elaboreze programe specifice pentru a aborda provocări specifice, inclusiv producția de lapte în zonele defavorizate. Intensitatea ajutorului pentru investițiile din agricultură în zonele cu constrângeri naturale poate fi majorată cu 20 %, în comparație cu alte zone. Producătorii de lapte din zonele montane pot primi o plată care să reflecte pierderile de venituri și costurile suplimentare determinate de producția laptelui în regiunile respective.

Noul regulament privind calitatea a introdus termenul de „produs montan” ca mențiune de calitate facultativă, pentru a oferi producătorilor din zonele de munte un instrument eficient pentru o mai bună comercializare a produselor lor și pentru a reduce riscurile de confuzie în rândul consumatorilor în ceea ce privește originea produselor.

Sustenabilitatea producției de lapte în zonele defavorizate a fost dezbătută pe larg în cadrul conferinței „Sectorul produselor lactate al UE, după 2015”, care a avut loc în data de 24 septembrie. Raportul acestei conferințe va fi transmis Parlamentului European și Consiliului până la sfârșitul anului.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010279/13

to the Commission

Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă (S&D)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Maintaining milk production in mountain areas, less-favoured areas and the outermost regions following expiry of the milk quota system

While the discontinuation of the milk quota system will affect the European milk market in its entirety, it is dairy farmers in mountain areas and the outermost regions that will be worst affected, because such areas are unable to harness the growth opportunities arising from the liberalisation of that market.

In these regions, farming contributes significantly to the conservation and protection of the rural landscape and biodiversity, and to limiting natural hazards. It is the basis for successful regional development, and without it there can be no expansion in other sectors of the economy, and especially in tourism.

Since milk production is much higher in these regions than in ones more favourably located, and dairy farming is the most important farming activity there, what steps will the Commission take to support dairy farmers and hence to help protect these mountain areas, less‐favoured areas and outermost regions and forestall the discontinuation of stockbreeding and milk production, which in many cases results in an abandonment of farming and outmigration?

Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

The CAP framework provides for tools and gives Member States room for manoeuvre to provide specific support to maintain milk production in areas characterised by specific natural constraints, including mountain regions.

Under the new provisions on direct payments, Member States may decide to apply other schemes such as natural constraints payment and voluntary coupled support so as to target support to LFAs (474). The definition of permanent grassland and pastures is enlarged, broadening the scope of eligible areas which can benefit from direct support. Voluntary coupled support will be available in particular for the livestock sector.

New rural development rules allow Member States to design tailor-made programmes to address specific challenges, including those of milk production in LFAs. The aid intensity for farm investments in areas with natural constraints may be increased by 20% compared to other areas. Milk producers in mountain areas can receive a payment reflecting the loss of income and the additional costs deriving from producing milk in those locations.

The new Quality Regulation established the optional quality term ‘mountain product’ to provide mountain producers with an effective tool to better market their products and to reduce the risks of consumer confusion as to the origin of products.

The sustainability of milk production in LFAs was a largely discussed topic in the conference ‘The EU dairy sector: developing beyond 2015’ held last 24th September. The report of this conference will be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council before the end of the year.

(Versiunea în limba română)

Întrebarea cu solicitare de răspuns scris E-010280/13

adresată Comisiei

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(12 septembrie 2013)

Subiect: Demersurile Comisiei Europene referitoare la presiunile exercitate asupra unor ţări din vecinătatea estică

În cadrul dezbaterii Parlamentului European din data de 11 septembrie 2013, referitoare la „Presiunea exercitată de Rusia asupra ţărilor din Parteneriatul estic (în contextul viitorului summit al Parteneriatului estic de la Vilnius)”, Comisarul pentru extindere şi politica de vecinătate, Štefan Füle, a afirmat că se caută soluţii pentru a mări cota totală de vin pe care Republica Moldova o exportă către UE. Această declaraţie vine în urma deciziei Federaţiei Ruse de a suspenda importurile de vin din Republica Moldova.

În acest sens, poate Comisia să informeze în ce constau aceste demersuri şi când ar putea intra în vigoare ele? De asemenea, sunt avute în vedere măsuri similare şi pentru alte categorii de produse?

Nu în ultimul rând, care sunt demersurile întreprinse de Comisie pentru a descuraja în viitor alte forme de presiune asupra statelor din vecinătatea estică?

Răspuns dat de dl De Gucht în numele Comisiei

(30 octombrie 2013)

La 25 septembrie, Comisia a adoptat o propunere de modificare a Regulamentului (CE) nr. 55/2008 (475) de introducere a unor preferințe comerciale autonome pentru Republica Moldova (Regulamentul APT), pentru a deschide complet piața Uniunii Europene pentru importurile de vin din Republica Moldova, ca o modalitate de a compensa dificultățile cu care se confruntă această țară în ceea ce privește exporturile de vin către o parte dintre piețele sale tradiționale. În prezent, importul de vin moldovenesc în UE este supus unei cote anuale scutită de drepturi. Această propunere a fost deja prezentată Consiliului și Parlamentului European, iar Comisia dorește să colaboreze îndeaproape cu aceste două instituții pentru a ajunge la un acord cât mai rapid.

În ceea ce privește alte măsuri, Republica Moldova beneficiază deja de un acces foarte generos la piața europeană pentru toate produsele sale, cu puține excepții. Cu toate acestea, pentru anumite produse moldovenești, cum ar fi cele de origine animală, accesul la piața UE este foarte limitat, deoarece produsele nu sunt conforme cu standardele sanitare și fitosanitare europene. Regulamentul APT nu este instrumentul care poate ajuta la soluționarea acestei probleme. Dispozițiile referitoare la zona de liber schimb complex și cuprinzător din viitorul acord de asociere sunt menite să rezolve această chestiune. Comisia depune toate eforturile pentru a pregăti acordul de asociere pentru parafare și semnare cât mai rapid, pentru a permite intrarea sa în vigoare imediată prin aplicarea provizorie a dispozițiilor comerciale.

De asemenea, în prezent, Comisia, la solicitarea Republicii Moldova, pregătește o evaluare inter pares pentru a analiza situația actuală privind controalele de siguranță alimentară în sectorul vitivinicol, precum și în cel al producției de struguri și mere.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010280/13

to the Commission

Elena Băsescu (PPE)

(12 September 2013)

Subject: Action by the Commission in response to pressure on Eastern European partners

In the course of European Parliament deliberations on 11 September 2013 concerning pressure being brought to bear by Russia on Eastern European partners (in connection with the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius), Stefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, indicated that the Union was looking into ways of increasing EU import quotas for Moldovan wine in the wake of Russia's decision to suspend its own wine imports from Moldova.

In view of this, can the Commission say exactly what measures will be taken and when they might enter into force? Are similar measures being envisaged for other product categories?

What measures have been taken by the Commission to discourage any form of pressure being brought to bear on our Eastern European partners in future?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2013)

On 25 September the Commission adopted a proposal to amend Council Regulation (EC) No 55/2008 (476) introducing autonomous trade preferences for the Republic of Moldova (ATP Regulation) to fully open the European Union's market to wine imports from the Republic of Moldova, as a measure to compensate for the difficulties the Republic of Moldova is experiencing with its wine exports to some of its traditional markets. Currently, import of Moldovan wine to the EU is subject to an annual duty-free quota. This proposal has been already submitted to the Council and the European Parliament and the Commission looks forward to working closely with both institutions in order to seek approval of this proposal in a swift manner.

In terms of other measures, the Republic of Moldova already benefits from a very generous access to the European market for all its products, with limited exceptions. However, for certain Moldovan products, such as those of animal origin, the access to EU market is very limited because the products do not conform with EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The ATP Regulation is not the instrument to help resolve this issue. The provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area contained in the future Association Agreement aim to tackle this matter. The Commission is making all efforts to prepare the Association Agreement for initialling and signature as soon as possible, to enable its swift entry into force through the provisional application of the trade-related provisions.

Finally, the Commission is also currently preparing, on Moldova’s request, a peer review to assess the state of play of food safety controls in the wine sector as well as grapes and apples.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita P-010328/13

a la Comisión

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE)

(13 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Pago efectivo del canon por licencias de pesca

El Protocolo de pesca entre la UE y Mauritania establece una contrapartida financiera de 67 millones de euros por derechos de acceso y 3 millones de euros de ayuda financiera para el desarrollo de la pesca sostenible. El sector armador, asimismo, tiene la obligación de hacer frente al pago de las licencias de pesca para la totalidad de las licencias de pesca autorizadas.

¿Podría la Comisión informar de los cánones satisfechos hasta la fecha de hoy por los barcos que hayan utilizado licencias de pesca en virtud de la aplicación provisional del Protocolo de pesca entre la UE y Mauritania, con expresión detallada del nombre del barco, pabellón y categoría de pesca?

Respuesta de la Sra. Damanaki en nombre de la Comisión

(28 de octubre de 2013)

Un gran número de buques europeos son actualmente beneficiarios del Protocolo del Acuerdo de asociación en el sector pesquero entre la UE y Mauritania, especialmente aquellos que pescan túnidos (ES), pequeños pelágicos (LT, LV, PL, NL, PT) y peces demersales (ES).

Desde el inicio de la aplicación provisional del Protocolo (16.12.2012), las cifras relativas al número de buques y a los cánones para cada categoría son las siguientes:

| — | Categoría 2 (arrastreros no congeladores y palangreros de fondo para la pesca de merluza negra): 2 buques (ES) solicitaron licencias y pagaron 213 439 euros en concepto de cánones. |
| --- | --- |

—

Categoría 2 (arrastreros no congeladores y palangreros de fondo para la pesca de merluza negra): 2 buques (ES) solicitaron licencias y pagaron 213 439 euros en concepto de cánones.

| — | Categoría 3 (buques de pesca de especies demersales distintas de la merluza negra): 4 buques (ES), 102 253 euros en cánones. |
| --- | --- |

—

Categoría 3 (buques de pesca de especies demersales distintas de la merluza negra): 4 buques (ES), 102 253 euros en cánones.

| — | Categoría 5 (atuneros cerqueros): 21 buques (ES y FR). Estimación de los cánones que se deben abonar: 750 000 euros (sobre la base de los datos de 2012). Categoría 6 (atuneros cañeros y palangreros de superficie): 11 buques (ES y FR). Estimación de los cánones que se deben abonar: 155 000 euros (sobre la base de los datos de 2012). Los cánones correspondientes a estas categorías no se han abonado todavía dado que las capturas definitivas no se comunicarán a Mauritania hasta el año que viene de conformidad con las disposiciones del Protocolo. El pago se efectuará en ese momento. |
| --- | --- |

—

Categoría 5 (atuneros cerqueros): 21 buques (ES y FR). Estimación de los cánones que se deben abonar: 750 000 euros (sobre la base de los datos de 2012). Categoría 6 (atuneros cañeros y palangreros de superficie): 11 buques (ES y FR). Estimación de los cánones que se deben abonar: 155 000 euros (sobre la base de los datos de 2012). Los cánones correspondientes a estas categorías no se han abonado todavía dado que las capturas definitivas no se comunicarán a Mauritania hasta el año que viene de conformidad con las disposiciones del Protocolo. El pago se efectuará en ese momento.

| — | Categoría 7 (arrastreros congeladores de pesca pelágica): 11 buques (LT, LV, NL, PL), 13 433 158 euros en cánones. |
| --- | --- |

—

Categoría 7 (arrastreros congeladores de pesca pelágica): 11 buques (LT, LV, NL, PL), 13 433 158 euros en cánones.

| — | Categoría 8 (buques de pesca pelágica en fresco): 2 buques (PT), 20 172 euros en cánones. |
| --- | --- |

—

Categoría 8 (buques de pesca pelágica en fresco): 2 buques (PT), 20 172 euros en cánones.

Estas cifras son de carácter provisional. Dado que solo engloban una parte del primer año de aplicación del nuevo Protocolo (8 meses), no incluyen actualizaciones de las capturas, en particular las vinculadas a los atuneros, ni el posible aumento del uso de la categoría camaronera (categoría 1).

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010328/13

to the Commission

Gabriel Mato Adrover (PPE)

(13 September 2013)

Subject: Payment of fishing licence fee

The fisheries protocol between the EU and Mauritania establishes a financial contribution amounting to EUR 67 million for access rights and EUR 3 million in financial aid for the development of sustainable fishing. Shipowners must also pay fishing licence fees for all fishing licences issued.

Can the Commission provide information on the fees paid to date by vessels that have used fishing licences by virtue of the provisional application of the fisheries protocol between the EU and Mauritania, providing details of the name of the vessel, its flag and the respective fishing category?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

A large number of European vessels is currently benefitting from the EU-Mauritania FPA protocol, especially those fishing for tunas (ES), small pelagics (LT, LV, PL, NL, PT) and demersal finfish (ES).

Since the beginning of the provisional application of the Protocol (16/12/2012), the figures in terms of number of vessels and fees per category are the following:

| — | Category C (Black Hake non-freezer trawlers and bottom longliners) — 2 vessels (ES) applied for licences and paid EUR 213 439 for fees |
| --- | --- |

—

Category C (Black Hake non-freezer trawlers and bottom longliners) — 2 vessels (ES) applied for licences and paid EUR 213 439 for fees

| — | Category C (Vessels fishing for demersal species other than black hake) — 4 vessels (ES), EUR 102 253 (fees) |
| --- | --- |

—

Category C (Vessels fishing for demersal species other than black hake) — 4 vessels (ES), EUR 102 253 (fees)

| — | Category C (Tuna seiners) — 21 vessels (ES and FR) — Estimated fees to be paid: EUR 750 000 (based on 2012 figures) and Category C (Pole-and-line tuna vessels and surface longliners) — 11 vessels (ES and FR) — Estimated fees to be paid: EUR 155 000 (based on 2012 figures). The fees for these categories have not been paid yet as the final catches will only be communicated to Mauritania next year in accordance with the protocol. The payment will be done then. |
| --- | --- |

—

Category C (Tuna seiners) — 21 vessels (ES and FR) — Estimated fees to be paid: EUR 750 000 (based on 2012 figures) and Category C (Pole-and-line tuna vessels and surface longliners) — 11 vessels (ES and FR) — Estimated fees to be paid: EUR 155 000 (based on 2012 figures). The fees for these categories have not been paid yet as the final catches will only be communicated to Mauritania next year in accordance with the protocol. The payment will be done then.

| — | Category C (Pelagic freezer trawler) — 11 vessels (LT, LV, NL, PL), EUR 13 433 158 (fees) |
| --- | --- |

—

Category C (Pelagic freezer trawler) — 11 vessels (LT, LV, NL, PL), EUR 13 433 158 (fees)

| — | Category C (Non-freezer pelagic vessels) — 2 vessels (PT), EUR 20 172 (fees) |
| --- | --- |

—

Category C (Non-freezer pelagic vessels) — 2 vessels (PT), EUR 20 172 (fees)

These are provisional figures, covering only part of the first year of implementation of the new protocol (8 months) they do not include updated catches, in particular for tuna vessels, and the potential increase of the utilisation of the shrimp category (Category c).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010330/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(13 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Approccio multidisciplinare per il trattamento di pazienti cardiopatici

È noto come i pazienti cardiopatici siano a rischio di morte improvvisa. Per evitare ciò è possibile impiantare in tali pazienti un defibrillatore, il cui scopo è appunto quello di prevenire la morte aritmica per tachicardia ventricolare o per fibrillazione ventricolare.

L'impianto di tale dispositivo poneva tuttavia una problematica: per problemi di sicurezza, ai portatori di defibrillatori impiantabili era vietato sottoporsi all'esame a risonanza magnetica nucleare, di fondamentale importanza per diagnosticare cancro e ictus.

Recentemente è stato sviluppato un defibrillatore, tra i più piccoli al mondo, che permette all'individuo di sottoporsi anche alla risonanza magnetica. Il procedimento è semplice: il medico, quando deve svolgere tale esame, modifica il modo di funzionamento del defibrillatore attraverso uno strumento programmatore esterno e, una volta terminata la procedura, lo ripone al suo stato precedente.

Il dispositivo garantisce, inoltre, una durata di oltre 11 anni, minimizzando il numero di volte in cui il defibrillatore deve essere sostituito e abbassando di conseguenza tutti i rischi di complicanze relativi alla procedura.

Considerato che, ancora oggi, ogni 6 minuti si nega l'accesso alla risonanza magnetica a un paziente portatore di pacemaker o defibrillatore e che, grazie a questo dispositivo di nuova generazione, si apre una nuova era nel campo dell'elettrostimolazione del cuore, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

| intende promuovere a livello europeo un approccio multidisciplinare in cui cardiologi, elettrofisiologi e radiologi uniscano le loro competenze al fine di migliorare la qualità della vita di tali pazienti? |
| --- |

intende promuovere a livello europeo un approccio multidisciplinare in cui cardiologi, elettrofisiologi e radiologi uniscano le loro competenze al fine di migliorare la qualità della vita di tali pazienti?

| Prevede di investire nello sviluppo delle innovazioni in tale campo? |
| --- |

Prevede di investire nello sviluppo delle innovazioni in tale campo?

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(29 ottobre 2013)

Se da un lato la Commissione non intende proporre un approccio specifico multidisciplinare per gli operatori sanitari in relazione all'uso di defibrillatori cardioverter impiantabili, la Commissione sostiene la ricerca innovativa e lo sviluppo tecnologico per il tramite dei suoi programmi quadro di ricerca e innovazione e stimola la collaborazione proficua tra l'industria e il mondo della ricerca.

Anche se nell'ambito del Settimo programma quadro di ricerca, sviluppo tecnologico e dimostrazione non vi è nessuna ricerca specifica legata allo sviluppo di defibrillatori cardioverter impiantabili compatibili con la risonanza magnetica, un progetto denominato MEDDICA (477) ha ricevuto quasi 3 milioni di euro per costituire una Rete di formazione iniziale Marie Curie innovativa, multidisciplinare e multicentro dedicata all'ingegneria cardiovascolare ed ai presidi medici.

La proposta della Commissione in merito a Orizzonte 2020, il programma quadro per la ricerca e l'innovazione 2014-2020, offrirà opportunità per incoraggiare lo sviluppo di nuovi strumenti e tecnologie diagnostici grazie alle ricerche condotte nell'ambito del suo capitolo «Salute, cambiamento demografico e benessere».

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010330/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(13 September 2013)

Subject: Multidisclinary approach to the treatment of cardiac patients

It is well known that cardiac patients are at risk of sudden death. To avoid this risk, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can be inserted inside cardiac patients in order to prevent death from arrhythmia due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

However, the use of this device poses some problems: for safety reasons, ICD-users cannot undergo nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) scans, which are of fundamental importance for diagnosing cancer or strokes.

Recently, a cardioverter-defibrillator, which is among the smallest in the world, was developed and allows the user to undergo MRI scans. The procedure is simple — when the patient needs to undergo an MRI scan, the doctor adjusts the defibrillator using an external programming instrument and, once the scan is finished, the doctor restores the defibrillator to its original setting.

The device is guaranteed to work for over 11 years, minimising the number of times the defibrillator needs to be replaced and lowering the risk of any complications arising from the procedure.

Today, once every six minutes a patient fitted with an ICD or pacemaker is being denied an MRI scan, but thanks to this next-generation device we are entering a new era in the field of electrical heart stimulation devices.

| 1. | Does the Commission intend to promote a multidisciplinary approach at EU level whereby cardiologists, electrophysiologists and radiologists combine their skills with a view to improving the quality of life of these patients? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission intend to promote a multidisciplinary approach at EU level whereby cardiologists, electrophysiologists and radiologists combine their skills with a view to improving the quality of life of these patients?

| 2. | Does it plan to invest in the development of innovative ideas in this sector? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does it plan to invest in the development of innovative ideas in this sector?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

While the Commission does not intend to propose a specific multidisciplinary approach for health professionals in relation to the use of cardioverter-defibrillators, the Commission supports innovative research and technological development activities through its Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation, and stimulates fruitful collaborations between industry and academia.

Although no specific research related to the development of Magnetic Ressonance-conditional implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is being supported by the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities, a project called MEDDICA (478) has received almost EUR 3 million to build an innovative, multi-disciplinary and multi-centre Marie Curie Initial Training Network focused on Cardiovascular Engineering and Medical Devices.

The Commission's proposal for Horizon 2020 — The framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014-2020 will offer opportunities to address the development of new diagnostic tools and technologies through research under its ‘Health, demographic change and well-being’ societal challenge.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010331/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(13 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Azioni UE in risposta al rapporto «The sustainable energy for all global tracking framework»

La campagna «Sustainable Energy for All» lanciata dal Segretario generale delle Nazioni Unite Ban Ki-Moon prevede tre obiettivi: assicurare l'accesso universale ai servizi energetici moderni, raddoppiare il tasso di efficienza energetica e raddoppiare la percentuale di energia rinnovabile nel mix energetico mondiale. Il rapporto «The sustainable energy for all global tracking framework», redatto per monitorare il livello di raggiungimento di questi obiettivi, evidenzia che 1,2 miliardi di persone non hanno ancora accesso all'elettricità, mentre 2,8 miliardi utilizzano legname per cucinare e riscaldare le proprie case.

Il rapporto evidenzia che la quantità di energia necessaria per produrre una singola unità di PIL è calata del 25 % nel periodo 1990-2010, mentre le rinnovabili sono arrivate a coprire il 18 % dei consumi energetici finali. Tuttavia, la crescita complessiva della popolazione mondiale ha diluito l'impatto di questi miglioramenti: se da un lato 1,7 miliardi di persone hanno avuto accesso all'elettricità tra il 1990 e il 2010, dall'altro lato nello stesso periodo la popolazione è aumentata di 1,6 miliardi; va segnalato, inoltre, l'incremento dei consumi finali (+1,5 % l’anno in media). Inoltre occorre notare che l'80 % delle popolazioni che non hanno elettricità vive in zone rurali, mentre due terzi si concentrano in 20 paesi dell'Africa e dell'Asia. Garantire l'accesso a moderne forme di energia, sostiene il rapporto, permetterebbe di evitare l'uso di legna, sterco e carbone per cucinare — materiali molto contaminanti in spazi chiusi, che ogni anno sono fra le cause della morte di tre milioni e mezzo di persone.

Considerato dunque:

| — | che la domanda continua a superare l'offerta di energia elettrica; |
| --- | --- |

—

che la domanda continua a superare l'offerta di energia elettrica;

| — | che le azioni poste in essere finora non risultano sufficienti al raggiungimento dei suddetti obiettivi; |
| --- | --- |

—

che le azioni poste in essere finora non risultano sufficienti al raggiungimento dei suddetti obiettivi;

| — | che dal rapporto si evince che globalmente servono investimenti aggiuntivi per almeno 600 miliardi di dollari l'anno; |
| --- | --- |

—

che dal rapporto si evince che globalmente servono investimenti aggiuntivi per almeno 600 miliardi di dollari l'anno;

si chiede alla Commissione se:

| prevede di incrementare di una quota sostanziale gli investimenti destinati alle energie rinnovabili; |
| --- |

prevede di incrementare di una quota sostanziale gli investimenti destinati alle energie rinnovabili;

| intende attuare misure più incisive per accelerare la diffusione dell'energia verde; |
| --- |

intende attuare misure più incisive per accelerare la diffusione dell'energia verde;

| valuta la possibilità di un'eliminazione graduale dei sussidi ai combustibili fossili. |
| --- |

valuta la possibilità di un'eliminazione graduale dei sussidi ai combustibili fossili.

Risposta di Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione

(26 novembre 2013)

| 1) | Il quadro per le politiche dell'energia e del clima all'orizzonte 2020 e gli obiettivi nazionali vincolanti hanno contribuito a forti investimenti e a una crescita nel settore unionale delle energie rinnovabili (479). La prossima nota orientativa della Commissione sui piani di sostegno alle energie rinnovabili e il nuovo quadro di bilancio pluriennale dell'UE promuoveranno ulteriori investimenti in materia di energie rinnovabili, nuove tecnologie energetiche e infrastrutture energetiche. |
| --- | --- |

1)

Il quadro per le politiche dell'energia e del clima all'orizzonte 2020 e gli obiettivi nazionali vincolanti hanno contribuito a forti investimenti e a una crescita nel settore unionale delle energie rinnovabili (479). La prossima nota orientativa della Commissione sui piani di sostegno alle energie rinnovabili e il nuovo quadro di bilancio pluriennale dell'UE promuoveranno ulteriori investimenti in materia di energie rinnovabili, nuove tecnologie energetiche e infrastrutture energetiche.

| 2) | A inizio 2014 la Commissione presenterà delle proposte relative a un quadro per le politiche dell'energia e del clima all'orizzonte 2030, sulla base del Libro verde in materia adottato nel marzo 2013 (480). Una volta approvato, questo quadro offrirà un ulteriore stimolo alla crescita delle tecnologie a basse emissioni di carbonio, assicurando allo stesso tempo il passaggio ad un sistema energetico più sostenibile, competitivo e sicuro. |
| --- | --- |

2)

A inizio 2014 la Commissione presenterà delle proposte relative a un quadro per le politiche dell'energia e del clima all'orizzonte 2030, sulla base del Libro verde in materia adottato nel marzo 2013 (480). Una volta approvato, questo quadro offrirà un ulteriore stimolo alla crescita delle tecnologie a basse emissioni di carbonio, assicurando allo stesso tempo il passaggio ad un sistema energetico più sostenibile, competitivo e sicuro.

La Commissione riconosce inoltre la necessità di impegnarsi ulteriormente con i paesi terzi per sostenere gli obiettivi della campagna dell'ONU «Energia sostenibile per tutti» e potenziare i finanziamenti nel quadro dell'11° Fondo europeo di sviluppo e dello strumento di cooperazione allo sviluppo per gli esercizi finanziari 2014-2020. Le energie rinnovabili offrono notevoli e vantaggiose opportunità reciproche ai paesi in via di sviluppo, come ad esempio un migliore accesso a forme di energia pulita e maggiori possibilità di esportazione (481).

| 3) | Infine, la Commissione è determinata a rispettare il principio di eliminazione graduale dei sussidi per i combustibili fossili. Sono stati già programmati alcuni aiuti di Stato per i combustibili fossili, ma sono necessari ulteriori sforzi per assicurare che le forme di sostegno dirette e indirette ai combustibili fossili siano eliminate gradualmente. |
| --- | --- |

3)

Infine, la Commissione è determinata a rispettare il principio di eliminazione graduale dei sussidi per i combustibili fossili. Sono stati già programmati alcuni aiuti di Stato per i combustibili fossili, ma sono necessari ulteriori sforzi per assicurare che le forme di sostegno dirette e indirette ai combustibili fossili siano eliminate gradualmente.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010331/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(13 September 2013)

Subject: EU measures in response to the report entitled ‘The sustainable energy for all global tracking framework’

The ‘Sustainable Energy for All’ campaign launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has three objectives: guaranteeing universal access to modern energy services, doubling energy efficiency and doubling the proportion of the world energy mix accounted for by renewable energy. The report entitled ‘The sustainable energy for all global tracking framework’, drawn up to assess the progress made towards achieving these objectives, highlights the fact that 1.2 billion people still do not have access to electricity, whilst 2.8 billion use wood to cook and heat their own homes.

The report points out that the quantity of energy required to generate one unit of GDP fell by 25% over the period from 1990 to 2010 and that renewables now cover 18% of final energy consumption. However, the increase in the world population has diluted the impact of these improvements: whilst 1.7 billion people gained access to electricity between 1990 and 2010, over the same period the global population increase was 1.6 billion. The report also draws attention to the increase in final consumption. It should be borne in mind, moreover, that 80% of the people without access to electricity live in rural areas, and that two-thirds of them are concentrated in 20 countries in Africa and Asia. Guaranteeing access to modern forms of energy, the report argues, would do away with the need for people to use wood, dung and coal to cook, materials which are highly polluting in enclosed spaces, causing the deaths of more than 3.5 million people each year.

Given that:

| — | demand for electricity continues to outstrip supply; |
| --- | --- |

—

demand for electricity continues to outstrip supply;

| — | the measures taken thus far have not been sufficient to achieve the objectives referred to above; |
| --- | --- |

—

the measures taken thus far have not been sufficient to achieve the objectives referred to above;

| — | the report emphasises that, worldwide, additional investment of at least USD 600 billion is needed each year, |
| --- | --- |

—

the report emphasises that, worldwide, additional investment of at least USD 600 billion is needed each year,

does the Commission:

| plan to increase substantially investment in renewable energy sources? |
| --- |

plan to increase substantially investment in renewable energy sources?

| intend to take more decisive measures to speed up the spread of green energy? |
| --- |

intend to take more decisive measures to speed up the spread of green energy?

| see any scope for phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels? |
| --- |

see any scope for phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2013)

| 1) | The 2020 climate and energy framework and the national binding targets contributed to strong investment and growth in the EU renewable energy sector (482). The Commission's forthcoming guidance on renewables support schemes and the new EU multi-annual budget framework will promote further investments in renewables, new energy technologies and energy infrastructure |
| --- | --- |

1)

The 2020 climate and energy framework and the national binding targets contributed to strong investment and growth in the EU renewable energy sector (482). The Commission's forthcoming guidance on renewables support schemes and the new EU multi-annual budget framework will promote further investments in renewables, new energy technologies and energy infrastructure

| 2) | The Commission will come forward with proposals for a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies early 2014 on the basis of its Green Paper on this matter adopted in March 2013 (483). Once endorsed, it will provide additional stimulus to growth in low carbon technologies, while at the same time ensuring progress towards a more sustainable, competitive and secure EU energy system. |
| --- | --- |

2)

The Commission will come forward with proposals for a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies early 2014 on the basis of its Green Paper on this matter adopted in March 2013 (483). Once endorsed, it will provide additional stimulus to growth in low carbon technologies, while at the same time ensuring progress towards a more sustainable, competitive and secure EU energy system.

The Commission also acknowledges the need to engage further with third countries to support the goals of the UN campaign ‘Sustainable Energy for All’ and to upscale funding under the 11th European Development Fund and the Development Cooperation Instrument in the budget years 2014-2020. Renewable energy offers considerable mutually beneficial opportunities to developing countries such as increasing access to clean forms of energy, and better export opportunities (484).

| 3) | Finally, the Commission is committed to the principle of phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Some Member state aid for fossil fuel already has been clearly scheduled but further efforts are needed to ensure direct and indirect forms of support for fossil fuels are phased out. |
| --- | --- |

3)

Finally, the Commission is committed to the principle of phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Some Member state aid for fossil fuel already has been clearly scheduled but further efforts are needed to ensure direct and indirect forms of support for fossil fuels are phased out.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010333/13

alla Commissione

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(13 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Nuova tipologia di batterie low cost come possibile volano per le energie rinnovabili

Un importante istituto americano ha recentemente presentato una nuova tipologia di batterie low cost che potrebbe risolvere i problemi legati all'accumulo dell'energia, tipico delle fonti intermittenti come sole e vento.

All'interno delle nuove batterie sono contenuti due liquidi (una soluzione di bromo e una di idrogeno) che sono pompati attraverso un canale tra i due elettrodi al fine di generare delle reazioni elettrochimiche necessarie per produrre e immagazzinare energia.

La novità di tali dispositivi risiede nel fatto che per la prima volta non sono state utilizzate delle membrane per separare i due liquidi, ma è stato sfruttato un particolare fenomeno, il flusso laminare, che consente di far scorrere le due soluzioni in parallelo senza che provochino reazioni indesiderate. In questo modo sono stati superati due notevoli ostacoli che finora avevano limitato lo sviluppo di queste batterie: i costi troppo elevati e la scarsa affidabilità. Entrambi i problemi erano riconducibili alle membrane, elementi particolarmente costosi e facilmente corrodibili a causa dei reagenti liquidi della batteria. I ricercatori hanno anche sviluppato un modello matematico che descrive le reazioni chimiche che avvengono all'interno della batteria. Secondo i loro calcoli, il dispositivo potrebbe produrre energia a 100 dollari per kilowattora, un costo considerato «sostenibile» per le società di servizi pubblici.

Le energie rinnovabili hanno conosciuto una forte espansione ma ancora non si sono raggiunti i livelli attesi. Qualora questo sistema di accumulo dovesse risultare effettivamente meno costoso, l'utilizzo delle fonti rinnovabili sarebbe più conveniente anche in giorni/orari in cui normalmente le energie verdi non sono disponibili.

Ciò premesso, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

| intende stanziare dei fondi destinati alla ricerca scientifica in quest'ambito allo scopo di verificare che tali batterie siano davvero efficaci? |
| --- |

intende stanziare dei fondi destinati alla ricerca scientifica in quest'ambito allo scopo di verificare che tali batterie siano davvero efficaci?

| In caso affermativo, intende promuovere la diffusione di questa tecnologia al fine di incrementare l'utilizzo delle energie pulite? |
| --- |

In caso affermativo, intende promuovere la diffusione di questa tecnologia al fine di incrementare l'utilizzo delle energie pulite?

Risposta di Günther Oettinger a nome della Commissione

(21 ottobre 2013)

La Commissione concorda con l'onorevole parlamentare sull'urgente necessità di sviluppare nuovi sistemi di accumulo dell'energia, incluse nuove tipologie di batterie, al fine di integrare le reti intelligenti consentendo la presenza di livelli sempre più elevati di energie rinnovabili a minor costo. Pertanto la proposta della Commissione «Orizzonte 2020» prevede azioni ambiziose per la ricerca e l'innovazione nel settore dell'accumulo dell'energia. I progetti riguardo le batterie sono ammissibili a fruire di finanziamenti. Varie imprese europee stanno reinvestendo capitali per progetti di R&S nel settore delle batterie, sia per applicazioni fisse che mobili.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010333/13

to the Commission

Oreste Rossi (PPE)

(13 September 2013)

Subject: New type of low-cost battery as a possible reserve for renewable energies

A major American institution recently revealed a new type of low‐cost battery which could resolve the problems linked to energy storage that are typical of intermittent sources such as solar and wind power.

Two liquids can be found inside the new batteries (a bromine solution and a hydrogen solution), which are pumped through a channel between two electrodes to generate electrochemical reactions releasing energy that can be stored.

The originality of this device is the fact that for the first time, instead of using membranes to separate the two liquids a phenomenon known as laminar flow was used where the two solutions flow in parallel without provoking unwanted reactions. In this way, two significant obstacles were overcome, which had previously restricted the development of this battery. Firstly, the costs were too high and secondly, the batteries were unreliable. Both problems were linked to the membranes that are particularly expensive and easily corrodible owing to the liquid reagents in the battery. Researchers have also developed a mathematical model that describes chemical reactions within a battery. According to their calculations, the battery could produce energy at a cost of USD 100 per kilowatt, an amount considered to be ‘sustainable’ by utility companies.

Renewable energies have experienced strong growth but have not yet reached anticipated levels. In the event that this storage system should become less expensive, the use of renewable energies would also be more economical, even during the days/hours when green energy is not normally available.

In the light of the above:

| Does the Commission intend to allocate funding to scientific research in this field for the purpose of establishing whether these batteries are really effective? |
| --- |

Does the Commission intend to allocate funding to scientific research in this field for the purpose of establishing whether these batteries are really effective?

| If so, does it intend to promote the use of this technology in order to increase the use of green energy? |
| --- |

If so, does it intend to promote the use of this technology in order to increase the use of green energy?

Answer given by Mr Oettinger on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 2013)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that all kinds of energy storage systems, including innovative batteries, are urgently needed to complement smart grids for allowing much higher shares of renewable energies at lower costs. Therefore the Commission's proposal for Horizon 2020 foresees an ambitious action on energy storage research and innovation. Such work on batteries would be eligible. Several European companies are reinvesting in R&D in batteries, both for mobile and stationary applications.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010335/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(13 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Violación de la igualdad de acceso a la educación superior

En España, el Decreto-Ley 14/2012 estableció la posibilidad para las comunidades autónomas de fijar los precios públicos de los cursos universitarios en diversas horquillas según si era primera o posterior matriculación o con mayor o menos aplicación técnica. En el caso de la primera matrícula, se fijó la posibilidad de que estuviese entre el 15 y el 25 % del coste de los estudios.

Esto ha llevado a que la diferencia entre lo que tiene que pagar un estudiante en una comunidad autónoma y en otra llegue a representar el triple, poniendo en riesgo la igualdad de toda su ciudadanía.

Según la Declaración de la Sorbona de 1998 y la Declaración de Bolonia de 1999, los Estados firmantes se comprometen a facilitar el acceso a la universidad de sus ciudadanos y así lo asume también la Unión Europea que, en su Carta de Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión, artículo 14, defiende el derecho a la educación y al acceso a la formación profesional y permanente. La implementación del EEES es del todo imposible sin una política de acceso a la educación que no discrimine por razones económicas.

Tal y como indican las sentencias relativas al Asunto Gravier, Blaizot o el C-295/90, entre otras, el acceso a la educación orientada a la formación profesional se encuentra dentro de las competencias del Derecho comunitario. También hacen constar que la educación universitaria se incluye en dicha formación profesional.

¿Considera la Comisión que los elevados precios públicos de Cataluña limitan la movilidad de estudiantes dentro de la UE?

¿Cree la Comisión que el acceso universal a la educación superior es un elemento de vital importancia para la Europa del futuro y la salida de la crisis? ¿Plantea la Comisión algún programa de ayudas para garantizar el acceso a la educación superior en regiones golpeadas por el alto desempleo juvenil?

Respuesta de la Sra. Vassiliou en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de noviembre de 2013)

La normativa de la UE exige que se dispense igual trato a los estudiantes de otros Estados miembros que a los estudiantes nacionales de un determinado Estado miembro en lo relativo a las tasas de matrícula o a otras condiciones de acceso a la educación; sin embargo, el importe real de las tasas de matrícula que han de abonar los estudiantes deben establecerlo las universidades o las autoridades nacionales competentes en virtud del poder discrecional que les otorga el artículo 185 del TFUE. De ello se deduce que la normativa de la UE no excluye, en principio, las diferencias de trato resultantes de las diferencias en el importe de las tasas entre Comunidades Autónomas en España o entre los Estados miembros.

Los Estados miembros son responsables de la concepción de sus sistemas de financiación de la enseñanza superior. En su agenda de modernización de la enseñanza superior, la Comisión subraya la necesidad de que los Estados miembros garanticen una adecuada inversión en la educación superior, previendo al mismo tiempo sistemas de financiación para facilitar el acceso a personas con menos recursos.

Los sistemas nacionales de financiación de la educación superior y de ayuda a los estudiantes varían considerablemente entre los países de la UE, y en una mayoría de Estados miembros se cobra algún tipo de tasas de matrícula. Las pruebas procedentes de países de la UE donde existen dichas tasas demuestran que, por sí mismas, estas no constituyen un obstáculo para que los estudiantes accedan a experiencias de movilidad de gran calidad, siempre que existan mecanismos de apoyo adecuados.

El nuevo programa Erasmus+ proporcionará más oportunidades a estudiantes de la UE y de terceros países para realizar periodos de estudio o de formación en el extranjero. El apoyo a los estudiantes que asisten a centros de enseñanza superior en sus países de residencia es responsabilidad de cada Estado miembro.

Los Estados miembros de la UE han acordado el objetivo de que el 40 % de las personas de 30 a 34 años de edad de la UE hayan concluido estudios de nivel terciario o equivalente de aquí a 2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010335/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(13 September 2013)

Subject: Violation of the right to equal access to higher education

Spanish Decree-Law No 14/2012 established the possibility for the autonomous communities to set the public prices of university courses at various levels, based on criteria such as whether or not students are enrolling for the first time and the amount of technical application involved. For first-time enrolment, prices vary between 15% and 25% of study costs.

This means that students in one autonomous community pay three times as much as those in another, jeopardising the equality of Spanish citizens.

The States Parties to the 1998 Sorbonne Declaration and the 1999 Bologna Declaration undertake to facilitate citizens’ access to university, a commitment which the EU shares, since Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union establishes the right to education and access to vocational and continuing training. The implementation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is all but impossible without an education access policy that does not discriminate on economic grounds.

The judgments handed down in the cases of Gravier, Blaizot, and C-295/90, among others, indicate that access to vocational training falls within the competence of EC law. They also state that university education is included in such training.

Does the Commission consider that the high public prices in Catalonia limit the mobility of students within the EU?

Does it believe that universal access to higher education is vital for the EU’s future and to enable it to emerge from the crisis? Will the Commission put forward an aid programme to guarantee access to higher education in regions hit by high youth unemployment?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

EC law provisions require that students from other Member States be treated on equal footing with local students as regards tuition fees or other conditions of access to education; however, the actual amount of fees charged to students is to be determined by the competent national authorities or universities, by virtue of the discretion afforded to them under Article 165 TFEU. It follows that EC law provisions do not in principle preclude differences in treatment resulting from the differences in study fees between autonomous communities in Spain or between Member States.

Member States are responsible for the design of their higher education funding systems. In its modernisation agenda for higher education, the Commission highlights the need for Member States to secure adequate investment in higher education, while also ensuring funding systems facilitate access for individuals from low income backgrounds.

National systems of higher education funding and student support vary widely across the EU and some form of study fees are charged in a majority of Member States. Evidence from EU countries where study fees exist shows that such fees do not in themselves represent a barrier to students accessing high quality mobility experiences, provided adequate support mechanisms exist.

The new Erasmus+ programme will provide increased opportunities for EU and non-EU students to spend a period studying or training abroad. Support for students attending higher education institutions in their country of residence is the responsibility of each Member State.

EU Member States have agreed that 40% of 30-34 year olds in the EU should have a tertiary education qualification or equivalent by 2020.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010383/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Introducción de armas ligeras en Siria por parte de los EE.UU.

El pasado 12 de septiembre, el periódico estadounidense The Washington Post publicó una noticia según la cual la Agencia Central de Inteligencia (CIA) del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos lleva dos semanas suministrando armas ligeras y municiones a los rebeldes sirios.

Dicha noticia se produce en plenas negociaciones internacionales sobre la intervención armada en el país de Oriente Medio, y vuelve a demostrar cómo los EE.UU. continúan interfiriendo en el país que deseen, haciendo caso omiso de la comunidad internacional. Los mismos servicios secretos que violan infinidad de leyes a lo largo y ancho del mundo suministran armas a terroristas, sin que la comunidad internacional haga nada. En su clara vocación imperialista, los EE.UU. tratan de repetir la historia de 2003, cuando se produjo una invasión bajo una falsa argumentación de dicha administración.

El día anterior, el Presidente de Rusia, Vladímir Putin, escribía una carta dirigida a los Estados Unidos para argumentar la importancia de no intervenir en Siria, debido a la desestabilización que provocará en la zona. En dicha carta, el Primer Ministro apela a la cordura para respetar a las Naciones Unidas y sus decisiones, de modo que las relaciones internacionales no se conviertan en un caos global.

Son dos actos que indican dos posiciones diferentes sobre el conflicto en Siria, habiendo quedado los argumentos a favor de la intervención sin base alguna en la realidad, ya que queda clara la actitud imperialista de los EE.UU. y el empleo de sus servicios secretos para desestabilizar la región, poniendo en riesgo el Derecho internacional.

¿Conoce la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante el citado tráfico de armas por parte de los EE.UU.?

¿Piensa exigir el fin de la introducción de armas en Siria por parte de los servicios secretos de los EE.UU.?

¿Considera que la posición de los EE.UU. queda en entredicho cuando están armando a los rebeldes sirios?

Considerando la posición de Rusia, ¿piensa negociar con Rusia una posición para una salida pacífica al conflicto a través de la diplomacia que detenga las ansias belicistas de la administración Obama?

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

(20 de noviembre de 2013)

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta ha reiterado en numerosas ocasiones que el conflicto sirio solo puede resolverse mediante un proceso político. La UE ha expresado su total apoyo a la organización de una conferencia de paz que convocaría las Naciones Unidas y desarrollaría el Comunicado de Ginebra acordado en junio de 2012.

La Alta Representante y Vicepresidenta está al corriente de los informes de los medios de comunicación sobre el suministro de armas a Siria por parte de Estados Unidos. También está al corriente de las entregas de armamento al régimen sirio desde hace tiempo por parte de la Federación Rusa, tal y como ha confirmado oficialmente la parte rusa. Tanto los Estados Unidos como Rusia se han situado a la cabeza de los trabajos encaminados a convocar una conferencia de paz apoyada por la UE.

La UE está en contacto con los actores principales, incluidos Estados Unidos y Rusia, para detectar las posibilidades de apoyo tangible a los preparativos, organización y seguimiento de una conferencia de paz.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010383/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — US sending light weapons to Syria

On 12 September 2013, the US newspaper The Washington Post reported that over the last two weeks the US Government’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been delivering light weapons and ammunition to the Syrian rebels.

This news comes in the midst of international negotiations on military intervention in the Middle Eastern country, and again shows how the United States continues to interfere in the country at will, ignoring the international community. The same intelligence services that violate countless laws throughout the world are supplying weapons to terrorists, while the international community does nothing. With a clear imperialist agenda, the United States is attempting to repeat the history of 2003, when its Government sparked an invasion under false pretences.

On the previous day, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote a letter to the US to advocate the importance of not intervening in Syria, due to the destabilising effect it would have on the region. In the letter, the President calls for common sense and respect for the United Nations and its decisions, to prevent international relations from sliding into global chaos.

These two acts indicate two different positions on the Syrian conflict. The case for intervention has no basis in reality; the United States’ imperialist attitude and the use of its intelligence services to destabilise the region is clear and jeopardises international law.

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of this arms trafficking by the US?

Will she demand that the US intelligence services stop sending weapons to Syria?

Does she believe that the United States’ position is compromised as it is arming the Syrian rebels?

Given Russia’s position, will she negotiate a consensus with Moscow on a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the conflict that will stop the Obama administration’s warmongering?

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

(20 November 2013)

The HR/VP has reiterated on numerous occasions that the Syrian conflict can only be solved through a political process. The EU has stated its full support for the organisation of a peace conference, which would be convened by the United Nations and build upon the Geneva Communique agreed in June 2012.

The HR/VP is aware of media reports of arms supplies by USA to Syria. She is also aware of the long-standing deliveries of armaments and weaponry by the Russian Federation to the Syrian regime, as confirmed officially by the Russian side. Both the United States and Russia have been at the forefront of efforts at convening a peace conference, supported by the EU.

The EU is in contact with relevant key players, including both USA and Russia, to identify possibilities of tangible support related to the preparations for, organisation of, and follow-up to a peace conference.

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor P-010385/13

upućeno Komisiji

Ruža Tomašić (ECR)

(16. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: Pravo RH na proglašenje gospodarskog pojasa u Jadranskom moru

Prema UN-ovoj konvenciji o pravu mora Republika Hrvatska ima nepobitno pravo na proglašenje svog gospodarskog pojasa u Jadranskom moru. Osim toga, studija „Costs and benefits arising from the establishment of maritime zones in the Mediterranean Sea”, koju je naručila Komisija, ističe i pozitivne ekonomske učinke takvog proglašenja na hrvatsku ekonomiju, ali i na ekonomije ostalih mediteranskih članica i Europske unije općenito.

Ovim putem želim vas pitati ima li Komisija formiran stav o proglašenju hrvatskog gospodarskog pojasa u Jadranskom moru i je li ta opcija dostupna Republici Hrvatskoj sa stajališta prava ili pak postoje pravne prepreke od strane Europske unije da naša država na taj način zaštiti svoje morske resurse.

Također, molila bih vas da se očitujete o tome bi li, prema vašem mišljenju, takav potez s hrvatske strane bio u skladu s politikom Europske unije i vrijednostima koje ona propagira.

Odgovor gđe Damanaki u ime Komisije

(25. listopada 2013.)

Proglašavanje isključivog gospodarskog pojasa (IGP) ostaje u nadležnosti obalnih država, dakle u EU-u to su države članice koje imaju izlaz na more. Obalne države članice, uključujući Hrvatsku, suvereno mogu odlučiti hoće li proglasiti takav pojas u skladu s Konvencijom Ujedinjenih naroda o pravu mora (UNCLOS) s ciljem osiguravanja gospodarskog potencijala svojih resursa na održiv način

Nakon što država članica proglasi IGP, te vode postaju „vode EU-a”, što znači da podliježu važećem zakonodavstvu EU-a, primjerice zajedničkoj ribarstvenoj politici i zakonodavstvu Unije u području zaštite okoliša. No kada je riječ o isključivoj nadležnosti Unije, kao u slučaju očuvanja morskih bioloških resursa, predmetne države članice za taj pojas ne mogu donositi propise niti u tom području sklapati poslove s trećim zemljama i/ili međunarodnim organizacijama jer je to dio nadležnosti EU-a. S druge strane, države članice u potpunosti mogu uživati u prednostima održivog iskorištavanja resursa u svojem IGP-u.

Komisija s pozornošću prati razvoj događaja na Sredozemlju u pogledu uspostavljanja pomorskih pojaseva, među njima i isključivog gospodarskog pojasa, te u tom smislu priprema političke preporuke u skladu s UNCLOS‐om. Tom će se političkom inicijativom nastojati pridonijeti potpunom iskorištavanju morskog bogatstva od strane država članica, promičući interese EU-a u području gospodarskog napretka, otvaranja radnih mjesta i rasta.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010385/13

to the Commission

Ruža Tomašić (ECR)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Croatia's right to declare economic zone in the Adriatic Sea

Pursuant to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Croatia has an irrefutable right to declare an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea. Additionally, a study ordered by the Commission entitled ‘Costs and benefits arising from the establishment of maritime zones in the Mediterranean Sea’ points out that declaring such a zone would have a positive impact not only on Croatia's economy, but on the economies of other Mediterranean Member States and the EU as a whole.

Has the Commission adopted a position on Croatia declaring an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea? From a legal perspective, is such an option open to Croatia, or does the EU impose legal constraints on our country defending its maritime resources in such a way?

According to your interpretation, would such a step on the part of Croatia be in keeping with EU policy and with the values that the EU promotes?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

The proclamation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains a national competence of coastal States and thus also of those Member States of the EU, which are coastal States. Coastal Member States, including Croatia, are sovereign to decide whether or not to proclaim such a zone in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) with the aim of securing the economic potential of their resources in a sustainable manner.

Once a Member State has proclaimed an EEZ, these waters become ‘Union waters’ and the applicable Union legislation, e.g. the common fisheries policy and environmental Union legislation, extends to those waters. Where the exclusive competence of the Union comes into play, as in the case of the conservation of marine biological resources, the Member States concerned may neither legislate for that zone nor enter into international undertakings with third countries and/or international organisations in this field any longer since this then falls within EU competence. On the other hand the Member States can enjoy the full advantages of the sustainable exploitation of resources in their EEZ.

The Commission follows closely the developments in the Mediterranean with regard to the establishment of maritime zones, including Exclusive Economic Zones, and is working on political recommendations to that effect in accordance with Unclos. This political initiative will aim at contributing to the full exploitation of sea wealth by EU Member States, promoting EU interests in the domain of economic prosperity, jobs and growth.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010386/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Raimon Obiols (S&D), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) y Salvador Sedó i Alabart (PPE)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Ataques fascistas a la delegación de la Generalitat en Madrid

Durante los actos de celebración de la Diada Nacional por parte de la Generalitat de Cataluña en Madrid, se produjo un acto violento (485) por parte de un grupo organizado que interrumpió el acto con gritos, amenazas y agresiones como el lanzamiento de bombas lacrimógenas sobre los asistentes (486). Estos individuos pertenecen a Democracia Nacional y Falange Española y de las JONS, partidos de signo xenófobo y franquista aún legales en España a pesar de su claro signo antidemocrático. El caso de la Falange Española y de las JONS es especialmente grave pues fue el partido único del régimen franquista durante su sangrienta dictadura. La legislación española sanciona estas conductas con graves penas aplicadas en otros casos.

Vista la respuesta de la Comisaria Reding (E-005756/2013), en la que advierte que «todos los Estados miembros de la UE están obligados a sancionar penalmente la incitación pública e intencionada a la violencia y al odio contra grupos o personas por su raza, color, religión, ascendencia u origen nacional o étnico»; considerando que «la Comisión supervisa actualmente las medidas de aplicación de los Estados miembros y elaborará un informe al respecto a finales de 2013» y recordando el llamamiento específico al Estado español para que actúe contra los casos de fascismo; vista también la respuesta (E-006050/2013), donde aclara que, de acuerdo con la Decisión Marco 2008/913/JAI, corresponde a las autoridades nacionales investigar todo caso de incitación al odio o negación del Holocausto y perseguir a sus autores,

¿Tiene conocimiento la Comisión de estos hechos? ¿Pedirá al Estado español que desarrolle un programa de choque y lucha contra el fascismo y los partidos legales que aún lo sustentan? ¿Incorporará, asimismo, los grupos citados en esta pregunta como objeto de estudio de la red contra la intolerancia?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(22 de noviembre de 2013)

Dentro de sus competencias, la Comisión siempre se ha comprometido con firmeza para garantizar el respeto estricto de la libertad de expresión y de reunión, ya que constituyen los cimientos de una sociedad libre, democrática y plural.

Las personas jurídicas puedan ser consideradas responsables de los delitos tipificados por la Decisión marco 2008/913/JHA, relativa a la lucha contra el racismo y la xenofobia. En la actualidad, la Comisión supervisa las disposiciones de aplicación de los Estados miembros y tiene previsto presentar un informe sobre la aplicación de la Decisión marco.

Incumbe a las autoridades responsables de los Estados miembros investigar casos individuales, incluso en relación con partidos políticos y asociaciones, a fin de determinar si pueden representar incitaciones a la violencia o al odio, y extraer las consecuencias necesarias con arreglo al Derecho penal.

En el marco de la acción «Memoria histórica activa de Europa» del programa «Europa con los ciudadanos», la Comisión apoya los proyectos de fomento de la memoria de la historia común de Europa.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010386/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL), Raimon Obiols (S&D), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) and Salvador Sedó i Alabart (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Fascist attacks on the Catalan Government delegation in Madrid

An organised group interrupted the Catalan Government’s Catalan National Day celebrations in Madrid with an act of violence (487) that included shouting, making threats and launching tear gas bombs at those in attendance (488). These individuals belong to Democracia Nacional (National Democracy) and Falange Española y de las JONS (Traditionalist Spanish Phalanx of the Assemblies of the National Syndicalist Offensive), xenophobic and Francoist parties which are still legal in Spain despite their clearly antidemocratic ideology. The case of the Falange Española y de las JONS is particularly serious as it was the sole party of the Franco regime during his bloody dictatorship. Spanish law severely punishes this kind of behaviour in other situations.

In her answer to Written Question No E-005756/2013 Commissioner Reding warned that ‘all EU Member States are obliged to penalise the intentional public incitement to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin’. The Commission ‘is currently monitoring Member States’ implementing measures and will draw up a report in this regard by the end of 2013’ and the Spanish State has been specifically called on to act against cases of fascism. The answer to Written Question No E-006050/2013 states that it is for national authorities to investigate any instances of hate speech or Holocaust denial and to prosecute the perpetrators of such offences, according to Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA.

Is the Commission aware of these facts? Will it call on the Spanish State to develop a crash programme to combat fascism and the legal parties that still support it? Will it also include the groups mentioned in this question as a case study for the network against intolerance?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2013)

Within the limits of competences, the Commission has always been strongly committed to ensure that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are strictly respected since they lie at the very base of a free, democratic and pluralist society.

Legal persons may be held liable for the offences provided by Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating racism and xenophobia. The Commission is currently monitoring Member States' implementing measures and intends to present a report on the implementation of the framework Decision.

It is for responsible Member State authorities to investigate individual cases, including in relation to political parties and associations, to determine whether they may represent incitement to violence or hatred, and to draw the necessary consequences under criminal law.

Under the Action ‘Active European Remembrance’ of the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme, the Commission supports projects promoting the memory of Europe's common history.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010387/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Paramilitarismo en Cacarica (Chocó): inacción de la fuerza pública y del Gobierno colombiano ante el grave riesgo de incursión y masacre paramilitar

Como informa la Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz (CIJP), se están realizando operaciones paramilitares en la cuenca del Cacarica, en el Bajo Atrato, departamento de Chocó, que conllevan un peligro muy alto para la comunidad y que ha llevado a las comunidades a una situación de encierro de hecho por temor a movilizarse ante el riesgo inminente de incursión y masacre paramilitar.

Así, y a pesar de que, desde hace nueve días, fueron avisadas y tienen conocimiento de la amenaza de una incursión paramilitar en la cuenca y de la ubicación exacta de esos grupos paramilitares ilegales y sus movimientos por la zona durante los últimos días (4 de septiembre: Unguía y zonas humanitarias de Nueva Esperanza en Dios y Nueva Vida; 9 de septiembre: comunidad de La Balsa, territorio colectivo de Cacarica, Cristal, en el río Peranchito, y cerca del caserío Travesía, sobre el río Atratato; y 12 de septiembre: Lomitas, a 20 minutos de la comunidad de Bijao Cacarica y a una hora de la zona humanitaria de Nueva Esperanza en Dios), las autoridades competentes no han llevado a cabo hasta la fecha ninguna medida para garantizar la integridad y seguridad de la población de la cuenca, siendo particularmente alarmante la inacción al respecto por parte de la fuerza pública de la zona (Batallón Selva 54, bajo el mando de la Brigada XVII). A esta inacción se suma el hecho de que, a pesar de que el Comité de evaluación de riesgos y recomendaciones de medidas (CERREM), alertado por los líderes de estas zonas humanitarias, aprobó hace meses una serie de medidas de protección humanitaria, la Unidad Nacional de Protección (UNP) no ha implementado ninguna.

Los paramilitares han afirmado que van a silenciar a quienes continúan sosteniendo la existencia del desarrollo del paramilitarismo y la paraeconomía y que para ello cuentan con un listado de líderes y lideresas que señalan como miembros de las fuerzas guerrilleras.

Ante la urgencia y necesidad de que el Estado colombiano reaccione para evitar una nueva masacre paramilitar:

¿Piensa la Vicepresidenta y Alta Representante Sra. Ashton alertar de esta situación al Gobierno colombiano y solicitar que actúe inmediatamente para proteger de manera efectiva a estas comunidades y a los miembros acompañantes de la CIJP, incluyendo la verificación inmediata de las zonas indicadas, para poner fin a estos grupos paramilitares ilegales?

¿Piensa igualmente solicitar al Gobierno colombiano una investigación independiente para que se esclarezcan los hechos mencionados y la falta de reacción de los mandos regionales?

¿Está dando, o piensa dar, seguimiento la Delegación de la UE en Colombia a este caso y solicitar que la UNP implemente las medidas aprobadas por la Cerrem para evitar graves violaciones de los derechos humanos?

Respuesta de la alta representante y vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(29 de noviembre de 2013)

La alta representante y vicepresidenta ha sido alertada de la situación actual en la cuenca del río Cacarica a la que hace referencia su Señoría. La Delegación de la UE en Colombia está siguiendo de cerca la situación y se ha puesto ya en contacto con la Defensoría del Pueblo para debatir el riesgo de abusos contra los derechos humanos como consecuencia de estos acontecimientos. La Delegación de la UE en Colombia tiene también la intención de tratar este tema en una próxima reunión con la Fiscalía general de la nación y de solicitar a dicha autoridad que investigue debidamente las amenazas y otros abusos cometidos por miembros de grupos armados y enjuicie a sus autores.

Además, en el contexto de su diálogo político con Colombia, y en particular del diálogo periódico sobre derechos humanos, la UE seguirá instando a las autoridades colombianas a adoptar todas las medidas necesarias para garantizar la protección de la población contra las actividades de grupos criminales organizados y otros grupos ilegales y a intensificar sus esfuerzos para acabar con estas actividades.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010387/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Paramilitary activity in Cacarica (Chocó): the Colombian Government's and armed forces' inaction in response to the serious risk of paramilitary incursion and massacre

According to the Inter-Church Justice and Peace Commission (CIJP), paramilitary operations are taking place in the Cacarica Basin, in the Lower Atrato, Department of Chocó. These operations pose a very high risk to communities, which are effectively imprisoned for fear of moving due to the imminent risk of paramilitary incursion and massacre.

Although for the past nine days these communities have been alerted to and aware of the threat of a paramilitary incursion in the basin and of the exact location of these illegal paramilitary groups and their recent movements in the area (4 September: Unguía and the humanitarian zones of Nueva Esperanza en Dios and Nueva Vida; 9 September: village of La Balsa, collective territory of Cacarica, Cristal, on the Peranchito River, and near the hamlet of Travesía, on the Atrato River; and 12 September: Lomitas, 20 minutes from the village of Bijao Cacarica and an hour from the humanitarian zone of Nueva Esperanza en Dios), the competent authorities have thus far failed to take any action to guarantee the safety and security of the population in the basin. The inaction of the armed forces in the area (Forestry Battalion 54, under the command of Brigade XVII) is particularly alarming. Furthermore, although the Committee for the Assessment of Risks and the recommendation of Measures (CERREM), alerted by the leaders of these humanitarian zones, approved a series of humanitarian protection measures some months ago, the National Protection Unit (UNP) has not implemented any of them.

The paramilitaries have said that they will silence those who continue to point out the rise of paramilitarism and the para-economy and that, to this end, they have a list of male and female leaders who they believe to be members of the guerrilla forces.

Given the urgency and need for the Colombian Government to react to prevent a new paramilitary massacre:

Will the Vice-President/High Representative warn the Colombian Government about this situation and call on it to act immediately in order to provide effective protection for these communities and accompanying members of the CIJP, including immediately sweeping the areas mentioned, to put an end to these illegal paramilitary groups?

Will she also call on the Colombian Government to conduct an independent investigation to clarify these facts and the regional authorities’ failure to react?

Is the EU Delegation in Colombia monitoring, or will it monitor, this case and call on the UNP to implement the measures approved by CERREM to prevent serious human rights violations?

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

(29 November 2013)

The HR/VP has been alerted to the current situation in the Cacarica Basin area as mentioned by the Honourable member. The EU Delegation to Colombia is following the situation closely and has already been in contact with the People's Ombudsmanoffice to discuss the risk of human rights abuses as a result of these developments. The EU Delegation in Colombia is also planning to raise this issue in an upcoming meeting with the ‘Fiscalía general de la nación’ (Office of the Attorney General) and call on these authorities to properly investigate threats and other abuses committed by members of armed groups and prosecute their authors.

Furthermore, in the context of its political dialogue with Colombian, and in particular of the regular Human Rights Dialogue, the EU will continue to call on the Colombian authorities to take all steps to ensure the protection of the population against the activities of organised criminal gangs and other illegal groups and to step up efforts to stamp out these activities.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010388/13

to the Commission

Glenis Willmott (S&D) and Claude Moraes (S&D)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Air Quality Directive and Member States' responsibility to monitor air quality

According to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the EU limits for nitrogen dioxide were exceeded in 40 of the UK’s 43 air quality zones in 2010. Nevertheless, the UK Government has recently announced plans to close 600 air quality monitoring stations and to remove the requirement for local authorities to monitor air quality.

The Commission’s answer to Question E-009266/2013 confirmed that legal proceedings may be initiated against Member States who have not complied with the requirements of Directive 2008/50/EC.

Can the Commission clarify whether, under the directive, it will be looking into how Member States meet the requirements for monitoring air quality? Does the Commission believe that, by closing air quality monitoring stations, the UK Government is breaching those requirements? Would it consider opening infraction proceedings if this is the case?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

In accordance with Directive 2008/50 (489), Member States are under the obligation to assess ambient air quality in all their zones and agglomerations and to make sure that the limit values for the protection of human health are complied with throughout their zones and agglomerations. Ambient air quality must therefore be assessed at all locations. However, this does not mean that air quality should be measured everywhere. In accordance with Article 6, air quality ‘assessment’ relies on a combination of fixed measurements, modelling techniques and/or indicative measurements and (in the less polluted areas) on ‘objective-estimation techniques’.

The minimum number of sampling points is determined by Annex V of the directive and depends on three criteria: population, pollutant and pollution levels. As a matter of fact, Member States tend to measure air quality in a number of sampling points which exceeds the ‘minimum’ required by the directive, in order to gather more evidence on the sources of pollution and to have a sound basis for modelling, all for the purpose of designing most cost-effective air pollution policies, and to meet the expectations of their citizens.

In the specific case of the UK, the Commission understands that the planned cuts have been submitted to public consultation. If the cuts are confirmed, the Commission is prepared to assess whether they are compatible with the EU requirements for monitoring air quality, and to take action where necessary.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010389/13

a la Comisión

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Alexander Alvaro (ALDE) y Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Medidas concretas para establecer un Día Europeo contra el acoso y la violencia en la escuela

El 4 de febrero de 2013, durante la sesión plenaria del Parlamento en Estrasburgo, se notificó que la declaración por escrito sobre el establecimiento del Día Europeo contra el acoso y la violencia en la escuela se había aprobado. No obstante, la Comisión no ha anunciado todavía ningún plan concreto para su aplicación.

Además, los casos de acoso tanto en línea como «en vivo» parecen estar aumentando drásticamente. Solo en agosto de 2013, al menos tres niños pequeños se suicidaron en Reino Unido e Italia debido al acoso y al ciberacoso.

Se considera acertadamente a los niños el grupo más vulnerable de la sociedad. Un Día Europeo de este tipo podría contribuir a concienciar y transmitir un firme mensaje, especialmente en vistas a las próximas elecciones europeas. Cabe destacar asimismo que el Día Internacional de la No violencia —como se menciona en la respuesta a la pregunta escrita E-008601/2012— es una iniciativa de Naciones Unidas para promover la no violencia. Sin embargo, el acoso es un tipo específico de violencia que no siempre es física y que conlleva muchas implicaciones tanto para el acosador como para la víctima. Se trata, además, de una cuestión social muy sensible, que se da en todo el mundo y que adquiere cada vez más importancia.

Al hilo de lo anteriormente mencionado:

| ¿Está de acuerdo la Comisión con que la lucha contra el acoso podría promoverse y, por tanto, reforzarse mediante el establecimiento de un Día Europeo contra el acoso y la violencia en la escuela? ¿Cómo prevé responder a la solicitud del Parlamento, a raíz de la aprobación de la declaración por escrito previamente citada, especialmente en la antesala de las elecciones europeas? |
| --- |

¿Está de acuerdo la Comisión con que la lucha contra el acoso podría promoverse y, por tanto, reforzarse mediante el establecimiento de un Día Europeo contra el acoso y la violencia en la escuela? ¿Cómo prevé responder a la solicitud del Parlamento, a raíz de la aprobación de la declaración por escrito previamente citada, especialmente en la antesala de las elecciones europeas?

| Dado que el acoso se está convirtiendo en una lacra, ¿prevé la Comisión llevar a cabo alguna medida o programa para concienciar sobre la prevención del acoso y promoverla, especialmente al hilo de los problemas de financiación del programa «Safer Internet» del mecanismo «Conectar Europa»? |
| --- |

Dado que el acoso se está convirtiendo en una lacra, ¿prevé la Comisión llevar a cabo alguna medida o programa para concienciar sobre la prevención del acoso y promoverla, especialmente al hilo de los problemas de financiación del programa «Safer Internet» del mecanismo «Conectar Europa»?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(22 de noviembre de 2013)

La Comisión ha expresado en varias ocasiones su inquietud por la violencia contra los niños, incluida la que se ejerce en los centros escolares. También ha abordado la cuestión del acoso y el ciberacoso en varias respuestas a preguntas escritas del Parlamento Europeo (490).

El acoso y el ciberacoso pueden tener un grave impacto negativo en los niños y la Comisión acoge con satisfacción las medidas que refuerzan la lucha contra estos fenómenos.

Los días 17 y 18 de diciembre de 2013, la Comisión organizará una sesión específica en el octavo Foro Europeo sobre los Derechos del Niño, haciendo hincapié en el papel de los sistemas de protección de los menores a la hora de protegerlos frente a la intimidación y el ciberacoso. El objetivo de esta sesión es estimular un debate sobre posibles medidas preventivas y las respuestas a la intimidación y el ciberacoso, y reforzar la cooperación y la ayuda entre los Estados miembros, las organizaciones internacionales, la sociedad civil y los profesionales que trabajan con y para los niños de toda la UE.

Proteger a los niños de la exposición a contenidos nocivos en línea y capacitarlos para afrontar riesgos tales como el ciberacoso forma parte de la Estrategia europea en favor de una Internet más adecuada para los niños elaborada por la Comisión en 2012 (491). Los centros para una Internet más segura han contribuido a aumentar la sensibilización sobre los riesgos en línea, como el ciberacoso, entre los niños, los padres y los profesores.

Los niños como víctimas de acoso en la escuela constituyen uno de los ámbitos prioritarios de la convocatoria destinada a subvenciones para actividades en el marco de Daphne III, cuyo plazo finaliza el 30 de octubre de 2013 (492). Para más información sobre programas e iniciativas en apoyo de la lucha contra el acoso y el ciberacoso, y el aumento de la sensibilización de la población sobre estos fenómenos, la Comisión remite a Su Señoría a la respuesta a las pregunta escritas P-007853/13, E-9306/12, y E-008601/2012.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010389/13

an die Kommission

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Alexander Alvaro (ALDE) und Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(16. September 2013)

Betrifft: Konkrete Maßnahmen zur Schaffung eines Europäischen Tages gegen Mobbing und Gewalt an Schulen

Am 4. Februar 2013 wurde während der Tagung des Parlaments in Straßburg die Annahme der schriftlichen Erklärung zur Schaffung eines Europäischen Tages gegen Mobbing und Gewalt an Schulen angekündigt. Indessen hat die Kommission bis heute noch keine konkreten Pläne für dessen Umsetzung vorgelegt.

Währenddessen scheinen die Mobbing-Vorfälle im Internet und in der „realen“ Welt drastisch zuzunehmen. Im August 1013 alleine wurden drei Kinder im Vereinigten Königreich und in Italien in den Selbstmord getrieben, und zwar allein aufgrund von Mobbing und Internet-Mobbing.

Kinder gelten zurecht als die verletzlichsten Bevölkerungsgruppen unserer Gesellschaft. Ein solcher Europäischer Tag könnte die Sensibilisierung der Gesellschaft fördern und würde eine eindeutige Botschaft aussenden, vor allem jetzt im Vorfeld der Europawahlen. Es sei auch darauf hingewiesen, dass der Internationale Tag gegen Gewalt, auf den in der Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage E-008601/2012 Bezug genommen wurde, eine Initiative der Vereinten Nationen zur Förderung der Beseitigung von Gewalt darstellt. Mobbing ist eine spezielle Form der Gewalt, die nicht immer physisch ist, und die eine breite Palette von Auswirkungen sowohl für den Täter als auch für das Opfer mit sich bringt. Mobbing ist auch ein sehr sensibles soziales Thema, denn Mobbing breitet sich immer mehr aus und ist von wachsender Bedeutung.

Kann der Rat angesichts dessen mitteilen:

| Stimmt die Kommission dem zu, dass der Kampf gegen Mobbing durch einen Internationalen Tag gegen Mobbing und Gewalt an Schulen gefördert und intensiviert werden könnte? Wie will sie im Anschluss an die Annahme der oben erwähnten schriftlichen Erklärung und vor allem mit Blick auf die Europawahlen der Forderung des Parlaments entsprechen? |
| --- |

Stimmt die Kommission dem zu, dass der Kampf gegen Mobbing durch einen Internationalen Tag gegen Mobbing und Gewalt an Schulen gefördert und intensiviert werden könnte? Wie will sie im Anschluss an die Annahme der oben erwähnten schriftlichen Erklärung und vor allem mit Blick auf die Europawahlen der Forderung des Parlaments entsprechen?

| Da Mobbing sich immer weiter auszubreiten scheint, wird die Kommission um Mitteilung gebeten, ob sie plant, konkrete Maßnahmen oder Programme zur Sensibilisierung und Förderung der Verhütung von Mobbing zu unterstützen, vor allem in Anbetracht der Finanzierungsprobleme in Zusammenhang mit dem Programm „Safer Internet“ im Rahmen der Fazilität „Connecting Europe“ (CEF)? |
| --- |

Da Mobbing sich immer weiter auszubreiten scheint, wird die Kommission um Mitteilung gebeten, ob sie plant, konkrete Maßnahmen oder Programme zur Sensibilisierung und Förderung der Verhütung von Mobbing zu unterstützen, vor allem in Anbetracht der Finanzierungsprobleme in Zusammenhang mit dem Programm „Safer Internet“ im Rahmen der Fazilität „Connecting Europe“ (CEF)?

Antwort von Frau Reding im Namen der Kommission

(22. November 2013)

Die Kommission hat wiederholt ihre Besorgnis über Gewalt gegen Kinder, unter anderem im schulischen Bereich, zum Ausdruck gebracht (493). Zu den Themen Mobbing und Internet-Mobbing hat sie sich auch in mehreren Antworten auf schriftliche Anfragen des Europäischen Parlaments geäußert (494).

Mobbing und Internet-Mobbing können erhebliche negative Auswirkungen auf Kinder haben, und die Kommission begrüßt Maßnahmen, die diese Phänomene verstärkt bekämpfen.

Am 17. und 18. Dezember 2013 veranstaltet die Kommission beim 8. Europäischen Forum für die Rechte des Kindes eine Sitzung mit dem Schwerpunkt auf der Rolle von einschlägigen Systemen beim Schutz von Kindern vor Mobbing und Internet-Mobbing. Diese Sitzung soll eine Debatte über mögliche Präventivmaßnahmen und Reaktionen auf Mobbing und Internet-Mobbing anregen und die Zusammenarbeit und die Unterstützung zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten, internationalen Organisationen, der Zivilgesellschaft und Fachkräften in der ganzen EU, die mit Kindern und für Kinder arbeiten, verstärken.

Kinder vor schädlichen Internetinhalten zu schützen und sie zu befähigen, mit Gefahren wie Internet-Mobbing umzugehen, ist Teil der Strategie der Kommission für ein besseres Internet für Kinder (495) von 2012. Die Safer-Internet-Zentren spielen bei der Sensibilisierung von Kindern, Eltern und Lehrern für Gefahren im Internet einschließlich Internet-Mobbing eine wichtige Rolle.

Kinder als Opfer von Mobbing in der Schule sind einer der prioritären Bereiche der Aufforderung zur Einreichung von Vorschlägen für maßnahmenbezogene Finanzhilfen im Rahmen des Programms Daphne III, die am 30. Oktober 2013 endete (496). Für weitere Informationen zu Programmen und Initiativen zur Unterstützung der Bekämpfung von Mobbing und Internet-Mobbing und zur Sensibilisierung für diese Phänomene verweist die Kommission die Abgeordneten auf ihre Antworten auf die schriftlichen Anfragen P-007853/13, E-9306/12 und E-008601/2012.

(Ελληνική έκδοση)

Ερώτηση με αίτημα γραπτής απάντησης E-010389/13

προς την Επιτροπή

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Alexander Alvaro (ALDE) και Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(16 Σεπτεμβρίου 2013)

Θέμα: Συγκεκριμένη δράση για την καθιέρωση Ευρωπαϊκής Ημέρας κατά του εκφοβισμού και της σχολικής βίας

Στις 4 Φεβρουαρίου 2013, κατά τη διάρκεια της ολομέλειας του Κοινοβουλίου στο Στρασβούργο, υπήρξε αναγγελία ότι η γραπτή δήλωση για την καθιέρωση Ευρωπαϊκής Ημέρας κατά του εκφοβισμού και της σχολικής βίας είχε εγκριθεί. Όμως, η Επιτροπή μέχρι σήμερα δεν έχει ανακοινώσει συγκεκριμένα μέτρα για την υλοποίησή της.

Επιπλέον, διάφορα συμβάντα εκφοβισμού, τόσο «online» όσο και «offline», εμφανίζονται να αυξάνονται ιδιαίτερα. Μόνο τον Αύγουστο του 2013, το λιγότερο τρία νέα παιδιά στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο και στην Ιταλία αυτοκτόνησαν λόγω πρακτικών εκφοβισμού καθώς και εκφοβισμού μέσω του διαδικτύου.

Τα παιδιά σωστά θεωρείται ότι είναι η πλέον ευάλωτη ομάδα στην κοινωνία. Μία Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα αυτού του τύπου θα μπορούσε να βοηθήσει στην αύξηση της ευαισθητοποίησης και να στείλει ένα ισχυρό μήνυμα, ιδιαίτερα ενόψει των μελλοντικών ευρωπαϊκών εκλογών. Θα πρέπει επίσης να σημειωθεί ότι η Διεθνής Ημέρα κατά της Βίας — όπως αναφέρεται στην απάντηση στη γραπτή ερώτηση E-008601/2012 — αποτελεί μία πρωτοβουλία των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για την προώθηση δράσεων κατά της βίας. Όμως, ο εκφοβισμός είναι μία ιδιαίτερη μορφή βίας η οποία δεν είναι πάντα σωματικής φύσεως και η οποία έχει ευρεία ποικιλία επιπτώσεων τόσο για τον ασκούντα αυτήν όσο και για το θύμα. Αποτελεί επίσης ένα ιδιαίτερα ευαίσθητο κοινωνικό θέμα, το οποίο διαδίδεται όλο και περισσότερο και το οποίο αποκτά όλο και μεγαλύτερη σημασία.

Υπό το φως των ανωτέρω:

| Συμφωνεί η Επιτροπή ότι ο αγώνας κατά του εκφοβισμού θα πρέπει να ενισχυθεί και ως εκ τούτου να υποστηριχθεί με την καθιέρωση μιας Ευρωπαϊκής Ημέρας κατά του εκφοβισμού και της σχολικής βίας; Με ποιο τρόπο προτίθεται να ανταποκριθεί στο αίτημα του Κοινοβουλίου σε συνέχεια της έγκρισης της προαναφερθείσας γραπτής δήλωσης, ιδιαίτερα ενόψει των ευρωπαϊκών εκλογών; |
| --- |

Συμφωνεί η Επιτροπή ότι ο αγώνας κατά του εκφοβισμού θα πρέπει να ενισχυθεί και ως εκ τούτου να υποστηριχθεί με την καθιέρωση μιας Ευρωπαϊκής Ημέρας κατά του εκφοβισμού και της σχολικής βίας; Με ποιο τρόπο προτίθεται να ανταποκριθεί στο αίτημα του Κοινοβουλίου σε συνέχεια της έγκρισης της προαναφερθείσας γραπτής δήλωσης, ιδιαίτερα ενόψει των ευρωπαϊκών εκλογών;

| Δεδομένου ότι ο εκφοβισμός τείνει να αποτελέσει μία μάστιγα, προτίθεται η Επιτροπή να προωθήσει οιεσδήποτε δράσεις ή προγράμματα για να αυξήσει την ευαισθητοποίηση και να προωθήσει την πρόληψη του εκφοβισμού, ειδικότερα υπό το φως των προβλημάτων χρηματοδότησης για το πρόγραμμα «Ασφαλέστερο Ίντερνετ» με βάση τη διευκόλυνση «Συνδέοντας την Ευρώπη»; |
| --- |

Δεδομένου ότι ο εκφοβισμός τείνει να αποτελέσει μία μάστιγα, προτίθεται η Επιτροπή να προωθήσει οιεσδήποτε δράσεις ή προγράμματα για να αυξήσει την ευαισθητοποίηση και να προωθήσει την πρόληψη του εκφοβισμού, ειδικότερα υπό το φως των προβλημάτων χρηματοδότησης για το πρόγραμμα «Ασφαλέστερο Ίντερνετ» με βάση τη διευκόλυνση «Συνδέοντας την Ευρώπη»;

Απάντηση της κ. Reding εξ ονόματος της Επιτροπής

(22 Νοεμβρίου 2013)

Η Επιτροπή έχει εκφράσει επανειλημμένα την ανησυχία της για τη βία κατά των παιδιών, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της βίας που εκδηλώνεται στα σχολεία (497). Έχει επίσης θίξει το πρόβλημα του εκφοβισμού και του εκφοβισμού στον κυβερνοχώρο (κυβερνοεκφοβισμού) σε πολλές απαντήσεις στις γραπτές ερωτήσεις του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου (498).

Ο εκφοβισμός και ο κυβερνοεκφοβισμός μπορούν να έχουν σοβαρές αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στα παιδιά, και η Επιτροπή επικροτεί τις δράσεις που ενισχύουν την καταπολέμηση των φαινομένων αυτών.

Στις 17 και 18 Δεκεμβρίου 2013, η Επιτροπή θα οργανώσει ειδική συνεδρίαση στο 8ο Ευρωπαϊκό Φόρουμ για τα Δικαιώματα του Παιδιού, αφιερωμένη στον ρόλο των συστημάτων προστασίας του παιδιού στην προστασία των παιδιών από τον εκφοβισμό και τον κυβερνοεκφοβισμό. Στόχος της συνεδρίασης αυτής είναι να δώσει το έναυσμα για διάλογο σχετικά με την ενδεχόμενη λήψη προληπτικών μέτρων και την αντιμετώπιση του εκφοβισμού και του κυβερνοεκφοβισμού και να ενισχύσει τη συνεργασία και την υποστήριξη μεταξύ των κρατών μελών, των διεθνών οργανισμών, της κοινωνίας των πολιτών και των επαγγελματιών που εργάζονται με παιδιά και για τα παιδιά σε ολόκληρη την ΕΕ.

Η προστασία των παιδιών από την έκθεση σε επιβλαβές επιγραμμικό περιεχόμενο και η παροχή σε αυτά της δυνατότητας να αντιμετωπίζουν κινδύνους όπως ο εκφοβισμός στον κυβερνοχώρο εντάσσονται στη στρατηγική της Επιτροπής του 2012 για ένα Διαδίκτυο καλύτερα προσαρμοσμένο στα παιδιά (499). Τα κέντρα για ασφαλέστερο διαδίκτυο (Safer Internet) έχουν συμβάλει σημαντικά στην ευαισθητοποίηση σχετικά με τους επιγραμμικούς κινδύνους, όπως ο κυβερνοεκφοβισμός, μεταξύ των παιδιών, των γονέων και των διδασκόντων.

Τα παιδιά ως θύματα εκφοβισμού στο σχολείο είναι ένας από τους τομείς προτεραιότητας της πρόσκλησης υποβολής προτάσεων για την επιχορήγηση δράσεων στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος ΔΑΦΝΗ ΙΙΙ, η προθεσμία της οποίας λήγει στις 30 Οκτωβρίου 2013 (500). Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με προγράμματα και πρωτοβουλίες που αποσκοπούν στην καταπολέμηση του εκφοβισμού και του κυβερνοεκφοβισμού, καθώς και την περαιτέρω ευαισθητοποίηση όσον αφορά τα φαινόμενα αυτά, η Επιτροπή παραπέμπει τον κύριο βουλευτή στην απάντηση στις γραπτές ερωτήσεις P-007853/13, E-9306/12, και E-008601/2012.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010389/13

alla Commissione

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Alexander Alvaro (ALDE) e Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(16 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Iniziative concrete per istituire una giornata europea contro il bullismo e la violenza nelle scuole

Il 4 febbraio 2013, durante la plenaria del Parlamento europeo a Strasburgo, è stata annunciata l'approvazione della dichiarazione scritta sull'istituzione di una giornata europea contro il bullismo e la violenza nelle scuole. Tuttavia la Commissione non ha comunicato, a tutt'oggi, alcun programma concreto per la sua attuazione.

Per giunta, i casi di bullismo sembrano essere in netto aumento, sia in rete che nella vita reale. Soltanto nell'agosto 2013, almeno tre minori nel Regno Unito e in Italia sono arrivati a suicidarsi a causa del bullismo e del bullismo online.

I minori sono giustamente considerati il gruppo più vulnerabile della società. Un giornata europea di questo tipo potrebbe contribuire a sensibilizzare e a dare un segnale forte, soprattutto in vista delle imminenti elezioni europee. È opportuno osservare inoltre che la giornata internazionale della non violenza — cui si fa riferimento nella risposta all'interrogazione scritta E-008601/2012 — è un'iniziativa delle Nazioni Unite intesa a promuovere la non violenza. Il bullismo, tuttavia, è una forma specifica di violenza che non sempre si manifesta sul piano fisico e che comporta una lunga serie di implicazioni, sia per il persecutore che per la vittima. Il fenomeno rappresenta inoltre una questione sociale molto delicata, sempre più diffusa e di importanza crescente.

Alla luce di quanto sin qui esposto, si chiede di rispondere alle seguenti domande:

| concorda la Commissione sul fatto che l'istituzione di una giornata europea contro il bullismo e la violenza nelle scuole potrebbe promuovere e quindi rafforzare la lotta contro il bullismo? Come intende rispondere alla richiesta del Parlamento a seguito dell'approvazione della dichiarazione scritta sopra citata, specialmente in vista delle elezioni europee? |
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concorda la Commissione sul fatto che l'istituzione di una giornata europea contro il bullismo e la violenza nelle scuole potrebbe promuovere e quindi rafforzare la lotta contro il bullismo? Come intende rispondere alla richiesta del Parlamento a seguito dell'approvazione della dichiarazione scritta sopra citata, specialmente in vista delle elezioni europee?

| Dato che questo fenomeno sta assumendo proporzioni dilaganti, intende la Commissione programmare iniziative o programmi a fini di sensibilizzazione e per promuovere la prevenzione del bullismo, soprattutto alla luce dei problemi di finanziamento cui deve far fronte il programma per l'uso sicuro di Internet nel quadro del meccanismo per collegare l'Europa? |
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Dato che questo fenomeno sta assumendo proporzioni dilaganti, intende la Commissione programmare iniziative o programmi a fini di sensibilizzazione e per promuovere la prevenzione del bullismo, soprattutto alla luce dei problemi di finanziamento cui deve far fronte il programma per l'uso sicuro di Internet nel quadro del meccanismo per collegare l'Europa?

Risposta di Viviane Reding a nome della Commissione

(22 novembre 2013)

La Commissione ha più volte espresso preoccupazione per quanto riguarda la violenza nei confronti dei minori, anche nelle scuole (501). Ha poi affrontato la questione del bullismo e del cyberbullismo in diverse risposte alle interrogazioni scritte del Parlamento europeo (502).

Bullismo e cyberbullismo possono avere un impatto deleterio sui minori e la Commissione accoglie con favore le iniziative che rafforzano la lotta contro tali fenomeni.

Il 17 e 18 dicembre 2013 la Commissione organizzerà un’edizione speciale dell’ottavo Forum europeo per i diritti dei minori dedicato al ruolo dei sistemi per la protezione dei minori in relazione al bullismo e al cyberbullismo. L’obiettivo è stimolare un dibattito sulle possibili misure preventive e sulle risposte al bullismo e al cyberbullismo e rafforzare la cooperazione e il sostegno tra Stati membri, organizzazioni internazionali, società civile e professionisti che lavorano con e per i bambini in tutta l’UE.

Proteggere i bambini dall’esposizione ai contenuti dannosi presenti in rete e metterli in condizione di affrontare rischi quali il cyberbullismo fa parte della strategia europea per un’internet migliore per i ragazzi (503). I centri Safer Internet hanno consentito di accrescere la consapevolezza dei minori, dei genitori e degli insegnanti circa i rischi che si celano nella rete, tra cui il cyberbullismo.

I minori vittime di bullismo a scuola sono una delle tematiche prioritarie dell’invito per le sovvenzioni d’azione Daphne III, la cui scadenza è fissata per il 30 ottobre 2013 (504). Per altre informazioni sui programmi e sulle iniziative volte a sostenere la lotta contro il bullismo e il cyberbullismo e ad aumentare la consapevolezza di tali fenomeni, la Commissione rinvia gli onorevoli deputati alle risposte alle interrogazioni scritte P-7853/13, E-9306/12 e E-8601/2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010389/13

to the Commission

Georgios Koumoutsakos (PPE), Roberta Angelilli (PPE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Alexander Alvaro (ALDE) and Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Concrete action to establish a European Day against Bullying and School Violence

On 4 February 2013 an announcement was made during Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg that the Written Declaration on establishing a European Day against Bullying and School Violence had been adopted. However, the Commission has so far announced no concrete plans for its implementation.

Moreover, incidents of both ‘online’ and ‘offline’ bullying seem to be rising sharply. In August 2013 alone at least three young children in the United Kingdom and Italy were driven to suicide because of bullying and cyber‐bullying.

Children are rightly considered to be the most vulnerable group in society. A European Day of this kind could help raise awareness and send out a strong message, especially ahead of the upcoming European elections. It should also be noted that the International Day of Non‐Violence — as referred to in the answer to Written Question E-008601/2012 — is a United Nations initiative to promote non‐violence. However, bullying is a specific form of violence which is not always physical and which has a wide variety of implications for both the perpetrator and the victim. It is also a very sensitive social issue, increasingly widespread and of growing importance.

In the light of the above:

| Does the Commission agree that the fight against bullying could be promoted and thus strengthened by establishing a European Day against Bullying and School Violence? How does it plan to respond to Parliament’s request following the adoption of the aforementioned Written Declaration, especially ahead of the European elections? |
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Does the Commission agree that the fight against bullying could be promoted and thus strengthened by establishing a European Day against Bullying and School Violence? How does it plan to respond to Parliament’s request following the adoption of the aforementioned Written Declaration, especially ahead of the European elections?

| Given that bullying tends to become a scourge, does the Commission plan to promote any actions or programmes to raise awareness and promote the prevention of bullying, especially in the light of the funding problems for the Safer Internet Programme under the Connecting Europe Facility? |
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Given that bullying tends to become a scourge, does the Commission plan to promote any actions or programmes to raise awareness and promote the prevention of bullying, especially in the light of the funding problems for the Safer Internet Programme under the Connecting Europe Facility?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2013)

The Commission has repeatedly expressed concerns about violence against children, including in school settings (505). It has also addressed the issue of bullying and cyber bullying in several answers to the European Parliament Written Questions (506).

Bullying and cyber bullying can have a severe negative impact on children and the Commission welcomes actions that strengthen the fight against these phenomena.

On 17 and 18 December 2013, the Commission will organise a dedicated session at the 8th European forum on the rights of the child with a focus on the role of child protection systems in protecting children from bullying and cyber bullying. The aim of this session is to stimulate a debate on possible preventative measures and responses to bullying and cyber bullying and strengthen cooperation and support among Member States, international organisations, civil society, and professionals working with and for children across the EU.

Protecting children from exposure to harmful content online and empowering them to deal with risks such as cyber-bullying is part of the Commission's 2012 Strategy for a Better Internet for Children (507). Safer Internet Centres have been instrumental in raising awareness on online risks, including cyber-bullying, among children, parents and teachers.

Children as victims of bullying at school are one of the priority areas of the Daphne III call for action grants with the deadline of 30 October 2013 (508). For other information on programmes and initiatives to support the fight against bullying and cyber bullying, and raise awareness about these phenomena, the Commission would refer the Honourable Members to the replies it gave to the Written Question P-007853/13, E-9306/12, and E-008601/2012.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010390/13

to the Commission

Emma McClarkin (ECR)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: European Schools

It has been brought to my attention that the European Schools are facing a degree of crisis. At the 3239th meeting of the Council of the European Union (Education, Youth, Culture and Sport) held in Brussels on 16 and 17 May 2013, it was stated that ‘a number of Member States are of the view that there are serious underlying problems with the European School system’s current model’.

I am particularly concerned that the European School system is set up by an intergovernmental treaty, and as such operates on its own and is unregulated. Consequently, there are problems with funding and the disproportionate number of teachers from certain Member States. More worryingly, it has been brought to my attention that there were a number of problems with the exam papers for the 2012 European Baccalaureate, which saw some students failing their exams due to having to answer questions that were not even in the subject syllabus.

Can I ask the Commission to confirm that these problems do indeed exist? Is the Commission ready to change the legal nature of the system so that it conforms to EU-wide educational rules? Can it address the problems encountered by students in recent years, especially in regard to the mistakes of the 2012 exam papers?

Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

The European Schools System (ESS) is governed jointly by the governments of the EU Member States (MS) in the Board of Governors (BoG). The system is therefore subject to international law and consequently, cannot be considered as unregulated. It is also subject to its own corpus juris (the Convention and the decisions of the BoG), as well as its own judicial review system. The current system allows for a large participation of the MS in the governance of the system, as well as for a continuous exchange of teachers and practices between the MS Educational Systems and the ES System.

The Commission cannot on its own ‘change the legal nature of the system’ as the Honourable Member suggests since it is the competence of the BoG and ultimately, of the Member States.

The issue of cost-sharing was discussed at the extraordinary meeting of the BoG on 23 September 2013 and a structural solution was accepted by a majority of MS. If no agreement is reached by then, the proposal will be discussed at the margin of a ministerial meeting at the Education Council on 25 November 2013. The Commission insists that a sustainable solution to the issue is agreed upon as soon as possible.

Concerning European Baccalaureate 2012 exams, the Commission regrets the problems encountered at the mathematics and chemistry exams. The Commission requested a detailed report from the Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools which was prepared by independent external experts (509). A number of recommendations were made that will be followed-up closely in order to avoid similar problems in the future.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010391/13

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(16 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Decessi per ipertermia di bambini dimenticati in auto e necessità di rivedere la normativa UE di settore al fine di scongiurare tali episodi

A partire dagli anni '90, le statistiche evidenziano il significativo aumento degli episodi di decesso per ipertermia di bambini in tenera età dimenticati dai genitori nella propria autovettura parcheggiata al sole (510). Il terribile fenomeno è legato all'introduzione nelle automobili dell'airbag anche per il posto del passeggero a lato del guidatore, che ha portato gli esperti di sicurezza stradale a suggerire di sistemare il seggiolino sul sedile posteriore (nel caso in cui si tratti di bambini di pochi mesi, addirittura con il volto rivolto verso il lunotto posteriore). Tale collocazione, sicuramente funzionale alla riduzione dei pericoli di contraccolpo in caso di incidente stradale, comporta al contempo la fuoriuscita del bambino dal campo visivo del genitore al volante, aumentando così il rischio che costui dimentichi di averlo con sé, complice lo stress e la stanchezza dovuti alle incombenze famigliari e lavorative.

La temperatura all'interno di un'autovettura parcheggiata al sole — per effetto dei vetri trasparenti e delle parti soggette a rapido surriscaldamento (cruscotto, sedili, volante) — può raggiungere i 50 °C anche in presenza di una temperatura esterna di appena 25 °C. La temperatura di un bambino, inoltre, aumenta più velocemente rispetto a quella di un adulto, a causa della minore superficie corporea e della minore quantità di riserve d'acqua. In simili condizioni, il decesso del bambino per ipertermia avviene nell'arco di qualche ora.

L'ultimo doloroso episodio verificatosi nel giugno 2013 a Piacenza ha riacceso in Italia il dibattito sui possibili rimedi da adottare al fine di scongiurare simili tragedie familiari. Si moltiplicano, infatti, le proposte volte all'introduzione a livello legislativo dell'obbligo di adozione di congegni elettronici che, mediante un segnale acustico o altri accorgimenti, ricordino al conducente la presenza del bambino nell'abitacolo, rendendo pressoché impossibile il verificarsi di tali episodi. Si segnala, infine, che in proposito è stata lanciata una petizione online dalla Dottoressa Maria Ghirardelli, medico di Brescia, che ha già raccolto oltre 30.000 firme.

Tutto ciò premesso, può la Commissione riferire se intende prendere in considerazione la problematica appena esposta e, in caso affermativo, chiarire in quale modo?

Risposta di Antonio Tajani a nome della Commissione

(12 novembre 2013)

La Commissione è a conoscenza dei drammi risultanti dal fatto che certi genitori o certe persone che hanno la custodia di bambini li dimenticano nell'automobile, con conseguente ipertermia che porta alla loro tragica morte.

La Commissione inizierà fra breve il riesame della legislazione sulla sicurezza, il «Regolamento sulla sicurezza generale» (CE) n. 661/2009 del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, sui requisiti dell'omologazione per la sicurezza generale dei veicoli a motore, dei loro rimorchi e sistemi, component ed entità tecniche ad essi destinati (511). In particolare, essa ottempererà agli obblighi che le incombono in forza dell'articolo 17 per quanto concerne il monitoraggio degli sviluppi tecnici in relazione alle nuove caratteristiche e tecnologie atte a garantire una maggiore sicurezza.

Alla luce di quanto sopra, l'introduzione di dispositivi elettronici che ricordino ai conducenti la presenza di un bambino nell'automobile può essere contemplata alla stregua di una nuova tecnologia di sicurezza al fine di determinare se sia tecnicamente fattibile, affidabile ed efficace sul piano dei costi. Alla luce di questo riesame verrà presentata al Parlamento europeo una relazione con le pertinenti risultanze.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010391/13

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Hyperthermia deaths of children left inside cars and need for a review of sectoral EU legislation in order to prevent such incidents

Since the 1990s, statistics have shown a significant increase in the number of young children who have died of hyperthermia after their parents have forgotten about them and left them inside their cars parked in the sun (512). This terrible phenomenon is linked to the introduction of airbags in cars, including for the passenger seat next to the driver, which has led road safety experts to suggest that car seats should be placed on the back seat (and that babies of a few months old should even be facing the rear window). This position, which undoubtedly helps to reduce the risks of being thrown about in the event of a road accident, at the same time means that the child is outside the parent’s field of vision when he or she is driving, thereby increasing the risk that the parent — who may be stressed or tired due to family and work responsibilities — forgets that the child is there.

Because of their transparent glass windows and parts that overheat quickly, such as dashboards, seats and steering wheels, cars parked in the sun can reach temperatures of 50°C, even when the outside temperature is only 25 C. Moreover, a child’s temperature increases faster than an adult’s, because of its smaller body surface area and lower water reserves. In those circumstances, a child will die of hyperthermia in the space of a few hours.

The latest distressing incident, which occurred in June 2013 in Piacenza, has revived the debate in Italy on possible solutions for preventing such family tragedies. There are increasing calls for the introduction of a legal requirement to use electronic devices that remind drivers that a child is in the car by means of an audible signal or other method, making it virtually impossible for such incidents to occur. Lastly, it should be pointed out that an online petition has been launched on this issue by Dr Maria Ghirardelli, a doctor based in Brescia, and has already gathered 30 000 signatures.

Will the Commission take the above problem into account, and if so, how will it solve it?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

The Commission is aware of the problem of some parents or caregivers forgetting children in car seats leading to hyperthermia and the tragic deaths of those children.

The Commission will soon start the review of safety legislation, the ‘General Safety Regulation’ (EC) 661/2009 of the European Parliament and Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefore (513). In particular, it will follow the obligations laid down in Article 17, with respect to the monitoring of technical developments in the field of new and enhanced safety features and technologies.

In this light, the introduction of electronic devices that remind drivers that a child is in the car may also be investigated from a new safety technology point of view, to identify if this is technically feasible, reliable and indeed cost-effective. As part of this review exercise, a report including the relevant findings will be presented to the European Parliament.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010392/13

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(16 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Fenomeni di contaminazione da tetracloroetilene (PCE) in falde acquifere della provincia di Verona

Il 30 luglio 2013 il Servizio igiene, alimenti e nutrizione dell'ULSS (Unità locale socio-sanitaria) n. 22 di Bussolengo (VR), in occasione di un controllo periodico di routine sulla qualità dell'acqua della rete acquedottistica eseguito attingendo a due rubinetti nelle frazioni di Ardizzano e San Vito nel comune di Negrar (VR) tramite l'ARPAV (Agenzia regionale per la Prevenzione e Protezione Ambientale del Veneto), ha rilevato concentrazioni di tetracloroetilene (PCE) pari rispettivamente a 11,1 μg/l e 11,9 μg/l, quindi superiori al limite di legge fissato a 10 μg/l (514). La scoperta della contaminazione della falda acquifera, alla quale attinge la locale rete idrica pubblica che serve ben 18 000 utenze, ha portato all'immediata reazione del sindaco del comune di Negrar che, attraverso l'emanazione di un'ordinanza, ha vietato ai cittadini di bere l'acqua o di utilizzare la stessa per preparazioni alimentari che ne prevedessero un'alta concentrazione (515). Il provvedimento è stato revocato appena due giorni dopo in seguito a nuove analisi che rilevavano la riduzione della presenza dell'inquinante nella falda acquifera.

Il tetracloroetilene è un solvente chimico altamente volatile impiegato a livello industriale per sgrassare i metalli nonché nelle lavanderie a secco, nell'industria chimica e in quella farmaceutica.

Nonostante l'allarme rientrato, occorre segnalare che non si tratta di un caso isolato nella zona: nei primi mesi del 2013 era già stata riscontrata una contaminazione da tetracloroetilene (PCE) in una falda acquifera superficiale nella non lontana area della Bassa Valpantena, sempre in provincia di Verona, che ha coinvolto i comuni di Poiano, Quinto e Santa Maria in Stelle; in quell'occasione l'inquinamento, che ha interessato i pozzi privati utilizzati non per emungere acqua destinata al consumo umano ma per fini irrigui, ha raggiunto livelli allarmanti. In particolare in un pozzo è stata rilevata una presenza di tetracloroetilene (PCE) in concentrazione pari a 600 μg/l, ovvero 60 volte il limite di legge (516).

Tutto ciò premesso l'interrogante chiede alla Commissione: è al corrente dei preoccupanti fenomeni di contaminazione da tetracloroetilene (PCE) sopradescritti? Può far sapere se sono stati rilevati dati analoghi anche in altre aree dell'UE? Non ritiene opportuno contattare le autorità locali al fine di fare chiarezza sulla fonte di tali contaminazioni? In relazione alla prima delle due vicende, stante la prossimità al limite di legge della concentrazione dell'inquinante, non ritiene che le autorità locali debbano analizzare l'acqua con frequenza maggiore rispetto a quella attuale?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(7 novembre 2013)

La Commissione non era al corrente dei casi specifici, riferiti dall'onorevole deputato, di contaminazione da tetracloroetilene (PCE) della falda acquifera nella provincia di Verona. Alla Commissione è tuttavia noto che il PCE è responsabile delle cattive condizioni in cui versano 62 corpi idrici sotterranei di sei Stati membri, tra cui l'Italia.

A norma della direttiva quadro sulle acque (517), gli Stati membri devono individuare la fonte di contaminazione e indicare nei loro piani di gestione dei bacini idrografici le misure per migliorare lo stato delle acque.

La frequenza minima con cui vanno effettuati i controlli dell'acqua per determinare il livello delle sostanze inquinanti è stabilita nella direttiva quadro sulle acque e nella direttiva sulle acque destinate al consumo umano (518). Entrambe le direttive prevedono che gli Stati membri abbiano l'obbligo di stabilire adeguati programmi di controllo, almeno conformi ai requisiti minimi indicati negli allegati. Sta agli Stati membri valutare se sono necessari controlli più frequenti e metterli in atto, tenendo conto degli obiettivi delle direttive.

A norma della direttiva sulle acque destinate al consumo umano, entro la fine del 2014 gli Stati membri dovranno pubblicare le relazioni sulla qualità delle acque potabili (con i dati del periodo 2011-2013) e trasmetterle alla Commissione, che le esaminerà e pubblicherà a sua volta una relazione di sintesi (entro la fine del 2015). In base all'esame dei dati, la Commissione deciderà se occorre intervenire.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010392/13

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination in aquifers in the province of Verona

On 30 July 2013 the Hygiene of Food and Nutrition Service of the ULSS 22 local health unit of Bussolengo (Verona) carried out a routine inspection of the water quality of the water supply network, drawing from two taps in the hamlets of Ardizzano and San Vito in the municipality of Negrar (Verona). Through ARPAV (Environmental Protection Agency for the Veneto Region), it discovered that the water contained tetrachloroethylene (PCE) concentrations of 11.1 μg/l and 11.9 μg/l respectively, which therefore exceeded the legal limit of 10 μg/l (519). Following the discovery that the aquifer, from which the local public water network serving some 18 000 users draws its supply, was contaminated, the mayor of the municipality of Negrar immediately responded by issuing an order prohibiting the public from drinking the water or from using it for food preparations with a high water content (520). The order was revoked only two days later after further tests were carried out showing a reduction in the amount of the pollutant present in the aquifer.

Tetrachloroethylene is a highly volatile chemical solvent used in industry for metal degreasing, as well as in dry cleaning and in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Although there is no longer cause for alarm, it should be pointed out that this is not an isolated case in the area: in the first few months of 2013, tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination had already been detected in a surface aquifer in the nearby area of Bassa Valpantena, also in the province of Verona, which involved the municipalities of Poiano, Quinto and Santa Maria in Stelle. On that occasion the pollution, which affected private wells used for irrigation purposes rather than for drawing water intended for human consumption, reached alarming levels. In particular, one well was found to contain 600 μg/l of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), which is 60 times the legal limit (521).

Is the Commission aware of the aforementioned worrying cases of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination? Have similar data been recorded in other parts of the EU, too? Does the Commission not believe it should contact the local authorities in order to clarify the source of this contamination? With regard to the first of the two cases, given that the concentration of the pollutant was close to the legal limit, does the Commission not believe that the local authorities should test the water more frequently than they do at present?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

The Commission was not aware of the specific cases of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination in aquifers in the province of Verona referred to by the Honourable Member. The Commission is, however, aware of the fact that PCE contributes to poor status of 62 groundwater bodies in six Member States, including Italy.

According to the Water Framework Directive (522) (WFD) the Member States are required to identify the sources of water contamination and include measures to improve water status in their river basin management plans (RBMPs).

The minimum frequencies of monitoring the different pollutants in water are defined in the WFD and Drinking Water Directive (523). The directives set out the obligation for the Member States to establish appropriate monitoring programmes, meeting at least the minimum requirements set in the annexes. In case more frequent controls are needed, then should be considered and established by the Member States, taking into consideration the need to meet the objectives of the directives.

In accordance with the Drinking Water Directive, Member States will have to publish reports on drinking water quality by the end of 2014 (covering data from 2011-2013). These reports also have to be submitted to the Commission, which will examine them and publish a synthesis report (by the end of 2015). Based on its assessment of the data, the Commission will decide on the need for further action.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010393/13

alla Commissione

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(16 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Scandalo del latte tossico in Friuli-Venezia Giulia e progressi nello studio e nel monitoraggio delle aflatossine nei prodotti alimentari

A fine giugno 2013 è scoppiato un grosso scandalo alimentare in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: un'operazione dei NAS (Nuclei antisofisticazioni e sanità) dei Carabinieri di Udine ha condotto all'arresto del presidente del locale consorzio di produttori di latte denominato Cospalat FVG (524), nell'ambito di un'indagine (che coinvolge complessivamente 26 persone, 17 delle quali allevatori consorziati) sull'esistenza di un'associazione per delinquere finalizzata alla frode in commercio, all'adulterazione di sostanze alimentari e al commercio di sostanze alimentari pericolose per la salute.

Secondo quanto ricostruito dagli inquirenti, l'arrestato, con la complicità di due dipendenti e di due socie compiacenti di un laboratorio di analisi (tutti sottoposti alla misura cautelare degli arresti domiciliari), avrebbe commercializzato il latte prodotto dal consorzio, nonostante lo stesso fosse contaminato dall'aflatossina M1 (presente al 30 %), pilotando le analisi sulla qualità del latte conferito dai soci, distruggendo quelle non conformi e diluendo il latte per sfuggire ai controlli (525). Il latte prodotto veniva poi distribuito in varie regioni italiane tra le quali Veneto, Toscana, Umbria, Campania e Puglia.

L'aflatossina M1 è il metabolita del latte dell'aflatossina B1, micotossina particolarmente pericolosa per la salute: le conseguenze di un'eventuale intossicazione si manifestano nell'uomo con disturbi gastrointestinali e neurovegetativi; inoltre essa può causare danni alla crescita dei bambini. Secondo Giorgio Apostoli, responsabile zootecnia di Coldiretti (526), la stagione particolarmente siccitosa dell'anno 2012 avrebbe favorito la proliferazione di funghi (che producono sostanze tossiche quali le aflatossine) nel mais poi utilizzato per la produzione dei mangimi somministrati alle vacche da latte. Sempre secondo l'esperto, tale mais avrebbe dovuto invece essere scartato dal momento che le sostanze assunte dalle vacche si trasmettono immediatamente al latte.

Tutto ciò premesso, l'interrogante pone alla Commissione i quesiti di seguito elencati.

| 1. | È a conoscenza dell'indagine italiana relativa allo scandalo alimentare sopradescritto? |
| --- | --- |

1.

È a conoscenza dell'indagine italiana relativa allo scandalo alimentare sopradescritto?

| 2. | Può chiarire i progressi compiuti dall'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA — European Food Safety Authority) in merito al monitoraggio della presenza delle aflatossine negli alimenti commercializzati nell'Unione europea e allo studio sull'esposizione umana a tali tossine? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Può chiarire i progressi compiuti dall'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA — European Food Safety Authority) in merito al monitoraggio della presenza delle aflatossine negli alimenti commercializzati nell'Unione europea e allo studio sull'esposizione umana a tali tossine?

| 3. | Può far sapere se si sono verificate vicende analoghe a quella sopradescritta in altri Stati membri e quali iniziative intende intraprendere per prevenire che esse si verifichino? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Può far sapere se si sono verificate vicende analoghe a quella sopradescritta in altri Stati membri e quali iniziative intende intraprendere per prevenire che esse si verifichino?

Risposta di Tonio Borg a nome della Commissione

(29 ottobre 2013)

| 1. | La Commissione non è a conoscenza dell'incidente derivante dalla presenza di aflatossina M1 nel latte nel Friuli-Venezia Giulia né delle indagini legate a questo caso di contaminazione. Sulla base delle informazioni fornite dall'onorevole deputato, la Commissione ha chiesto alle autorità italiane di trasmetterle informazioni su questo caso di contaminazione e sulle misure adottate per proteggere la sanità pubblica. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commissione non è a conoscenza dell'incidente derivante dalla presenza di aflatossina M1 nel latte nel Friuli-Venezia Giulia né delle indagini legate a questo caso di contaminazione. Sulla base delle informazioni fornite dall'onorevole deputato, la Commissione ha chiesto alle autorità italiane di trasmetterle informazioni su questo caso di contaminazione e sulle misure adottate per proteggere la sanità pubblica.

| 2. | L'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) raccoglie continuativamente dati sulla presenza di contaminanti, tra cui le aflatossine, nei mangimi e negli alimenti all'interno dell'UE. Nel merito vengono pubblicate regolarmente relazioni. La più recente relazione tecnica del 2013 sulla presenza di aflatossine negli alimenti «Aflatossine (somma di B1, B2, G1 e G2) nei cereali e nei prodotti alimentari derivanti dai cereali (527)» è stata pubblicata il 25 marzo 2013. La più recente relazione tecnica dell'EFSA sull'esposizione umana alle aflatossine «Effetti sull'esposizione alimentare dell'aumento dei livelli di aflatossine complessive da 4 μg/kg a 10 μg/kg nei fichi secchi (528)» è stata pubblicata il 9 luglio 2012. |
| --- | --- |

2.

L'Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare (EFSA) raccoglie continuativamente dati sulla presenza di contaminanti, tra cui le aflatossine, nei mangimi e negli alimenti all'interno dell'UE. Nel merito vengono pubblicate regolarmente relazioni. La più recente relazione tecnica del 2013 sulla presenza di aflatossine negli alimenti «Aflatossine (somma di B1, B2, G1 e G2) nei cereali e nei prodotti alimentari derivanti dai cereali (527)» è stata pubblicata il 25 marzo 2013. La più recente relazione tecnica dell'EFSA sull'esposizione umana alle aflatossine «Effetti sull'esposizione alimentare dell'aumento dei livelli di aflatossine complessive da 4 μg/kg a 10 μg/kg nei fichi secchi (528)» è stata pubblicata il 9 luglio 2012.

| 3. | La Commissione non è a conoscenza di altri casi analoghi di contaminazione in altri Stati membri. L'efficace applicazione della legislazione unionale esistente in materia di sicurezza alimentare previene il verificarsi di simili casi di contaminazione. |
| --- | --- |

3.

La Commissione non è a conoscenza di altri casi analoghi di contaminazione in altri Stati membri. L'efficace applicazione della legislazione unionale esistente in materia di sicurezza alimentare previene il verificarsi di simili casi di contaminazione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010393/13

to the Commission

Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Toxic milk scandal in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and progress in the study and monitoring of aflatoxins in foodstuffs

At the end of June 2013 a major food scandal broke in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: an operation by the Udine Carabinieri for Public Health (NAS) led to the arrest of the head of the local milk producers’ consortium, Cospalat FVG (529). The operation was part of an investigation (involving 26 people in total, including 17 farmers belonging to the consortium) into the existence of a criminal conspiracy to commit commercial fraud, adulterate foodstuffs and market foodstuffs that are dangerous to health.

According to the investigators’ findings, the man arrested conspired with his accomplices — two employees and two partners of a test laboratory, all of whom have been placed under house arrest as a precautionary measure — to market milk produced by the consortium, even though it was contaminated by aflatoxin M1 (the AFM1 content being 30%), by falsifying tests carried out on the quality of the milk supplied by the consortium members, by destroying non-compliant tests and by diluting milk in order to avoid detection (530). The milk produced was then distributed in various Italian regions, including Veneto, Tuscany, Umbria, Campania and Apulia.

Aflatoxin M1 is the metabolite in milk of aflatoxin B1, a mycotoxin that is particularly hazardous to health: in humans intoxication results in gastrointestinal and neurovegetative disorders; it can also impair growth in children. According to Giorgio Apostoli, head of zootechnics at Coldiretti (531), the particularly dry season of 2012 encouraged the proliferation of fungi (which produce toxic substances such as aflatoxins) in maize that was subsequently used to produce feed for dairy cows. The expert also maintains that the maize should have been discarded, since substances ingested by cows reach their milk straight away.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of the Italian investigation into the aforementioned food scandal? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission aware of the Italian investigation into the aforementioned food scandal?

| 2. | What progress has the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA — European Food Safety Authority) made in monitoring the presence of aflatoxins in foodstuffs sold in the European Union and in studying human exposure to such toxins? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What progress has the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA — European Food Safety Authority) made in monitoring the presence of aflatoxins in foodstuffs sold in the European Union and in studying human exposure to such toxins?

| 3. | Have there been any incidents similar to the one described above in other Member States, and what steps will the Commission take to prevent them from occurring? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Have there been any incidents similar to the one described above in other Member States, and what steps will the Commission take to prevent them from occurring?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is not aware of the contamination incident of aflatoxin M1 in milk in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the investigations related to this contamination incident. Following the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission has asked the Italian authorities to provide information on the contamination incident and on the measures taken to protect public health. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is not aware of the contamination incident of aflatoxin M1 in milk in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the investigations related to this contamination incident. Following the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission has asked the Italian authorities to provide information on the contamination incident and on the measures taken to protect public health.

| 2. | The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is continuously collecting occurrence data on contaminants, including aflatoxins, in feed and food in the EU. Reports on these data are regularly published. The most recent EFSA technical report on the presence of aflatoxins in food 2013 ‘Aflatoxins (sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2) in cereals and cereal-derived food products (532)’ was published on 25 March 2013. The most recent EFSA technical report on the human exposure to aflatoxins ‘Effect on dietary exposure of an increase of the levels for aflatoxin total from 4 μg/kg to 10 μg/kg for dried figs (533)’ was published on 9 July 2012. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is continuously collecting occurrence data on contaminants, including aflatoxins, in feed and food in the EU. Reports on these data are regularly published. The most recent EFSA technical report on the presence of aflatoxins in food 2013 ‘Aflatoxins (sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2) in cereals and cereal-derived food products (532)’ was published on 25 March 2013. The most recent EFSA technical report on the human exposure to aflatoxins ‘Effect on dietary exposure of an increase of the levels for aflatoxin total from 4 μg/kg to 10 μg/kg for dried figs (533)’ was published on 9 July 2012.

| 3. | The Commission is not aware of any other similar contamination events in other Member States. An effective enforcement of the existing EU food safety legislation prevents the occurrence of such food contamination incidents. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission is not aware of any other similar contamination events in other Member States. An effective enforcement of the existing EU food safety legislation prevents the occurrence of such food contamination incidents.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010394/13

alla Commissione

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(16 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Centri massaggi gestiti da cinesi: rischio per la salute dei cittadini e tutela della categoria degli estetisti

Ad Adria, in seguito ad un controllo effettuato dal Nucleo antisofisticazione dei Carabinieri, è stato chiuso un centro massaggi gestito da cinesi poiché è emerso che le attività si protraevano oltre l'orario di chiusura dichiarato e venivano portate avanti in assenza di operatori abilitati all'attività di estetista.

Centri massaggi di questo tipo sono sempre più diffusi in Veneto ed in Italia, l'attenzione delle forze dell'ordine su tale settore si mantiene alta e numerose risultano le chiusure per irregolarità nello svolgimento dell'attività professionale.

Può la Commissione riferire:

| come intende agire per tutelare la categoria degli estetisti, che ricevono l'abilitazione a praticare tale professione solo dopo un preciso iter formativo presso istituti professionali riconosciuti; |
| --- |

come intende agire per tutelare la categoria degli estetisti, che ricevono l'abilitazione a praticare tale professione solo dopo un preciso iter formativo presso istituti professionali riconosciuti;

| come intende tutelare la salute dei cittadini che si servono di questi esercizi e che viene messa a rischio dalla mancanza di professionalità degli operatori presenti; |
| --- |

come intende tutelare la salute dei cittadini che si servono di questi esercizi e che viene messa a rischio dalla mancanza di professionalità degli operatori presenti;

| se anche in altri Stati membri si riscontrano problematiche simili a quelle italiana? |
| --- |

se anche in altri Stati membri si riscontrano problematiche simili a quelle italiana?

Risposta di Michel Barnier a nome della Commissione

(15 novembre 2013)

Sulla base delle informazioni a sua disposizione (534), alla Commissione risulta che la professione di estetista sia regolamentata in tutte le regioni italiane. La questione riguarda pertanto una professione regolamentata ai sensi della direttiva 2005/36/CE relativa al riconoscimento delle qualifiche professionali (535).

Ad eccezione di sette professioni (536), che beneficiano dei requisiti minimi di formazione armonizzati di cui alla direttiva 2005/36/CE, resta di competenza esclusiva dei singoli Stati membri (537) subordinare l'accesso ad altre attività professionali (come quelle degli estetisti) o l'esercizio delle stesse nel loro territorio al possesso di determinate qualifiche professionali, nonché definire il campo delle attività coperte da una professione o ad essa riservate. È tuttavia possibile, a determinate condizioni, che agli Stati membri venga richiesto di riconoscere l'esperienza professionale maturata in un altro Stato membro nel settore dei servizi offerti dagli istituti di bellezza come prova sufficiente di conoscenze (538).

Alle autorità nazionali, nella fattispecie a quelle italiane, spetta anche il compito di avviare le azioni disciplinari in caso di esercizio illecito di attività professionali nonché di applicare le misure di esecuzione e di controllo necessarie per tutelare la salute dei cittadini, garantendo che i servizi in questione vengano esclusivamente prestati da personale qualificato.

In tale contesto, la Commissione non è a conoscenza di altri Stati membri che si trovino ad affrontare problemi simili a quelli osservati in Italia.

Infine, la Commissione desidera informare l'onorevole deputato che il 2 ottobre 2013 ha pubblicato una comunicazione sulla valutazione delle regolamentazioni nazionali sull'accesso alle professioni (539), al fine di fare il punto della situazione negli Stati membri e facilitare la valutazione reciproca e la proporzionalità dei regolamenti che disciplinano le professioni regolamentate negli Stati membri.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010394/13

to the Commission

Mara Bizzotto (EFD)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Chinese-run massage centres: risk to citizens' health and protection of professional beauticians

In Adria a Chinese-run massage centre has been closed down following an inspection by the Carabinieri for Public Health (NAS), since it emerged that treatments were being carried out after the official closing time and in the absence of qualified beauticians.

These kinds of massage centres are becoming more common throughout the Veneto Region and Italy; law enforcement officers continue to monitor this sector closely, and many centres are closed down due to irregularities in the performance of the professional activity concerned.

| 1. | What steps will the Commission take to protect professional beauticians, who have to attend specific training courses at recognised vocational institutions before they are qualified to practise their profession? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What steps will the Commission take to protect professional beauticians, who have to attend specific training courses at recognised vocational institutions before they are qualified to practise their profession?

| 2. | How will it protect the health of citizens who frequent these establishments, which is being put at risk by the lack of qualified beauticians present? |
| --- | --- |

2.

How will it protect the health of citizens who frequent these establishments, which is being put at risk by the lack of qualified beauticians present?

| 3. | Are other Member States facing problems similar to those in Italy? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Are other Member States facing problems similar to those in Italy?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

Based information available to the Commission (540), the profession of beautician (Estetista) is regulated in all regions of Italy. Therefore, the issue concerns a regulated profession within a meaning of Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications (541).

With the exception of seven professions (542) that benefit from the harmonised minimum training requirements set out in Directive 2005/36/EC, it remains within the sole competence of individual Member States (543) to make access to or the pursuit of other professional activities (such as those of qualified beauticians) in their territory subject to the possession of specific professional qualifications and to define the scope of activities covered by a profession or reserved to it. However, under certain conditions Member States may be required to recognise professional experience in services of beauty parlours carried out in another Member States as sufficient proof of knowledge (544).

It is also for national authorities, such as those in Italy, to initiate disciplinary actions for illegal professional activities and to apply any enforcement and monitoring measures necessary to protect the health of citizens by ensuring that only qualified staff is providing these services.

In that context, the Commission is not aware of other Member States facing problems similar to those in Italy.

Finally, the Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that on 2 October 2013 it has published a communication on evaluating national regulations on access to professions (545) in order to take stock of the situation in Member States and to facilitate the mutual evaluation and the proportionality of regulations covering regulated professions in Member States.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010396/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Antígua e Barbuda

— O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

— Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Antígua e Barbuda?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010397/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Bahamas

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nas Bahamas?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010398/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Barbados

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nos Barbados?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010399/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Belize

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Belize?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010400/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Angola

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Angola?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010401/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Benim

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Benim?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010402/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Botswana

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Botswana?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010403/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Burkina Faso

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Burkina Faso?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010404/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Burundi

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Burundi?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010405/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Cabo Verde

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrada no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto, pois, à Comissão:

Considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Cabo Verde?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010413/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Domínica

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Domínica.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010414/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Camarões

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nos Camarões.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010415/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Chade

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Chade.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010416/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Comores

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nas Comores.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010417/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Costa do Marfim

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Costa do Marfim.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010418/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Jibuti

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Jibuti.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010419/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Eritreia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Eritreia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010420/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Etiópia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Etiópia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010421/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Estados Federados da Micronésia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nos Estados Federados da Micronésia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010422/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Fiji

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nas Fiji.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010423/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Granada

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Granada.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010424/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Guiana

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Guiana.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010425/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Haiti

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Haiti.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010426/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Ilhas Cook

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nas Ilhas Cook.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010427/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Guiné Equatorial

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Guiné Equatorial.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010428/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Gabão

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Gabão.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010429/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Gâmbia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Gâmbia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010430/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Gana

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Gana.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010431/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Guiné

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Guiné.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010432/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Guiné-Bissau

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Guiné-Bissau.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010433/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e República Dominicana

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na República Dominicana.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010434/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Samoa

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Samoa.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010435/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Santa Lúcia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Santa Lúcia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010436/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e São Vicente e Granadinas

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em São Vicente e Granadinas.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010437/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Ruanda

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Ruanda.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010438/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e São Tomé e Príncipe

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em São Tomé e Príncipe.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010439/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Senegal

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Senegal.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010440/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Serra Leoa

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Serra Leoa.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010441/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e República do Congo

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na República do Congo.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010442/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e São Cristóvão e Neves

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em São Cristóvão e Neves.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010443/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Suriname

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Suriname.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010444/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Trindade e Tobago

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Trindade e Tobago.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010445/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Timor-Leste

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Timor-Leste.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010446/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Tonga

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Tonga.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010447/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Seicheles

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nas Seicheles.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010448/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Somália

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Somália.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010449/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Suazilândia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Suazilândia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010450/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Sudão

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Sudão.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010451/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Tanzânia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Tanzânia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010452/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Togo

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Togo.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010453/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Uganda

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Uganda.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010454/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Zimbabué

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Zimbabué.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010455/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Zâmbia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Zâmbia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010456/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Tuvalu

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Tuvalu.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010457/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Vanuatu

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Vanuatu.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010458/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Jamaica

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Jamaica.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010459/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Ilhas Salomão

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos nas Ilhas Salomão.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010460/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Lesoto

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Lesoto.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010461/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Libéria

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Libéria.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010462/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Madagáscar

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Madagáscar.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010463/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Maláui

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Maláui.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010464/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Mali

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Mali?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010465/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Maurícia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Maurícia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010466/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Mauritânia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Mauritânia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010467/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Moçambique

O acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Moçambique.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010468/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Quénia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Quénia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010469/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Quiribáti

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Quiribáti.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010470/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Nauru

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Nauru.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010471/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Palau

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos em Palau.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010472/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Papua-Nova Guiné

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Papua‐Nova Guiné?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010473/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e República Democrática do Congo

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na República Democrática do Congo.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010474/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Namíbia

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Namíbia.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010475/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Níger

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos no Níger.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010476/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e Nigéria

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na Nigéria.

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010477/13

à Comissão (Vice-Presidente/Alta Representante)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: VP/HR — Acordo de Cotonu — UE e República Centro-Africana

O Acordo de Cotonu, assinado em 23 de junho de 2000 por um período de 20 anos, gere as relações de cooperação da União Europeia (UE) com vista ao desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural dos países de África, das Caraíbas e do Pacífico (ACP).

Centrado no objetivo de redução e, a prazo, de erradicação da pobreza, a cooperação deve igualmente contribuir para a paz e a segurança, bem como para a estabilidade política e democrática dos países ACP.

Pergunto à Comissão se considera que estes objetivos têm sido atingidos na República Centro-Africana.

Resposta conjunta dada por Andris Piebalgs em nome da Comissão

(6 de novembro de 2013)

A Comissão gostaria de agradecer ao Senhor Deputado as suas perguntas e o interesse manifestado nas relações externas da UE com os países terceiros signatários do Acordo de Cotonu de 2010.

O artigo 1.° do Acordo de Cotonu estabelece claramente que o Acordo se centra no objetivo de redução da pobreza e, a prazo, da sua erradicação. As estratégias de cooperação são acordadas conjuntamente pela UE e por cada país parceiro ACP, os quais, deste modo, determinam antes de mais as ações necessárias para atingir esse objetivo. O Acordo de Cotonu também salienta, justamente, a estreita ligação entre erradicação da pobreza, paz e segurança, democracia e estabilidade política. Por conseguinte, estas questões são também abordadas no âmbito da nossa cooperação, sempre que se afigure adequado, através de um diálogo político e do apoio às atividades mais significativas para cada país.

Neste contexto, a Comissão tem o prazer de informar o Senhor Deputado de que estão disponíveis informações relevantes sobre cada país em diversos sítios Web da UE. Estes sítios Web, indicados no anexo, contêm informações pormenorizadas sobre os países e as suas relações com a UE, incluindo informação contextual, projetos em curso, relatórios, comunicados de imprensa, declarações da AR/VP e do Comissário responsável pelo Desenvolvimento e a Cooperação e ainda outros documentos fundamentais.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010396/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Antigua and Barbuda

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Antigua and Barbuda?

Question for written answer E-010397/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Bahamas

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Bahamas?

Question for written answer E-010398/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Barbados

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Barbados?

Question for written answer E-010399/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Belize

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Belize?

Question for written answer E-010400/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Angola

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Angola?

Question for written answer E-010401/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Benin

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Benin?

Question for written answer E-010402/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Botswana

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Botswana?

Question for written answer E-010403/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Burkina Faso

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Burkina Faso?

Question for written answer E-010404/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Burundi

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Burundi?

Question for written answer E-010405/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Cape Verde

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Cape Verde?

Question for written answer E-010413/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Dominica

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Dominica?

Question for written answer E-010414/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Cameroon

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Cameroon?

Question for written answer E-010415/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Chad

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Chad?

Question for written answer E-010416/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Comoros

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Comoros?

Question for written answer E-010417/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Côte d'Ivoire

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Côte d'Ivoire?

Question for written answer E-010418/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Djibouti

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Djibouti?

Question for written answer E-010419/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Eritrea

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Eritrea?

Question for written answer E-010420/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Ethiopia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Ethiopia?

Question for written answer E-010421/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Micronesia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Micronesia?

Question for written answer E-010422/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Fiji

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Fiji?

Question for written answer E-010423/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Grenada

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Grenada?

Question for written answer E-010424/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Guyana

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Guyana?

Question for written answer E-010425/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Haiti

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Haiti?

Question for written answer E-010426/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Cook Islands

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Cook Islands?

Question for written answer E-010427/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Equatorial Guinea

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Equatorial Guinea?

Question for written answer E-010428/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Gabon

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Gabon?

Question for written answer E-010429/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and The Gambia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in The Gambia?

Question for written answer E-010430/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Ghana

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Ghana?

Question for written answer E-010431/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Guinea

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Guinea?

Question for written answer E-010432/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Guinea-Bissau

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Guinea-Bissau?

Question for written answer E-010433/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Dominican Republic

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Dominican Republic?

Question for written answer E-010434/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Samoa

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Samoa?

Question for written answer E-010435/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Saint Lucia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Saint Lucia?

Question for written answer E-010436/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

Question for written answer E-010437/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Rwanda

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Rwanda?

Question for written answer E-010438/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and São Tomé and Príncipe

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in São Tomé and Príncipe?

Question for written answer E-010439/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Senegal

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Senegal?

Question for written answer E-010440/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Sierra Leone

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Sierra Leone?

Question for written answer E-010441/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Republic of the Congo

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Republic of the Congo?

Question for written answer E-010442/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Question for written answer E-010443/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Suriname

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Suriname?

Question for written answer E-010444/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Trinidad and Tobago

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Trinidad and Tobago?

Question for written answer E-010445/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and East Timor

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in East Timor?

Question for written answer E-010446/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Tonga

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Tonga?

Question for written answer E-010447/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Seychelles

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Seychelles?

Question for written answer E-010448/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Somalia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Somalia?

Question for written answer E-010449/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Swaziland

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Swaziland?

Question for written answer E-010450/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Sudan

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Sudan?

Question for written answer E-010451/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Tanzania

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Tanzania?

Question for written answer E-010452/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Togo

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Togo?

Question for written answer E-010453/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Uganda

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Uganda?

Question for written answer E-010454/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Zimbabwe

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Zimbabwe?

Question for written answer E-010455/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Zambia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Zambia?

Question for written answer E-010456/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Tuvalu

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Tuvalu?

Question for written answer E-010457/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Vanuatu

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Vanuatu?

Question for written answer E-010458/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Jamaica

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Jamaica?

Question for written answer E-010459/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Solomon Islands

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Solomon Islands?

Question for written answer E-010460/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Lesotho

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Lesotho?

Question for written answer E-010461/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Liberia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Liberia?

Question for written answer E-010462/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Madagascar

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Madagascar?

Question for written answer E-010463/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Malawi

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Malawi?

Question for written answer E-010464/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mali

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Mali?

Question for written answer E-010465/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mauritius

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Mauritius?

Question for written answer E-010466/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mauritania

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Mauritania?

Question for written answer E-010467/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Mozambique

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Mozambique?

Question for written answer E-010468/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Kenya

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Kenya?

Question for written answer E-010469/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Kiribati

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Kiribati?

Question for written answer E-010470/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Nauru

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Nauru?

Question for written answer E-010471/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Palau

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Palau?

Question for written answer E-010472/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Papua New Guinea

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Papua New Guinea?

Question for written answer E-010473/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Question for written answer E-010474/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Namibia

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Namibia?

Question for written answer E-010475/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Niger

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Niger?

Question for written answer E-010476/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and Nigeria

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in Nigeria?

Question for written answer E-010477/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — Cotonou Agreement — EU and the Central African Republic

The Cotonou Agreement, signed on 23 June 2000 for a period of 20 years, provides a framework for the European Union’s (EU) cooperation relations for the economic, social and cultural development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP).

Centred on the target of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, cooperation must also contribute to the peace and security and the democratic and political stability of the ACP countries.

Does the Commission believe that these objectives have been achieved in the Central African Republic?

Joint answer given by Mr Piebalgs on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission would like to thank the Honourable Member for his questions and his interest in the external relations of the EU with third countries signatories of the Cotonou Agreement 2010.

Article 1 of the Cotonou agreement clearly states that it shall be centred on the objective of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty. Cooperation strategies are jointly agreed by the EU and each ACP country partner which therefore primarily identify actions aiming at the attainment of this objective. The Cotonou Agreement also rightly underlines the close link between poverty eradication, peace and security, democratic and political stability. Therefore, these issues are also addressed in our cooperation, where relevant, through political dialogue and by supporting the most relevant activities for each country.

In this context, the Commission is glad to inform the Honourable Member that relevant information about each country is available on different EU websites. These websites, which can be found in the annex, provide details about the countries and their relations with the EU, including background information, ongoing projects, reports, press releases, statements of the HR/VP and the Commissioner for Development and Cooperation and other key documents.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010406/13

a la Comisión

Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D), María Muñiz De Urquiza (S&D), Eider Gardiazábal Rubial (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D) y Emilio Menéndez del Valle (S&D)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Impacto de las políticas de austeridad en educación

Las estrategias de austeridad económica acordadas en el seno de los organismos económicos europeos están siendo aplicadas de manera desigual por los distintos Estados miembros.

Así, por ejemplo, según un estudio realizado por expertos de la Universidad de Jaén y la Universidad de Valencia, 35 000 estudiantes han perdido su beca como consecuencia de los duros ajustes presupuestarios impuestos por el Gobierno de España, estimándose un aumento a 85 000 estudiantes en el próximo curso. Lo que supone que habrá una cobertura de becas de apenas el 16 %. Todo ello está produciendo una elevación de la tasa de abandono universitario que alcanza ya el 30 %.

Otro de los aspectos más duros es el despido de miles de profesores (cuya ratio por alumno ya era inferior a la media europea), la supresión de programas de refuerzo y tutorías y, en definitiva, la merma de la calidad de la educación pública.

A principios de 2011, en el marco del Semestre Europeo, ya se remitió a España una recomendación específica para mejorar las oportunidades de empleo de los jóvenes, realizar un estrecho seguimiento de la eficacia de las medidas establecidas en el programa nacional de reforma con vistas a reducir el abandono escolar —también mediante las políticas de prevención— y facilitar la transición a la educación y la formación profesionales.

En la Encuesta Anual sobre el Crecimiento de 2011, así como en su Comunicación que concluye el primer Semestre Europeo de coordinación de las políticas económicas, la Comisión estableció claramente que los Estados miembros debían dar prioridad a un gasto que favorezca el crecimiento sostenible en ámbitos tales como la educación. El Estudio Prospectivo Anual sobre el Crecimiento 2012 reiteró que la consolidación fiscal no debía hacerse en detrimento del gasto que favorece el crecimiento sino que debe garantizar la eficiencia de dicho gasto. En el ámbito educativo, esto se traduce en centrarse en políticas que reduzcan el abandono escolar y refuercen la capacidad de adaptación a las distintas condiciones del mercado laboral.

¿Considera la Comisión que España cumple dichas recomendaciones en política educativa?

Respuesta de la Sra. Vassiliou en nombre de la Comisión

(11 de noviembre de 2013)

Las recomendaciones específicas por país correspondientes al Semestre Europeo de 2013 invitan a España a continuar esforzándose en aumentar la importancia de la formación y de la educación en el mercado laboral, en reducir el abandono escolar y en fomentar la formación continua, en particular mediante el desarrollo de la formación profesional dual.

En los últimos años se han aplicado diferentes medidas para luchar contra el abandono escolar. El Plan para Reducir el Abandono Escolar, el Programa de Refuerzo, Orientación y Apoyo (PROA) y el Programa de Cualificación Profesional Inicial (PCPI) han contribuido a que el abandono escolar haya disminuido de un 31,2 % en 2009 a un 25 % en 2012. Asimismo, el objetivo fundamental del proyecto de Ley Orgánica para la Mejora de la Calidad Educativa (LOMCE), que se encuentra pendiente de aprobación, es reducir el abandono escolar. Por lo que respecta a esta cuestión, la LOMCE aumenta la flexibilidad de los itinerarios y tiene como objetivo incrementar el porcentaje de estudiantes que acaban la educación secundaria superior y obtienen un diploma de formación profesional inicial.

En consonancia con las recomendaciones específicas por país, España ha iniciado una reforma de su sistema de formación profesional con el objetivo de que las cualificaciones de los jóvenes se adapten mejor a las necesidades del mercado laboral y de aumentar el atractivo de la formación profesional. La LOMCE incluye un curso de dos años de formación profesional básica y el Real Decreto 1529/2012 estableció las bases de la formación profesional dual. Estas medidas constituyen un avance positivo, aunque su aplicación continúa siendo un reto.

La Comisión es consciente de las medidas que España ha tomado para aumentar la eficiencia del gasto público en educación y al mismo tiempo salvaguardar los niveles de calidad de la educación superior. Una de sus consecuencias es el aumento del tamaño medio de las clases. En este sentido, el gasto por estudiante de las instituciones educativas ha disminuido, pero sigue estando por encima de la media de la UE y de la OCDE.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010406/13

to the Commission

Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D), María Muñiz De Urquiza (S&D), Eider Gardiazábal Rubial (S&D), Iratxe García Pérez (S&D) and Emilio Menéndez del Valle (S&D)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: The impact of austerity policies on education

The economic austerity strategies agreed within the European economic organisations are being applied unevenly by the various Member States.

For example, according to a study by the University of Jaen and the University of Valencia, 35 000 students have lost their scholarships due to the tough budgetary adjustments imposed by the Spanish Government, and they expect this figure to rise to 85 000 students next year. This means that barely 16% of students will have scholarships, thereby resulting in a rise in the university dropout rate which already sits at 30%.

Other difficult aspects include the dismissal of thousands of teachers (the student/teacher ratio was already lower than the European average), the elimination of review programmes and tutorials and, ultimately, the decline in quality of public education.

As part of the European Semester, in early 2011 Spain was given a specific recommendation to improve employment opportunities for young people, to closely monitor the effectiveness of the measures in the national reform programme with a view to reducing dropout rates — this also being done through prevention policies — and to facilitate the transition to vocational training and education.

In the Annual Growth Survey 2011 and in its communication at the end of the first European Semester for coordinating economic policies, the Commission clearly established that the Member States should give priority to spending that promotes sustainable growth in areas such as education. The Annual Growth Survey 2012 reiterated that fiscal consolidation should not be at the expense of spending that supports growth, but that it must ensure the efficiency of this spending. In education, this means focusing on policies to reduce early school leaving and to strengthen the ability to adapt to various labour market conditions.

Does the Commission believe that Spain meets these recommendations regarding education policy?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2013)

The country-specific recommendations (CSRs) under the 2013 European Semester invite Spain to continue its efforts to increase the labour market relevance of education and training, to reduce early-school leaving (ESL) and to enhance life-long learning, notably by expanding dual vocational training.

Measures to fight ESL have been implemented in recent years. The ‘Plan to fight ESL’, the PROA (guidance and support programme) and the PCPI (initial professional qualification programme) have contributed, to the decrease in ESL from 31.2% in 2009 to 25% in 2012. Reducing ESL is also the main objective of the draft Law for the Improvement of the Quality of Education (LOMCE), which is pending adoption. Regarding ESL, the LOMCE offers additional flexibility in pathways and aims to increase the percentage of students completing upper secondary education and obtaining initial vocational training diplomas.

In line with the CSRs, Spain has initiated a reform of its vocational education and training (VET) system to better adapt the skills of young people to labour market needs and to make VET more attractive. The LOMCE includes a two-year course of Basic Vocational Training and the Royal Decree 1529/2012 established the bases for dual vocational training. These measures are a positive step, but their implementation remains a challenge.

The Commission is aware of the measures taken by Spain to increase the efficiency of public expenditure in education, while attempting to preserve high education quality standards. One implication is an increase in the average class size. In this context, the expenditure per student by educational institutions has declined, but still remains above the EU and OECD averages.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010407/13

a la Comisión (Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: VP/HR — Estrategia de la UE ante la persecución de Edward Snowden

En la respuesta que la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante de la Unión Europea, Catherine Ashton, dio a mi anterior pregunta, numerada como E-007059/2013, sostiene: «La Comisión no hace comentarios sobre la persecución del Sr. Snowden».

Dicha afirmación supone una grave falta de responsabilidad política de Catherine Ashton. Edward Snowden está haciendo pública abundante información que sirve para esclarecer los escándalos de espionaje en los que están involucrados los Gobiernos de los Estados Unidos y del Reino Unido.

La Unión Europea debe plantear una estrategia ante Edward Snowden, puesto que está sufriendo una persecución por parte de las autoridades de los EE.UU. en la que incluso su vida puede estar en peligro. La Unión Europea debería mediar para garantizar su seguridad física, así como negociar para poder hacer pública, de la forma más trasparente posible, más información sobre los escándalos de espionaje y de violación masiva de derechos fundamentales por parte de los Gobiernos de los EE.UU. y del Reino Unido.

No es aceptable el silencio de la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante como respuesta oficial ante la persecución de Edward Snowden. La UE debe mostrar una estrategia sólida y coherente con los derechos humanos, y hacerlo de modo que la población europea conozca toda la verdad relacionada con este escándalo del espionaje internacional.

¿Por qué motivo la Vicepresidenta/Alta Representante no se pronuncia sobre la persecución de Edward Snowden, cuando es uno de los principales escándalos que afectan a la práctica totalidad de las naciones del mundo y a los derechos fundamentales de millones de europeos?

¿Piensa condenar la persecución de Edward Snowden por parte del Gobierno de los EE.UU.?

¿Está comunicándose con Edward Snowden para conseguir más información sobre la violación masiva de derechos fundamentales de ciudadanos europeos perpetrada por los Gobiernos de los EE.UU. y del Reino Unido?

Respuesta de la alta representante y vicepresidenta Ashton en nombre de la Comisión

(15 de noviembre de 2013)

Las revelaciones del Sr. Snowden sobre los posibles efectos de las actividades de vigilancia ejercidas sobre las instituciones y los ciudadanos de la UE han dado pie a un importante debate público. La Comisión ha expresado su preocupación y ha recabado explicaciones de las autoridades de los EE.UU., además de proseguir los contactos a fin de aclarar el alcance de estas actividades y su repercusión en la protección de los datos personales de los ciudadanos de la UE. La Comisión no mantiene un contacto directo con el Sr. Snowden.

La Comisión señala que el Sr. Snowden sería procesado con arreglo a la legislación estadounidense debido a actos que podrían constituir una infracción de dicha legislación y, por principio, la Comisión no se inmiscuye en los procedimientos judiciales de terceros países. La Comisión continuará estando muy atenta a este asunto.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010407/13

to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: VP/HR — The EU's strategy regarding the prosecution of Edward Snowden

In her response to my previous question numbered E-007059/2013, Vice-President/High Representative of the European Union Catherine Ashton says, ‘The Commission does not comment on the prosecution of Mr Snowden’.

This statement shows Catherine Ashton’s serious lack of political responsibility. Edward Snowden is releasing a wealth of information that sheds light on spying scandals involving the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom.

The European Union must devise a strategy regarding Edward Snowden because he is the object of a prosecution by the US authorities that could even cost him his life. The European Union should mediate to ensure his physical safety and should negotiate for the release, in the most transparent way possible, of more information on the spying scandals and on the massive violation of fundamental rights by the US and UK Governments.

The Vice-President/High Representative’s silence cannot be accepted as a response to the prosecution of Edward Snowden. The EU must demonstrate a strategy that is strong and consistent with human rights and do so in a way that the people of Europe are made aware of the full truth about this international spying scandal.

Why has the Vice-President/High Representative not commented on the prosecution of Edward Snowden, given that this is one of the main scandals affecting virtually every country in the world and the fundamental rights of millions of Europeans?

Is the Commission planning to condemn the prosecution of Edward Snowden by the US Government?

Is the Commission in contact with Edward Snowden to collect more information about the massive violation of fundamental rights of EU citizens by the US and UK Governments?

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

(15 November 2013)

An important public debate has been generated by Mr Snowden’s revelations regarding the possible effects of the surveillance activities on the EU's institutions and on the EU citizens. The Commission has expressed its concerns and requested explanations from the US authorities, and is maintaining contacts to clarify the extent of such activities and their impact on the protection of the personal data of EU citizens. The Commission is not in direct contact with Mr Snowden.

The Commission notes that Mr Snowden would be prosecuted in accordance with US law because of acts which might constitute an infringement of US legislation and, as a matter of principle, the Commission does not interfere with court proceedings in third countries. The Commission will continue to follow this matter with attention.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010408/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Becas en España y Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES)

El Gobierno español ha adoptado el Real Decreto 609/2013, de 2 de agosto, por el que se establecen los umbrales de renta y patrimonio familiar y las cuantías de las becas y ayudas al estudio para el curso 2013-2014, y se modifica parcialmente el Real Decreto 1721/2007, de 21 de diciembre, por el que se establece el régimen de las becas y ayudas al estudio personalizadas.

Dicho Real Decreto penaliza con mucha más contundencia la no superación (diferente del suspenso) de las asignaturas y obliga a la obtención de resultados académicos mejores; reduce la prioridad de los requisitos económicos, incrementando los de rendimiento; elimina parte de los complementos, como los relacionados con los desplazamientos, e incrementa la cuantía variable.

En un momento en el que los precios públicos se han incrementado de manera salvaje y se está reduciendo el número de becas otorgadas, esta nueva normativa pone en peligro el acceso a los estudios universitarios de gran parte de la sociedad.

Según el contenido de la Declaración de la Sorbona, de 25 de mayo de 1998, y la Declaración de Bolonia, de 19 de junio 1999, los Estados firmantes se comprometen a facilitar el acceso a la universidad, y así lo asume también la Unión Europea que, en el artículo 14 de su Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión, consagra el derecho a la educación y al acceso a la formación profesional y permanente.

La realización del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) a la que se ha comprometido la Unión es del todo imposible sin una política de acceso a la educación que no discrimine por razones económicas y esté dotada de un nutrido conjunto de becas y ayudas al estudio.

Tal y como indican las sentencias dictadas en los asuntos Gravier o Blaizot, la sentencia de 7 de julio de 1992 (C-295/90) o la de 27 de septiembre de 1988 (42/87), entre otras, el acceso a la educación orientada a la formación profesional se encuentra dentro de las competencias del Derecho comunitario, que debe garantizar dicho acceso. También hacen constar que la educación universitaria está comprendida en dicha formación profesional.

¿Cree la Comisión que el Real Decreto garantiza el acceso a la educación superior? ¿Considera que se verá dificultada la realización del EEES? ¿Qué recomendaciones hará a España en este sentido? ¿Piensa la Comisión destinar ayudas o programas para garantizar el acceso a la educación superior? ¿Cómo se garantizará la plena y libre movilidad de los estudiantes universitarios en el marco de la UE si en el Estado miembro de origen existen serias dificultades de acceso a la educación universitaria?

Respuesta de la Sra. Vassiliou en nombre de la Comisión

(13 de noviembre de 2013)

En virtud del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la UE, la organización y la financiación de la enseñanza superior es responsabilidad exclusiva de los Estados miembros.

Como ya hizo, por ejemplo, en la estrategia de la UE para la modernización de la educación superior [COM(2011) 567], la Comisión siempre ha subrayado la necesidad de garantizar un nivel adecuado de apoyo financiero para los estudiantes de la enseñanza superior, ya sea basado en becas o en préstamos; los estudiantes procedentes de entornos desfavorecidos, que, en caso contrario, pueden tener dificultades para acceder a la enseñanza superior o concluirla, deberían recibir un apoyo especial. En este contexto, la Comisión hace un seguimiento de los sistemas de enseñanza superior y de la financiación de estudiantes e informa de ello, entre otras cosas mediante estadísticas administrativas (Eurostat) y apoyando estudios específicos como Funding of Education in Europe:
  The Impact of the Economic Crisis [La financiación de la educación en Europa: el impacto de la crisis económica] (546) por la red Eurydice y el Informe sobre la implantación del Proceso de Bolonia, que incluye información sobre la dimensión social de la enseñanza superior (547). Además, en el contexto del Semestre Europeo, el Consejo ha adoptado recomendaciones para España, incluyendo una relativa al aumento de la adecuación de la enseñanza y la formación al mercado laboral (548).

En lo que se refiere al carácter transfronterizo de determinados estudios, la UE dispone de programas específicos, como Erasmus, destinado a sufragar parte de los costes adicionales en que se incurre al estudiar en el extranjero. El programa Erasmus+ para el período 2014-20 seguirá incrementando el apoyo a la movilidad de los estudiantes.

Las sentencias del Tribunal de Justicia a que se refiere Su Señoría atañen al acceso transfronterizo a la educación y la formación, y no son aplicables en un contexto puramente nacional.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010408/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Scholarships in Spain and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)

The Spanish Government has adopted Royal Decree No 609/2013 of 2 August 2013, establishing income and family wealth thresholds and the amount of scholarships and study grants available for the academic year 2013/14, and partially amending Royal Decree No 1721/2007 of 21 December 2007 establishing individualised scholarships and study grants.

This Royal Decree sets out harsher penalties for failing to pass (rather than failing) subjects and requires better academic results to be achieved; it gives lower priority to economic requirements and higher priority to performance requirements; it also eliminates some of the extra allowances, such as those related to travel, and increases the variable amount.

At a time when public prices have increased dramatically and the number of scholarships awarded is decreasing, this new regulation jeopardises a large part of society’s access to university education.

The States Parties to the Sorbonne Declaration of 25 May 1998 and the Bologna Declaration of 19 June 1999 undertake to facilitate access to university, a commitment which the EU shares since Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union establishes the right to education and access to vocational and continuing training.

The implementation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), to which the EU is committed, is all but impossible without an education access policy that does not discriminate on economic grounds and provides for a comprehensive set of scholarships and study grants.

The judgments handed down in the cases of Gravier, Blaizot, C-295/90 of 7 July 1992 and 42/87 of 27 September 1988, among others, indicate that access to vocational training falls within the competence of EC law, which must guarantee this access. They also state that university education is included in such training.

Does the Commission believe that the Royal Decree guarantees access to higher education? Does it believe that the implementation of the EHEA will be hindered? What recommendations will it make to Spain in this regard? Will the Commission allocate aid or programmes to guarantee access to higher education? How will the full and free movement of university students within the EU be guaranteed if there are serious difficulties in accessing university education in the Member State of origin?

Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2013)

Under the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU the organisation and funding of higher education is entirely a matter of Member State responsibilities.

The Commission has always stressed, e.g. in the EU Strategy on the Modernisation of Higher Education (COM(2011) 567), the need to ensure adequate financial support for students in higher education, whether from grants or loans; students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may otherwise struggle to access or complete higher education studies should receive particular support. In this context, the Commission monitors and reports on higher education systems and student financing, inter alia through administrative statistics (Eurostat) and by supporting specific studies such as ‘Funding of Education in Europe: The Impact of the Economic Crisis’ (549) by the Eurydice network and the ‘Eurostudent Bologna Process Implementation Report’ which includes information on the social dimension of higher education (550). Furthermore, in the context of the European Semester the Council has adopted recommendations for Spain, including a recommendation to increase labour market relevance of education and training (551).

In the context of cross-border studies, the EU puts in place specific programmes such as Erasmus to cover some of the additional costs involved in studying abroad. The Erasmus+ programme for 2014-20 will further expand support for student moblity.

The European Court judgments referred to by the Honourable Member deal with cross-border access to education and training and are not applicable within a purely national context.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010409/13

a la Comisión

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Utilización parcial de los Fondos Estructurales de la UE para la Estrategia Europea para la juventud

Este Parlamento ha manifestado en reiteradas ocasiones su preocupación ante los graves recortes presupuestarios que algunos Estados miembros están llevando a cabo, que obstaculizan la aplicación eficiente de la estrategia de la Unión Europea para la juventud (COM(2009)0200).

Esta estrategia establece un marco de colaboración en materia juvenil hasta 2020, y sus principales campos de actuación son la inserción laboral de los jóvenes, el fomento del espíritu emprendedor y la promoción de la participación juvenil.

En un momento en el que la tasa de desempleo juvenil en la EU alcanza el 23 %, dos veces superior a la del conjunto de personas en edad productiva, se hace prioritario aprovechar al máximo los programas y fondos que la UE pone a disposición de los Estados.

Este diputado tiene conocimiento de que los Fondos Estructurales de la UE, que sirven para respaldar la educación, el empleo o la formación, han sido utilizados solo parcialmente durante 2012, pues no se ha declarado el uso de cerca de 30 000 millones de euros del Fondo Social Europeo.

A tenor de los datos expuestos y teniendo en cuenta que el marco financiero plurianual 2014‐2020 prevé aumentar el presupuesto en este ámbito:

¿Piensa emprender la Comisión alguna actuación dirigida a crear instrumentos más efectivos y medidas más específicas?

¿Podría precisar cuáles han sido los fondos disponibles para España así como la cantidad declarada como utilizada?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(5 de noviembre de 2013)

La Comisión desea recabar la atención de Su Señoría sobre su Comunicación del mes de junio «Trabajar juntos por los jóvenes europeos:Un llamamiento a la acción contra el desempleo juvenil» (552), en la que presenta todas sus iniciativas pertinentes actuales y futuras destinadas a combatir el problema del desempleo juvenil en la Unión.

En dicha Comunicación también se exponen los resultados logrados por los equipos de acción para el fomento del empleo juvenil, creados para optimizar el apoyo a los jóvenes con cargo a los Fondos Estructurales de la UE durante el período 2007-2013, y se incluye información sobre la redistribución y el gasto de dichos Fondos en España. La asignación total del Fondo Social Europeo para España a lo largo del período 2007-2013 asciende a 8 054 864 822 euros. El importe total abonado por la Comisión a 15 de octubre de 2013 es de 5 000 144 580 euros, incluida la prefinanciación, es decir, en torno al 62 % del total. Sin embargo, según la información enviada por España desde julio de 2013, los gastos ya soportados a nivel nacional son más elevados: del 72 % aproximadamente.

En la publicación de la Comisión Factsheet on EU measures to tackle youth unemployment (ficha informativa sobre medidas de la UE para combatir el desempleo juvenil), de junio de 2013 (553), puede encontrarse información reciente y pormenorizada sobre la redistribución y el gasto de los Fondos de la UE.

Asimismo, la Comisión desea recabar la atención de Su Señoría sobre Erasmus+, el futuro programa de educación, formación, juventud y deporte. La base jurídica de dicho programa contempla el apoyo a actividades relacionadas con la puesta en marcha del plan de trabajo de la UE sobre la juventud. La estrategia de la UE para la juventud es el mecanismo de implementación de la cooperación europea en el ámbito de la juventud, por lo que se destinarán fondos de Erasmus+ para fomentar dicha implementación.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010409/13

to the Commission

Francisco Sosa Wagner (NI)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Partial use of the EU Structural Funds for the EU Youth Strategy

Parliament has repeatedly expressed its concern over the severe budget cuts being made by some Member States, which are hindering the efficient implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (COM(2009) 0200).

This strategy sets out a cooperation framework on youth until 2020, its main fields of action being youth employment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting youth participation.

At a time when the EU youth unemployment rate is 23%, twice as high as that of all people of working age, the priority is to make the most of the programmes and funds that the EU makes available to the Member States.

I am aware that not all of the EU Structural Funds, which are used to support education, employment and training, were used during 2012, and around EUR 30 billion from the European Social Fund was not declared as used.

In the light of this information and given that the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014‐2020 aims to increase the budget in this area:

Will the Commission take any action aimed at creating more effective instruments and more specific measures?

Could it specify which funds were made available to Spain and how much was declared as used?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

The Commission would like to draw the Honourable Member's attention to the June Communication by the Commission: ‘Working together for Europe's young people: A call to action on youth unemployment’ (554) outlining all relevant current and upcoming Commission initiatives with regard to responding to the challenge of youth unemployment across the Union.

This communication also lays out the results of youth action teams created to enhance EU Structural Funds support to young people in the 2007-2013 period, including information on reallocation and spending of EU Structural Funds in Spain. The total ESF allocation for Spain in 2007-2013 is EUR 8.054.864.822. The total paid by the Commission at 15 October 2013 is EUR 5.000.144.580 including pre-financing, or around 62% of the total. However, the expenditure already incurred at national level is higher, around 72% according to information from Spain from July 2013.

Detailed and recent information on reallocated and spent EU funds is also available in the Commission publication ‘Factsheet on EU measures to tackle youth unemployment’ (June 2013) (555).

In addition to the above, the Commission would like to draw the Honourable Member's attention to Erasmus+, the forthcoming programme for education, training, youth and sport. The programme's legal base foresees support for activities related to the implementation of the EU agenda on youth. The EU Youth Strategy is the mechanism to implement European cooperation in the youth field and funds from Erasmus+ will thus be available for furthering its implementation.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010411/13

alla Commissione

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(16 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Accordo di libero scambio UE-Canada

L'obiettivo dell'accordo di libero scambio è quello di un azzeramento delle tariffe doganali e dell'apertura di nuovi mercati. Si è raggiunto l'accordo su una lunga lista di beni tra cui i prodotti tipicamente canadesi come lo sciroppo d'acero e le canoe.

L'accordo è stato impostato anche per facilitare l'accesso di canadesi ed europei a un impiego nell'altro ordinamento, grazie al successo dei negoziati di mobilità del lavoro.

Nel 2012 il Canada è stato il 12° partner commerciale più importante dell'Unione europea, rappresentando l'1,8 % del commercio estero totale dell'UE. Nello stesso anno l'Unione europea è stata il secondo partner commerciale del Canada. Il valore del commercio bilaterale di merci tra Unione europea e Canada è stato di 61,8 miliardi di EUR nel 2012. In base al Joint Report on the EU-Canada Scoping Exercise si stimano incrementi di reddito annuo pari a 11,6 miliardi di EUR per l'UE e di 8,2 miliardi di EUR per il Canada entro sette anni dall'attuazione di un accordo.

Il totale delle esportazioni dell'UE verso il Canada dovrebbe salire del 24,3 % o di 17 miliardi di EUR (secondo le stime attuali), mentre per le esportazioni canadesi verso l'UE si prevede un aumento del 20,6 %.

Considerato lo stato delle trattative, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

| Quali sono, nell'accordo, gli obiettivi dell'UE in ambito occupazionale per i propri cittadini? |
| --- |

Quali sono, nell'accordo, gli obiettivi dell'UE in ambito occupazionale per i propri cittadini?

| Intende l'UE inglobare nell'accordo il riconoscimento da parte del Canada dei titoli di studio conseguiti in Europa? |
| --- |

Intende l'UE inglobare nell'accordo il riconoscimento da parte del Canada dei titoli di studio conseguiti in Europa?

Risposta di Karel De Gucht a nome della Commissione

(24 ottobre 2013)

Innanzitutto è importante precisare che la mobilità dei lavoratori non è di per sé un obiettivo perseguito dai negoziati per l'accordo di libero scambio UE-Canada (CETA) e che tale accordo non si applicherà ai provvedimenti riguardanti l'accesso al mercato del lavoro.

L'accordo mira infatti ad agevolare gli scambi non solo di merci, ma anche di servizi tra le parti. La prestazione di servizi può avvenire secondo diverse modalità, ivi compresi l'ingresso e il soggiorno temporaneo di persone fisiche di una parte contraente nel territorio dell'altra per finalità professionali.

In tale contesto, l'UE sta negoziando con il Canada il trasferimento temporaneo di personale chiave presso consociate estere (vale a dire all'interno di una società) e, in numerosi settori, la possibilità per i professionisti altamente qualificati di fornire servizi, nell'ambito di un contratto di prestazione di servizi preesistente e per un periodo di tempo limitato, nel territorio dell'altra parte. Ciò consentirà di sfruttare il notevole potenziale dell'UE di «esportare professionisti» e si tradurrà al contempo in vantaggi economici significativi su entrambe le sponde dell'Atlantico.

Per quanto attiene al riconoscimento delle qualifiche professionali, l'accordo potrà contenere disposizioni intese a facilitare la conclusione di futuri accordi di mutuo riconoscimento tra le due parti. Tali accordi consentirebbero ai professionisti dell'UE di ottenere il riconoscimento delle loro qualifiche professionali da parte del Canada e di poter quindi accedere più facilmente al mercato canadese.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010411/13

to the Commission

Barbara Matera (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement

The Free Trade Agreement aims to eliminate customs tariffs and open up new markets. Agreement has been reached on a long list of goods including typical Canadian products such as maple syrup and canoes.

The agreement has also been designed to facilitate access for Canadians and Europeans to jobs in each other’s jurisdictions, thanks to successful negotiations on labour mobility.

In 2012, Canada was the EU’s twelfth most important trading partner, accounting for 1.8% of total EU foreign trade. During the same year the EU was Canada’s second largest trade partner. The value of bilateral trade in goods between the EU and Canada was EUR 61.8 billion in 2012. The Joint Report on the EU-Canada Scoping Exercise predicts annual real income gains of EUR 11.6 billion for the EU, and EUR 8.2 billion for Canada within 7 years following implementation of the agreement.

Total EU exports to Canada are estimated to rise by 24.3% or by EUR 17 billion, while Canadian exports to the EU are predicted to increase by 20.6%.

In view of the state of the negotiations, can the Commission answer the following questions:

| What are the EU’s employment objectives for Europeans in the agreement? |
| --- |

What are the EU’s employment objectives for Europeans in the agreement?

| Does the EU plan to incorporate into the agreement recognition by Canada of qualifications gained in Europe? |
| --- |

Does the EU plan to incorporate into the agreement recognition by Canada of qualifications gained in Europe?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2013)

It is important to clarify that labour mobility as such is not an objective in the EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations, and that CETA would not apply to measures affecting access to the employment market.

CETA aims to facilitate trade between the Parties not only in goods, but also in services. And such provision of services may take place through different modes of supply — including the entry and temporary stay of natural persons for business purposes, from one Party into the territory of the other Party.

In this context, the EU is negotiating with Canada the temporary transfer of key personnel to foreign affiliates (i.e. within a corporation) and, in a number of sectors, the possibility for highly skilled professionals to provide a service for a limited duration of time, and under a pre-existing service contract, in the territory of the other Party. This will allow using the strong potential of the EU to export professionals and offers significant economic gains on both sides of the Atlantic.

As concerns the recognition of professional qualifications, CETA may contain provisions to facilitate the conclusion, in the future, of mutual recognition agreements between the two parties. Those agreements would allow EU professionals to have their qualifications recognised by Canada and thus to gain easier access to the Canadian market.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-010478/13

an die Kommission

Kerstin Westphal (S&D)

(16. September 2013)

Betrifft: Breitband-Förderung über den EFRE in Deutschland

Der Europäische Fonds für regionale Entwicklung (EFRE) soll die wirtschaftliche und soziale Kohäsion in der Union stärken. Im Rahmen der Neugestaltung der Kohäsionspolitik will die Kommission die Förderung künftig auf einige Bereiche konzentrieren („thematische Konzentration“). Nach den Verhandlungen zwischen Kommission, Rat und Mitgliedstaaten soll die Förderung von IKT in diese Konzentration aufgenommen werden. Die Institutionen sind sich einig, dass Breitband eine wesentliche Rolle für Wachstum in Europa spielt. Wegen der großen ökonomischen und sozialen Bedeutung eines flächendeckenden Breitband-Netzes können die Regionen (in Deutschland die Bundesländer) in ihren EFRE-Programmen vorsehen, IKT-Maßnahmen über den EFRE zu fördern.

Für Deutschland soll diese Förderung laut Angaben der Kommission nicht möglich sein. Vielmehr plant die Kommission offenbar explizit ein Verbot der Breitband-Förderung durch EFRE-Mittel und will dies in der Partnerschaftsvereinbarung (die zwischen Kommission und Nationalstaat geschlossen wird) festlegen. Eine Förderung des Breitband-Ausbaus wäre dann nur durch den Landwirtschaftsfonds (ELER) möglich.

| 1. | Bleibt die Kommission bei der Idee, allen Europäern bis 2020 einen Breitbandanschluss von mindestens 30 MBit/s zu bieten und der Hälfte aller Haushalte einen Anschluss von 100 MBit/s? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Bleibt die Kommission bei der Idee, allen Europäern bis 2020 einen Breitbandanschluss von mindestens 30 MBit/s zu bieten und der Hälfte aller Haushalte einen Anschluss von 100 MBit/s?

| 2. | Erkennt die Kommission an, dass es auch in Deutschland noch „weiße Flecken“ bei der Breitband-Versorgung gibt, und zwar nicht nur in abgelegenen ländlichen Gebieten, sondern auch im städtischen Umfeld? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Erkennt die Kommission an, dass es auch in Deutschland noch „weiße Flecken“ bei der Breitband-Versorgung gibt, und zwar nicht nur in abgelegenen ländlichen Gebieten, sondern auch im städtischen Umfeld?

| 3. | Trifft es zu, dass die Kommission fordert, in Deutschland den Breitband-Ausbau nicht mit EFRE-Mitteln zu unterstützen? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Trifft es zu, dass die Kommission fordert, in Deutschland den Breitband-Ausbau nicht mit EFRE-Mitteln zu unterstützen?

| 4. | Falls ja, wie begründet die Kommission diese Haltung, gerade im Lichte der Verhandlungen über die EFRE-Verordnung (bei denen die Bedeutung eines flächendeckenden Breitband-Netzes durch die Aufnahme in die „thematische Konzentration“ eine zusätzliche Aufwertung erfahren hat)? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Falls ja, wie begründet die Kommission diese Haltung, gerade im Lichte der Verhandlungen über die EFRE-Verordnung (bei denen die Bedeutung eines flächendeckenden Breitband-Netzes durch die Aufnahme in die „thematische Konzentration“ eine zusätzliche Aufwertung erfahren hat)?

Antwort von Herrn Hahn im Namen der Kommission

(16. Oktober 2013)

| 1. | Die Kommission hat ihr Engagement mit den in der Digitalen Agenda für Europa klar formulierten mittel‐ und langfristigen Zielen bekräftigt. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Die Kommission hat ihr Engagement mit den in der Digitalen Agenda für Europa klar formulierten mittel‐ und langfristigen Zielen bekräftigt.

| 2. | Abgesehen von bestimmten ländlichen Gebieten gibt es in Deutschland keine Lücken in der Breitbandversorgung (556). Das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft hat dies bestätigt. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Abgesehen von bestimmten ländlichen Gebieten gibt es in Deutschland keine Lücken in der Breitbandversorgung (556). Das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft hat dies bestätigt.

| 3. | Die Kommission ist der Auffassung, dass die öffentliche Hand nur dann im Bereich der Breitbandinfrastruktur eingreifen sollte, wenn nachgewiesenermaßen ein Fall von Marktversagen vorliegt. In Deutschland ist der Betrieb eines Breitbandnetzes ein rentables Geschäft, insbesondere in städtischen Gebieten. Öffentliche Interventionen sollten sich daher — wie bereits im Positionspapier der Kommission dargelegt — auf bestimmte ländliche Gebiete beschränken. Zur Finanzierung des Breitbandausbaus in ländlichen Gebieten könnten in Deutschland einige EU-Fonds, beispielsweise der ELER (557), genutzt werden (558). |
| --- | --- |

3.

Die Kommission ist der Auffassung, dass die öffentliche Hand nur dann im Bereich der Breitbandinfrastruktur eingreifen sollte, wenn nachgewiesenermaßen ein Fall von Marktversagen vorliegt. In Deutschland ist der Betrieb eines Breitbandnetzes ein rentables Geschäft, insbesondere in städtischen Gebieten. Öffentliche Interventionen sollten sich daher — wie bereits im Positionspapier der Kommission dargelegt — auf bestimmte ländliche Gebiete beschränken. Zur Finanzierung des Breitbandausbaus in ländlichen Gebieten könnten in Deutschland einige EU-Fonds, beispielsweise der ELER (557), genutzt werden (558).

| 4. | Gemäß Artikel 5 Absatz 2 Buchstabe a der EFRE-Verordnung kann der EFRE den Ausbau von Breitband‐ und Hochgeschwindigkeitsnetzen zur Verbesserung des Zugangs zur sowie der Nutzung und Qualität der IKT unterstützen. Allerdings sieht Artikel 87 Absatz 2 Buchstabe a der Verordnung mit gemeinsamen Bestimmungen vor, dass die Wahl der Investitionsschwerpunkte entsprechend den festgestellten regionalen und nationalen Bedürfnissen begründet werden muss. Im Falle von Deutschland ist die Kommission der Auffassung, dass eine Förderung des Breitbandausbaus in städtischen Gebieten nicht gerechtfertigt werden kann. Dagegen könnte es gerechtfertigt sein, die Entwicklung von IKT-Produkten und ‐Dienstleistungen sowie den Ausbau des IKT-Einsatzes zu unterstützen, was ebenfalls zur thematischen Konzentration beiträgt. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Gemäß Artikel 5 Absatz 2 Buchstabe a der EFRE-Verordnung kann der EFRE den Ausbau von Breitband‐ und Hochgeschwindigkeitsnetzen zur Verbesserung des Zugangs zur sowie der Nutzung und Qualität der IKT unterstützen. Allerdings sieht Artikel 87 Absatz 2 Buchstabe a der Verordnung mit gemeinsamen Bestimmungen vor, dass die Wahl der Investitionsschwerpunkte entsprechend den festgestellten regionalen und nationalen Bedürfnissen begründet werden muss. Im Falle von Deutschland ist die Kommission der Auffassung, dass eine Förderung des Breitbandausbaus in städtischen Gebieten nicht gerechtfertigt werden kann. Dagegen könnte es gerechtfertigt sein, die Entwicklung von IKT-Produkten und ‐Dienstleistungen sowie den Ausbau des IKT-Einsatzes zu unterstützen, was ebenfalls zur thematischen Konzentration beiträgt.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010478/13

to the Commission

Kerstin Westphal (S&D)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: ERDF support for broadband in Germany

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is intended to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union. As part of its reform of cohesion policy, the Commission is seeking to focus future promotion measures on specific areas (‘thematic concentration’). In accordance with the negotiations between the Commission, the Council and the Member States, support for ICT is to be included in this concentration. The institutions all agree that broadband is a key factor in promoting growth in Europe. In light of the great economic and social importance of establishing ubiquitous broadband coverage, the regions (i.e. in Germany, the federal states) are authorised to provide in their ERDF programmes for support to be provided by the ERDF for ICT measures.

According to statements by the Commission, however, aid for such measures is not permissible in the case of Germany. The Commission is indeed planning to introduce an explicit ban on promotion of broadband using ERDF funds and is seeking to have this specified in the partnership agreement to be drawn up between Commission and Member State. Support for extension of broadband coverage could then be given only through the EAFRD.

| 1. | Is the Commission still committed to the idea of providing all European citizens with broadband of at least 30 MBit/s, and offering half of all households 100 MBit/s, by 2020? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is the Commission still committed to the idea of providing all European citizens with broadband of at least 30 MBit/s, and offering half of all households 100 MBit/s, by 2020?

| 2. | Does the Commission acknowledge that even in Germany there are gaps in broadband coverage, and not just in isolated rural regions, but also in urban areas? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission acknowledge that even in Germany there are gaps in broadband coverage, and not just in isolated rural regions, but also in urban areas?

| 3. | Is it true that the Commission is insisting that broadband expansion may not be supported by means of ERDF aid? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Is it true that the Commission is insisting that broadband expansion may not be supported by means of ERDF aid?

| 4. | If this is true, how does the Commission justify its position, particularly in the light of the talks on the ERDF Regulation (in which the importance of ubiquitous broadband coverage was given further recognition by its inclusion as a thematic concentration)? |
| --- | --- |

4.

If this is true, how does the Commission justify its position, particularly in the light of the talks on the ERDF Regulation (in which the importance of ubiquitous broadband coverage was given further recognition by its inclusion as a thematic concentration)?

Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 2013)

| 1. | The Commission has clearly formulated the mid and long-term targets in its Digital Agenda for Europe by which it reinforces its commitment. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission has clearly formulated the mid and long-term targets in its Digital Agenda for Europe by which it reinforces its commitment.

| 2. | There are no gaps in basic broadband coverage in Germany except for certain rural areas (559). This has been acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs. |
| --- | --- |

2.

There are no gaps in basic broadband coverage in Germany except for certain rural areas (559). This has been acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs.

| 3. | It is the Commission’s view that public intervention in broadband infrastructure should be limited to cases of demonstrated market failure. In the case of Germany broadband infrastructure is a profitable activity especially in urban areas. Public intervention should therefore be limited to specified rural areas as already explained in the Position Paper of the Commission. In Germany some European Funds, for example EAFRD (560), could be used to fund broadband expansion in trural areas (561). |
| --- | --- |

3.

It is the Commission’s view that public intervention in broadband infrastructure should be limited to cases of demonstrated market failure. In the case of Germany broadband infrastructure is a profitable activity especially in urban areas. Public intervention should therefore be limited to specified rural areas as already explained in the Position Paper of the Commission. In Germany some European Funds, for example EAFRD (560), could be used to fund broadband expansion in trural areas (561).

| 4. | The ERDF can support extending broadband deployment and roll-out of high-speed networks in view of enhancing access to and use and quality of ICT, according to Article 5(2)(a) of the ERDF regulation. However, in line with Article 87.2(a) of the Common Provisions Regulation, it is necessary to justify the choice of investment priorities based on an identification of regional and national needs. The Commisison considers that in the case of Germany support to broadband in urban areas cannot be justified. However, support to developing ICT products and services as well as strengthening ICT application, which also contribute to thematic concentration, could be justified. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The ERDF can support extending broadband deployment and roll-out of high-speed networks in view of enhancing access to and use and quality of ICT, according to Article 5(2)(a) of the ERDF regulation. However, in line with Article 87.2(a) of the Common Provisions Regulation, it is necessary to justify the choice of investment priorities based on an identification of regional and national needs. The Commisison considers that in the case of Germany support to broadband in urban areas cannot be justified. However, support to developing ICT products and services as well as strengthening ICT application, which also contribute to thematic concentration, could be justified.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej P-010479/13

do Komisji

Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein (PPE)

(16 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Ugoda Komisji z Google

W listopadzie 2010 Komisja Europejska wszczęła postępowanie przeciwko Google w związku z możliwym nadużywaniem pozycji dominującej na rynku wyszukiwarek. W kwietniu tego roku Google zaproponowało ugodę, która nie dość, że odpowiada jedynie na część zarzutów wskazanych we wstępnej ocenie Komisji, to – jak się wydaje – może być narzędziem niewystarczającym do zapobieżenia nadużywania pozycji dominującej.

| 1. | Czy Komisja ma zamiar przyjąć ugodę, w której nie jest zawarte równe traktowanie wyspecjalizowanych serwisów Google i wyników „naturalnych” w wynikach wyszukiwania, a jedynie oznaczenie tych pierwszych? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Czy Komisja ma zamiar przyjąć ugodę, w której nie jest zawarte równe traktowanie wyspecjalizowanych serwisów Google i wyników „naturalnych” w wynikach wyszukiwania, a jedynie oznaczenie tych pierwszych?

Oznaczanie może spowodować, że konsumenci będą w stanie je odróżnić od naturalnych, ale na pewno nie spowoduje, że wszystkie podmioty będą traktowane na równi przez wyszukiwarkę.

| 2. | Czy w związku z tą sprawą Komisja nie powinna spojrzeć na rynek wyszukiwarek internetowych w szerszej perspektywie i zastanowić się nad zaproponowaniem jednolitych zasad działania wszystkich podmiotów na tym rynku? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Czy w związku z tą sprawą Komisja nie powinna spojrzeć na rynek wyszukiwarek internetowych w szerszej perspektywie i zastanowić się nad zaproponowaniem jednolitych zasad działania wszystkich podmiotów na tym rynku?

Chodzi o to, by dla wszystkich firm było zawsze jasne, jakie narzędzia/metody pozycjonowania stron są legalne, a które nie, by konsumenci zdawali sobie sprawę, jakie są kryteria wyszukiwania i by zakres sankcji nakładanych przez wyszukiwarki był określony.

| 3. | Czy w związku z tą sprawą Komisja nie powinna przyjrzeć się, jak wygląda proces karania/deklasowania stron www przez Google, sprawdzić, czy zwłaszcza mali przedsiębiorcy Internetowi w Europie mają do dyspozycji odpowiednie środki odwoławcze w razie sporu, oraz zastanowić się, czy służy rynkowi sytuacja, w której firma o 90 % udziale w rynku nie tylko ustala reguły pozycjonowania stron w internecie, ale również ma możliwości „karania” (wyrzucania z wyników wyszukiwania) firm, które nie stosują się do reguł proponowanych przez Google? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Czy w związku z tą sprawą Komisja nie powinna przyjrzeć się, jak wygląda proces karania/deklasowania stron www przez Google, sprawdzić, czy zwłaszcza mali przedsiębiorcy Internetowi w Europie mają do dyspozycji odpowiednie środki odwoławcze w razie sporu, oraz zastanowić się, czy służy rynkowi sytuacja, w której firma o 90 % udziale w rynku nie tylko ustala reguły pozycjonowania stron w internecie, ale również ma możliwości „karania” (wyrzucania z wyników wyszukiwania) firm, które nie stosują się do reguł proponowanych przez Google?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Joaquína Almunię w imieniu Komisji

(18 października 2013 r.)

Komisja doszła do wstępnego wniosku, że wymienione poniżej cztery rodzaje praktyk stosowanych przez Google mogą stanowić naruszenie unijnych zasad ochrony konkurencji zakazujących nadużywania pozycji dominującej (art. 102 TFUE). Są to:

| uprzywilejowane traktowanie, w obrębie wyników wyszukiwania w sieci Google, linków do własnych wyspecjalizowanych usług wyszukiwania w sieci w stosunku do linków do tego typu usług oferowanych przez konkurentów; |
| --- |

uprzywilejowane traktowanie, w obrębie wyników wyszukiwania w sieci Google, linków do własnych wyspecjalizowanych usług wyszukiwania w sieci w stosunku do linków do tego typu usług oferowanych przez konkurentów;

| umowy, które obligują strony internetowe należące do osób trzecich (tzw. wydawców) do nabywania od Google wszystkich lub większości wykorzystywanych przez nich usług reklamowych w wyszukiwarkach internetowych oraz |
| --- |

umowy, które obligują strony internetowe należące do osób trzecich (tzw. wydawców) do nabywania od Google wszystkich lub większości wykorzystywanych przez nich usług reklamowych w wyszukiwarkach internetowych oraz

| ograniczenia umowne dotyczące możliwości przenoszenia internetowych kampanii reklam w wyszukiwarkach do platform reklam w wyszukiwarkach konkurentów i zarządzania tymi kampaniami między należącym do Google AdWords a nienależącymi do Google platformami usług reklamowych (562). |
| --- |

ograniczenia umowne dotyczące możliwości przenoszenia internetowych kampanii reklam w wyszukiwarkach do platform reklam w wyszukiwarkach konkurentów i zarządzania tymi kampaniami między należącym do Google AdWords a nienależącymi do Google platformami usług reklamowych (562).

(ii) wykorzystywanie bez pozwolenia treści pochodzących ze stron internetowych osób trzecich w ramach własnych wyspecjalizowanych usług wyszukiwania w sieci;

W marcu 2013 r. Komisja wyraziła w swojej ocenie wstępnej zastrzeżenia w odniesieniu do Google. W odpowiedzi na nie Google zaproponowało szczegółowe zobowiązania w celu rozwiązania wspomnianych wyżej czterech problematycznych kwestii z dnia 3 kwietnia 2013 r. Po przeprowadzeniu badania rynkowego (563) tych zobowiązań, rozpoczętego dnia 26 kwietnia 2013 r., Komisja poinformowała Google, że konieczne jest poprawienie zobowiązań, aby umożliwić właściwie rozwiązanie wskazanych przez nią problematycznych kwestii. Google przedstawiło poprawki do swoich zobowiązań. Wkrótce Komisja będzie starać się o uzyskanie informacji zwrotnych od skarżących i innych właściwych uczestników rynku na temat poprawionych przez Google zobowiązań (564).

Zgodnie z art. 102 TFUE sam fakt, że przedsiębiorstwo ma wysoki udział w rynku, nie jest samo w sobie naruszeniem zasad ochrony konkurencji. Na przedsiębiorstwie, które ma dominującą pozycję, ciąży jednak szczególna odpowiedzialność za to, by nie nadużywać swojej pozycji dominującej.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010479/13

to the Commission

Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Commission settlement with Google

In November 2010 the Commission launched proceedings against Google for allegedly abusing its dominant position on the search engine market. In April 2013 Google proposed a settlement that does not go far enough, as it only addresses some of the charges identified in the Commission’s initial assessment — which does not look as if it will be sufficient to prevent the abuse of a dominant position.

| 1. | Does the Commission intend to accept the settlement, which does not provide for equal treatment of specialist Google services and ‘natural’ search results, and under which the former will merely be labelled? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission intend to accept the settlement, which does not provide for equal treatment of specialist Google services and ‘natural’ search results, and under which the former will merely be labelled?

Labelling Google’s services might well help consumers differentiate them from ‘natural’ search results, but in no way does it mean that all businesses will be treated equally by the search engine.

| 2. | In the light of this case does the Commission not think it should look at the online search engine market more broadly and consider proposing a uniform set of rules to apply to all businesses operating in the market? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In the light of this case does the Commission not think it should look at the online search engine market more broadly and consider proposing a uniform set of rules to apply to all businesses operating in the market?

It should always be clear to all firms which tools and methods for ranking search results are legal, and which are not; consumers need to be aware of the search criteria; and the range of penalties imposed by search engines needs to be defined.

| 3. | With this case in mind, did the Commission not ought firstly to look into the way in which Google penalises or declassifies web pages; secondly to check whether small Internet businesses in Europe, in particular, can afford to appeal in the event of a dispute; and thirdly to consider whether the market is well served by a situation in which a company with a 90% market share not only establishes the rules according to which web pages are ranked in a search, but also the ‘penalties’ imposed against companies (the exclusion of search results) which do not go along with the rules proposed by Google? |
| --- | --- |

3.

With this case in mind, did the Commission not ought firstly to look into the way in which Google penalises or declassifies web pages; secondly to check whether small Internet businesses in Europe, in particular, can afford to appeal in the event of a dispute; and thirdly to consider whether the market is well served by a situation in which a company with a 90% market share not only establishes the rules according to which web pages are ranked in a search, but also the ‘penalties’ imposed against companies (the exclusion of search results) which do not go along with the rules proposed by Google?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(18 October 2013)

The Commission has reached the preliminary conclusion that the following four types of business practices by Google may violate EU antitrust rules prohibiting the abuse of a dominant position (Article 102 TFEU).

(i) The favourable treatment, within Google’s web search results, of links to Google’s own specialised web search services as compared to links to competing specialised web search services;

(ii) The use by Google without consent of original content from third party websites in its own specialised web search services;

(iii) Agreements that oblige third party websites (‘publishers’) to obtain all or most of their online search advertisements from Google; and

(iv) Contractual restrictions on the transferability of online search advertising campaigns to rival search advertising platforms and the management of such campaigns across Google's Adwords and rival search advertising platforms (565).

The Commission outlined its concerns to Google in a Preliminary Assessment in March 2013 and Google proposed a detailed text of commitments to address the four concerns on 3 April 2013. Following a market test (566) of these commitments launched on 26 April 2013, the Commission informed Google that improvements to its commitments were required to adequately address the Commission's concerns. Google has offered improvements to its commitments. The Commission will soon seek feedback on Google’s improved commitments from complainants and other relevant market participants (567).

Under Article 102 TFEU, the fact that an undertaking has a high market share is not in itself an antitrust infringement. An undertaking that holds a dominant position is, however, under a special responsibility not to abuse its dominant position.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010480/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Raimon Obiols (S&D), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL) y Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Posible incumplimiento de la Directiva 1999/70/CE del Consejo, de 28 de junio de 1999, por parte del Estado español

El 28 de diciembre de 2012, se publicó la Ley Orgánica 8/2012 (568) por la que se modifica la Ley Orgánica del Poder Judicial. Esta reforma afecta a un colectivo de 1 500 personas en todo el Estado conocido como «jueces sustitutos y magistrados suplentes» (569), existente desde 1985, que con la presente reforma está destinado a desaparecer ya que su función queda relegada a supuestos de imposible concurrencia. Se trata de un expediente de regulación de ocupación encubierto de un colectivo de jueces y magistrados que lleva décadas trabajando, supone el 20 % de la plantilla, y dicta el 30 % de las resoluciones judiciales en el Estado (570). La desaparición de este colectivo supone un auténtico caos judicial puesto que la ratio de jueces en el Estado español (10,2 jueces por cada 100 000 habitantes (571)) es de las más bajas de Europa. Los «jueces sustitutos y magistrados suplentes» han llevado el caso de sus derechos laborales a los tribunales españoles y ya han obtenido sentencias firmes a su favor con el fin de asegurar los derechos laborales que les corresponden por ley y que el Ministerio español les niega. Tal y como propone el Consejero de Justicia del Gobierno de Cataluña (572) y el Parlamento de Cataluña, mediante la moción 302-00046/10, de 6 de junio de 2013, la solución sería dar a los jueces sustitutos la opción de poder acceder a la carrera judicial mediante oposiciones internas y restringidas organizadas por el Ministerio de Justicia español para poder ejercer con plena seguridad laboral.

¿Considera la Comisión que España aplica de manera correcta y efectiva la cláusula 5 del Acuerdo marco incorporado en la Directiva 1999/70/CE del Consejo, de 28 de junio de 1999, relativa al Acuerdo marco de la CES, la UNICE y el CEEP sobre el trabajo de duración determinada, que establece genéricamente «medidas destinadas a evitar la utilización abusiva» de la contratación temporal?

Respuesta del Sr. Andor en nombre de la Comisión

(27 de noviembre de 2013)

Habida cuenta de que el diseño y cualquier reforma del sistema de administración de justicia son competencia de los Estados miembros, la forma en que dicha prerrogativa ha de ejercerse cuando afecta al empleo de duración determinada está sujeta a los requisitos de la Directiva 1999/70/CE (573). La Comisión ha recibido denuncias a este respecto, y se están llevando a cabo las investigaciones necesarias.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010480/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE), Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández (Verts/ALE), Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE), Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D), Raimon Obiols (S&D), Willy Meyer (GUE/NGL) and Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Potential non-compliance by the Spanish State with Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999

On 28 December 2012, Organic Law No 8/2012 (574) was published, amending the Organic Law of the Spanish Judiciary. This reform affects a group of 1 500 people throughout the country known as ‘substitute judges and deputy magistrates’ (575), in existence since 1985, who are destined to disappear in light of the current reform since their function has been demoted to cases in which attendance by others is impossible. This is a covert way of regulating the occupation of a group of judges and magistrates who have spent decades working, accounting for 20% of the judiciary and passing 30% of the judgments in the country (576). The disappearance of this group creates a truly chaotic situation for the judicial system since the ratio of judges in Spain (10.2 judges for every 100 000 inhabitants (577)) is one of the lowest in Europe. The ‘substitute judges and deputy magistrates’ have taken the case concerning their labour rights to the Spanish courts and have already obtained final judgments in their favour, in order to safeguard the labour rights that they are entitled to by law and that they are being denied by the Spanish Ministry. As the Minister for Justice of the Government of Catalonia (578) and the Catalan Parliament proposes, by means of motion 302-00046/10 of 6 June 2013, the solution would be to give substitute judges the option of accessing the legal profession through internal and restricted examinations organised by the Spanish Ministry of Justice so that they can practise with full job security.

Does the Commission believe that Spain is correctly and effectively enforcing clause 5 of the framework agreement incorporated into Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999 concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP, which generically establishes ‘measures to prevent abuse’ of temporary recruitment?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2013)

While the design and any reform of the system of administration of justice is a matter for Member States, the way this power is exercised when it affects staff on fixed-term employment is subject to the requirements of Directive 1999/70/EC (579). Complaints have been received by the Commission on this issue and the necessary investigations are ongoing.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010481/13

a la Comisión

Andrés Perelló Rodríguez (S&D)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Financiación del programa «Crea Escola» y situación del colegio público Emilio Lluch de Náquera

En julio de 2012, una delegación de técnicos del Banco Europeo de Inversiones (BEI) realizó una visita a la Comunidad Valenciana para evaluar la ejecución del programa «Crea Escola», financiado parcialmente por el BEI mediante dos préstamos y por un importe total de 800 millones de euros destinados a cubrir las dos primeras fases del programa de renovación y mejora de centros educativos. La evaluación del BEI constató retrasos injustificados en la ejecución de la segunda fase del programa (Valencia Centros Escolares II-2) y solicitó al Gobierno de la Comunidad Valenciana un plan de acción para la culminación del proyecto.

Entre los centros afectados, el colegio público Emilio Lluch de la localidad de Náquera se encuentra en una situación especialmente lamentable. El centro fue incluido en el programa de rehabilitación en 2008. Las obras permanecen paralizadas pese a haber sido licitadas en 2010 por una cuantía de 6,2 millones de euros. Hasta la fecha no se ha comenzado construcción alguna.

Los alumnos están recibiendo clases no sólo en aulas prefabricadas, sino también en los corredores que separan los distintos barracones, sin apenas luz y prácticamente a la intemperie. De los 380 niños de este centro escolar, sólo la mitad de ellos reciben sus clases en aulas de obra. En su informe, el BEI señalaba que «estas instalaciones tienen una configuración educativa deficiente, interiores poco acogedores y condiciones ambientales peligrosas tanto para maestros como para alumnos». La situación es tan insostenible que el BEI solicitaba la inclusión del colegio de educación infantil y primaria (CEIP) Emilio Lluch de Náquera en el listado de colegios críticos.

¿Ha recibido ya el BEI el plan de acción del Gobierno de la Comunidad Valenciana para finalizar la ejecución del programa?

¿Qué acciones tiene en su mano la Comisión para esclarecer el paradero de los fondos otorgados por el BEI al Gobierno de la Comunidad Valenciana para financiar el programa «Crea Escola», cuya segunda fase continúa pendiente de ejecución?

¿Qué medidas piensa adoptar la Comisión para reforzar el control por parte del BEI de las inversiones que financia?

¿Qué medidas piensa adoptar la Comisión para instar al BEI y al Gobierno de la Comunidad Valenciana a realizar las obras de rehabilitación del colegio público Emilio Lluch de Náquera y acabar con las condiciones lamentables en las cuales estudian los alumnos del centro?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(21 de noviembre de 2013)

Con respecto al control y supervisión del proyecto por parte del BEI, la Comisión remite a Su Señoría a sus respuestas a las preguntas E-000546/2013 y E-004092/2013 (580).

Con respecto al plan de acción para completar las inversiones que se solicitó del gobierno regional (el cual tiene que financiar parte del programa «Crea Escola» con sus propios recursos), el BEI ha mantenido varios contactos y reuniones con dicho gobierno sobre este asunto y espera recibir pronto el plan de acción.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010481/13

to the Commission

Andrés Perelló Rodríguez (S&D)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Funding for the ‘Crea Escola’ programme and the condition of the Emilio Lluch state school in Náquera

A delegation of experts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) visited Valencia in July 2012 to assess the implementation of the ‘Crea Escola’ programme, which is partly funded by the EIB via two loans and a total contribution of EUR 800 million to cover the first two phases of the programme for renovating and improving schools. The EIB assessment found unjustified delays in the implementation of the second phase of the programme (Valencia Schools II-2) and requested that the regional government of Valencia draw up an action plan for completing the project.

Among the schools affected, the Emilio Lluch state school in the town of Náquera is in a particularly poor state. The school was included in the rehabilitation programme in 2008. The renovation work has stalled despite having been tendered for EUR 6.2 million in 2010. Construction has yet to begin.

Students are attending classes in both the prefabricated classrooms and in the corridors that separate the various school buildings with barely any light and practically out in the open. Only half of the 380 children at this school have classes in renovated classrooms. In its report the EIB noted that ‘these facilities constitute a poor educational setting, have unwelcoming interiors and hazardous environmental conditions for both teachers and students’. The situation is so untenable that the EIB requested that the Emilio Lluch preschool and primary school in Náquera be added to the list of schools in a critical state.

Has the EIB already received the Valencia regional government’s action plan for completing implementation of the programme?

What actions is the Commission taking to ascertain the whereabouts of the funds provided by the EIB to the Valencia regional government to fund the ‘Crea Escola’ programme, the second phase of which has yet to be implemented?

What measures is the Commission considering to strengthen the EIB’s control over the investments it finances?

What measures is the Commission considering to encourage the EIB and the Valencia regional government to renovate the Emilio Lluch state school in Náquera and to remedy the poor conditions in which the school’s pupils study?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(21 November 2013)

Concerning the EIB's control with and monitoring of the project, the Commission can refer the Honourable Member to its answers to questions E-000546/2013 and E-004092/2013 (581).

As regards the action plan for the completion of the investments requested from the regional government (which has to finance part of the Crea Escola programme from its own resources), the EIB has had several contacts and meetings with the regional government on this matter and expects to receive the action plan soon.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010482/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Financiación del BEI para las pymes

Debido a la grave crisis económica y bancaria, las pymes sufren escasez y encarecimiento del crédito. Por ello, el Banco Europeo de Inversiones, de común acuerdo con la Comisión Europea y el Consejo, ha preparado un plan para aumentar en 100 000 millones el crédito que esta institución destina a las pymes (582).

El BEI ya tiene una línea de crédito para pymes, de la cual desde 2010 se han otorgado 2 800 millones de euros al Estado español. De estos 2 800 millones, el Instituto Catalán de Finanzas, dependiente del Gobierno de Cataluña, no ha recibido ni un euro. Este instituto ha trabajado con el BEI durante años sin que haya existido ningún problema.

Cataluña concentra el 27 % de las exportaciones del conjunto del Estado, buena parte de las cuales proceden de las pymes catalanas que emplean al 71 % de los ocupados catalanes. Cataluña es, con gran diferencia, la región con más volumen de pymes del Estado.

A la luz de lo anterior,

¿Tiene la Comisión conocimiento de que desde 2010 el BEI no otorga ninguna línea de crédito para pymes al Instituto Catalán de Finanzas?

¿Piensa la Comisión tomar medidas para asegurar que el crédito del BEI llega efectivamente a las pymes que lo necesitan?

Respuesta del Sr. Rehn en nombre de la Comisión

(4 de noviembre de 2013)

El BEI reconoce la importancia de la labor del Institut Català de Finances (ICF) en Cataluña, especialmente en lo que respecta a la financiación de las PYME, como lo demuestran los casi 679 millones de euros en préstamos directos que el BEI tiene actualmente pendientes con el ICF, así como el hecho de ser el principal beneficiario por volumen de los préstamos del BEI entre todas las entidades financieras públicas de fomento regional en España.

A este respecto, cabe señalar que el BEI tiene pendientes en la actualidad más de 5 000 millones de euros en préstamos y garantías con la Generalitat de Catalunya, siendo esta Comunidad Autónoma la que ha absorbido más recursos del BEI en España.

El BEI ha demostrado su apoyo permanente al ICF mediante, entre otras iniciativas, el desembolso de 46 millones de euros a dicho organismo en junio del presente año.

Además de conceder préstamos directos al ICF, el BEI consigue llegar a las PYME de Cataluña a través de programas de préstamos con intermediación de los bancos comerciales y otras instituciones financieras. Desde 2010 hasta la fecha, la cantidad prestada a las PYME de Cataluña a través de estos otros intermediarios asciende a 1 207 millones de euros.

El BEI y el ICF están actualmente trabajando juntos en distintas alternativas para un nuevo préstamo dedicado a las PYME. El mes pasado, el Sr. Sanromá, consejero delegado del ICF, se reunió con el BEI en Luxemburgo para discutir una propuesta de una nueva línea de crédito de 150 millones de euros para PYME, que está siendo actualmente evaluada por el BEI.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010482/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: EIB funding for SMEs

Due to the financial and banking crisis, the credit available to SMEs is scarce and increasingly expensive. For this reason the European Investment Bank, by joint agreement with the Commission and the European Council, has drawn up a plan to increase by EUR 100 billion the credit that it sets aside for SMEs (583).

The EIB already has a credit line for SMEs that has granted EUR 2.8 billion to the Spanish State since 2010. The Catalan Finance Institute, which is dependent on the Government of Catalonia, has not received any of these EUR 2.8 billion. This institute has worked with the EIB for years without any problem.

Catalonia accounts for 27% of Spanish exports, a great many of which come from Catalan SMEs that employ 71% of the Catalan workforce. There are significantly more SMEs in Catalonia than in any other Spanish region.

Is the Commission aware that no credit has been granted by the EIB to the Catalan Finance Institute for SMEs since 2010?

Will the Commission take steps to ensure that the credit provided by the EIB will reach the SMEs that need it?

Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

The EIB recognises the importance of the work of the Institut Catala de Finances (ICF) in Catalonia, especially with regard to the financing of SMEs, as evidenced by the nearly EUR 679 million in direct loans which the EIB has currently outstanding with the ICF, as well as by the fact that it is the first recipient in volume of EIB loans among all regional public promotional financial institutions in Spain.

In this regard, it should be noted that the EIB currently has over EUR 5 billion of loans and guarantees outstanding with the Generalitat de Catalunya, which is the autonomous community that has absorbed more EIB resources in Spain.

The EIB showed its continued support to the ICF and disbursed EUR 46 million to the ICF in June this year.

In addition to direct loans to the ICF, the EIB is able to reach SMEs in Catalonia via lending programmes intermediated through commercial banks and other financial institutions. From 2010 to date the amount lent to SMEs in Catalonia through these other intermediaries has reached EUR 1,207 million.

The EIB and the ICF are presently working together on different alternatives for a new loan dedicated to SMEs. Last month, Mr Sanromá, ICF CEO, met the EIB in Luxembourg to discuss a proposal for a new EUR 150 million credit line for SMEs which is currently under EIB appraisal.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010483/13

a la Comisión

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(16 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Explotaciones mineras en Castilla-León

El Director Regional de Minas de la Junta de Castilla-León, Ricardo González Mantero, reveló a la Cadena Ser (584) que participó en una misión a Bruselas para seguir negociando la posibilidad de que las figuras de protección ambiental no impidan la explotación de determinadas minas a cielo abierto.

Al mismo tiempo, el Director de Minas ha anunciado que la empresa minera a cielo abierto Uminsa ha comenzado a trabajar en Palencia y que pronto podría hacerlo en Fabero, donde la empresa de Victorino Alonso ha aumentado la jornada laboral a la par que se recortan salarios. Ante esta situación, Mantero ha afirmado que esa es la consecuencia de la disminución de ayudas del Estado al carbón.

En el anexo 1 de la Directiva 2011/92/UE relativa a la evaluación de las repercusiones de determinados proyectos públicos y privados sobre el medio ambiente figura la lista de proyectos sujetos a la misma, y su punto 19 indica «minería a cielo abierto». Por lo tanto está claro que los proyectos anunciados deberían contar con una evaluación de impacto ambiental, pero puesto que no consta la realización de la misma, surgen sospechas en torno a la visita encubierta del Director Regional a las autoridades europeas.

Por su parte, la Directiva 2003/4/CE relativa al acceso del público a la información medioambiental exige que se hagan públicos estos informes y avances.

¿Tiene conocimiento la Comisión de algún documento o borrador de documento relativo a la evaluación del impacto ambiental de estas minas de cielo abierto? ¿No considera que se está violando la Directiva de EIA al haber dado comienzo ya la explotación de las minas? ¿Confirma la Comisión que el Director Regional se reunió en Bruselas con miembros de la Comisión? Teniendo presente lo dispuesto en la Directiva 2003/4/CE, ¿publicará la información correspondiente, indicando quién participó en la reunión, qué temas se trataron y a qué acuerdos o conclusiones se llegó?

Respuesta del Sr. Potočnik en nombre de la Comisión

(7 de noviembre de 2013)

El 10 de septiembre de 2013, los servicios de la Comisión se reunieron con una delegación española para estudiar los avances registrados en la aplicación de las medidas previstas para la ejecución de la sentencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea de 24 de noviembre de 2011 en el asunto C-404/09.

Dado que ni la mina denominada «Fabero» ni ninguna otra mina a cielo abierto situada en la provincia de Palencia se ven afectadas por la sentencia antes citada, su situación no fue en absoluto tratada en dicha reunión.

En caso de que la Comisión recibiera pruebas concretas de la existencia de una posible infracción de la legislación medioambiental de la UE en relación con las minas a cielo abierto de Palencia y León, esta investigaría el asunto más en profundidad.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010483/13

to the Commission

Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Mining operations in Castile and Leon

The Regional Director of Mining for the Council of Castile and Leon, Ricardo González Mantero, told the radio station Cadena Ser
   (585) that he had taken part in a mission to Brussels to continue discussing the possibility that environmental protection officials might not prevent the operation of certain open-cast mines.

At the same time, the Director of Mining has stated that the open pit mining company Uminsa has begun operations in Palencia and could soon do so in Fabero, where Victorino Alonso’s company has extended working hours while cutting pay. Mantero has said that this situation is the result of reduced state aid for coal.

Annex I of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment includes the list of projects subject to the directive, and Point 19 of the annex mentions ‘open-cast mining’. Therefore, it is clear that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) should be carried out on the announced projects, but since it appears that there has been no assessment there are suspicions about the Regional Director’s secret visit to the EU authorities.

Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information stipulates that these reports and developments be made public.

Is the Commission aware of any document or draft document on an environmental impact assessment for these open-cast mines? Does the Commission not believe that the EIA Directive is being violated given that operations on these mines have already begun? Does the Commission confirm that the Regional Director met with members of the Commission in Brussels? Bearing in mind the provisions of Directive 2003/4/EC, will the Commission publish the corresponding information, stating who took part in the meeting, what topics were discussed, and what agreements or conclusions were reached?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

On 10 September 2013, the Commission's services met a Spanish delegation to review the progress achieved in the implementation of measures put forward for the execution of the European Union Court of Justice ruling of 24 November 2011 in Case C-404/09.

As the so-called ‘Fabero’ mine or any other open cast mine located in the province of Palencia are not concerned by the above judgment, their situation was not at all discussed in that meeting.

Should the Commission receive specific evidence indicating a possible breach of the EU environmental law in relation to open cast mines in Palencia and León it would further investigate the matter.

(České znění)

Otázka k písemnému zodpovězení E-010484/13

Komisi

Olga Sehnalová (S&D)

(16. září 2013)

Předmět: Privátní značky volně prodených léčivých přípravků

Na pultech lékáren některých členských států (např. Česká republika, Slovensko či Polsko) jsou spotřebitelům nabízeny volně prodejné léčivé přípravky (OTC), které jsou prodávány pod vlastní privátní značkou lékárenských řetězců. Podle výrobců těchto privátních značek mají představovat „dobrou kombinaci ceny a kvality“. Podle vyjádření některých farmaceutických expertů je nižší cena těchto OTC vykompenzována nižším procentem účinných látek v nich obsažených, což může negativně ovlivnit výsledný mechanismus účinku.

Jelikož je jedním ze základních cílů Evropské unie usilovat o zajištění vysoké úrovně ochrany spotřebitele v oblasti veřejného zdraví, a zároveň zlepšování kvality a šíření informací pro občany:

| Jak Komise nahlíží na skutečnost, že v rámci vnitřního trhu může docházet k distribuci výrobků odlišné kvality, prodávaných pod stejným, spotřebiteli dlouhodobě zažitým, označením (např. ibuprofen)? |
| --- |

Jak Komise nahlíží na skutečnost, že v rámci vnitřního trhu může docházet k distribuci výrobků odlišné kvality, prodávaných pod stejným, spotřebiteli dlouhodobě zažitým, označením (např. ibuprofen)?

| Jaké jsou kvalitativní požadavky s ohledem na složení těchto privátních OTC? |
| --- |

Jaké jsou kvalitativní požadavky s ohledem na složení těchto privátních OTC?

| Jak je zpětně kontrolována účinnost těchto výrobků, jestliže se mohou lišit složením jednotlivých účinných látek, resp. existují studie, které se této účinnosti při odlišném složení věnují? |
| --- |

Jak je zpětně kontrolována účinnost těchto výrobků, jestliže se mohou lišit složením jednotlivých účinných látek, resp. existují studie, které se této účinnosti při odlišném složení věnují?

| Existují v rámci EU 28 členské státy, které národní legislativou upravují vstup těchto výrobků na domácí trh, nebo existuje skutečný vnitřní trh s OTC? |
| --- |

Existují v rámci EU 28 členské státy, které národní legislativou upravují vstup těchto výrobků na domácí trh, nebo existuje skutečný vnitřní trh s OTC?

Odpověď komisaře Borga jménem Komise

(5. listopadu 2013)

Léčivý přípravek může být uveden na trh EU pouze poté, co mu byla v souladu s právními předpisy v oblasti léčiv (586) udělena registrace, byla posouzena jeho jakost, bezpečnost a účinnost a byl učiněn závěr, že v souvislosti s jeho užíváním převažují přínosy. Každý léčivý přípravek má svůj název, kterým může být buď vymyšlený název, nebo běžný či vědecký název (např. ibuprofen), doprovázený obchodní značkou nebo jménem držitele rozhodnutí o registraci. Různé léčivé přípravky mohou obsahovat stejnou účinnou látku (např. ibuprofen), ovšem v různém množství.

Právní předpisy(
  1
  ) stanoví přísné požadavky na údaje o jakosti, bezpečnosti a účinnosti, které musí být předloženy se žádostí o registraci. Povolení, které umožňuje, aby byl produkt uveden na trh, vydává buď Komise pro celou EU, nebo členský stát pro své vlastní území. Většina volně prodejných léčivých přípravků má registraci udělenou členskými státy. Právní předpisy v oblasti léčiv(
  1
  ) stanoví regulační nástroje pro přezkoumání účinnosti přípravků, tzn. jejich účinnosti v reálných podmínkách použití, pokud je to relevantní pro vyhodnocení přínosů a rizik přípravku nezávisle na množství účinné látky.

Požadavky a postupy pro registraci centrálně a vnitrostátně registrovaných přípravků jsou harmonizovány pro celou EU směrnicí 2001/83/ES(
  1
  ). Nicméně stanovení cen a úhrady léčivých přípravků jsou v pravomoci členských států.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010484/13

to the Commission

Olga Sehnalová (S&D)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Own-brand OTC medicines

In chemists in certain Member States (such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Poland), consumers are offered over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal products marketed as own-brand products of the given chemists' chain. According to their manufacturers, these own-brand products represent good value for money. Some pharmaceutical experts claim that the lower price of these OTC medicines corresponds to their lower percentage content of active substances, which may result in reduced effectiveness of the product.

Yet one of the fundamental aims of the European Union is to seek to ensure a high level of consumer protection in the field of public health and at the same time to improve the quality and dissemination of information for citizens.

| 1. | How does the Commission view the fact that in the context of the single market products that vary in quality may be distributed and sold to consumers under the same well-known and trusted name (for example, ibuprofen)? |
| --- | --- |

1.

How does the Commission view the fact that in the context of the single market products that vary in quality may be distributed and sold to consumers under the same well-known and trusted name (for example, ibuprofen)?

| 2. | What quality requirements apply to the composition of these privately produced OTC medicines? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What quality requirements apply to the composition of these privately produced OTC medicines?

| 3. | How can the effectiveness of these products be monitored retroactively if the quantities of active substances in their composition vary? Have studies of the effectiveness of different compositions been conducted? |
| --- | --- |

3.

How can the effectiveness of these products be monitored retroactively if the quantities of active substances in their composition vary? Have studies of the effectiveness of different compositions been conducted?

| 4. | In the 28-member EU, are there any Member States which regulate the access of these products to their domestic market by means of national legislation, or is there a genuine internal market in OTC medicines? |
| --- | --- |

4.

In the 28-member EU, are there any Member States which regulate the access of these products to their domestic market by means of national legislation, or is there a genuine internal market in OTC medicines?

Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2013)

A medicinal product can be placed on the EU market only after a marketing authorisation has been granted in accordance with the pharmaceutical legislation (587), after its quality, safety and efficacy have been evaluated and a positive benefit-risk balance related to its use has been concluded. Each medicinal product has its name, which may be either an invented name or a common or scientific name (e.g. ibuprofen) accompanied by a trade mark or the name of the marketing authorisation holder. Different medicinal products may contain the same active substance (e.g. ibuprofen), however in different quantity.

The legislation1 sets strict requirements for the quality, safety and efficacy data which must be submitted with a marketing authorisation application. An authorisation, which allows that the product is put on the market, is granted either by the Commission for the entire EU or by a Member State for its own territory. The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) products have marketing authorisations granted by the Member States. The pharmaceutical legislation1 provides for regulatory instruments for the review of the effectiveness of the products, i.e. its efficacy in real use conditions, if relevant for the benefit-risk assessment of the product, independently from the quantity of the active substance.

The marketing authorisation requirements and procedures for centrally and nationally authorised products are harmonised for the whole EU by the directive 2001/83/EC1. However, pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products are subject to competence of the Member States.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010485/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(16. September 2013)

Betrifft: Zukunft der EU-Arbeitsgruppe zum Bürokratieabbau

Medienberichten zufolge hat die EU-Arbeitsgruppe zum Bürokratieabbau unter der Leitung von Edmund Stoiber seit 2008 mehr als 300 Vorschläge zum Abbau von Verwaltungslasten gemacht. Diese Vorschläge zusammengenommen hätten europäischen Unternehmen 41 Milliarden EUR an Kosten erspart. Maßnahmen mit einem Einsparvolumen von 30 Milliarden seien schon beschlossen, aber noch nicht umgesetzt worden, da bis zur Umsetzung durchschnittlich sieben Jahre vergingen. Das Mandat der Arbeitsgruppe läuft im Oktober 2014 aus.

| 1. | Warum dauert es nach Veröffentlichung der Vorschläge so lange, bis die Maßnahmen umgesetzt werden? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Warum dauert es nach Veröffentlichung der Vorschläge so lange, bis die Maßnahmen umgesetzt werden?

| 2. | Welche Zwischenbilanz zieht die Kommission über die Arbeit der Expertengruppe seit 2007? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welche Zwischenbilanz zieht die Kommission über die Arbeit der Expertengruppe seit 2007?

| 3. | Wird die Expertengruppe nach 2014 fortgeführt oder aufgelöst? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Wird die Expertengruppe nach 2014 fortgeführt oder aufgelöst?

| 4. | Welche anderen Maßnahmen hat die Kommission seit 2007 ergriffen, um den Bürokratieabbau zu beschleunigen, und welche Maßnahmen sind derzeit noch in der Planungs‐ oder Vorbereitungsphase? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welche anderen Maßnahmen hat die Kommission seit 2007 ergriffen, um den Bürokratieabbau zu beschleunigen, und welche Maßnahmen sind derzeit noch in der Planungs‐ oder Vorbereitungsphase?

Antwort von Herrn Barroso im Namen der Kommission

(28. Oktober 2013)

Die Hochrangige Gruppe unabhängiger Interessenträger im Bereich Verwaltungslasten wurde 2007 (588) eingerichtet, damit sie die Kommission in Fragen im Zusammenhang mit dem Aktionsprogramm zur Verringerung der Verwaltungslasten in der Europäischen Union unterstützt. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in der Antwort auf die schriftliche Anfrage Nr. E-3726/13 (589) und auf der Website des Generalsekretariats (590).

| 1. | Nach der Annahme eines Vorschlags durch die Kommission muss dieser das EU-Rechtsetzungsverfahren durchlaufen und ist dann oft von den Mitgliedstaaten umzusetzen. Dies erklärt die lange Zeitspanne zwischen der Veröffentlichung eines Vorschlags und seiner Umsetzung. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Nach der Annahme eines Vorschlags durch die Kommission muss dieser das EU-Rechtsetzungsverfahren durchlaufen und ist dann oft von den Mitgliedstaaten umzusetzen. Dies erklärt die lange Zeitspanne zwischen der Veröffentlichung eines Vorschlags und seiner Umsetzung.

| 2. | Die Hochrangige Gruppe hat mit ihren Stellungnahmen zu einer Vielfalt von Themen zur erfolgreichen Durchführung des Aktionsprogramms zur Verringerung der Verwaltungslasten beigetragen. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Die Hochrangige Gruppe hat mit ihren Stellungnahmen zu einer Vielfalt von Themen zur erfolgreichen Durchführung des Aktionsprogramms zur Verringerung der Verwaltungslasten beigetragen.

| 3. | Jegliche Entscheidung über das Schicksal der Gruppe nach Auslaufen ihres Mandats am 31.10.2014 wird von der nächsten Kommission zu treffen sein. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Jegliche Entscheidung über das Schicksal der Gruppe nach Auslaufen ihres Mandats am 31.10.2014 wird von der nächsten Kommission zu treffen sein.

| 4. | Die Maßnahmen zur Verringerung der Verwaltungslasten, die die Kommission jüngst ergriffen oder vorgeschlagen hat, sind in folgenden Dokumenten zu finden: |
| --- | --- |

4.

Die Maßnahmen zur Verringerung der Verwaltungslasten, die die Kommission jüngst ergriffen oder vorgeschlagen hat, sind in folgenden Dokumenten zu finden:

| — | Mitteilung der Kommission „Regulatorische Eignung der EU-Vorschriften“, KOM(2012)746 vom 12.12.2012 |
| --- | --- |

—

Mitteilung der Kommission „Regulatorische Eignung der EU-Vorschriften“, KOM(2012)746 vom 12.12.2012

| — | Mitteilung der Kommission „Intelligente Regulierung — Anpassung an die Bedürfnisse kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen“, KOM(2013)122 vom 7.3.2013 |
| --- | --- |

—

Mitteilung der Kommission „Intelligente Regulierung — Anpassung an die Bedürfnisse kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen“, KOM(2013)122 vom 7.3.2013

| — | Mitteilung der Kommission „Folgemaßnahmen der Kommission zu den 10 wichtigsten Konsultationen der KMU zur EU-Regulierung“, KOM(2013)446 vom 18.6.2013 |
| --- | --- |

—

Mitteilung der Kommission „Folgemaßnahmen der Kommission zu den 10 wichtigsten Konsultationen der KMU zur EU-Regulierung“, KOM(2013)446 vom 18.6.2013

| — | Arbeitsunterlage der Kommissionsdienststellen „Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): Initial Results of the Mapping of the Acquis“, SWD(2013)401 vom 1.8.2013 |
| --- | --- |

—

Arbeitsunterlage der Kommissionsdienststellen „Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): Initial Results of the Mapping of the Acquis“, SWD(2013)401 vom 1.8.2013

| — | Mitteilung der Kommission „Effizienz und Leistungsfähigkeit der Rechtsetzung (REFIT): Ergebnisse und Ausblick“, KOM(2013)685 vom 2.10.2013 |
| --- | --- |

—

Mitteilung der Kommission „Effizienz und Leistungsfähigkeit der Rechtsetzung (REFIT): Ergebnisse und Ausblick“, KOM(2013)685 vom 2.10.2013

| — | Studie über die Kosten der kumulativen Wirkung der Einhaltung des EU-Rechts für KMU |
| --- | --- |

—

Studie über die Kosten der kumulativen Wirkung der Einhaltung des EU-Rechts für KMU

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010485/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Future of the EU High Level Group on Administrative Burdens

According to reports in the media, the EU High Level Group on Administrative Burdens, chaired by Edmund Stoiber since 2008, has put forward more than 300 proposals for reducing administrative burdens, which, in total, have saved European undertakings EUR 41 billion in costs. According to the reports, measures resulting in savings of EUR 30 billion have already been approved, but have not yet been implemented, as the average time to implementation is seven years. The mandate of the High Level Group expires in October 2014.

| 1. | Why does it take so long for the measures to be implemented after the proposals have been published? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Why does it take so long for the measures to be implemented after the proposals have been published?

| 2. | What is the Commission’s provisional appraisal of the work of the High Level Group since 2007? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What is the Commission’s provisional appraisal of the work of the High Level Group since 2007?

| 3. | Will the High Level Group continue to exist after 2014 or will it be disbanded? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Will the High Level Group continue to exist after 2014 or will it be disbanded?

| 4. | What other measures has the Commission taken since 2007 in order to accelerate the reduction of administration burdens, and what measures are currently still in the planning or preparation stage? |
| --- | --- |

4.

What other measures has the Commission taken since 2007 in order to accelerate the reduction of administration burdens, and what measures are currently still in the planning or preparation stage?

Answer given by Mr Barroso on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2013)

The High Level Group on Administrative Burdens (HLG) was set up in 2007 (591) to advise the Commission with regard to the Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens (ABR) in the EU. For further details, please refer to the answer to Written Question E-3726/13 (592) and also the website of the Secretariat-General (593).

| 1. | After the Commission has adopted a proposal, it has to go through the EU legislative procedure and often then has to be implemented by Member States. This explains the time-lag between publication of proposals and their implementation. |
| --- | --- |

1.

After the Commission has adopted a proposal, it has to go through the EU legislative procedure and often then has to be implemented by Member States. This explains the time-lag between publication of proposals and their implementation.

| 2. | The HLG has contributed to the successful achievement of the ABR Programme through opinions across a broad range of aspects. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The HLG has contributed to the successful achievement of the ABR Programme through opinions across a broad range of aspects.

| 3. | Any decision about the position after the end of the current HLG mandate on 31.10.2014 will be taken by the next Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Any decision about the position after the end of the current HLG mandate on 31.10.2014 will be taken by the next Commission.

| 4. | Recent measures taken or planned by the Commission to reduce administration burdens are referred to in: |
| --- | --- |

4.

Recent measures taken or planned by the Commission to reduce administration burdens are referred to in:

| — | Communication on ‘EU Regulatory Fitness’ (COM(2012) 746) of 12.12.2012; |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication on ‘EU Regulatory Fitness’ (COM(2012) 746) of 12.12.2012;

| — | Communication on ‘Smart regulation — Responding to the needs of SMEs’ (COM(2013) 122) of 7.3.2013; |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication on ‘Smart regulation — Responding to the needs of SMEs’ (COM(2013) 122) of 7.3.2013;

| — | Communication on the ‘Follow-up to the “TOP TEN” Consultation of SMEs on EU Regulation’ (COM(2013) 446) of 18.6.2013; |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication on the ‘Follow-up to the “TOP TEN” Consultation of SMEs on EU Regulation’ (COM(2013) 446) of 18.6.2013;

| — | Staff Working Document on ‘Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): Initial Results of the Mapping of the Acquis’ (SWD(2013) 401) of 1.8.2013; |
| --- | --- |

—

Staff Working Document on ‘Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): Initial Results of the Mapping of the Acquis’ (SWD(2013) 401) of 1.8.2013;

| — | Communication on ‘REFIT: Results and Next Steps’ (COM(2013) 685) of 2.10.2013. |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication on ‘REFIT: Results and Next Steps’ (COM(2013) 685) of 2.10.2013.

| — | Study on the cost of cumulative effects of compliance with EC law for SMEs. |
| --- | --- |

—

Study on the cost of cumulative effects of compliance with EC law for SMEs.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010486/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(16. September 2013)

Betrifft: Europäisches Binnen-Internet

In ihrer Antwort auf die Anfrage E-006771/2013 von Hans-Peter Martin schreibt Kommissionsmitglied Reding im Namen der Kommission, dass die Kommission durch die Rahmenprogramme für Forschung (FP7) sowie für Wirtschaft und Innovation (CIP) den Ausbau der europäischen Internetindustrie unterstützt. Im Rahmen der Enthüllungen über das US-Spionageprogramm „PRISM“ sowie das britische Pendant „Tempora“ wurde deutlich, dass es möglich ist, einen Großteil des europäischen Internetverkehrs abzufangen, weil der Internetverkehr aufgrund der jetzigen Form der Internetinfrastruktur über Server in Drittländern verarbeitet wird. Einige deutsche Unternehmen werben mit dem Slogan „Internet made in Germany“ dafür, dass Daten nach Möglichkeit nicht außerhalb des Landes verschickt werden, um die durch die Nutzung ausländischer Infrastruktur mögliche Spionage zu vermeiden.

| 1. | Sieht die Kommission kurzfristig oder langfristig Möglichkeiten, zu verhindern, dass innereuropäische Internet-Datenströme durch Drittstaaten geleitet werden? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Sieht die Kommission kurzfristig oder langfristig Möglichkeiten, zu verhindern, dass innereuropäische Internet-Datenströme durch Drittstaaten geleitet werden?

| 2. | Sieht die Kommission eine Möglichkeit und Notwendigkeit, eine alternative, binneneuropäische Internetinfrastruktur aufzubauen, um zu verhindern, dass Datenströme über spionierende oder Grund‐ und Datenschutzrechte verletzende Drittstaaten geleitet werden? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Sieht die Kommission eine Möglichkeit und Notwendigkeit, eine alternative, binneneuropäische Internetinfrastruktur aufzubauen, um zu verhindern, dass Datenströme über spionierende oder Grund‐ und Datenschutzrechte verletzende Drittstaaten geleitet werden?

| 3. | Welche sonstigen Möglichkeiten sieht die Kommission, um europäische Internet-Datenströme vor Spionage und Attacken von Drittstaaten zu schützen? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welche sonstigen Möglichkeiten sieht die Kommission, um europäische Internet-Datenströme vor Spionage und Attacken von Drittstaaten zu schützen?

Antwort von Frau Kroes im Namen der Kommission

(12. November 2013)

Nach Ansicht der Kommission geben die aktuellen Medienberichte, wonach die Behörden der Vereinigten Staaten mithilfegroßer amerikanischer Online-Dienstleister in großem Umfang auf in der EU generierte Daten zugreifen und diese verarbeiten, Anlass zur Sorge. Die Kommission hat die zuständigen Amtsträger in den USA um Klarstellung der in den Medienberichten aufgeworfenen Fragen ersucht. Ferner wurde eine Sachverständigengruppe aus Vertretern der EU und der USA zum Thema Datenschutz eingerichtet.

Die Kommission wird dem Europäischen Parlament und dem Rat auf der Grundlage der zusammengetragenen Informationen noch vor Ende des Jahres Bericht erstatten.

Sie wird zudem ihre breiter angelegten Arbeiten zur Internet-Governance, die auch den Aspekt der Internet-Infrastruktur betreffen, fortsetzen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010486/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: European internal Internet

In its answer to Question E-006771/2013 raised by Hans-Peter Martin, Commissioner Reding states on behalf of the Commission that it is supporting the development of the European Internet industry through the Seventh Research Framework programme (FP7) and the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP). Following the revelations concerning the US surveillance programme ‘PRISM’ and the UK equivalent ‘Tempora’ it became clear that it is possible to intercept a large proportion of European Internet traffic, because, due to the current configuration of the Internet infrastructure, the Internet traffic is processed via servers in third countries. With the slogan ‘Internet made in Germany’, some German undertakings are campaigning for data, where possible, not to be sent outside the country, in order to avoid any potential surveillance as a result of using foreign infrastructure.

| 1. | Does the Commission see, in the short or long term, any means of avoiding internal European Internet data streams being routed through third countries? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission see, in the short or long term, any means of avoiding internal European Internet data streams being routed through third countries?

| 2. | Does the Commission see a possibility and a need to develop an alternative internal European Internet infrastructure in order to prevent data streams from being routed via third countries that carry out surveillance or violate fundamental or data protection rights? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Does the Commission see a possibility and a need to develop an alternative internal European Internet infrastructure in order to prevent data streams from being routed via third countries that carry out surveillance or violate fundamental or data protection rights?

| 3. | What other options does the Commission see for protecting European Internet data streams against surveillance and attacks by third countries? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What other options does the Commission see for protecting European Internet data streams against surveillance and attacks by third countries?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

The Commission is concerned about recent media reports that United States authorities are accessing and processing, on a large scale, data generated in the EU using major US online service providers. The Commission has requested clarifications from the US counterparts regarding the issues raised by the reports in the media. An EU-US expert group on data protection has been established.

Based on the information gathered, the Commission will report back to the European Parliament and the Council before the end of the year.

In addition, the Commission is continuing its wider work on Internet governance including the issue of the Internet infrastructure.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung E-010487/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(16. September 2013)

Betrifft: Mitglieder der Expertengruppe Europäische Wertpapiermärkte (EGESC)

Im Register der Expertengruppen der Kommission werden die Mitglieder der Expertengruppe Europäische Wertpapiermärkte (EGESC) lediglich als Angehörige der nationalen Behörden der Mitgliedstaaten und nicht als Einzelpersonen namentlich aufgeführt.

| 1. | Kann die Kommission die einzelnen Mitglieder aus jedem Mitgliedstaat, die an den Sitzungen der Expertengruppe Europäische Wertpapiermärkte (EGESC) teilnehmen, nennen? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Kann die Kommission die einzelnen Mitglieder aus jedem Mitgliedstaat, die an den Sitzungen der Expertengruppe Europäische Wertpapiermärkte (EGESC) teilnehmen, nennen?

| 2. | Falls nicht: Weshalb kann die Kommission den MdEP diese Angaben nicht übermitteln? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Falls nicht: Weshalb kann die Kommission den MdEP diese Angaben nicht übermitteln?

Antwort von Herrn Barnier im Namen der Kommission

(14. November 2013)

Gemäß der Geschäftsordnung der Sachverständigengruppe des Europäischen Wertpapierausschusses (EGESC) gehören dieser die Mitgliedstaaten an. Es steht jedem Mitgliedstaat frei zu entscheiden, wer ihn vertritt. Die Geschäftsordnung der EGESC sieht ausdrücklich vor, dass auf der Anwesenheitsliste, die das Sekretariat der EGESC bei jeder Sitzung erstellt, die Behörde, Einrichtung oder Stelle aufzuführen ist, der der jeweilige Teilnehmer angehört. Gemäß Bestimmung 18 der Rahmenregelung für Expertengruppen der Kommission (K(2010)7649 endg.) müssen, wenn es sich bei den Mitgliedern von Expertengruppen um Behörden von Mitgliedstaaten handelt, die Namen der einzelnen Behörden, denen die gewöhnlich an den Sitzungen teilnehmenden Experten angehören, oder die Namen der an den Sitzungen teilnehmenden Einzelpersonen nicht im Register der Expertengruppen der Kommission und anderer ähnlicher Einrichtungen veröffentlicht werden. Da die nationalen Behörden oder Stellen, die an den Sitzungen der Sachverständigengruppe teilnehmen, von Sitzung zu Sitzung variieren, gibt es kein festes Verzeichnis dieser Behörden.

In der Praxis unterrichtet der Vorsitzende der EGESC stets das Europäische Parlament über die bevorstehenden EGESC-Sitzungen, und auf Ersuchen des Parlaments werden Sachverständige des ECON-Sekretariats in ihrer Eigenschaft als Beobachter zur Mitarbeit in der Sachverständigengruppe eingeladen.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010487/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Members of the Expert Group of the European Securities Committee (EGESC)

The Commission’s register of expert groups merely lists the EGESC members as members of the national administrations of the Member States, and not as individuals by name.

| 1. | Can the Commission list the individual members from each Member State participating in the meetings of the EGESC? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Can the Commission list the individual members from each Member State participating in the meetings of the EGESC?

| 2. | If not, why is the Commission unable to provide MEPs with this information? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If not, why is the Commission unable to provide MEPs with this information?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2013)

According to the Rules of Procedure of the Expert Group of the European Securities Committee (EGESC), the members of the EGESC are the Member States. It is for each Member State to decide who will represent them. The Rules of Procedure of the EGESC explicitly indicate that an attendance list drawn up by the Secretariat of the EGESC at each meeting should specify the authorities, organisations and bodies to which the participants belong. Pursuant to Rule 18 of the framework for Commission Expert Groups (C(2010) 7649 final), where the members of expert groups are Member States' authorities, it is not mandatory to publish in the Register of Commission Expert Groups and Other Similar Entities neither the specific administrations to which experts usually participating in the meetings belong nor the names of individual experts attending meetings. In fact, since the national authorities or bodies which participate in the expert group meetings vary from meeting to meeting, there is no fixed list of such authorities.

It is established practice that the Chair of the EGESC always informs the European Parliament about the upcoming EGESC meetings and, upon request from the Parliament, experts from the ECON Secretariat have been invited, in their observer capacity, to participate in the work of the expert group.

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010488/13

à la Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(16 septembre 2013)

Objet: Statistiques sur la protection des mineurs

Le manque de statistiques officielles fiables concernant les mineurs non accompagnés est criant.

La Commission pourrait-elle améliorer la collecte de statistiques sur ces mineurs, notamment en ce qui concerne leur âge et leur sexe, et permettre une meilleure comparabilité de cette collecte entre les différents États membres?

Pourrait-elle mettre en place une méthode coordonnée de collecte et d'échange d'informations dans chaque État membre, tout en garantissant la protection des données à caractère personnel, via des plates-formes regroupant tous les acteurs impliqués dans la problématique des mineurs non accompagnés et via une liste des points de contact nationaux, en utilisant davantage les outils disponibles pour recueillir des statistiques au niveau européen, comme Eurostat, Frontex, le Bureau européen d'appui en matière d'asile (BEAA) et le Réseau européen des migrations?

Réponse donnée par Mme Malmström au nom de la Commission

(7 novembre 2013)

Dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du plan d'action pour les mineurs non accompagnés (2010-2014), les lignes directrices concernant la collecte des données prévue par l'article 6 du règlement relatif aux statistiques sur la migration ont été révisées, afin de remédier aux lacunes constatées en la matière (janvier 2011).

Il existe déjà des statistiques sur les mineurs non accompagnés demandeurs d'asile, mais les données concernant ceux qui ne demandent pas l'asile sont lacunaires. C'est ce que montre clairement le document de travail des services de la Commission accompagnant le rapport à mi-parcours relatif à la mise en œuvre du Plan d'action pour les mineurs non accompagnés (594), adopté l'an passé.

À la suite de la révision des lignes directrices mentionnées ci-dessus, plusieurs États membres établissent désormais des rapports sur les enfants non accompagnés qui ne sont pas demandeurs d'asile. La Commission et Eurostat encouragent tous les États membres à exploiter pleinement le règlement sur les statistiques et les lignes directrices révisées, afin d'englober la totalité des enfants non accompagnés, quel que soit leur statut.

D'autres statistiques sur les mineurs non accompagnés dans les États membres de l'Union européenne sont recueillies par le réseau européen des migrations (595), (596).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010488/13

to the Commission

Marc Tarabella (S&D)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Statistics on the protection of minors

There is a glaring lack of reliable official statistics on unaccompanied minors.

Could the Commission improve the collection of statistics on such minors, including age and gender statistics, and improve the comparability of statistics collection across Member States?

Could it establish a coordinated method for gathering and sharing information in each Member State, while ensuring that personal data is protected, by means of platforms bringing together all parties involved in the issue of unaccompanied minors and of a list of national contact points and to make better use of the tools already available to collect statistics at EU level, such as Eurostat, Frontex, the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and the European Migration Network?

Answer given by Ms Malmström on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2013)

As part of the implementation of the action plan on Unaccompanied Minors (2010-2014), the Guidelines for data collection under Article 6 of the Migration Statistics Regulation were revised to help address the shortcomings in data collection (January 2011).

Statistics on asylum-seeking children who are unaccompanied have been available for some time, but for those not seeking asylum the data still shows gaps. This is illustrated by the data included in the Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the Mid-term Report on the Implementation of the action plan on Unaccompanied Minors (597), which was adopted last year.

As a consequence of the revision of the abovementioned Guidelines, several Member States now also report unaccompanied children who are not seeking asylum. The Commission is working with Eurostat to encourage all Member States to make full use of the Statistics Regulation and the revised Guidelines, so as to ensure all unaccompanied children are included, regardless of their status.

Additional statistics on unaccompanied minors in the EU Member States have been collected by the European Migration Network (598)
   (599).

(Version française)

Question avec demande de réponse écrite E-010489/13

à la Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(16 septembre 2013)

Objet: Vers un accord de partenariat particulier entre Monaco et l'Union européenne

Suite à la communication de la Commission du 20 novembre 2012 intitulée «Relations de l'UE avec la Principauté d'Andorre, la Principauté de Monaco et la République de Saint-Marin — Options d'intégration plus poussée à l'UE», le Conseil a décidé, le 20 décembre 2012, d'approfondir la réflexion sur le rapprochement entre l'UE et les trois pays concernés, en privilégiant deux options: soit la participation de ces pays de petite dimension territoriale à l'espace économique européen, soit la négociation d'un ou de plusieurs accords-cadres d'association avec ces pays.

Après plusieurs mois de discussions préparatoires avec la Commission, le Chef du gouvernement de Monaco, Michel Roger, s'est prononcé, le 10 septembre dernier, en faveur d'un «accord de partenariat particulier» entre Monaco et l'UE, la Principauté n'envisageant pas une intégration dans l'UE ni même dans l'Espace économique européen en raison de ses spécificités. Monaco espère que les négociations formelles avec la Commission pourront être lancées en ce sens début 2014.

| 1. | Quelles solutions imaginatives la Commission compte-t-elle proposer pour prendre en compte la singularité monégasque dans le rapprochement UE-Monaco? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Quelles solutions imaginatives la Commission compte-t-elle proposer pour prendre en compte la singularité monégasque dans le rapprochement UE-Monaco?

| 2. | Compte tenu de l'intégration européenne sans cesse plus poussée de la France, avec laquelle elle est très liée, la Principauté de Monaco fait état de «difficultés économiques» notamment pour son industrie pharmaceutique, pour les sociétés de transports, ainsi que pour l'installation des Monégasques dans les autres pays européens. Quelle est l'analyse de la Commission sur ces différents points? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Compte tenu de l'intégration européenne sans cesse plus poussée de la France, avec laquelle elle est très liée, la Principauté de Monaco fait état de «difficultés économiques» notamment pour son industrie pharmaceutique, pour les sociétés de transports, ainsi que pour l'installation des Monégasques dans les autres pays européens. Quelle est l'analyse de la Commission sur ces différents points?

| 3. | La Commission a-t-elle évalué les retombées en termes de croissance, d'investissement, d'innovation et d'emploi au profit de l'UE (et surtout des régions voisines de Monaco) liées à l'approfondissement du rapprochement entre l'UE et Monaco? |
| --- | --- |

3.

La Commission a-t-elle évalué les retombées en termes de croissance, d'investissement, d'innovation et d'emploi au profit de l'UE (et surtout des régions voisines de Monaco) liées à l'approfondissement du rapprochement entre l'UE et Monaco?

| 4. | Au-delà de l'aspect économique, le rapprochement portera-t-il aussi sur une plus grande coordination des positions de l'UE et de Monaco en matière de politique internationale, de défense de Droits de l'homme dans le monde et de diplomatie environnementale, sujets pour lesquels l'action de Monaco est saluée? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Au-delà de l'aspect économique, le rapprochement portera-t-il aussi sur une plus grande coordination des positions de l'UE et de Monaco en matière de politique internationale, de défense de Droits de l'homme dans le monde et de diplomatie environnementale, sujets pour lesquels l'action de Monaco est saluée?

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

(4 novembre 2013)

| 1. | La Commission procède actuellement à l'analyse des deux options et envisage d'adopter un rapport présentant des recommandations pour les prochaines étapes d'ici la fin de 2013, conformément à la demande du Conseil. S'agissant des relations futures, il est essentiel d'assurer l'homogénéité et le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur dans l'éventualité de la participation de Monaco, d'Andorre et de Saint-Marin. Plus particulièrement, des règles communes, assorties d'une politique très complète en matière d'application, sont essentielles. D'autre part, il importera de tenir compte des spécificités de chaque pays, conformément à la déclaration de l'article 8 du TUE. |
| --- | --- |

1.

La Commission procède actuellement à l'analyse des deux options et envisage d'adopter un rapport présentant des recommandations pour les prochaines étapes d'ici la fin de 2013, conformément à la demande du Conseil. S'agissant des relations futures, il est essentiel d'assurer l'homogénéité et le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur dans l'éventualité de la participation de Monaco, d'Andorre et de Saint-Marin. Plus particulièrement, des règles communes, assorties d'une politique très complète en matière d'application, sont essentielles. D'autre part, il importera de tenir compte des spécificités de chaque pays, conformément à la déclaration de l'article 8 du TUE.

| 2. | La Commission a pleinement connaissance de ces questions, dont plusieurs ont été traitées dans le document de travail des services de la Commission (600) qui accompagnait sa communication de 2012. L'analyse actuellement entreprise par la Commission vise à identifier des solutions mutuellement acceptables pour résoudre ce type de questions. |
| --- | --- |

2.

La Commission a pleinement connaissance de ces questions, dont plusieurs ont été traitées dans le document de travail des services de la Commission (600) qui accompagnait sa communication de 2012. L'analyse actuellement entreprise par la Commission vise à identifier des solutions mutuellement acceptables pour résoudre ce type de questions.

| 3. | La communication de la Commission du 20 novembre 2012 (601) résumait les retombées économiques pour l'UE et les pays de petite taille, y compris Monaco, résultant de la participation de ces pays au marché intérieur. Les régions des États membres limitrophes de ces pays seraient susceptibles d'en bénéficier le plus. |
| --- | --- |

3.

La communication de la Commission du 20 novembre 2012 (601) résumait les retombées économiques pour l'UE et les pays de petite taille, y compris Monaco, résultant de la participation de ces pays au marché intérieur. Les régions des États membres limitrophes de ces pays seraient susceptibles d'en bénéficier le plus.

| 4. | La communication précitée a examiné la possibilité d'une coopération accrue entre l'UE et les pays de petite taille au-delà du marché intérieur. La Commission est consciente du rôle de Monaco sur la scène internationale dans des domaines d'action spécifiques et apprécierait l'opportunité de renforcer la coopération sur des objectifs partagés, dans la mesure du possible. |
| --- | --- |

4.

La communication précitée a examiné la possibilité d'une coopération accrue entre l'UE et les pays de petite taille au-delà du marché intérieur. La Commission est consciente du rôle de Monaco sur la scène internationale dans des domaines d'action spécifiques et apprécierait l'opportunité de renforcer la coopération sur des objectifs partagés, dans la mesure du possible.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010489/13

to the Commission

Gaston Franco (PPE)

(16 September 2013)

Subject: Towards a special partnership agreement between Monaco and the European Union

Following the Commission Communication of 20 November 2012 entitled ‘EU Relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino — Options for Closer Integration with the EU’, the Council, on 20 December 2012, decided to examine in greater detail bringing the EU and the three countries in question closer together, favouring two options: either participation of these countries of small territorial extension in the European Economic Area, or the negotiation of one or more framework association agreements with these countries.

After several months of preparatory talks with the Commission, the Monegasque Head of Government, Michel Roger, announced on 10 September 2013 that he was in favour of a ‘special partnership agreement’ between Monaco and the EU, as the Principality did not envisage becoming part of the EU or the European Economic Area due to its specific circumstances. Monaco hopes that formal talks on this with the Commission can start in early 2014.

| 1. | What imaginative solutions does the Commission plan to propose to account for Monaco’s uniqueness in bringing the EU and Monaco closer together? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What imaginative solutions does the Commission plan to propose to account for Monaco’s uniqueness in bringing the EU and Monaco closer together?

| 2. | In view of France’s endlessly closer European integration, France being a country with which Monaco has very close ties, the Principality is reporting economic difficulties, particularly with regard to its pharmaceutical industry, transport companies and Monegasque nationals settling in other European countries. What view does the Commission take of these issues? |
| --- | --- |

2.

In view of France’s endlessly closer European integration, France being a country with which Monaco has very close ties, the Principality is reporting economic difficulties, particularly with regard to its pharmaceutical industry, transport companies and Monegasque nationals settling in other European countries. What view does the Commission take of these issues?

| 3. | Has the Commission considered the benefits for the EU (and especially in regions bordering Monaco) in terms of growth, investment, innovation and jobs, associated with bringing the EU and Monaco closer together? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Has the Commission considered the benefits for the EU (and especially in regions bordering Monaco) in terms of growth, investment, innovation and jobs, associated with bringing the EU and Monaco closer together?

| 4. | Beyond economic considerations, will closer relations also lead to greater coordination of the EU’s and Monaco’s positions in terms of international policy, the defence of human rights across the world and environmental diplomacy, areas in which Monaco has been praised for its action? |
| --- | --- |

4.

Beyond economic considerations, will closer relations also lead to greater coordination of the EU’s and Monaco’s positions in terms of international policy, the defence of human rights across the world and environmental diplomacy, areas in which Monaco has been praised for its action?

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

(4 November 2013)

| 1. | The Commission is currently analysing the two options and aims to adopt a Report with recommendations on next steps by the end of 2013, as requested by the Council. Regarding future relations, it is essential to ensure the homogeneity and good functioning of the internal market in the event of the participation of Monaco, Andorra and San Marino. In particular, common rules and thorough enforcement are essential. On the other hand, it will be important to take into account each country's specific circumstances, in line with the Declaration on Article 8 TEU. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission is currently analysing the two options and aims to adopt a Report with recommendations on next steps by the end of 2013, as requested by the Council. Regarding future relations, it is essential to ensure the homogeneity and good functioning of the internal market in the event of the participation of Monaco, Andorra and San Marino. In particular, common rules and thorough enforcement are essential. On the other hand, it will be important to take into account each country's specific circumstances, in line with the Declaration on Article 8 TEU.

| 2. | The Commission is well aware of, and sensitive to these issues, many of which were documented in the Commission Staff Working Document (602) that accompanied its 2012 Communication. The analysis that the Commission is currently undertaking aims to identify mutually acceptable solutions to address these and other such issues. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Commission is well aware of, and sensitive to these issues, many of which were documented in the Commission Staff Working Document (602) that accompanied its 2012 Communication. The analysis that the Commission is currently undertaking aims to identify mutually acceptable solutions to address these and other such issues.

| 3. | The Commission Communication of 20 November 2012 (603) summarised the economic benefits that could accrue to the EU and the small-sized countries, including Monaco, through their participation in the internal market. Regions of Member States neighbouring these countries would be likely to benefit the most. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission Communication of 20 November 2012 (603) summarised the economic benefits that could accrue to the EU and the small-sized countries, including Monaco, through their participation in the internal market. Regions of Member States neighbouring these countries would be likely to benefit the most.

| 4. | The aforementioned Communication discussed the possibility of greater cooperation between the EU and the small-sized countries beyond the internal market. The Commission is aware of Monaco's international role in specific policy areas and would welcome the opportunity to strengthen cooperation on shared objectives, where feasible. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The aforementioned Communication discussed the possibility of greater cooperation between the EU and the small-sized countries beyond the internal market. The Commission is aware of Monaco's international role in specific policy areas and would welcome the opportunity to strengthen cooperation on shared objectives, where feasible.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010490/13

a la Comisión

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Intimidaciones, persecuciones y comparación con el nazismo de los participantes en la Vía Catalana por la independencia

En los días posteriores a la gran manifestación pacífica con ocasión del Día nacional de Cataluña, se han producido los siguientes hechos:

| — | Pau Pintó, concejal del PP en el ayuntamiento de Lleida, ha tachado de «

  asesinos

  »
  a los participantes en la Via Catalana en una imagen en su Facebook y los ha considerado cómplices de «matar a tantos barceloneses y españoles» (604). |
| --- | --- |

—

Pau Pintó, concejal del PP en el ayuntamiento de Lleida, ha tachado de «

  asesinos

  »
  a los participantes en la Via Catalana en una imagen en su Facebook y los ha considerado cómplices de «matar a tantos barceloneses y españoles» (604).

| — | El expresidente de Extremadura, Juan Carlos Rodríguez Ibarra, ha vuelto a comparar el independentismo catalán con el nazismo. En un comentario en su blog, dice que Cataluña hace
  «

  un ataque al Estado desde dentro del Estado

  »
  , que equipara con el ascenso de los nazis en Alemania o la llegada de Mussolini al poder en Italia. Ibarra afirma que las dos veces que España ha tenido una democracia estable, Cataluña ha
  «

  puesto palos en las ruedas

  »
  , con referencia a 1934 y al momento actual (605). |
| --- | --- |

—

El expresidente de Extremadura, Juan Carlos Rodríguez Ibarra, ha vuelto a comparar el independentismo catalán con el nazismo. En un comentario en su blog, dice que Cataluña hace
  «

  un ataque al Estado desde dentro del Estado

  »
  , que equipara con el ascenso de los nazis en Alemania o la llegada de Mussolini al poder en Italia. Ibarra afirma que las dos veces que España ha tenido una democracia estable, Cataluña ha
  «

  puesto palos en las ruedas

  »
  , con referencia a 1934 y al momento actual (605).

| — | La asociación de la extrema derecha españolista «La España en marcha» avisa de que el ataque a la Blanquerna es el «primer paso». Las organizaciones ultras y fascistas integradas en la iniciativa «La España en Marcha» —La Falange (FE), Nudo Patriota Español, Alianza Nacional, Democracia Nacional y Movimiento Católico Español— han emitido un comunicado con el que amenazan el proceso soberanista de Cataluña con un evidente:
  «

  No habrá acción secesionista sin respuesta
  »

   (606)
   (607). |
| --- | --- |

—

La asociación de la extrema derecha españolista «La España en marcha» avisa de que el ataque a la Blanquerna es el «primer paso». Las organizaciones ultras y fascistas integradas en la iniciativa «La España en Marcha» —La Falange (FE), Nudo Patriota Español, Alianza Nacional, Democracia Nacional y Movimiento Católico Español— han emitido un comunicado con el que amenazan el proceso soberanista de Cataluña con un evidente:
  «

  No habrá acción secesionista sin respuesta
  »

   (606)
   (607).

| — | La líder de UPyD, Rosa Díez, ha calificado este domingo de
  «

  negativo

  »
  a los nacionalismos y se ha mostrado contraria al llamado derecho a decidir reclamado por algunos partidos catalanes.
  «

  Hay gente que quiere la independencia igual que hay gente que quiere la pena de muerte

  »
  , ha defendido (608). |
| --- | --- |

—

La líder de UPyD, Rosa Díez, ha calificado este domingo de
  «

  negativo

  »
  a los nacionalismos y se ha mostrado contraria al llamado derecho a decidir reclamado por algunos partidos catalanes.
  «

  Hay gente que quiere la independencia igual que hay gente que quiere la pena de muerte

  »
  , ha defendido (608).

¿Tiene la Comisión conocimiento de estos hechos en flagrante violación a los valores de la UE?

¿Incorporará estos hechos en el informe que la Comisión elaborará antes del final de 2013?

Respuesta de la Sra. Reding en nombre de la Comisión

(29 de noviembre de 2013)

La Comisión entiende que el informe al que se refiere Su Señoría es el próximo informe de ejecución sobre la Decisión Marco 2008/913/JAI sobre el racismo y la xenofobia. A este respecto, la Comisión explica que su informe se centrará en la incorporación de esta Decisión al ordenamiento jurídico de los Estados miembros. Por lo tanto, no se referirá a sucesos concretos como los señalados por Su Señoría.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010490/13

to the Commission

Ramon Tremosa i Balcells (ALDE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Participants in the Catalan Way Towards Independence are intimidated, persecuted and compared to Nazis

The following events occurred in the wake of the large, peaceful demonstration that took place on the National Day of Catalonia:

| — | Pau Pintó, a Partido Popular councillor for Lleida Town Council, labelled participants in the Catalan Way as ‘murderers’ in an image on his Facebook page and stated that they were complicit in ‘killing so many of the people of Spain and Barcelona’. (609) |
| --- | --- |

—

Pau Pintó, a Partido Popular councillor for Lleida Town Council, labelled participants in the Catalan Way as ‘murderers’ in an image on his Facebook page and stated that they were complicit in ‘killing so many of the people of Spain and Barcelona’. (609)

| — | Juan Carlos Rodríguez Ibarra, the former President of Extremadura, once again compared the Catalan independence movement to Nazism. In a comment on his blog, he stated that Catalonia ‘attacks the state from inside the state’ and equated this attack with the rise of the Nazis in Germany or Mussolini’s rise to power in Italy. In reference to 1934 and the present, Ibarra stated that Catalonia has ‘thrown a spanner in the works’ during Spain’s two periods of stable democracy. (610) |
| --- | --- |

—

Juan Carlos Rodríguez Ibarra, the former President of Extremadura, once again compared the Catalan independence movement to Nazism. In a comment on his blog, he stated that Catalonia ‘attacks the state from inside the state’ and equated this attack with the rise of the Nazis in Germany or Mussolini’s rise to power in Italy. In reference to 1934 and the present, Ibarra stated that Catalonia has ‘thrown a spanner in the works’ during Spain’s two periods of stable democracy. (610)

| — | The far-right centralist association ‘La España en marcha’ [Spain on the March] warns that the attack on the Blanquerna cultural centre is the ‘first step’. The extremist and fascist organisations that make up ‘Spain on the March’ (La Falange (FE), Nudo Patriota Español, Alianza Nacional, Democracia Nacional and the Movimiento Católico Español) have issued a statement in which they threaten the sovereignty process under way in Catalonia: ‘There will be no separatist action that does not meet with a response’. (611)
   (612) |
| --- | --- |

—

The far-right centralist association ‘La España en marcha’ [Spain on the March] warns that the attack on the Blanquerna cultural centre is the ‘first step’. The extremist and fascist organisations that make up ‘Spain on the March’ (La Falange (FE), Nudo Patriota Español, Alianza Nacional, Democracia Nacional and the Movimiento Católico Español) have issued a statement in which they threaten the sovereignty process under way in Catalonia: ‘There will be no separatist action that does not meet with a response’. (611)
   (612)

| — | Last Sunday, Rosa Díez, the leader of Union, Progress and Democracy, described nationalist movements as ‘negative’ and expressed her opposition to the so-called right to decide demanded by some Catalan parties. ‘There are people who want independence just as there are people who want the death penalty’, she stated. (613) |
| --- | --- |

—

Last Sunday, Rosa Díez, the leader of Union, Progress and Democracy, described nationalist movements as ‘negative’ and expressed her opposition to the so-called right to decide demanded by some Catalan parties. ‘There are people who want independence just as there are people who want the death penalty’, she stated. (613)

Is the Commission aware of these events, which are in flagrant breach of the EU’s values?

Will these events be included in the report to be drawn up by the Commission before the end of 2013?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(29 November 2013)

The Commission understands that the report to which the Honourable Member is referring to is the forthcoming Commission implementation report on Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on racism and xenophobia. In this regard, the Commission would like to point out that its report will focus on the transposition of this framework Decision by the Member States. Consequently, it will not focus on individual events such as those highlighted by the Honourable Member.

(Wersja polska)

Pytanie wymagające odpowiedzi pisemnej E-010491/13

do Komisji

Paweł Zalewski (PPE) oraz Robert Sturdy (ECR)

(17 września 2013 r.)

Przedmiot: Spór handlowy trwający między UE a Rosją w sprawie opłat za recykling pojazdów

W 2012 r. Federacja Rosyjska przyjęła ustawę ramową w sprawie recyklingu pojazdów. W związku z tą ustawą nałożono opłaty recyklingowe na pojazdy z importu. Opłaty te mają zastosowanie do różnego rodzaju pojazdów silnikowych, w tym do samochodów osobowych, ciężarówek, autobusów i innych szczególnych pojazdów, i dotyczą zarówno nowych, jak i używanych pojazdów z importu. Wysokość opłat może wynosić od kilkuset euro do 150 000 euro w przypadku niektórych wysoko specjalistycznych ciężarówek.

Pojazdy produkowane w Rosji mogą być zwolnione z opłat recyklingowych, jeżeli zostały wyprodukowane w systemie montażu wprowadzonym na mocy Porozumienia w sprawie środków dotyczących inwestycji i związanych z handlem (TRIMs 1 lub TRIMs 2) lub też w wyniku pełnego cyklu produkcyjnego (łącznie ze spawaniem i lakierowaniem). Oznacza to, że prawie wszyscy producenci z UE mogą być w Rosji zwolnieni z opłat za lokalną produkcję, z wyjątkiem kilku producentów ciężarówek. Opłaty recyklingowe są nakładane na wszystkie pojazdy importowane z UE, natomiast pojazdy produkowane w Rosji są z tych opłat zwolnione. Ze zwolnienia z opłat tych mogą również korzystać pojazdy importowane z Kazachstanu i Białorusi. System ten dyskryminuje importerów i jako taki jest również niezgodny z większością głównych przepisów Międzynarodowej Organizacji Handlu (WTO), które zapewniają wolny i sprawiedliwy handel oraz zabraniają m.in. dyskryminowania importu.

Wyjaśnienia, jakich udzieliła Rosja na temat wspierania recyklingu pojazdów w ten szczególny sposób, wcale nie wydają się być odpowiednim środkiem ochrony środowiska w postępowaniu z pojazdami wycofanymi z użytku. Zamiast tego Rosja mogłaby podjąć skuteczniejsze środki ochrony środowiska, które nie dyskryminują zagranicznych wyrobów i są zgodne z handlowymi przepisami WTO.

Zważywszy na negatywny wpływ opłat recyklingowych nałożonych przez Rosję na eksporterów pojazdów z UE na rynek rosyjski, czy Komisja zamierza zwrócić się z wnioskiem o powołanie panelu WTO, aby bronić interesów UE w zabezpieczaniu i utrzymaniu otwartego i sprawiedliwego dostępu do rosyjskiego rynku motoryzacyjnego‐‐? Jeżeli Komisja nie zamierza składać wniosku o powołanie takiego panelu, jakie inne środki można podjąć, aby chronić interesy UE?

Odpowiedź udzielona przez komisarza Karela De Guchta w imieniu Komisji

(22 listopada 2013 r.)

Organ Rozstrzygania Sporów Światowej Organizacji Handlu (WTO) podczas posiedzenia w dniu 22 października 2013 r. poddał dyskusji wniosek Unii Europejskiej o powołanie zespołu orzekającego w celu zbadania zgodności rosyjskich środków, określanych jako „opłata recyklingowa”, z zasadami WTO. Tak jak się spodziewano, Rosja odmówiła powołania zespołu. Zgodnie z przepisami Porozumienia WTO o rozstrzyganiu sporów zespół, o który wnioskowała Unia Europejska, zostanie automatycznie powołany w trakcie następnej sesji Organu Rozstrzygania Sporów, która odbędzie się w dniu 20 listopada 2013 r.

Komisja w dalszym ciągu uważnie monitoruje procedury prawodawcze i administracyjne, które obecnie kształtują się w Rosji w odniesieniu do kwestionowanych środków.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010491/13

to the Commission

Paweł Zalewski (PPE) and Robert Sturdy (ECR)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Ongoing EU-Russia trade dispute over vehicle recycling fees

In 2012 the Russian Federation adopted a framework law on the recycling of vehicles. As a consequence, recycling fees have to be paid on imported vehicles. They apply to a wide range of motor vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, buses and other special categories of vehicle, and cover both new and used imported vehicles. They range from several hundred euros to as much as EUR 150 000 in the case of some highly specialised trucks.

Vehicles produced in Russia can be exempted from the recycling fee if they are produced under the assembly regime introduced by the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs 1 or TRIMs 2) or follow the full production cycle (including welding and painting). This means that almost all EU producers in Russia can be exempted for their local production, except for a few truck manufacturers. While the recycling fees are imposed on all imports from the EU, vehicles produced in Russia are exempted. An exemption is also available for vehicles imported from Kazakhstan and Belarus. This system is discriminatory for importers and, as such, is also incompatible with the most basic World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which ensure free and fair trade while prohibiting discrimination against — and among — imports.

The explanation given by Russia in support of recycling vehicles in this particular manner does not seem to be in any way an appropriate environmental measure to deal with end-of‐life vehicles. Instead, Russia could have opted for more effective environmental protection measures which do not discriminate against foreign products and are compatible with WTO trade rules.

Given the negative impact of Russia’s recycling fees on EU vehicle exporters to the Russian market, does the Commission plan to request the establishment of a WTO panel to defend the EU’s interests in securing and maintaining open and fair access within the Russian automotive sector? In the event that the Commission does not request such a panel, what other measures could be taken to protect the EU’s interests?

Answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(22 November 2013)

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) discussed the European Union's request for the establishment of a panel to examine the compatibility with WTO rules of the Russian measures known as ‘the recycling fee’, during its meeting of 22 October 2013. As expected, Russia refused the establishment of the panel. In accordance with the provisions of the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding, the panel requested by the European Union will be automatically established during the next DSB meeting, which will take place on 20 November 2013.

The Commission continues to monitor closely the legislative and administrative procedures that are currently developing in Russia, in relation to the challenged measures.

(Nederlandse versie)

Vraag met verzoek om schriftelijk antwoord E-010492/13

aan de Commissie

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(17 september 2013)

Betreft: Vervolgvragen betreffende puntensysteem visserij

Naar aanleiding van uw antwoorden op mijn vragen met kenmerk E-008468/2013 vindt u hieronder vervolgvragen.

| 1. | Vindt de Commissie het normaal dat bij de aankoop van een tweedehands auto, de opgelopen boetes voor verkeersovertredingen worden overgedragen naar de nieuwe eigenaar van de auto en de voormalige eigenaar hierdoor zijn boetes ontloopt? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Vindt de Commissie het normaal dat bij de aankoop van een tweedehands auto, de opgelopen boetes voor verkeersovertredingen worden overgedragen naar de nieuwe eigenaar van de auto en de voormalige eigenaar hierdoor zijn boetes ontloopt?

| 2. | Zo neen, waarom doet u dit dan precies met uw puntensysteem in de visserijsector? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Zo neen, waarom doet u dit dan precies met uw puntensysteem in de visserijsector?

Antwoord van mevrouw Damanaki namens de Commissie

(27 november 2013)

Het puntensysteem voor ernstige inbreuken dat is ingevoerd bij artikel 92 van de controleverordening (614) bestaat uit twee systemen, namelijk één voor de kapiteins en een ander voor de visvergunning. De punten die de kapitein wegens persoonlijk optreden heeft ontvangen, worden niet op de koper van het vaartuig overgedragen.

Wat betreft het puntensysteem voor visvergunningen, streeft de wetgever ernaar de nalevingsinstrumenten die ervoor moeten zorgen dat de maatregelen voor het behoud en het beheer van visbestanden worden geëerbiedigd, afschrikwekkender te maken. De ervaring heeft geleerd dat reders vaak illegale visserijactiviteiten uitoefenen door een berekend risico op het betalen van een geldboete te nemen. Als punten niet op een nieuwe eigenaar van de visvergunning werden overgedragen, zou een dader aan het economisch effect van het puntensysteem kunnen ontsnappen door gewoonweg zijn vergunning aan een andere marktdeelnemer te verkopen. In dergelijke omstandigheden heeft de wetgever een puntensysteem opgezet dat ook van invloed is op de economische waarde van de visvergunning in geval van een verkoop, met name door puntenoverdracht.

Dit systeem bestraft een potentiële koper echter niet, omdat de verkoper van de vergunning hem hoort in te lichten over de punten (artikel 128 van Verordening (EU) nr. 404/2011 (615)). Als gevolg daarvan kan de koper met kennis van zaken beslissen of hij een „beschadigd” vaartuig voor een lagere prijs aankoopt dan hij zou moeten betalen voor een visvergunning voor een vaartuig zonder punten.

De Commissie blijft van mening dat het bestaande puntensysteem voor ernstige inbreuken als bedoeld in de controleverordening goed uitgebalanceerd is en treffend potentiële inbreukplegers ontraadt ernstige strafbare feiten te plegen op het gebied van de visserij.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010492/13

to the Commission

Lucas Hartong (NI)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Follow-up questions concerning the penalty points system in the fisheries sector

Further to the Commission’s answer to my Question E-008468/2013, I should like to put some further questions.

| 1. | Does the Commission consider it normal that, when purchasing a second-hand car, the fines incurred for traffic offences should be transferred to the vehicle’s new owner and that the former owner should evade them as a result? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Does the Commission consider it normal that, when purchasing a second-hand car, the fines incurred for traffic offences should be transferred to the vehicle’s new owner and that the former owner should evade them as a result?

| 2. | If not, why does the Commission follow exactly the same procedure with the penalty points system in the fisheries sector? |
| --- | --- |

2.

If not, why does the Commission follow exactly the same procedure with the penalty points system in the fisheries sector?

Answer given by Ms Damanaki on behalf of the Commission

(27 November 2013)

The point system for serious infringements established under Article 92 of the Control Regulation (616) consists of two systems, namely one for masters and another one for the fishing licence. Points assigned to a master in his/her personal capacity are not transferred to a purchaser of the vessel.

As to the point system for fishing licences, the legislator's intention has been to increase the deterrence level of the compliance tools destined to ensure that measures for the conservation and management of fishery resources are respected. Experience has shown that often vessel owners engage in illegal activities by assuming a calculated risk to be fined. If points were not transferred to a new owner of the fishing licence, an offender could escape the economic effect of the point system by simply selling the licence to another operator. In such circumstances, the legislator has set up a point system that also affects the economic value of the fishing licence in case of a sale by transferring the points.

However, this does not penalise a potential buyer as the seller of the licence has to inform him of the points (Article 128 of Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 (617)). As a consequence the buyer can take an informed decision as to whether to purchase a blemished good for a lower price than she/he would have to pay for a fishing licence for a vessel without points.

The Commission continues to consider the point system for serious infringements of the Control Regulation in its current form to be well balanced and capable of effectively discouraging potential offenders from committing serious offences in the fields of fisheries.

(Hrvatska verzija)

Pitanje za pisani odgovor E-010493/13

upućeno Komisiji

Nikola Vuljanić (GUE/NGL)

(17. rujna 2013.)

Predmet: Hrvatska brodogradilišta i Europski fond za prilagodbu globalizaciji (EGF)

Hrvatska je provela privatizaciju brodogradilišta s ciljem njihova restrukturiranja i smanjivanja državnih subvencija sukladno odredbama Ugovora o pristupanju Hrvatske Europskoj uniji i u skladu s pravilima EU-a o tržišnom natjecanju.

Hrvatskim radnicima koji su proglašeni viškom u hrvatskim brodogradilištima pruža se mogućnost dobivanja pomoći iz Europskoga fonda za prilagodbu globalizaciji (European Globalisation Adjustment Fund — EGF).

Fond je namijenjen državama članicama Europske unije s ciljem da se lakše zbrinu ljudi čija su radna mjesta izgubljena zbog promjena u globalnim obrascima trgovanja.

| 1. | Osim Europskoga globalizacijskog fonda za prilagodbu (EGF), koje bi dodatne mjere Komisija mogla preporučiti za pomoć radnicima hrvatskih brodogradilišta koji su proglašeni viškom? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Osim Europskoga globalizacijskog fonda za prilagodbu (EGF), koje bi dodatne mjere Komisija mogla preporučiti za pomoć radnicima hrvatskih brodogradilišta koji su proglašeni viškom?

| 2. | Je li se pri izradi nacrta proračuna EFG-a u razdoblju od 2014. do 2020., odnosno smanjenju godišnje dostupnih sredstava sa 500 milijuna eura na maksimalnih 429 milijuna eura, uzelo u obzir proširenje Europske unije, tj. ulazak Hrvatske? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Je li se pri izradi nacrta proračuna EFG-a u razdoblju od 2014. do 2020., odnosno smanjenju godišnje dostupnih sredstava sa 500 milijuna eura na maksimalnih 429 milijuna eura, uzelo u obzir proširenje Europske unije, tj. ulazak Hrvatske?

Odgovor g. Andora u ime Komisije

(6. studenog 2013.)

Komisija je svjesna izazova s kojima se suočava hrvatsko tržište rada posebno u pogledu globalnih gospodarskih trendova. U slučajevima kada prilagodbe na tržištu rada uključuju otpuštanja, otpuštenim radnicima dostupne su podrške i inicijative u obliku mjera izobrazbe i prekvalifikacija koje sufinancira Europski socijalni fond (ESF). Hrvatskim operativnim programom ESF-a upravlja hrvatsko Ministarstvo rada i mirovinskog sustava. Osnivanje vlastitog poduzeća može biti rješenje za neke otpuštene radnike te se u tu svrhu može dobiti i pomoć od Europskog fonda za regionalni razvoj. Ministarstvo regionalnog razvoja i fondova Europske unije tijelo je koje upravlja programima ERDF-a.

U okviru prijedloga Komisije za višegodišnji financijski okvir uzima se u obzir pristupanje Hrvatske. Za razdoblje 2014. — 2020. najveći iznos sredstava dostupnih EGF-u u jednoj godini smanjit će se sa 500 milijuna EUR na dogovoreni iznos od 150 milijuna EUR (vrijednosti za 2011.). Budući da EGF neće nadomjestiti mjere potpore koje su dostupne otpuštenim radnicima u okviru strukturnih fondova Unije ili drugih politika ili programa Unije, a najveći godišnji doprinos EGF-a do sada (618) nalazi se ispod novog dogovorenog godišnjeg maksimuma, Komisija vjeruje da je ovaj iznos sredstava dovoljan za razdoblje 2014. — 2020.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010493/13

to the Commission

Nikola Vuljanić (GUE/NGL)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Croatian shipyards and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)

Croatia has privatised its shipyards in order to carry out restructuring and to reduce state subsidies in line with the provisions of Croatia's EU Accession Treaty and in accordance with EU rules on market competition.

Croatian shipyard workers who have been made redundant may receive assistance from the EGF.

The fund is intended to enable Member States to provide more effective assistance to those who have lost their jobs as a result of changes in global trade patterns.

| 1. | Besides the EGF, what other measures would the Commission recommend to assist Croatian shipyard workers who have been made redundant? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Besides the EGF, what other measures would the Commission recommend to assist Croatian shipyard workers who have been made redundant?

| 2. | Was the enlargement of the EU to include Croatia taken into consideration when the proposed 2014‐2020 EGF budget — in which the amount of funds made available annually is reduced from EUR 500 million to a maximum of EUR 429 million — was being drafted? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Was the enlargement of the EU to include Croatia taken into consideration when the proposed 2014‐2020 EGF budget — in which the amount of funds made available annually is reduced from EUR 500 million to a maximum of EUR 429 million — was being drafted?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission is aware of the challenges that Croatia's labour market is facing notably in view of global economic trends. Where resulting adaptations in the labour market involve redundancies, redundant workers may benefit from support and initiatives such as training and retraining measures that are co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). The Croatian ESF Operational Programme is managed by the Croatian Ministry of Labour. Starting up own business could be a solution for some of the redundant workers, and support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) may be allocated for this purpose. The Managing Authority for ERDF programmes is the Ministry of regional development and EU funds.

The Commission proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework took into account the accession of Croatia. For the period 2014-2020 the maximum amount of funds made available annually for the EGF will be reduced from EUR 500 million, to the now agreed figure of EUR 150 million (2011 prices). Since the EGF will not replace support measures which are available for redundant workers within the Union's Structural Funds or other Union policies or programmes and the highest annual EGF contribution granted so far (619) was below the newly agreed annual maximum amount, the Commission believes that this level of funds is likely to be sufficient for the period 2014-2020.

(Versão portuguesa)

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010494/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Sri Lanca

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Sri Lanca?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010495/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Sudão

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Sudão?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010496/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Suazilândia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Suazilândia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010497/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Tanzânia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Tanzânia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010498/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Togo

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Togo?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010499/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Tunísia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Tunísia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010500/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Tuvalu

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e Tuvalu?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010501/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio internacional — União Europeia e Uganda

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Uganda?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010502/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Uruguai

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Uruguai?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010503/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Vietname

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Vietname?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010504/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Zâmbia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Zâmbia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010505/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Zimbabué

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Zimbabué?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010506/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Índia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Índia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010507/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Indonésia

Considerando que:

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Pergunto à Comissão:

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Indonésia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010508/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Jamaica

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Jamaica?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010509/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Líbano

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Líbano?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010510/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Macedónia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Macedónia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010511/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Maláui

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Maláui?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010512/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Laos

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Laos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010513/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Libéria

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Libéria?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010514/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Madagáscar

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e Madagáscar?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010515/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Malásia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Malásia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010516/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Mauritânia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Mauritânia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010517/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Mali

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Mali?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010518/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Marrocos

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e Marrocos?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010519/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Moçambique

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e Moçambique?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010520/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Namíbia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Namíbia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010521/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Nicarágua

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Nicarágua?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010522/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Níger

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Níger?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010523/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Nigéria

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Nigéria?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010524/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Paquistão

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Paquistão?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010525/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio internacional — União Europeia e Panamá

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Panamá?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010526/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Paraguai

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Paraguai?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010527/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Peru

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Peru?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010528/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Ruanda

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Ruanda?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010529/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Senegal

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Senegal?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010530/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Sérvia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Sérvia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010531/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Serra Leoa

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Serra Leoa?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010532/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Somália

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Somália?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010533/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Quénia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Quénia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010534/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Quiribati

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Quiribati?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010535/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e São Tomé e Príncipe

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e São Tomé e Príncipe?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010536/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Azerbaijão

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Azerbaijão?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010537/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Argélia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Argélia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010538/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Baamas

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e as Baamas?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010539/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Bangladeche

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Bangladeche?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010540/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Bolívia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Bolívia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010541/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Botsuana

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Botsuana?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010542/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Burquina Faso

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Burquina Faso?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010543/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Albânia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Albânia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010544/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Arménia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Arménia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010545/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Cabo Verde

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e Cabo Verde?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010546/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Camboja

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Camboja?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010547/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Camarões

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e os Camarões?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010548/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Chade

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Chade?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010549/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Chile

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Chile?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010550/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e China

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a China?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010551/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Colômbia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Colômbia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010552/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Costa do Marfim

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Costa do Marfim?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010553/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio internacional — União Europeia e Costa Rica

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Costa Rica?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010554/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Jibuti

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Jibuti?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010555/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Egito

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Egito?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010556/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Equador

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Equador?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010557/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Eritreia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as específicas parcerias comerciais estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Eritreia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010558/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Etiópia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Etiópia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010559/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Gabão

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Gabão?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010560/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Gâmbia

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Gâmbia?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010561/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Gana

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Gana?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010562/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Guatemala

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Guatemala?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010563/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Guiné-Bissau

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e a Guiné-Bissau?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010564/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Haiti

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e o Haiti?

Pergunta com pedido de resposta escrita E-010565/13

à Comissão

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 de setembro de 2013)

Assunto: Comércio Internacional — União Europeia e Honduras

A União Europeia é considerada um dos principais promotores do comércio internacional, no cumprimento dos princípios próprios de um Estado de Direito.

Como avalia a Comissão, a este propósito, os resultados obtidos com as parcerias comerciais específicas estabelecidas entre a União Europeia e as Honduras?

Resposta conjunta dada por Karel De Gucht em nome da Comissão

(23 de outubro de 2013)

A Comissão gostaria de chamar a atenção do Senhor Deputado para as informações pertinentes sobre as relações comerciais da UE com cada um dos países disponíveis no sítio Web da Comissão Europeia (620) e em cada um dos sítios Web das delegações da UE (621). Estes sítios Web fornecem dados detalhados sobre as relações comerciais dos países e/ou grupos regionais com a UE, incluindo informações contextuais, estatísticas sobre o comércio, informações sobre negociações em curso, relatórios, comunicados de imprensa, declarações e outros documentos fundamentais.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010494/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Sri Lanka

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Sri Lanka?

Question for written answer E-010495/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Sudan

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Sudan?

Question for written answer E-010496/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Swaziland

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Swaziland?

Question for written answer E-010497/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Tanzania

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Tanzania?

Question for written answer E-010498/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Togo

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Togo?

Question for written answer E-010499/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Tunisia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Tunisia?

Question for written answer E-010500/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Tuvalu

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Tuvalu?

Question for written answer E-010501/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Uganda

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Uganda?

Question for written answer E-010502/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Uruguay

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Uruguay?

Question for written answer E-010503/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Vietnam

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Vietnam?

Question for written answer E-010504/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Zambia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Zambia?

Question for written answer E-010505/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Zimbabwe

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Zimbabwe?

Question for written answer E-010506/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and India

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and India?

Question for written answer E-010507/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Indonesia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Indonesia?

Question for written answer E-010508/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Jamaica

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Jamaica?

Question for written answer E-010509/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Lebanon

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Lebanon?

Question for written answer E-010510/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Macedonia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Macedonia?

Question for written answer E-010511/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Malawi

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Malawi?

Question for written answer E-010512/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Laos

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Laos?

Question for written answer E-010513/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Liberia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Liberia?

Question for written answer E-010514/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Madagascar

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Madagascar?

Question for written answer E-010515/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Malaysia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Malaysia?

Question for written answer E-010516/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Mauritania

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Mauritania?

Question for written answer E-010517/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Mali

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Mali?

Question for written answer E-010518/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Morocco

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Morocco?

Question for written answer E-010519/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Mozambique

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Mozambique?

Question for written answer E-010520/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Namibia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Namibia?

Question for written answer E-010521/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Nicaragua

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Nicaragua?

Question for written answer E-010522/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Niger

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Niger?

Question for written answer E-010523/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Nigeria

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Nigeria?

Question for written answer E-010524/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Pakistan

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Pakistan?

Question for written answer E-010525/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Panama

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Panama?

Question for written answer E-010526/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Paraguay

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Paraguay?

Question for written answer E-010527/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Peru

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Peru?

Question for written answer E-010528/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Rwanda

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Rwanda?

Question for written answer E-010529/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Senegal

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Senegal?

Question for written answer E-010530/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Serbia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Serbia?

Question for written answer E-010531/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Sierra Leone

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Sierra Leone?

Question for written answer E-010532/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Somalia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Somalia?

Question for written answer E-010533/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Kenya

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Kenya?

Question for written answer E-010534/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Kiribati

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Kiribati?

Question for written answer E-010535/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe?

Question for written answer E-010536/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Azerbaijan

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Azerbaijan?

Question for written answer E-010537/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Algeria

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Algeria?

Question for written answer E-010538/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and the Bahamas

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and the Bahamas?

Question for written answer E-010539/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Bangladesh

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Bangladesh?

Question for written answer E-010540/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Bolivia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Bolivia?

Question for written answer E-010541/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Botswana

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Botswana?

Question for written answer E-010542/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Burkina Faso

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Burkina Faso?

Question for written answer E-010543/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Albania

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Albania?

Question for written answer E-010544/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Armenia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Armenia?

Question for written answer E-010545/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Cape Verde

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Cape Verde?

Question for written answer E-010546/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Cambodia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Cambodia?

Question for written answer E-010547/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Cameroon

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Cameroon?

Question for written answer E-010548/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Chad

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Chad?

Question for written answer E-010549/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Chile

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Chile?

Question for written answer E-010550/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and China

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and China?

Question for written answer E-010551/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Colombia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Colombia?

Question for written answer E-010552/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Côte d'Ivoire

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Côte d'Ivoire?

Question for written answer E-010553/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Costa Rica

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Costa Rica?

Question for written answer E-010554/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Djibouti

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Djibouti?

Question for written answer E-010555/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Egypt

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Egypt?

Question for written answer E-010556/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Ecuador

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Ecuador?

Question for written answer E-010557/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Eritrea

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Eritrea?

Question for written answer E-010558/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Ethiopia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Ethiopia?

Question for written answer E-010559/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Gabon

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Gabon?

Question for written answer E-010560/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Gambia

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Gambia?

Question for written answer E-010561/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Ghana

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Ghana?

Question for written answer E-010562/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Guatemala

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Guatemala?

Question for written answer E-010563/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Guinea-Bissau

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Guinea-Bissau?

Question for written answer E-010564/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Haiti

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Haiti?

Question for written answer E-010565/13

to the Commission

Nuno Melo (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: International trade — European Union and Honduras

The European Union is seen as one of the main promoters of international trade, in line with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.

In this light, how does the Commission assess the results achieved through the specific trade partnerships set up between the European Union and Honduras?

Joint answer given by Mr De Gucht on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2013)

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the relevant information regarding the EU's trade relations with each country available on the website of the European Commission (622) and individual websites of the EU Delegations (623). These websites provide details about the countries and/or regional groups' trade relations with the EU, including background information, trade statistics, information on ongoing negotiations, reports, press releases, statements and other key documents.

(Deutsche Fassung)

Anfrage zur schriftlichen Beantwortung P-010566/13

an die Kommission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(17. September 2013)

Betrifft: Verschwendung von Steuergeld bei der Bankenrettung in Südeuropa

Laut einer Studie (624), die von den Fraktionen der Grünen im Bundestag und im Europäischen Parlament in Auftrag gegeben wurde, hätten bei der Bankenrettung in Südeuropa von den aufgewendeten 90 Mrd. EUR 35 Mrd. EUR eingespart werden können, unter anderem durch ein früheres Einschreiten. Untersucht wurden dabei finanzielle Hilfen für sieben Banken in Spanien, Griechenland und Zypern.

| 1. | Aus einem Dokument der Kommission (625) geht hervor, dass zwischen Oktober 2008 und Oktober 2012 Hilfszahlungen in Höhe von 5085,95 Mrd. EUR an Finanzinstitute geleistet wurden. Kann die Kommission hier inzwischen schon einen aktuelleren Wert nennen? |
| --- | --- |

1.

Aus einem Dokument der Kommission (625) geht hervor, dass zwischen Oktober 2008 und Oktober 2012 Hilfszahlungen in Höhe von 5085,95 Mrd. EUR an Finanzinstitute geleistet wurden. Kann die Kommission hier inzwischen schon einen aktuelleren Wert nennen?

| 2. | Hat die Kommission eigene Analysen vorgenommen, um festzustellen, wie effizient die Mittel eingesetzt wurden und welche Summen unnötig aufgewendet wurden? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Hat die Kommission eigene Analysen vorgenommen, um festzustellen, wie effizient die Mittel eingesetzt wurden und welche Summen unnötig aufgewendet wurden?

| 3. | Was sind nach Ansicht der Kommission die Gründe dafür, dass deutlich mehr Mittel aufgewendet wurden, als nötig gewesen wäre? |
| --- | --- |

3.

Was sind nach Ansicht der Kommission die Gründe dafür, dass deutlich mehr Mittel aufgewendet wurden, als nötig gewesen wäre?

Antwort von Herrn Almunia im Namen der Kommission

(15. Oktober 2013)

Bei dem von dem Herrn Abgeordneten genannten Kommissionsdokument handelt es sich um den Anhang des Anzeigers für staatliche Beihilfen. Der Beihilfenanzeiger erscheint jedes Jahr im Herbst, wobei es keinen festen Veröffentlichungstermin gibt. Die nächste Ausgabe des Beihilfenanzeigers wird in diesem Herbst veröffentlicht.

Die Mitgliedstaaten können selbst darüber entscheiden, ob und wann sie staatliche Beihilfen gewähren wollen. Die Kommission hat die Aufgabe, die Vereinbarkeit der geplanten Maßnahmen mit dem Binnenmarkt zu prüfen. Im Rahmen dieses Verfahrens werden die Maßnahmen in vielen Fällen erheblich angepasst. Die Kommission führt stets die Untersuchungen durch, die notwendig sind, um zu ermitteln, ob die Beihilfe zum Zeitpunkt ihrer Bewilligung geeignet, erforderlich und angemessen ist. Wenn diese Voraussetzungen nicht erfüllt sind, wird die Beihilfe nicht genehmigt.

Nach den EU-Beihilfevorschriften kann die Kommission jedoch keine Vergleichsanalyse zu den von den Mitgliedstaaten geplanten Maßnahmen und möglichen Alternativmaßnahmen durchführen, um die zeitliche Planung und den Umfang der Fördermaßnahmen der Mitgliedstaaten zu ermitteln. Da die Kommission dafür zuständig ist, solch eine Vergleichsanalyse, sei es vorab oder im Nachhinein, durchzuführen, kann die Kommission die dritte Frage des Herrn Abgeordneten nicht beantworten.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010566/13

to the Commission

Hans-Peter Martin (NI)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Wastage of taxpayers' money in connection with the rescue of banks in southern Europe

According to a study (626) commissioned by the Greens in the German Bundestag and the Verts/ALE Group in the European Parliament, EUR 35 billion of the EUR 90 billion spent rescuing banks in southern Europe could have been saved, for example if action had been taken earlier. In the course of the study, financial aid measures for seven banks in Spain, Greece and Cyprus were scrutinised.

| 1. | A Commission document (627) states that between October 2008 and October 2012 support payments totalling EUR 5085.95 billion were made to financial institutions. Can the Commission now give a more up-to-date figure? |
| --- | --- |

1.

A Commission document (627) states that between October 2008 and October 2012 support payments totalling EUR 5085.95 billion were made to financial institutions. Can the Commission now give a more up-to-date figure?

| 2. | Has the Commission conducted its own analysis with a view to determining how efficiently resources were employed and what sums were used unnecessarily? |
| --- | --- |

2.

Has the Commission conducted its own analysis with a view to determining how efficiently resources were employed and what sums were used unnecessarily?

| 3. | In the Commission's view, why were significantly more resources used than necessary? |
| --- | --- |

3.

In the Commission's view, why were significantly more resources used than necessary?

Answer given by Mr Almunia on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2013)

The Commission document cited by the Honourable Member is the annex to the state aid scoreboard. It appears during the autumn each year, but there is no fixed calendar for publication. The next version should be published in the course of this autumn.

It is up to Member States to decide if and when they deem opportune to grant state aid. The role of the Commission is to assess the compatibility of the proposed measures with the internal market. That process often entails significant changes to the initial plans. The Commission always undertakes the analysis necessary for determining that the aid granted, at the time of approval, is appropriate, necessary and proportionate. Unless that analysis is positive, the aid cannot be approved.

However, under EU State aid rules, the Commission cannot perform a comparative analysis between the measures proposed by Member States and possible alternative measures in order to establish the timing and size of the Member States' provision of public support. As it is not a prerogative of the Commission to engage in such counterfactual analysis either ex ante or ex post, the Commission cannot answer the third question posed by the Honourable Member.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta P-010567/13

alla Commissione

Alfredo Pallone (PPE)

(17 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Discarica rifiuti solidi urbani in località Falcognana ( Roma)

Il 31 maggio 2012 la Commissione europea, a seguito del parere in relazione alla procedura di infrazione 2011/4021, ha decretato la chiusura della discarica di Malagrotta (regione Lazio) perché non in possesso di un sistema di trattamento dei rifiuti tale da soddisfare quanto previsto dalla normativa europea (dir. 1999/31/CE). Il comune di Roma, la regione Lazio ed il Commissario straordinario all'emergenza rifiuti hanno quindi indicato la realizzazione di una discarica per rifiuti solidi urbani nel municipio IX di Roma, nelle aree comprese tra la via Laurentina, la via Ardeatina ed in particolare in località Falcognana.

Lo scorso 26 luglio 2013 il municipio IX ha votato all'unanimità la mozione n.1 che impegnava il Presidente del municipio ad attivarsi per manifestare l'assoluta contrarietà del municipio alle ipotesi di discarica poiché il progetto non rispetterebbe i regolamenti (CEE) n. 2081/92 e 2092/91 in relazione a: distanza dai centri abitati, collocazione in aree a rischio sismico, collocazione in zone di produzione di prodotti agricoli ed alimentari e agricoltura biologica, presenza di rilevanti beni storici, artistici, archeologici.

Inoltre, la presenza di numerosi insediamenti abitativi di decine di migliaia di cittadini nelle immediate adiacenze ai siti (Falcognana, Spregamore, Selvotta, Monte Migliore, Colle dei Pini, Santa Palomba,Santa Fumia, Palazzo Morgana, Paglian Casale) con rischio effettivo per la salute pubblica, presenza di siti religiosi di notevole interesse (Santuario del Divino Amore ed Episcopato Ortodosso Romeno D'Italia), presenza di importanti aziende agricole e vinicole e condizioni particolarmente critiche della viabilità del quadrante Ardeatina/Laurentina, non permetterebbero il rilascio di autorizzazione per l'apertura di una discarica.

A tal proposito, può la Commissione rispondere ai seguenti quesiti:

| come ritiene di dover intervenire per garantire la corretta applicazione della normativa europea e verificare l'iter delle procedure adottate? |
| --- |

come ritiene di dover intervenire per garantire la corretta applicazione della normativa europea e verificare l'iter delle procedure adottate?

| Considera la collocazione della discarica in località Falcognana rispettosa della tutela della salute degli abitanti dell'area e coerente con quanto stabilito dal regolamento (CEE) n. 2081/92 e dal regolamento (CEE) n. 2092/91? |
| --- |

Considera la collocazione della discarica in località Falcognana rispettosa della tutela della salute degli abitanti dell'area e coerente con quanto stabilito dal regolamento (CEE) n. 2081/92 e dal regolamento (CEE) n. 2092/91?

| Inoltre, considerando che l'ammissibilità dei rifiuti solidi urbani nelle discariche è subordinata al principio per cui solo i rifiuti trattati vengano collocati a discarica come nelle direttive 1999/31/CE e 2008/98/CE, ritiene la Commissione necessario avviare un controllo per verificare l'esistenza di un sistema di trattamento dei rifiuti tale da soddisfare quanto previsto dalla normativa sopra citata? |
| --- |

Inoltre, considerando che l'ammissibilità dei rifiuti solidi urbani nelle discariche è subordinata al principio per cui solo i rifiuti trattati vengano collocati a discarica come nelle direttive 1999/31/CE e 2008/98/CE, ritiene la Commissione necessario avviare un controllo per verificare l'esistenza di un sistema di trattamento dei rifiuti tale da soddisfare quanto previsto dalla normativa sopra citata?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(25 ottobre 2013)

La Commissione non ha ordinato la chiusura della discarica di Malagrotta.

Per quanto riguarda la gestione dei rifiuti nel Lazio, nel giugno 2013 la Commissione ha adito la Corte di giustizia dell'UE nell'ambito del procedimento d'infrazione 2011/4021, in quanto le informazioni disponibili indicano che la Regione Lazio non dispone di sufficiente capacità per di trattamento meccanico-biologico dei rifiuti. Pertanto, in alcune discariche del Lazio, compresa quella di Malagrotta, i rifiuti non sono sottoposti a un trattamento adeguato prima di essere collocati in discarica e ciò costituisce una violazione della direttiva 1999/31/CE relativa alle discariche di rifiuti (628) e della direttiva 2008/98/CE relativa ai rifiuti (629).

Per quanto riguarda l'ubicazione degli impianti di gestione dei rifiuti, la scelta del luogo dove costruire discariche, inceneritori, impianti di trattamento e così via spetta alle autorità nazionali competenti. Di conseguenza, a meno che si possa provare che un determinato impianto è stato autorizzato in violazione delle pertinenti disposizioni dell'Unione europea in materia di gestione dei rifiuti, valutazioni ambientali e permessi, la Commissione non può interferire con la decisione che sarà presa delle autorità italiane riguardo al luogo dove costruire la nuova discarica di Roma.

(English version)

Question for written answer P-010567/13

to the Commission

Alfredo Pallone (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Opening of municipal solid waste dump in Falcognana (Rome)

On 31 May 2012, acting further to the opinion issued as part of infringement procedure 2011/4021, the Commission ordered the closure of the dump located in Malagrotta (Lazio region) on the grounds that it did not have a waste processing system consistent with the requirements laid down by EC law (Directive 1999/31/EC). The municipality of Rome, the Lazio region and the Special Commissioner for the Waste Emergency then announced the opening of a municipal solid waste dump in the ninth district of Rome, in the area bounded by the via Laurentina and the via Ardeatina, in Falcognana.

On 26 July 2013 the council of the ninth district unanimously adopted a motion instructing its chair to express the council's vehement opposition to the proposal to open a dump, on the grounds that the project was not consistent with Regulations (EEC) Nos 2081/92 and 2092/91 as regards: distance from urban centres, location in an area of seismic risk, location in an area where farming, organic farming and food production are carried on, and presence of features of historical, cultural and archaeological interest.

The presence in the immediate vicinity of numerous towns each with tens of thousands of inhabitants (Falcognana, Spregamore, Selvotta, Monte Migliore, Colle dei Pini, Santa Palomba, Santa Fumia, Palazzo Morgana, Paglian Casale), with the attendant risks to public health, of important religious sites (Santuario del Divino Amore and the Romanian Orthodox Bishopric of Italy) and of large farms and vineyards and the particularly poor nature of the roads to and in the Ardeatina/Laurentina district rule out the granting of authorisation to open a dump.

In the light of this situation, could the Commission answer the following questions:

| What steps does it plan to take to guarantee the correct application of EC law and check that the relevant procedures are being followed? |
| --- |

What steps does it plan to take to guarantee the correct application of EC law and check that the relevant procedures are being followed?

| Does it regard the siting of the dump in Falcognana as being consistent with the need to safeguard the health of local inhabitants and with the provisions of Regulations (EEC) Nos 2081/92 and 2092/91? |
| --- |

Does it regard the siting of the dump in Falcognana as being consistent with the need to safeguard the health of local inhabitants and with the provisions of Regulations (EEC) Nos 2081/92 and 2092/91?

| Furthermore, given that only municipal solid waste which has been processed may be disposed of in dumps, as stipulated by Directives 1999/31/EC and 2008/98/EC, does the Commission see a need to carry out an inspection to determine whether the proposed dump has a waste processing system which meets the requirements of the EU legal provisions referred to above? |
| --- |

Furthermore, given that only municipal solid waste which has been processed may be disposed of in dumps, as stipulated by Directives 1999/31/EC and 2008/98/EC, does the Commission see a need to carry out an inspection to determine whether the proposed dump has a waste processing system which meets the requirements of the EU legal provisions referred to above?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2013)

The Commission has not ordered the closure of the Malagrotta landfill.

As concerns waste management in Lazio, in June 2013 the Commission applied to the EU Court of Justice in the framework of infringement procedure 2011/4021, because the information available indicates that the Lazio Region does not have sufficient capacity for mechanic-biological treatment. Therefore, waste landfilled in some Lazio landfills, including Malagrotta, is not subjected to an adequate treatment before being landfilled, which constitutes a breach of Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste (630) and Directive 2008/98/EC on waste (631).

As regards the location of waste management installations, it is for the competent national authorities to choose where to build landfills, incinerators, treatment plants etc. Therefore, unless there is evidence that a given installation has been authorised in breach of relevant EU provisions on waste management, environmental assessment and permits, the Commission cannot interfere with the decision that the Italian authorities will make on where to build the new Rome landfill.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010568/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Competencia y formación para el turismo

En la reunión de la Comisión de Transportes y Turismo del Parlamento Europeo del 5 de septiembre de 2013 tuvo lugar una mesa redonda sobre «Turismo para todos: estacionalidad y accesibilidad». En dicha reunión, la representación de la Comisión Europea mencionó que uno de los tres objetivos de mercado y estudio público a los que se habían destinado los fondos del proyecto «Turismo para todos» estaba dedicado a la competencia y a la formación, buscando cuáles son los perfiles profesionales necesarios, así como su formación.

Considerando que el turismo es la tercera actividad socioeconómica de la UE y que supone el principal recurso para muchas regiones comunitarias, la implicación de las microempresas y PYME en el sector, así como la importancia de una correcta formación para el óptimo desempeño de tal actividad,

| 1. | ¿Qué resultados han producido estos estudios? |
| --- | --- |

1.

¿Qué resultados han producido estos estudios?

| 2. | ¿A qué conclusiones ha llegado la Comisión a partir de ellos? |
| --- | --- |

2.

¿A qué conclusiones ha llegado la Comisión a partir de ellos?

| 3. | ¿Qué medidas tiene planeado adoptar la Comisión en vista de dichos resultados? |
| --- | --- |

3.

¿Qué medidas tiene planeado adoptar la Comisión en vista de dichos resultados?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010569/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Identificación de la demanda y del turismo accesible

En la reunión de la Comisión de Transportes y Turismo del Parlamento Europeo del 5 de septiembre de 2013 tuvo lugar una mesa redonda sobre «Turismo para todos: estacionalidad y accesibilidad». En dicha reunión, la representación de la Comisión Europea mencionó que uno de los tres objetivos de mercado y estudio público a los que se habían destinado los fondos del proyecto «Turismo para todos» estaba dedicado a la identificación de la demanda y el turismo accesible.

Considerando que el turismo es la tercera actividad socioeconómica de la UE y que supone el principal recurso para muchas regiones comunitarias, la implicación de las microempresas y PYME en el sector, y el importante papel que puede desempeñar el correcto acondicionamiento del sector turístico a la accesibilidad,

| 1. | ¿Qué resultados han salido a la luz a raíz de este estudio para la identificación de la demanda y el turismo accesible? |
| --- | --- |

1.

¿Qué resultados han salido a la luz a raíz de este estudio para la identificación de la demanda y el turismo accesible?

| 2. | ¿A qué conclusiones ha llegado la Comisión a partir de ellos? |
| --- | --- |

2.

¿A qué conclusiones ha llegado la Comisión a partir de ellos?

| 3. | ¿Qué medidas tiene planeado adoptar la Comisión en vista de dichos resultados? |
| --- | --- |

3.

¿Qué medidas tiene planeado adoptar la Comisión en vista de dichos resultados?

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010570/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Evolución de la oferta turística

En la reunión de la Comisión de Transportes y Turismo del Parlamento Europeo del 5 de septiembre de 2013 tuvo lugar una mesa redonda sobre «Turismo para todos: estacionalidad y accesibilidad». En dicha reunión, la representación de la Comisión Europea mencionó que uno de los tres objetivos de mercado y estudio público a los que se habían destinado los fondos del proyecto «Turismo para todos» estaba dedicado al seguimiento de la evolución de la oferta, así como a la evaluación de servicios de turismo accesible en Europa y al registro de buenas prácticas.

Considerando que el turismo es la tercera actividad socioeconómica de la UE y que supone el principal recurso para muchas regiones comunitarias, la implicación de las microempresas y PYME en el sector, y el importante papel que puede desempeñar el correcto acondicionamiento del turismo a la accesibilidad,

| 1. | ¿Qué resultados han producido estos estudios? |
| --- | --- |

1.

¿Qué resultados han producido estos estudios?

| 2. | ¿A qué conclusiones ha llegado la Comisión a partir de ellos? |
| --- | --- |

2.

¿A qué conclusiones ha llegado la Comisión a partir de ellos?

| 3. | ¿Qué medidas tiene planeado adoptar la Comisión en vista de dichos resultados? |
| --- | --- |

3.

¿Qué medidas tiene planeado adoptar la Comisión en vista de dichos resultados?

Respuesta conjunta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(15 de noviembre de 2013)

En 2012, como parte de la aplicación de la acción preparatoria «turismo para todos», financiada por el Parlamento Europeo, la Comisión ha puesto en marcha tres estudios para evaluar la demanda y el impacto económico del turismo accesible, identificar las necesidades de capacidades y de formación en este segmento del mercado y hacer balance de la oferta de servicios de turismo accesibles en la EU y comprobarla.

Se está realizando investigación para estos estudios. Los resultados finales se publicarán entre diciembre de 2013 y marzo de 2014. La Comisión organizará una conferencia en 2014 para presentar los resultados y recabar las reacciones de las partes interesadas.

En la mesa redonda de 5 de septiembre de 2013, la Comisión presentó las conclusiones provisionales, resumidas a continuación, que se desprenden de los trabajos en curso.

Se espera que el mercado del «turismo accesible» cobre mayor importancia de aquí a 2020, dado el fuerte crecimiento, en particular, de la población de más edad. En la actualidad, se carece de una oferta de servicios capaces de satisfacer adecuadamente las necesidades de todos los viajeros, lo que pone en duda la capacidad de nuestra industria turística para prestar servicios a buen precio para todos. Existen lagunas en el acceso a la información, y también en la información sobre el acceso. Los operadores siguen considerando que la «accesibilidad» es cara y lamentan que no se les aconseje «qué deben hacer». El transporte, los lugares de interés y los servicios de restauración se consideran a menudo los principales obstáculos para los viajeros con necesidades especiales. Existen grandes lagunas en la oferta de formación turística accesible en EU-28. La accesibilidad no se incluye sistemáticamente en los sistemas educativos sobre turismo.

Los días 3 y 4 de diciembre de  2013 se celebró una conferencia sobre turismo accesible en la EU. La Comisión presentará propuestas de medidas una vez concluida la acción preparatoria.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010568/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Qualifications and training in the tourism sector

On 5 September 2013, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism held a round table on ‘Tourism for All: Seasonality and Accessibility’. Referring to three public market survey targets eligible for funding, the Commission representative indicated that one of them concerned measures to identify the necessary professional qualifications and skills and corresponding training requirements in this sector.

Given that tourism is the EU's third-largest socioeconomic activity, and the principal source of revenue for many of its regions, it is important to involve micro-enterprises and SMEs and provide suitable training if the sector is to achieve its full potential.

| 1. | What were the survey findings? |
| --- | --- |

1.

What were the survey findings?

| 2. | What were the Commission's resulting conclusions? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What were the Commission's resulting conclusions?

| 3. | What follow-up is it now envisaging? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What follow-up is it now envisaging?

Question for written answer E-010569/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Identifying demand and accessible tourism

At a meeting of the Committee on Transport and Tourism on 5 September 2013, a round table was held on the subject of ‘Tourism for all/Seasonality and accessibility’. At this meeting, the Commission’s representative mentioned that one of the three market and public-study objectives funded by the ‘Tourism for all’ project was intended to identify demand and to study accessible tourism.

Tourism is the third largest sector of the EU economy and the main source of income for many EU regions, involving micro-companies and SMEs. Moreover, adapting tourism services to enhance accessibility can play an important role in this sector.

| 1. | In view of the above, what results have emerged from this study in relation to identifying demand and accessible tourism? |
| --- | --- |

1.

In view of the above, what results have emerged from this study in relation to identifying demand and accessible tourism?

| 2. | What conclusions has the Commission reached on the basis of these studies? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What conclusions has the Commission reached on the basis of these studies?

| 3. | What steps does the Commission intend to take in the light of the results? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What steps does the Commission intend to take in the light of the results?

Question for written answer E-010570/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Developing the EU's tourism offer

At a meeting of the Committee on Transport and Tourism on 5 September 2013, a round table was held on the subject of ‘Tourism for all/Seasonality and accessibility’. At this meeting, the Commission’s representative mentioned that one of the three market and public-study objectives funded by the ‘Tourism for all’ project was intended not only to monitor the development of the EU’s tourism offer but also to evaluate accessible-tourism services in Europe and to record instances of good practice.

Tourism is the third largest sector of the EU economy and the main source of income for many EU regions, involving micro-companies and SMEs. Moreover, adapting tourism services to enhance accessibility can play an important role in this sector.

| 1. | In view of the above, what results have these studies produced? |
| --- | --- |

1.

In view of the above, what results have these studies produced?

| 2. | What conclusions has the Commission reached on the basis of these studies? |
| --- | --- |

2.

What conclusions has the Commission reached on the basis of these studies?

| 3. | What steps does the Commission intend to take in the light of the results? |
| --- | --- |

3.

What steps does the Commission intend to take in the light of the results?

Joint answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2013)

In 2012, as part of the implementation of the Preparatory Action ‘Tourism for All’, financed by the European Parliament, the Commission launched three studies to assess the demand and economic impact of accessible tourism, identify skills and training needs in this market segment, map and check the performance of the supply of accessible tourism services in the EU.

Research for these studies is ongoing. Final results will be released between December 2013 and March 2014. The Commision will organise a Conference in 2014 to present the results and gather reactions from stakeholders.

At the roundtable of 5 September 2013, the Commission presented the interim elements summarised below, that have emerged from the ongoing work.

The ‘Accessible Tourism’ market is expected to become more important by 2020, given the steep growth, in particular, of the elderly population. Currently, the supply side is lacking services able to respond satisfactorily to the needs of all travellers, which questions the capability of our tourism industry to deliver services which are value-for-money for all. There are gaps in access to information as well as in information on access. Operators still perceive ‘Accessibility’ as a costly exercise, and complain about lack of guidance on ‘what to do’. Transport, attractions, food & beverage services are often experienced as the main barriers for travellers with special needs. There are serious gaps in the availability of accessible tourism training in the EU 28. Accessibility is not systematically included in tourism educational systems.

A conference on Accessible Tourism in the EU will take place on 3-4 December 2013. The Commission will present proposals for action, once the implementation of the Preparatory Action is concluded.

(Versión española)

Pregunta con solicitud de respuesta escrita E-010571/13

a la Comisión

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 de septiembre de 2013)

Asunto: Jornada Europea del Turismo

En la reunión de la Comisión de Transportes y Turismo del Parlamento Europeo del 5 de septiembre de 2013 tuvo lugar una mesa redonda sobre «Turismo para todos: estacionalidad y accesibilidad». En dicha reunión, la representación de la Comisión Europea hizo referencia a la Jornada Europea del Turismo, que se celebrará el día 4 de diciembre de 2013.

En la misma jornada del año pasado se trataron temas de interés como el «turismo y la naturaleza», «la primera experiencia de viaje a Europa», o «combinación de medio ambiente y turismo».

Dado el gran interés que estas jornadas suponen para el sector turístico, ¿cuáles son los temas principales que piensa abordar la Comisión Europea en las jornadas de este año? ¿Tiene pensado la Comisión Europea tratar en las jornadas de este año o en las próximas temas de interés como el turismo del patrimonio industrial, el turismo limpio, intercambios formativos en materia de turismo europeo, o el turismo éticamente responsable?

Respuesta del Sr. Tajani en nombre de la Comisión

(29 de octubre de 2013)

El tema de la Jornada Europea del Turismo de 2013, que tendrá lugar el 4 de diciembre, será el turismo accesible. El evento se organizará de forma paralela a la conferencia que tendrá lugar el 3 de diciembre con motivo del Día Europeo de las Personas con Discapacidad, en beneficio del público interesado en ambos eventos.

El 4 de diciembre, el debate se centrará en los argumentos comerciales a favor del turismo accesible. Tanto expertos como operadores explicarán cómo el hacer que los servicios y las instalaciones turísticas sean más accesibles para todos los turistas puede constituir una estrategia empresarial rentable para todo el sector.

La sesión de la tarde versará sobre la accesibilidad del turismo en sentido amplio. Se tratarán algunas de las cuestiones que los agentes del sector turístico europeo consideran los obstáculos normativos y barreras inmateriales fundamentales a la hora de viajar a la UE o dentro de ella (632).

Cada año, en la Jornada Europea del Turismo, la Comisión inicia un debate sobre cuestiones de interés tanto para los responsables de la elaboración e políticas como para los agentes turísticos públicos y privados. El tema debatido cada año se elige generalmente con varios meses de antelación al acto. En el pasado, estos temas han incluido las cuestiones de la estacionalidad y del turismo marítimo (2012), el patrimonio industrial y la diversificación de la oferta turística europea (2011) o el patrimonio europeo y los itinerarios culturales (2010) (633).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010571/13

to the Commission

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: European Tourism Day

At a meeting of the Committee on Transport and Tourism on 5 September 2013, a round table was held on the subject of ‘Tourism for all/Seasonality and accessibility’. At this meeting, the Commission’s representative made reference to European Tourism Day, which will be held on 4 December 2013.

On the same day last year, the subjects discussed included ‘tourism and nature’, ‘first European travel experience’ and ‘combining the environment and tourism’.

In view of the importance of these days for the tourism sector, what are the main themes that the Commission intends to discuss on these days this year? Does the Commission intend to use these days, either this year or in future years, to discuss subjects such as industrial-heritage tourism, green tourism, training exchanges in European tourism, or ethical tourism?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2013)

The 2013 European Tourism Day will be held on 4 December under the theme of accessible tourism. The event will be organised back-to-back with a conference on the occasion of the European Day of People with Disabilities to be held on 3 December, for the benefit of the audiences interested in both events.

On 4 December, the discussion will focus on the business case of accessible tourism. Experts and operators will illustrate how making tourism services and facilities more accessible to all tourists, regardless of their physical abilities or age, can be a successful business strategy for the whole sector.

The afternoon debate will look at accessibility of tourism in a broad sense. It will address some of the issues identified by European tourism actors as the main non-physical barriers and regulatory obstacles to travelling to and within the EU (634).

Each year at the conference of the Europen Tourism Day, the Commission opens a debate on subjects of interest to public and private tourism stakeholders and policy-makers. The topic of this year's debate is usually chosen a few months prior to the event. These topics in the past included the issues of seasonality and maritime tourism in 2012, industrial heritage and the diversification of the European tourism offer in 2011, as well as European heritage and cultural itineraries in 2010 (635).

(Svensk version)

Frågor för skriftligt besvarande E-010572/13

till kommissionen

Amelia Andersdotter (Verts/ALE)

(17 september 2013)

Angående: Förordningen om den digitala inre marknaden: konsekvensbedömning

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. Det har gått rykten om att kommissionens konsekvensbedömningsnämnd i själva verket inte godkände konsekvensbedömningen av förordningen. När denna fråga togs upp med kommissionsledamoten vid ett särskilt sammanträde under sammanträdesperioden i september 2013 i Strasbourg underlät kommissionsledamoten att svara på frågor om detaljer i konsekvensbedömningen.

Varför godkände inte konsekvensbedömningsnämnden konsekvensbedömningen?

Svar från Neelie Kroes på kommissionens vägnar

(4 november 2013)

Den 4 september 2013 gav kommissionens konsekvensbedömningsnämnd sitt slutliga yttrande om konsekvensbedömningen i anslutning till Europeiska kommissionens förslag till förordning om åtgärder för att fullborda den europeiska inre marknaden för elektronisk kommunikation och upprätta en uppkopplad kontinent. I sitt slutliga yttrande (636) gav konsekvensbedömningsnämnden ytterligare några förslag till förbättringar, som beaktades i den slutliga versionen av konsekvensbedömningen. Den fullständiga konsekvensbedömningen är tillgänglig på EUR-Lex (637).

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010572/13

to the Commission

Amelia Andersdotter (Verts/ALE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Digital single market regulation: 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. Rumours have been circulating that the Commission’s Impact Assessment Board (IAB) did not actually approve the impact assessment carried out in respect of the regulation. When this was raised with the Commissioner at a special meeting during the September 2013 Strasbourg part‐session, the Commissioner failed to respond to questions about the details of the assessment.

Why did the IAB not approve the impact assessment?

Answer given by Ms Kroes on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2013)

On 4 September 2013, the Commission's Impact Assessment Board provided its final opinion on the impact assessment related to the European Commission's Proposal for a regulation laying down measures concerning the European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a Connected Continent. In its final opinion (638), the impact assessment Board made some further suggestions for improvement, which were addressed in the final version of the impact assessment. The full impact assessment is available on Eur-Lex (639).

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010573/13

alla Commissione

Giommaria Uggias (ALDE) e Gianni Vattimo (ALDE)

(17 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Stazione MUOS di Niscemi

Il Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) è un sistema di comunicazioni satellitari ad altissima frequenza e a banda stretta composto da quattro satelliti e quattro stazioni di terra, una delle quali è in fase di realizzazione in Sicilia, nei pressi del comune di Niscemi (28.000 abitanti), all'interno della Riserva naturale «Sughereta di Niscemi», inserita nella rete Natura 2000 come Sito di Interesse Comunitario (SIC) ai sensi della direttiva 92/43/CEE (la cosiddetta direttiva Habitat).

Il sistema MUOS, gestito direttamente dall’US NAVY (Marina militare statunitense), integrerà forze navali, aeree e terrestri in movimento in qualsiasi parte del mondo.

La stazione di Niscemi è composta da tre trasmettitori parabolici basculanti ad altissima frequenza e due antenne elicoidali UHF. Le antenne paraboliche basculanti hanno un diametro di 18 metri circa.

La realizzazione della stazione MUOS di Niscemi, che peraltro ricade in un'area in cui è prescritta l'assoluta inedificabilità a norma della normativa ambientale e urbanistica, ha sollevato grande preoccupazione e proteste nella popolazione locale per i rischi alla salute delle persone e all'integrità del patrimonio naturalistico della zona, che deriverebbero dal campo magnetico generato una volta messo in funzione l'impianto. Per tali ragioni i lavori di realizzazione della stazione MUOS sono stati più volte interrotti da provvedimenti sia dell'autorità giudiziaria sia degli enti locali. Ciò nondimeno i lavori sono sempre ripresi senza che fosse fatta effettiva chiarezza sui rischi paventati dalla popolazione.

Tutto ciò premesso, può la Commissione far sapere, previa assunzione di informazioni dalle autorità italiane, se la realizzazione della stazione MUOS di Niscemi:

| sia conforme alle prescrizioni di cui alla normativa UE in materia di ambiente e in particolare alla direttiva 92/43/CEE; |
| --- |

sia conforme alle prescrizioni di cui alla normativa UE in materia di ambiente e in particolare alla direttiva 92/43/CEE;

| sia conforme alle prescrizioni di cui alla normativa UE in materia di salute, e in particolare dei pericoli derivanti dall'esposizione a campi e onde elettromagnetiche? |
| --- |

sia conforme alle prescrizioni di cui alla normativa UE in materia di salute, e in particolare dei pericoli derivanti dall'esposizione a campi e onde elettromagnetiche?

Risposta di Janez Potočnik a nome della Commissione

(6 novembre 2013)

La Commissione rinvia l'onorevole parlamentare alle risposte fornite alle interrogazioni scritte E‐007748/2012, E-007128/2012 ed E-007647/2012 che vertono sullo stesso tema.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010573/13

to the Commission

Giommaria Uggias (ALDE) and Gianni Vattimo (ALDE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: MUOS station in Niscemi

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is a very high frequency, narrowband satellite communications system composed of four satellites and four ground stations, one of which is under construction in Sicily near the municipality of Niscemi (28 000 inhabitants) in the ‘Sughereta di Niscemi’ nature reserve, which is included in the Natura 2000 network as a site of Community interest (SCI) pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC (the ‘Habitat Directive’).

The MUOS system, managed directly by the US Navy, will integrate naval, air and ground forces on the move anywhere in the world.

The Niscemi station consists of three very high frequency tilting satellite dishes and two ultra high frequency helical antennas. The tilting parabolic antennas are approximately 18 metres in diameter.

Construction of the MUOS station in Niscemi, which, moreover, falls within an area with a total ban on building in accordance with environmental and town-planning legislation, has led to great concern and protests among the local population owing to the risks to human health and to the integrity of the natural heritage of the area thought to be caused by the magnetic field generated once the installation is put into operation. Work on construction of the MUOS station has therefore been halted several times by dispositions issued by the legal authority and by the local authorities. Nevertheless, work always resumed with no light actually being shed on the risks which the population fear.

In view of the above, can the Commission state, after obtaining information from the Italian authorities, whether the construction of the MUOS station in Niscemi:

| complies with the requirements of EU environmental legislation and in particular Directive 92/43/EEC; |
| --- |

complies with the requirements of EU environmental legislation and in particular Directive 92/43/EEC;

| complies with the requirements of EU legislation on health and in particular the dangers from exposure to electromagnetic fields and waves? |
| --- |

complies with the requirements of EU legislation on health and in particular the dangers from exposure to electromagnetic fields and waves?

Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2013)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answers to Written Questions E‐007748/2012, E-007128/2012 and E-007647/2012 on the same issue.

(Versione italiana)

Interrogazione con richiesta di risposta scritta E-010574/13

alla Commissione

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(17 settembre 2013)

Oggetto: Possibile violazione delle norme sulla parità di trattamento del comparto della Polizia Locale italiana

Il SULPL (Sindacato Unitario Lavoratori Polizia Locale) è da venticinque anni impegnato nella tutela e salvaguardia dell'intera categoria. La Polizia Locale, infatti, svolge funzioni di polizia amministrativa, giudiziaria e di sicurezza sul territorio dei Comuni italiani, tra le quali: tutelare i beni municipali; vigilare sul regolare svolgimento della libertà e della sicurezza dei cittadini e sul regolare andamento dei pubblici servizi; esercitare la vigilanza sulle attività del commercio con compiti di prevenzione e repressione degli abusi a danno del consumatore; verificare che nei mercati e nei pubblici esercizi vengano osservate le norme igienico-sanitarie; effettuare i controlli sulla salubrità del suolo; assicurare che nel territorio di competenza l'attività edilizia si svolga in conformità delle leggi. Inoltre, la Polizia Locale ha funzioni di polizia stradale e di polizia giudiziaria ed esercita funzioni e compiti che risultano analoghi a quelli esercitati dalle altre forze di Polizia dello Stato.

Tuttavia, una recente legge italiana (legge n. 214 del 2011) ha abrogato il riconoscimento dell'infermità da causa di servizio, dell'equo indennizzo, del rimborso delle spese di degenza derivanti da causa di servizio e della pensione privilegiata.

Tutto ciò ha creato una disparità di trattamento con le Forze dell'ordine violando le norme in materia di parità di trattamento, di occupazione e di condizioni di lavoro.

Ciò premesso, può la Commissione indicare:

| quali azioni possono essere intraprese per garantire la parità di trattamento economico tra le due categorie che svolgono mansioni identiche; |
| --- |

quali azioni possono essere intraprese per garantire la parità di trattamento economico tra le due categorie che svolgono mansioni identiche;

| se nella fattispecie non sia stato violato il principio di uguaglianza nel rapporto di lavoro subordinato; |
| --- |

se nella fattispecie non sia stato violato il principio di uguaglianza nel rapporto di lavoro subordinato;

| un quadro generale della situazione. |
| --- |

un quadro generale della situazione.

Risposta di László Andor a nome della Commissione

(16 dicembre 2013)

La parità di trattamento tra le diverse forze dell'ordine che svolgono mansioni identiche non è contemplata da alcuna normativa specifica dell'UE (640). È pertanto necessario risolvere la questione nell'ambito del diritto interno. Compete alle autorità nazionali competenti, in particolare ai tribunali, valutare la situazione in base alla legislazione nazionale applicabile, compresa la Costituzione.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010574/13

to the Commission

Roberta Angelilli (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Possible violation of the rules on equal treatment of the Italian local police

SULPL (Italian United Local Police Workers Union) has been committed to protecting and safeguarding the entire sector for 25 years. The local police carry out administrative, judicial and security policing in Italian municipalities, including: protecting municipal property; ensuring that citizens are able to move around freely and safely and that public services are working properly; overseeing commercial activities to prevent and crack down on any abuses of consumers; checking that markets, shops, restaurants, etc. comply with health and hygiene regulations; checking the health of the soil; and ensuring that in their area all construction activity complies with the law. The local police also perform traffic police and judicial police duties and carry out tasks and duties that are similar to those carried out by other State police forces.

However, a recent Italian law (Law No 214 of 2011) revoked recognition of infirmity caused in the line of duty, and the award of fair compensation, of reimbursement of hospitalisation costs for an accident or illness arising in the line of duty and of invalidity pensions.

This has all led to a disparity of treatment compared with the other forces of law and order, and violates rules on equal treatment, employment and working conditions.

In view of the above, can the Commission:

| state what action can be taken to ensure equal pay and benefits for the two types of police performing the same duties; |
| --- |

state what action can be taken to ensure equal pay and benefits for the two types of police performing the same duties;

| state whether the principle of equality in an employment-based relationship has been violated in the present case; |
| --- |

state whether the principle of equality in an employment-based relationship has been violated in the present case;

| provide an overview of the situation? |
| --- |

provide an overview of the situation?

Answer given by Mr Andor on behalf of the Commission

(16 December 2013)

No specific EU legislation provides for the equal treatment of different police corps performing the same duties (641). The issue therefore needs to be resolved by national law. It is for the competent national authorities and in particular the courts, to assess the situation in the light of the applicable national legislation, including the Constitution.

(Suomenkielinen versio)

Kirjallisesti vastattava kysymys E-010575/13

komissiolle

Sari Essayah (PPE)

(17. syyskuuta 2013)

Aihe: Mitoituskuorman ilmoitus standardinmukaisin testein, jatkoa kysymykselle E-003933/13

Vastauksessa kysymykseeni (E-003933/2013) komissio ilmoittaa, että CE-merkin tietojen tulee perustua standardin mukaiseen testiin ja että valmistajan tulee kyetä osoittamaan ilmoituksensa oikeellisuus standardinmukaisin testein. CE-merkin oleellisin tieto, orgaaninen mitoituskuorma, perustuu kuitenkin Suomen markkinavalvontaviranomaisen mukaan valmistajan ilmoitukseen eikä standardoituun testiin. Lisäksi markkinavalvontaviranomainen ilmoittaa, että kyseistä valmistajan ilmoittamaa orgaanisen mitoituskuorman oikeellisuutta ei voida valvoa, koska sille ei ole laadittu standardia.

Jos standardi vaatii valmistajaa ilmoittamaan laitteen ns. orgaanisen mitoituskuorman (”nominal daily organic load”, mm. standardin kohta 5), voiko tämä ilmoitettu arvo CE‐merkissä olla suurempi kuin se orgaaninen kuorma, jolla laite kuitenkin tosiasiassa on testattu? Jos ilmoitettu orgaaninen mitoituskuorma on suurempi kuin testattu, syntyy CE‐merkinnästä harhaanjohtava käsitys siitä, että laite kykenee myös suuremmalla eli ilmoitetulla nimelliskuormalla saavuttamaan samat reduktiot kuin testatulla kuormalla. Tosiasiassa reduktiot isommalla kuormituksella eivät voi olla samat kuin testatulla, vaan pienemmät. Tällöin reduktioita koskevat tiedot CE-merkissä eivät pidä paikkaansa ilmoitetun orgaanisen mitoituskuormituksen suhteen, eikä merkinnästä voida tehdä oikeita päätelmiä suunnittelun perustaksi.

Suomessa tehty tutkimus osoittaa, että suomalaisten valmistajien ilmoittamalla nimellisellä orgaanisella kuormituksella saavutetut reduktiot ovat oleellisesti erilaiset kuin testatulla kuormalla saavutetut reduktiot, mikä on omiaan vääristämään kilpailua. Näin ollen, jos ilmoitettu orgaaninen mitoituskuorma voi CE-merkissä olla suurempi kuin testattu, pitääkö valmistajan, joka vastaa tiedon oikeellisuudesta, pystyä osoittamaan standardin mukaisin testein, että saavutetut reduktiot pitävät paikkansa myös ilmoitetulla nimellisarvolla? Miten komissio voi valvoa, että näin todella tapahtuu, jos Suomen markkinavalvontaviranomainen ilmoittaa, ettei tätä voi valvoa?

Antonio Tajanin komission puolesta antama vastaus

(12. marraskuuta 2013)

Arvoisan parlamentin jäsenen kirjalliseen kysymykseen vastaaminen edellyttää yhdenmukaistetun standardin laatineen CEN:n teknisen komitean yksityiskohtaista teknistä kuulemista.

Komissio ottaa tästä syystä kiireisesti yhteyttä mainittuun tekniseen komiteaan ja lähettää tiedot suoraan arvoisalle parlamentin jäsenelle heti ne saatuaan.

(English version)

Question for written answer E-010575/13

to the Commission

Sari Essayah (PPE)

(17 September 2013)

Subject: Declaration of nominal organic daily load determined by means of a standard test: follow-up to Question E-003933/2013

In its reply to my Question E-003933/2013, the Commission states that CE mark data must be based on a test performed in accordance with the relevant standard, and that manufacturers must be able to justify their declarations by means of a standard test. However, according to the Finnish market surveillance authority, the most essential information supplied by a CE mark — the nominal organic daily load — is based on a declaration by the manufacturer and not on a standardised test. Moreover, the same authority states that it is impossible to monitor the correctness of the nominal organic daily load declared by the manufacturer, because no standard has been established for this.

If the standard requires a manufacturer to declare the nominal organic daily load of a plant (inter alia point 5 in the standard), can this declared value in a CE mark be greater than the organic load with which the plant was, however, in reality tested? If the declared nominal organic daily load is greater than tested, the CE marking gives the misleading impression that, even with a large load — the declared nominal load — the plant can achieve the same reductions as with the tested load. In reality, the reductions with a larger load cannot be the same as with the tested load, but will be smaller. The information about reductions supplied by the CE mark is therefore inaccurate as regards the nominal organic daily load declared, and it is not possible to draw accurate conclusions from the mark as a basis for planning.

Research in Finland shows that the reductions achieved with the nominal organic daily load declared by Finnish manufacturers are significantly different to the reductions achieved with the tested load, a fact which is liable to distort competition. This being the case, if the nominal organic daily load can be greater in a CE mark than tested, should the manufacturer who is responsible for the accuracy of the information be able to show by means of a test in accordance with the standard that the reductions achieved are correct even with the declared nominal value? How can the Commission monitor whether this actually happens if the Finnish market surveillance authority states that it is not possible to monitor this?

Answer given by Mr Tajani on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2013)

The written question of the Honourable Member necessitates detailed technical consultations with the CEN Technical Committee which has drafted the harmonised standard.

For this reason the Commission will urgently contact the said Technical Committee and will send the information directly to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

---

(1)  Direktiivin 2006/112/EY 281‐292 artikla.

(2)  KOM(2004) 728.

(3)  Komission tiedonanto Euroopan parlamentille, neuvostolle ja Euroopan talous‐ ja sosiaalikomitealle arvonlisäveron tulevaisuudesta – Kohti yksinkertaisempaa, vakaampaa ja tehokkaampaa sisämarkkinoiden tarpeisiin suunniteltua alv-järjestelmää.

(http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0851:FIN:FI:PDF).

(4)  Directive 2006/112/EC Articles 281 to 292.

(5)  COM(2004)728.

(6)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee on the future of VAT — Towards a simpler, more robust and efficient VAT system tailored to the single market

(http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/vat/key_documents/communications/com_2011_851_en.pdf).

(7)  Commission follow-up to the ‘TOP TEN’ Consultation of SMEs on EU Regulation, COM(2013) 446, point 2.3.

(8)  Commission staff working document, Evaluation of the European Strategy 2007-2012 on health and safety at work, SWD (2013) 202.

(9)  Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): Initial Results of the Mapping of the Acquis, SWD (2013) 401.

(10)  Βλέπε: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2013/pdf/ocp159_en.pdf

(11)  See at: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/occasional_paper/2013/pdf/ocp159_en.pdf

(12)  Bio Intelligence Service, Οκτώβριος 2010 — http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/reports.htm

(13)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm

(14)  Bio Intelligence Service, October 2010 — http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/reports.htm

(15)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/sustainability/index_en.htm

(16)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/contracts/2012_90538_en.htm

(17)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/contracts/2012_90538_en.htm

(18)  COM(2012)409 τελικό της 5ης Δεκεμβρίου 2012.

(19)  SWD(2012) 409 final of 5 December 2012.

(20)  Οδηγία 2000/13/ΕΚ του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 20ής Μαρτίου 2000, για προσέγγιση των νομοθεσιών των κρατών μελών σχετικά με την επισήμανση, την παρουσίαση και τη διαφήμιση των τροφίμων (ΕΕ L 109 της 6.5.2000, σ. 29).

(21)  Κανονισμός (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1169/2011 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 25ης Οκτωβρίου 2011, σχετικά με την παροχή πληροφοριών για τα τρόφιμα στους καταναλωτές, την τροποποίηση των κανονισμών (ΕΚ) αριθ. 1924/2006 και (ΕΚ) αριθ. 1925/2006 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου και την κατάργηση της οδηγίας 87/250/EΟΚ της Επιτροπής, της οδηγίας 90/496/ΕΟΚ του Συμβουλίου, της οδηγίας 1999/10/EΚ της Επιτροπής, της οδηγίας 2000/13/EΚ του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, των οδηγιών 2002/67/EΚ και 2008/5/EΚ της Επιτροπής και του κανονισμού (EΚ) αριθ. 608/2004 της Επιτροπής, (ΕΕ L 304 της 22.11.2011, σ. 18). Ο κανονισμός (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1169/2011 θα καταργήσει και θα αντικαταστήσει την οδηγία 2000/13/ΕΚ από τις 13 Δεκεμβρίου 2014.

(22)  Επιπλέον, το άρθρο 24 του κανονισμού (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1169/2011 προβλέπει ότι μετά την τελική ημερομηνία ανάλωσης, το τρόφιμο θεωρείται μη ασφαλές σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 14 παράγραφοι 2 έως 5 του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 178/2002 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 28ης Ιανουαρίου 2002, για τον καθορισμό των γενικών αρχών και απαιτήσεων της νομοθεσίας για τα τρόφιμα, για την ίδρυση της Ευρωπαϊκής Αρχής για την Ασφάλεια των Τροφίμων και τον καθορισμό διαδικασιών σε θέματα ασφαλείας των τροφίμων (ΕΕ L 31 της 1.2.2002, σ. 1).

(23)  Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (OJ L 109, 6.5.2000, p. 29).

(24)  Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004, (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 will repeal and replace Directive 2000/13/EC as of 13 December 2014.

(25)  Furthermore, Article 24 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 provides that after the ‘use by’ date a food shall be deemed to be unsafe in accordance with Article 14(2) to (5) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety, (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p.1).

(26)  http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/what/future/index_el.cfm#4

(27)  COM(2013)322.

(28)  http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/what/future/index_en.cfm#4

(29)  COM(2013) 322.

(30)  COM(2009) 368.

(31)  COM(2011) 578.

(32)  Article 37 du nouveau règlement de base régissant la politique commune de la pêche.

(33)  COM(2009) 368.

(34)  COM(2011) 578.

(35)  Article 37 of the new Basic Regulation of the common fisheries policy.

(36)  GU C 209 del 18.12.1997, pag. 3.

(37)  OJ 1997 C 209, p. 3.

(38)  HL L 187., 1999.7.20., 1. o.

(39)  Útiterv az egységes európai közlekedési térség megvalósításához – Úton egy versenyképes és erőforrás-hatékony közlekedési rendszer felé, COM(2011) 0144 végleges.

(40)  OJ L 187, 20.7.1999.

(41)  Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area — Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system COM(2011) 0144 final.

(42)  „Joint Disaster Management Risk Assessment and Preparedness in the Danube Region“.

(43)  Richtlinie 2007/60/EG, ABl. L 288 vom 6.11.2007.

(44)  www.efas.eu

(45)  B. die Internationale Kommission zum Schutz der Donau.

(46)  ‘Joint Disaster Management Risk Assessment and Preparedness in the Danube Region’.

(47)  Directive 2007/60/EC, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007.

(48)  www.efas.eu

(49)  Such as the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River.

(50)  ABl. L 72 vom 10.3.2012, S. 7.

(51)  OJ L 72, 10.3.2012, p. 7.

(52)  http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/participacion-publica/ley-parques-nacionales.aspx

(53)  Directiva 92/43/CEE del Consejo, de 21 de mayo de 1992, relativa a la conservación de los hábitats naturales y de la fauna y flora silvestres (DO L 206 de 22.07.1992).

(54)  Directiva 2009/147/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 30 de noviembre de 2009, relativa a la conservación de las aves silvestres (DO L 20 de 26.1.2010), que codifica la Directiva 79/409/CEE del Consejo, de 2 de abril de 1079, relativa a la conservación de las aves silvestres.

(55)  http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/participacion-publica/ley-parques-nacionales.aspx

(56)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC, of 21 May 1992, on the protection of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992).

(57)  Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20/7, 26.1.2010) that codifies the Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds.

(58)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(59)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/index_en.htm

(60)  The European Food Safety Authority.

(61)  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/121128.htm

(62)  Richtlinie 2006/66/EG des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über Batterien und Akkumulatoren sowie Altbatterien und Altakkumulatoren und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinie 91/157/EWG (Text von Bedeutung für den EWR), ABl. L 266 vom 26.9.2006.

(63)  Vgl. TOP 7 unter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regcomitology/index.cfm?do=search.documentdetail&strFCI2yFUd69YnB6gnJSwGKoqk9yLBnrGHb7ji6owQDftvKFOKx2dvStAkgOQoq

(64)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?lang=en&reference=COM(2012)0136

(65)  on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators and repealing Directive 91/157/EEC (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 266, 26.9.2006.

(66)  Under agenda item 7, see: http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regcomitology/index.cfm?do=search.documentdetail&strFCI2yFUd69YnB6gnJSwGKoqk9yLBnrGHb7ji6owQDftvKFOKx2dvStAkgOQoq

(67)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?lang=en&reference=COM(2012)0136

(68)  http://index.baselgovernance.org/index/Index.html#ranking

(69)  EUCO 75/1/2013.

(70)  ΕΕ L 250/40 της 20.9.2013.

(71)  http://index.baselgovernance.org/index/Index.html#ranking.

(72)  EUCO 75/1/2013.

(73)  OJ L 250/40, 20.09.2013.

(74)  http://index.baselgovernance.org/index/Index.html#ranking

(75)  http://index.baselgovernance.org/index/Index.html#ranking.

(76)  Οδηγία 2000/13/ΕΚ του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 20ής Μαρτίου 2000, για προσέγγιση των νομοθεσιών των κρατών μελών σχετικά με την επισήμανση, την παρουσίαση και τη διαφήμιση των τροφίμων (ΕΕ L 109 της 6.5.2000, σ. 29).

(77)  Κανονισμός (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1169/2011 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 25ης Οκτωβρίου 2011, σχετικά με την παροχή πληροφοριών για τα τρόφιμα στους καταναλωτές, την τροποποίηση των κανονισμών (ΕΚ) αριθ. 1924/2006 και (ΕΚ) αριθ. 1925/2006 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου και την κατάργηση της οδηγίας 87/250/EΟΚ της Επιτροπής, της οδηγίας 90/496/ΕΟΚ του Συμβουλίου, της οδηγίας 1999/10/EΚ της Επιτροπής, της οδηγίας 2000/13/EΚ του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, των οδηγιών 2002/67/EΚ και 2008/5/EΚ της Επιτροπής και του κανονισμού (EΚ) αριθ. 608/2004 της Επιτροπής (ΕΕ L 304 της 22.11.2011, σ. 18-63). Ο κανονισμός (ΕΕ) αριθ. 1169/2011 θα καταργήσει και θα αντικαταστήσει την οδηγία 2000/13/EΚ της 13ης Δεκεμβρίου 2014.

(78)  Επιπρόσθετα, το άρθρο 24 του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 1169/2011 προβλέπει ότι μετά το πέρας της ημερομηνίας «ανάλωση έως» ένα τρόφιμο θεωρείται ότι δεν είναι ασφαλές σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 14 παράγραφος 2 με παράγραφο 5 του κανονισμού (ΕΚ) αριθ. 178/2002 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου, της 28ης Ιανουαρίου 2002, για τον καθορισμό των γενικών αρχών και απαιτήσεων της νομοθεσίας για τα τρόφιμα, για την ίδρυση της Ευρωπαϊκής Αρχής Ασφάλειας των Τροφίμων και τον καθορισμό διαδικασιών σε θέματα ασφάλειας τροφίμων, (ΕΕ L 31 της 1.2.2012, σ. 1).

(79)  Ο κανονισμός (ΕΚ) αριθ. 589/2008 ορίζει ότι τα αυγά δεν μπορούν να πωλούνται στον τελικό καταναλωτή σε περίπτωση που παρέλθει η «ημερομηνία λήξης» τους. Έτσι, τα αυγά αυτά διοχετεύονται στη βιομηχανία τροφίμων ή στο μη διατροφικό κλάδο.

(80)  Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (OJ L 109, 6.5.2000, p. 29).

(81)  Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004, (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 will repeal and replace Directive 2000/13/EC as of 13 December 2014.

(82)  Furthermore, Article 24 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 provides that after the ‘use by’ date a food shall be deemed to be unsafe in accordance with Article 14(2) to (5) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety, (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p.1).

(83)  Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 establishes that eggs trespassing the ‘sell-by’ date cannot be sold to the final consumer. Thus, such eggs are diverted to the food or non-food industry.

(84)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/index_en.htm

(85)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/index_en.htm

(86)  «Restructurations et anticipation du changement: quelles leçons tirer de l'expérience récente?» [COM(2012) 7 final du 17 janvier 2012]. Voir la réponse à la consultation et un résumé sur le site: http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=8908&langId=en

(87)  http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/cars-2020/index_en.htm

(88)  En particulier, la directive 2002/14/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 11 mars 2002 établissant un cadre général relatif à l'information et la consultation des travailleurs dans la Communauté européenne, JO L 80 du 23.3.2002; la directive 98/59/CE du Conseil du 20 juillet 1998 concernant le rapprochement des législations des États membres relatives aux licenciements collectifs, JO L 225 du 12.8.1998; la directive 2009/38/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 6 mai 2009 concernant l'institution d'un comité d'entreprise européen ou d'une procédure dans les entreprises de dimension communautaire et les groupes d'entreprises de dimension communautaire en vue d'informer et de consulter les travailleurs, JO L 122 du 16.5.2009.

(89)  ‘Restructuring and anticipation of change: what lessons from recent experience?’ (COM(2012) 7 final of 17 January 2012). See the response to the consultation and a summary at: http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=8908&langId=en

(90)  http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/cars-2020/index_en.htm

(91)  In particular, Directive 2002/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2002 establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European Community, OJ L 80, 23.3.2002; Council Directive 98/59/EC of 20 July 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies, OJ L 225, 12.8.1998; Directive 2009/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees, OJ L 122, 16.5.2009.

(92)  Directive 77/391/CEE du Conseil du 17 mai 1977 instaurant une action de la Communauté en vue de l'éradication de la brucellose, de la tuberculose et de la leucose des bovins.

(93)  Directive 64/432/CEE du Conseil du 26 juin 1964 relative à des problèmes de police sanitaire en matière d'échanges intracommunautaires d'animaux des espèces bovine et porcine (JO n° 121 du 29.7.1964).

(94)  Article 26 du règlement (UE) n° 1169/2011 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 25 octobre 2011 concernant l'information des consommateurs sur les denrées alimentaires, modifiant les règlements (CE) n° 1924/2006 et (CE) n° 1925/2006 du Parlement européen et du Conseil et abrogeant la directive 87/250/CEE de la Commission, la directive 90/496/CEE du Conseil, la directive 1999/10/CE de la Commission, la directive 2000/13/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil, les directives 2002/67/CE et 2008/5/CE de la Commission et le règlement (CE) n° 608/2004 de la Commission (JO L 304 du 22.11.2011, p. 18).

(95)  Council Directive 77/391/EEC of 17 May 1977 introducing Community measures for the eradication of brucellosis, tuberculosis and leucosis in cattle.

(96)  Council Directive No 64/432/EEC of 26 June 1974 on health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine (OJ No 121, 29.7.1964).

(97)  Article 26 Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18.

(98)  Aanbeveling van de Raad van 9 juli 2013 over het nationale hervormingsprogramma 2013 van België en met een advies van de Raad over het stabiliteitsprogramma van België voor de periode 2012-2016, PB C 217 van 30.7.2013.

(99)  „Beoordeling van het nationale hervormingsprogramma 2013 en het stabiliteitsprogramma voor België” (SWD (2013) 351 def. van 29 mei 2013).

(100)  Council Recommendation of 9 July 2013 on the National Reform Programme 2013 of Belgium and delivering a Council opinion on the Stability Programme of Belgium, 2012-2016, OJ C 217, 30.7.2013.

(101)  ‘Assessment of the 2013 national reform programme and stability programme for Belgium’ (SWD(2013) 351 final of 29 May 2013).

(102)  Aceste site-uri pot fi accesate la adresa: http://ec.europa.eu/represent_ro.htm

(103)  These sites can be accessed at: http://ec.europa.eu/represent_en.htm

(104)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/international-cooperation/index_en.htm

(105)  http://www.blacksea-commission.org/_projects_Baltic2Black.asp

(106)  www.misisproject.eu

(107)  Directiva 2008/56/CE de instituire a unui cadru de acțiune comunitară în domeniul politicii privind mediul marin (Directiva-cadru „Strategia pentru mediul marin”), JO L 164, 25.6.2008.

(108)  http://dogadernegi.org/karadeniz-deniz-kuslari.aspx

(109)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/international-cooperation/index_en.htm

(110)  http://www.blacksea-commission.org/_projects_Baltic2Black.asp

(111)  www.misisproject.eu

(112)  DIRECTIVE 2008/56/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive), OJ L164, 25.06.2008.

(113)  http://dogadernegi.org/karadeniz-deniz-kuslari.aspx

(114)  www.mobilityplans.eu

(115)  www.mobilityplans.eu

(116)  Nachzulesen unter:

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/committees/docs/sum_25052012_csn_en.pdf

(117)  EN 15288-1:2008 Schwimmbäder — Teil 1 Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen an Planung und Bau und Teil 2 Sicherheitsanforderungen an den Betrieb.

(118)  http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/serv_background/documents_en.htm

(119)  Reported in http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/committees/docs/sum_25052012_csn_en.pdf

(120)  EN 15288-1: 2008 Swimming pools — Part 1: Safety Requirements for Design and Part 2: Safety Requirements for Operation.

(121)  http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/serv_background/documents_en.htm

(122)  Directive 2000/60/EC, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(123)  Directive 2000/60/EC, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(124)  Abkommen zwischen der Europäischen Union und den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika über die Verarbeitung von Zahlungsverkehrsdaten und deren Übermittlung aus der Europäischen Union an die Vereinigten Staaten für die Zwecke des Programms zum Aufspüren der Finanzierung des Terrorismus.

(125)  Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of Financial messaging data from the European Union to the United States for the purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program.

(126)  Rámcové rozhodnutie Rady 2008/913/SVV z 28. novembra 2008 o boji proti niektorým formám a prejavom rasizmu a xenofóbie prostredníctvom trestného práva (Ú. v. EÚ L 328, 6.12.2008); smernica Rady 2000/43/ES z 29. júna 2000, ktorou sa zavádza zásada rovnakého zaobchádzania s osobami bez ohľadu na rasový alebo etnický pôvod (Ú. v. ES L 180, 19.7.2000). Ďalšie informácie nájdete na webovej lokalite GR pre spravodlivosť: http://ec.europa.eu/justice.

(127)  Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, OJ L 328, 6.12.2008; Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000). For further information, please see DG Justice website at: http://ec.europa.eu/justice

(128)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(129)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html?tabType=wq#sidesForm

(130)  Meldung von Vogelschutzgebieten an die Europäische Kommission durch das Land Sachsen-Anhalt (Schreiben der Ständigen Vertretung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland vom 27.10.2000 und 30.4.2004).

(131)  Richtlinie 92/43/EWG des Rates vom 21.5.1992 zur Erhaltung der natürlichen Lebensräume sowie der wildlebenden Tiere und Pflanzen (ABl. L 206 vom 22.7.1992).

(132)  Unterrichtung der Europäischen Kommission gemäß Artikel 6 Absatz 4 der Habitat-Richtlinie über eine neue militärische Übungsstadt auf dem Truppenübungsplatz Altmark (übermittelt von der Ständigen Vertretung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland am 16.9.2013).

(133)  Notification of Special Protection Areas by Saxony-Anhalt to the European Commission (letter by the Permanent Representation of Germany, dated 27.10.2000 and 30.4.2004).

(134)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21.5.1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(135)  Information to the European Commission according to Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive concerning a new mock town in the Altmark military training area (submitted by the Permanent Representation of Germany, dated 16.9.2013).

(136)  N. 723/2009 — «Indennizzo per danni causati da carnivori» (Sassonia); SA.34622 Compensazione finanziaria dai «Fondi di indennizzo per i grandi predatori» per danni causati da lupi, linci e orsi (Baviera); SA.33040 Compensazione per danni causati da lupi (Brandeburgo). Le decisioni sono disponibili al seguente indirizzo: http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/register

(137)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/carnivores.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/index_en.htm

https://circabc.europa.eu/w/browse/5d75d1b4-c767-4af0-b33a-004b32c33fc4

(138)  N 723/2009-‘Compensation for damages caused by carnivores’ (Saxony); SA.34622 Financial compensation by the ‘Compensation funds large predators’ for damages caused by wolfs, lynxes and bears (Bavaria); SA.33040 Compensation for damages caused by wolves (Brandenburg). Decisions are available at: http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/register/

(139)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/carnivores.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/carnivores/index_en.htm

https://circabc.europa.eu/w/browse/5d75d1b4-c767-4af0-b33a-004b32c33fc4

(140)  «Επίτευξη υψηλού επιπέδου προστασίας των καταναλωτών — Δημιουργία εμπιστοσύνης στην εσωτερική αγορά» COM(2013)138 τελικό.

(141)  COM(2013)139 τελικό.

(142)  COM(2013)139, σημείο 3.4.2 Εργαλεία αξιολόγησης που παρέχονται στους καταναλωτές και δικτυακοί τόποι σύγκρισης τιμών, σ. 22-24.

(143)  Έκθεση από τον πλειονομερή διάλογο για τα εργαλεία αξιολόγησης:

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/documents/consumer-summit-2013-msdct-report_en.pdf

(144)  http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/dgs_consultations/ca/consumer_protection_cooperation_ regulation_201310_en.htm

(145)  ‘Achieving a high level of consumer protection — Building trust in the internal market’ COM(2013) 138 final.

(146)  COM(2013) 139 final.

(147)  COM(2013) 139, Section 3.4.2 Customer Review Tools and Price Comparison Websites, p. 22-24.

(148)  Report from the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Comparison Tools:.

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/documents/consumer-summit-2013-msdct-report_en.pdf

(149)  http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/dgs_consultations/ca/consumer_protection_cooperation_ regulation_201310_en.htm

(150)  Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001, OJ L 294, 10.11.2001, p.1.

(151)  http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/company/independence/index_en.htm

(152)  Directive 2013/36/EU, OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 338. It entered into force on 17 July 2013 as part of the ‘CRD IV’ package.

(153)  See Articles 88(1), (8) and (12) of Directive 2013/36/EU.

(154)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_risk/committees/04_scher/docs/scher_o_089.pdf

(155)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/mercury/pdf/final_report_110712_en.pdf

(156)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/environmental_risks/docs/scher_o_164.pdf

(157)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0200.

(158)  Directives 2009/28/EC and 2009/30/EC, legislative proposal COM(2012) 595 final.

(159)  Directive 2009/28/EC, in particular in Articles 17, 22 and 23.

(160)  3 mars 2011.

(161)  Procédures engagées contre la Pologne, la Slovénie et la Finlande en octobre et en novembre 2012, contre la Bulgarie, l'Estonie et le Royaume-Uni en janvier 2013 et contre la Roumanie en mars 2013.

(162)  Contre l'Irlande pour la directive sur l'électricité et contre la Lituanie pour les deux directives électricité et gaz.

(163)  3rd March 2011.

(164)  The cases against Poland, Slovenia and Finland in October and November 2012, Bulgaria, Estonia and the UK in January 2013 and Romania in March 2013.

(165)  Against Ireland for the Electricity Directive and against Lithuania for both the Electricity and the Gas Directives.

(166)  Directive 2009/72/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 13 juillet 2009 concernant des règles communes pour le marché intérieur de l'électricité et abrogeant la directive 2003/54/CE (JO L 211 du 14.8.2009, p.55).

(167)  Directive 2005/89/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 18 janvier 2006 concernant des mesures visant à garantir la sécurité de l'approvisionnement en électricité et les investissements dans les infrastructures (JO L 33 du 4.2.2005).

(168)  Règlement (CE) n° 714/2009 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 13 juillet 2009 sur les conditions d'accès au réseau pour les échanges transfrontaliers d'électricité et abrogeant le règlement (CE) n° 1228/2003 (JO L 211 du 14.8.2009, p.15).

(169)  Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC, OJ L 211/55, 14.8.2009.

(170)  Directive 2005/89/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 concerning measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment , OJ L 33, 4.2.2006.

(171)  Regulation (EC) No 714/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on cross border exchanges in electricity and Repealing Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 OJ L 211/15, 14.8.2009.

(172)   Réseau européen des gestionnaires de réseau de transport d'électricité et de gaz.

(173)   Règlement concernant les orientations pour les infrastructures énergétiques transeuropéennes.

(174)   Projets d'intérêt commun.

(175)   Plans décennaux de développement du réseau.

(176)   European Network of Transmission System Operators in electricity and gas.

(177)   Regulation on the Guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure.

(178)   Projects of common interest.

(179)   10 Year Network Development Plans.

(180)  Règlement (UE) n° 347/2013 concernant des orientations pour les infrastructures énergétiques transeuropéennes.

(181)  Regulation No 347/2013 on the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure.

(182)  La vente aux enchères implicite est une méthode de répartition des capacités transfrontalières fondée sur le marché par laquelle la capacité de transmission et l'énergie sont attribuées en même temps.

(183)  Décision de la Commission du 24 août 2012 modifiant l'annexe I du règlement (CE) n° 715/2009 du Parlement européen et du Conseil concernant les conditions d'accès aux réseaux de transport de gaz naturel.

(184)  Implicit auction is a market based method to allocate cross-border capacity in which transmission capacity and energy are allocated at the same time.

(185)  Commission decision of 24 August 2012 on amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks.

(186)  Exemples d'affaires récentes: COMP/37.966 — Distrigaz; COMP/39.388 et COMP/39.389 — E.on; COMP/39.402 — RWE; COMP/39.315 — ENI; COMP/39.316 — GDF; COMP/39.317 — E.on gas; COMP/39.386 EDF; COMP/39.351 — SVK. Exemples d'enquêtes en cours: IP-12-937 Antitrust: la Commission ouvre une procédure à l'encontre de Gazprom; IP-13-656 et IP-12-1307 Antitrust: la Commission ouvre deux procédures à l'encontre de Bulgarian Energy Holding, l'une dans le secteur du gaz, l'autre dans celui de l'électricité; IP-12-1355 Antitrust: la Commission ouvre une procédure contre la bourse d'électricité roumaine.

(187)  Lignes directrices concernant les aides d'État à la protection de l'environnement (JO C 82 du 1.4.2008).

(188)  Ces documents sont consultables sur le site http://ec.europa.eu/energy/gas_electricity/internal_market_fr.htm

(189)  Recent cases include COMP/37.966 — Distrigaz; COMP/39.388 and COMP/39.389 — E.on; COMP/39.402 — RWE; COMP/39.315 — ENI; COMP/39.316 — GDF; COMP/39.317 — E.on gas; COMP/39.386 EDF; and COMP/39.351 — SVK. Pending investigations include for instance IP-12-937 Antitrust: Commission opens proceedings against Gazprom; IP-13-656 and IP-12-1307Antitrust: Commission opens proceedings against Bulgarian Energy Holding in two investigations, one relating to gas, the other to electricity; and IP-12-1355 Antitrust: Commission opens proceedings against Romanian Power Exchange.

(190)  Community guidelines on state aid for environmental protection; OJ C 82, 1.4.2008.

(191)  The documents are available on this website: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/gas_electricity/internal_market_en.htm

(192)  Booz and Co., «Benefits of an integrated European energy market»:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/studies/doc/20130902_energy_integration_benefits.pdf

(193)  Booz and Co. Benefits of an integrated European energy market: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/studies/doc/20130902_energy_integration_benefits.pdf

(194)  Règlement (CE) n° 714/2009 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 13 juillet 2009 sur les conditions d'accès au réseau pour les échanges transfrontaliers d'électricité et abrogeant le règlement (CE) n° 1228/2003 (JO L 211 du 14.8.2009).

(195)  https://www.entsoe.eu/major-projects/network-code-development/electricity-balancing/

(196)  Regulation (ec) no 714/2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 July 2009, on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003, OJ 14.08.2009 L 2011.

(197)  https://www.entsoe.eu/major-projects/network-code-development/electricity-balancing/

(198)  Étude sur les bénéfices du marché européen de l'énergie intégré:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/studies/doc/20130902_energy_integration_benefits.pdf

(199)  Study on the Benefits of an Integrated European Energy market .

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/studies/doc/20130902_energy_integration_benefits.pdf

(200)  Člankom 34. UFEU-a zabranjuje se državama članicama uvođenje količinskih ograničenja na uvoze iz drugih država članica i sve mjere s istovrsnim učinkom.

(201)  „Sva trgovinska pravila koja su donijele države članice, a koja izravno ili neizravno odnosno stvarno ili potencijalno mogu ometati trgovinu unutar Zajednice smatraju se mjerama koje imaju učinak istovrstan količinskim ograničenjima.” Dassonville, predmet 8 — 74, ECR 1974.

(202)  Predmet 155/82, Komisija protiv Belgije [1983] ECR 531, stavak 7.

(203)  Srbije, Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore.

(204)  Article 34 TFEU prohibits Member States from introducing quantitative restrictions on imports from other Member States and all measures having equivalent effect thereto.

(205)  ‘All trading rules enacted by Member States which are capable of hindering, directly or indirectly, actually or potentially, intra-community trade are to be considered as measures having an effect equivalent to quantitative restrictions.’ Dassonville, Case 8-74, ECR 1974.

(206)  Case 155/82 Commission v Belgium [1983] ECR 531, para. 7.

(207)  Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro.

(208)  http://m.binnenlandsbestuur.nl/nieuws/eu-ambtenaren-pensioen-vanaf-50-jaar-en-9-000.25049.lynkx#. Ui8DesY_RMU.twitter.

(209)  http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/nl/10/st14/st14699.nl10.pdf

(210)  http://m.binnenlandsbestuur.nl/nieuws/eu-ambtenaren-pensioen-vanaf-50-jaar-en-9-000.25049.lynkx#.Ui8DesY_RMU.twitter.

(211)  http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/nl/10/st14/st14699.nl10.pdf

(212)  Decisão 2007/252/CE do Conselho, de 19 de Abril de 2007.

(213)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/files/frc_awp_2013_en.pdf

(214)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/fundamental-rights/grants/index_en.htm

(215)  Council Decision 2007/252/EC of 19 April 2007.

(216)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/files/frc_awp_2013_en.pdf

(217)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/fundamental-rights/grants/index_en.htm

(218)  JO L 278 du 8.10.1976, p. 5. modifié en dernier lieu par la décision 2002/772/CE, Euratom du 25 juin 2002 et du 23 septembre 2002.

(219)  Directive 93/109/CE du Conseil du 6 décembre 1993 (JO L 329 du 30.12.1993, p. 34).

(220)  OJ L 278, 8.10.1976, p. 5. last amended by Decision 2002/772/EC, Euratom of 25.6 and 23.9 2002.

(221)  Council Directive 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993 (OJ L 329, 30.12.1993, p. 34).

(222)  http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/10/uk-eu-transactiontax-exclusive-idUKBRE9890JG20130910.

(223)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/swd_2013_28_en.pdf

(224)  http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/10/uk-eu-transactiontax-exclusive-idUKBRE9890JG20130910

(225)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/swd_2013_28_en.pdf

(226)  Conclusions du Conseil européen des 12-13 décembre 2012.

(227)  COM(2012) 713.

(228)   European Council Conclusions of 12-13 December 2012.

(229)   COM(2012) 713.

(230)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/fr/parliamentary-questions.html

(231)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(232)  COM(2013) 133 final du 12.3.2013.

(233)  COM(2013) 133 final of 12.3.2013.

(234)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2012:398:0001:0005:FR:PDF

(235)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2012:398:0001:0005:EN:PDF

(236)  JO C120/1 du 26.4.2013.

(237)  http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=10298&langId=fr

(238)  OJ C120/1, 26.4.2013.

(239)  http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=10298&langId=en

(240)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/vocational/bruges_fr.pdf

(241)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/vocational/bruges_en.pdf

(242)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/work-based-learning-in-europe_en.pdf

(243)  http://euskillspanorama.ec.europa.eu/

(244)  Classification européenne des aptitudes/compétences, certifications et professions.

(245)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/work-based-learning-in-europe_en.pdf

(246)  http://euskillspanorama.ec.europa.eu/

(247)  European Skills/Competences, qualifications and occupations.

(248)  A UE destina 453 milhões de EUR à assistência económica e à ajuda ao desenvolvimento e estabilização. De referir que a dotação de 20 milhões de EUR destinada ao Instrumento de Estabilidade (IE) ainda não foi oficialmente aprovada, pelo que não foi incluída nesse montante.

(249)  EUR 453 million is to be allocated for EU economic, development and stabilisation assistance. However, EUR 20 million for the Instrument for Stability (IfS) has so far not been officially adopted and thus not yet been included in this figure.

(250)  Projeto EPOCA — European Project on OCean Acidification (www.epoca-project.eu).

(251)  EPOCA European Project on OCean Acidification (www.epoca-project.eu).

(252)  JO L 342 de 22.12.2009; P. 59.

(253)  OJ L 342, 22.12.2009; p.59.

(254)  Alexandrov LB et al. (2013) Nature doi:10.1038/nature12477.

(255)  http://www.icgc.org/

(256)  http://www.basisproject.eu/

Breast Cancer Somatic Genetics Study.

(257)  http://www.heptromic.eu/

Genomic predictors and oncogenic drivers in hepatocellular carcinoma.

(258)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(259)  Alexandrov LB et al. (2013) Nature doi:10.1038/nature12477

(260)  http://www.icgc.org/

(261)  http://www.basisproject.eu/, Breast Cancer Somatic Genetics Study

(262)  http://www.heptromic.eu/, Genomic predictors and oncogenic drivers in hepatocellular carcinoma

(263)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(264)  http://www.incliva.es/spip.php?article481&lang=

(265)  Sturm R et al (2013) Journal of Investigative Dermatology; doi:10.1038/jid.2013.272.

(266)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(267)  http://www.incliva.es/spip.php?article481&lang=

(268)  Sturm R et al (2013) Journal of Investigative Dermatology; doi:10.1038/jid.2013.272.

(269)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(270)  http://www.ihmt.unl.pt/?lang=pt&page=actualidade&subpage=noticias&m2=256

(271)  Mendes M et al (2013), Journal of Proteomics; DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jprot.2013.06.002.

(272)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(273)  http://www.ihmt.unl.pt/?lang=pt&page=actualidade&subpage=noticias&m2=256

(274)  Mendes M et al (2013) Journal of Proteomics; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jprot.2013.06.002

(275)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(276)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/es/parliamentary-questions.html

(277)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(278)  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231013005086

(279)  Directiva 2006/42/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 17 de mayo de 2006, relativa a las máquinas.

(280)  Véanse las secciones 1.5.13 y 1.7.4.2 del anexo I de la Directiva 2006/42/CE.

(281)  Norma EN 1093, partes 1 a 11: Seguridad de las máquinas. Valoración de la emisión de sustancias peligrosas transportadas por el aire, y norma EN 626, partes 1 y 2: Seguridad de las máquinas. Reducción de riesgos para la salud debido a sustancias peligrosas emitidas por las máquinas.

(282)  Directiva 89/391/CEE del Consejo, de 12 de junio de 1989, relativa a la aplicación de medidas para promover la mejora de la seguridad y de la salud de los trabajadores en el trabajo.

(283)  Directiva 2009/104/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 16 de septiembre de 2009, relativa a las disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y de salud para la utilización por los trabajadores en el trabajo de los equipos de trabajo.

(284)  Directiva 98/24/CE del Consejo, de 7 de abril de 1998, relativa a la protección de la salud y la seguridad de los trabajadores contra los riesgos relacionados con los agentes químicos durante el trabajo.

(285)  Directiva 89/654/CEE del Consejo, de 30 de noviembre de 1989, relativa a las disposiciones mínimas de salud y seguridad en los lugares de trabajo.

(286)  Directiva 89/656/CEE del Consejo, de 30 de noviembre de 1989, relativa a las disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y de salud para la utilización por los trabajadores en el trabajo de equipos de protección individual.

(287)  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231013005086.

(288)  Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery.

(289)  See sections 1.5.13 and 1.7.4.2 of Annex I to Directive 2006/42/EC.

(290)  Standard EN 1093, Parts 1 to 11 — Safety of machinery — Evaluation of the emission of airborne hazardous substances, and Standard EN 626, Parts 1 and 2 — Safety of machinery — Reduction of risk to health from hazardous substances emitted by machinery.

(291)  Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work.

(292)  Directive 2009/104/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work.

(293)  Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work.

(294)  Council Directive 89/654/EEC of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace.

(295)  Council Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace.

(296)  Europa-Parlamentets og Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 1071/2009 af 21. oktober 2009 om fælles regler om betingelser for udøvelse af vejtransporterhvervet og om ophævelse af Rådets direktiv 96/26/EF, EUT L 300 af 14.11.2009.

(297)  Europa-Parlamentets og Rådets forordning (EF) nr. 1072/2009 af 21. oktober 2009 om fælles regler for adgang til markedet for international godskørsel, EUT L 300 af 14.11.2009.

(298)  Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC, OJ L 300, 14.11.2009.

(299)  Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 on common rules for access to the international road haulage market , OJ L 300, 14.11.2009.

(300)  Richtlinie 2013/36/EU des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 26. Juni 2013 über den Zugang zur Tätigkeit von Kreditinstituten und die Beaufsichtigung von Kreditinstituten und Wertpapierfirmen, zur Änderung der Richtlinie 2002/87/EG und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinien 2006/48/EG und 2006/49/EG, ABl. L 176 vom 27.6.2013, S. 338.

(301)  Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC, OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 338.

(302)  OJ L 26, 28.1.2012.

(303)  COM(2013)48 def., 2013/0027 (COD) del 7.2.2013.

(304)  COM(2013) 48 final, 2013/0027 (COD), 7.2.2013.

(305)  Direktiva 2008/98/ES Evropskega parlamenta in Sveta z dne 19. novembra 2008, UL L 312, 22.11.2008.

(306)  Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008.

(307)  Glej zlasti Direktivo Sveta 2001/23/ES z dne 12. marca 2001 o približevanju zakonodaje držav članic v zvezi z ohranjanjem pravic delavcev v primeru prenosa podjetij, obratov ali delov podjetij ali obratov, UL L 82, 22.3.2001, str. 16.

(308)  See in particular Directive 2001/23/EC of 12 March 2001 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the safeguarding of employees' rights in the event of transfers of undertakings, businesses or parts of undertakings or businesses, OJ L 82/16, 22.3.2001.

(309)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/common/consultations/tax/future_vat/com(2010)695_sl.pdf

(310)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/common/consultations/tax/future_vat/sec(2010)1455_en.pdf

(311)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0851:FIN:SL:PDF

(312)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/common/consultations/tax/future_vat/com(2010)695_en.pdf

(313)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/common/consultations/tax/future_vat/sec(2010)1455_en.pdf

(314)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/vat/key_documents/communications/com_2011_851_en.pdf

(315)  www.escapeproject.eu

(316)  http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70279-1/fulltext

(317)  http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/182432/e96762-final.pdf

O coordenador do Escape fez parte do painel responsável pela análise.

(318)  www.escapeproject.eu

(319)  http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70279-1/fulltext

(320)  http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/182432/e96762-final.pdf

The coordinator of ESCAPE was a member of the review panel.

(321)  Gustavsson et al. (2011) Cost of disorders of the brain in Europe 2010. European Neuropsychopharmacology 21, 718-779.

(322)  Dopaminergic modulation of affective and social deficits induced by prenatal glucocorticoid exposure. Borges S, Coimbra B, Soares-Cunha C, Miguel Pêgo J, Sousa N, João Rodrigues A. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2013 Sep;38(10):2068-79. doi: 10.1038/npp.2013.108.

(323)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/mental/docs/pact_en.pdf

(324)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-2009-0063+0+DOC+XML+V0//PT

(325)  COM(2011) 808 final, COM(2011) 811 final.

(326)  Gustavsson et al. (2011) Cost of disorders of the brain in Europe 2010. European Neuropsychopharmacology 21, 718-779.

(327)  Dopaminergic modulation of affective and social deficits induced by prenatal glucocorticoid exposure. Borges S, Coimbra B, Soares-Cunha C, Miguel Pêgo J, Sousa N, João Rodrigues A. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2013 Sep;38(10):2068-79. doi: 10.1038/npp.2013.108.

(328)  http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/mental/docs/pact_en.pdf

(329)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-2009-0063+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN

(330)  COM(2011) 808 final, COM(2011) 811 final.

(331)  Regulamento (CE) n.° 726/2004 que estabelece procedimentos comunitários de autorização e de fiscalização de medicamentos para uso humano e veterinário e que institui uma Agência Europeia de Medicamentos, JO L 136 de 30.4.2004, alterado, e Diretiva 2001/83/CE que estabelece um código comunitário relativo aos medicamentos para uso humano, JO L 311 de 28.11.2001, alterada.

(332)  http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/landing/epar_search.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124

(333)   Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency, OJ L 136, 30.4.2004, as amended, Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, as amended.

(334)   http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/landing/epar_search.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124

(335)  O EFFIS é um repositório e uma plataforma de intercâmbio de experiências entre países. A Comissão organiza reuniões com os representantes nacionais dos serviços competentes de combate aos incêndios e de proteção civil antes e após as campanhas de incêndio, com o objetivo de reforçar a cooperação já estabelecida e proceder ao intercâmbio de informações sobre as experiências durante as operações de prevenção e de combate contra os incêndios.

(336)  http://forrisk.efiatlantic.efi.int

(337)  EFFIS is a repository and a platform for exchanges of experiences among countries. The Commission organises meetings with the national representatives from forest fire and civil protection services before and after the fire campaigns in order to enhance the cooperation already established and to exchange information on the experiences during the fire protection and fire fighting operations.

(338)  http://forrisk.efiatlantic.efi.int.

(339)  Mateos et al. (2013) N Engl J Med 369:438-47.

(340)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(341)  Mateos et al. (2013) N Engl J Med 369:438-47.

(342)  http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020-documents

(343)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(344)  Regulamento (CE) n.° 178/2002 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, de 28 de janeiro de 2002, que determina os princípios e normas gerais da legislação alimentar, cria a Autoridade Europeia para a Segurança dos Alimentos e estabelece procedimentos em matéria de segurança dos géneros alimentícios (JO L 31 de 1.2.2002, p. 1).

(345)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(346)  Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety, (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p.1).

(347)  http://www.edctp.org/

(348)  http://www.edctp.org/

(349)  Non-governmental organisations.

(350)   PB L 70 van 16.3.2005, blz. 1.

(351)   OJ L70, 16.3.2005, p.1.

(352)  Úř. věst. L 342, 22.12.2009, s. 59.

(353)  OJ L 342, 22.12.2009, p.59.

(354)  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23774633.

(355)  http://www.telegraaf.nl/dft/nieuws_dft/21882028/___Nog_een_of_twee_steunpakketten_naar_Griekenland___.html

(356)  http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/70b9d150-f9e4-11e2-b8ef-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=intl#axzz2eabM2ud4.

(357)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/index_en.htm

(358)  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23774633.

(359)  http://www.telegraaf.nl/dft/nieuws_dft/21882028/___Nog_een_of_twee_steunpakketten_naar_.

Griekenland___.html

(360)  http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/70b9d150-f9e4-11e2-b8ef-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=intl#axzz2eabM2ud4.

(361)  http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/index_en.htm

(362)  WP29: World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations, working party for the adoption of globally harmonised regulations on vehicles.

(363)  1958 Agreement: Agreement concerning the adoption of uniform conditions of approval and reciprocal recognition of approval for motor vehicle equipment and parts.

(364)  Preporuka Vijeća od 22. travnja 2013. o uspostavi Jamstva za mlade, SL C 120, 26.4.2013.

(365)  Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee, OJ C 120, 26.4.2013.

(366)  http://www.agcom.it/Default.aspx?DocID=11564.

(367)  Numero della notifica: 2013/496/I.

(368)  Direttiva 98/34/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 22 giugno 1998, che prevede una procedura d’informazione nel settore delle norme e delle regolamentazioni tecniche (GU L 204 del 21.7.1998, pag. 37-48).

(369)  Numero della notifica: 2011/403/I.

(370)  Considerando 46 della direttiva 2000/31/CE.

(371)  http://www.agcom.it/Default.aspx?DocID=11564

(372)  2013/496/I.

(373)  Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations, OJ L 204, 21.7.1998, p. 37‐48.

(374)  2011/403/I.

(375)  Recital 46 of Directive 2000/31/EC.

(376)   http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/documentation/studies/index_en.htm

(377)  Accesibles en la web: http://portaldogc.gencat.cat/utilsEADOP/PDF/6440/1314385.pdf

(378)  Available at: http://portaldogc.gencat.cat/utilsEADOP/PDF/6440/1314385.pdf

(379)  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/africa/guinea-bissau/boloma-bijagos/

(380)  http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5081/

(381)  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/africa/guinea-bissau/boloma-bijagos.

(382)  COM(2009) 313, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0313:FIN:FR:PDF

(383)  COM(2009) 313. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0313:FIN:EN:PDF

(384)  Directive 2006/123/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 12 décembre 2006 relative aux services dans le marché intérieur.

(385)  COM(2013) 329.

(386)  Mécanisme pour l'interconnexion en Europe.

(387)  Par l'intermédiaire du tableau d'affichage du marché unique: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/scoreboard/

(388)  Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market.

(389)  Connecting Europe Facility.

(390)  COM(2013) 329.

(391)  via the Single Market Scoreboard : http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/scoreboard/

(392)  JO L 394 du 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(393)  JO C 320 du 16.12.2008, p. 1.

(394)  JO C 372 du 20.12.2011, p. 27.

(395)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(396)  OJ C 320, 16.12.2008, p. 1.

(397)  OJ C 372, 20.12.2011, p. 27.

(398)  http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=582&langId=en&egfAppsId=123&furtherEgfApps=yes

(399)  Regulamento (UE) n. ° 978/2012 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho, de 25 de outubro de 2012, relativo à aplicação de um sistema de preferências pautais generalizadas e que revoga o Regulamento (CE) n.° 732/2008 do Conselho, JO L 303 de 31.10.2012.

(400)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html?tabType=wq#sidesForm

(401)  Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of Parliament and the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008, OJ L 303, 31.10.2012.

(402)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html?tabType=wq#sidesForm

(403)  Cfr.: http://www.wwf.it/news/notizie/?2984/Preapertura-caccia e http://www.lipu.it/news/no.asp?1557.

(404)  GU L 20 del 26.1.2010, pag. 1.

(405)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/guidance_en.htm

(406)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/docs/hunting_guide_it.pdf

(407)  See: http://www.wwf.it/news/notizie/?2984/Preapertura-caccia and http://www.lipu.it/news/no.asp?1557

(408)  OJ L 020, 26.1.2010.

(409)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/guidance_en.htm

(410)  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/docs/hunting_guide_en.pdf

(411)  COM(2013) 468.

(412)  COM(2013) 468.

(413)  Véase por ejemplo el EU Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review (Estudio Trimestral sobre el Empleo y la Situación Social de la UE) de marzo de 2013,

http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=9924&langId=en

(414)  COM(2013) 83 final.

COM(2013) 83 final, de 20 de febrero de 2013.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52013DC0083:ES:NOT

(415)  See e.g. EU Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review, March 2013, http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=9924&langId=en

(416)  COM(2013) 83 final, 20 February 2013.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52013DC0083:EN:NOT

(417)  Documento de trabajo de los servicios de la Comisión 93 final (2012), de 18 de abril de 2012.

(418)  Centro Común de Investigación de la Comisión Europea.

(419)  El proyecto Carict ha suministrado algunos indicios del potencial de las nuevas tecnologías en apoyo de los cuidadores, que se están analizando en el proyecto ICT-AGE. Véase: http://is.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pages/EAP/eInclusion/carers.html

(420)  IPHS.

(421)  Strategic Intelligence Monitor on Personal Health Systems, Evidence Consolidation: Report on Best Practices and Key Drivers of Success http://ftp.jrc.es/EURdoc/JRC73069.pdf

(422)  Fondo Social Europeo.

(423)  Staff Working Document 93 final (2012) of 18 April 2012.

(424)  The European Commission's Joint Research Centre.

(425)  Initial evidence on the potential of new technologies in support of carers has been provided by the CARICT Project, and is further being analysed within the ICT-AGE project. See: http://is.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pages/EAP/eInclusion/carers.html

(426)  IPHS.

(427)  Strategic Intelligence Monitor on Personal Health Systems, Evidence Consolidation.

Report on Best Practices and Key Drivers of Success http://ftp.jrc.es/EURdoc/JRC73069.pdf

(428)  European Social Fund.

(429)  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-your-country/espana/country-specific-recommendations/index_es.htm

(430)  Ídem.

(431)  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-your-country/espana/country-specific-recommendations/index_en.htm

(432)  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-your-country/espana/country-specific-recommendations/index_en.htm

(433)  Onderzoekscentrum multinationale ondernemingen — „Belastingontwijking in tijden van bezuinigingen, Energias de Portugal (EDP) en de rol van Nederland bij belastingontwijking in Europa”, september 2013, http://somo.nl/publications-en/Publication_3987.

(434)  Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations — «Avoiding Tax in Times of Austerity, Energias de Portugal (EDP) and the Role of the Netherlands in Tax Avoidance in Europe», setembro 2013.

http://somo.nl/publications-en/Publication_3987

(435)  Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations — ‘Avoiding Tax in Times of Austerity, Energias de Portugal (EDP) and the Role of the Netherlands in Tax Avoidance in Europe’, September 2013, http://somo.nl/publications-en/Publication_3987.

(436)  2012/2024(INI).

(437)  SP(2013)251;

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2012/2024(INI)&l=FR.

(438)  2012/2024(INI).

(439)  SP(2013)251; http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?lang=en&reference=2012/2024(INI)#tab-0

(440)  COM(2012) 537 final.

(441)  COM(2012) 537 final.

(442)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/files/eu_acquis_2013_en.pdf (en anglais).

(443)  L'édition 2013 du forum se déroulera les 17 et 18 décembre, voir: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/rights-child/european-forum/index_en.htm (en anglais).

(444)  C(2013) 778 final, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:213:0029:0040:FR:PDF

(445)  COM(2010) 213 final http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0213:FIN:FR:PDF

(446)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/files/eu_acquis_2013_en.pdf

(447)  2013 Forum will take place on 17-18 December — see: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/rights-child/european-forum/index_en.htm

(448)  C(2013) 778 final http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/files/c_2013_778_en.pdf

(449)  COM(2010) 213 final http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0213:FIN:EN:PDF

(450)  COM(2010) 213. Disponible à l'adresse suivante:

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0213:FIN:FR:PDF

(451)  SWD(2012) 281. Disponible à l'adresse suivante:

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/docs/uam/uam_staff_working_document_20120928_en.pdf

(452)  COM(2010) 213. Available at:

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0213:FIN:EN:PDF

(453)  SWD(2012) 281. Available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/docs/uam/uam_staff_working_document_20120928_en.pdf

(454)  2012/2263(INI).

(455)  2012/2263(INI).

(456)  SCC.

(457)  Voir document de travail des services de la Commission «La compétitivité des industries européennes du haut de gamme», SWD(2012) 286 final.

(458)  COM(2012) 537 final.

(459)  SWD(2012) 284 final/2.

(460)  SWD(2012) 286 final.

(461)  Telles que Chanel, Dior, Pucci, Zegna et MaxMara.

(462)  http://europeanskillscouncil.t-c-l.eu/eng/EuropeanSkillsCouncil.aspx.

(463)  CCS.

(464)  See Commission Staff Working Document ‘Competitiveness of the European high-end industries’, SWD(2012) 286 final.

(465)  COM(2012) 537 final.

(466)  SWD(2012) 284 final/2.

(467)  SWD(2012) 286 final.

(468)  Such as Chanel, Dior, Pucci, Zegna and MaxMara.

(469)  http://europeanskillscouncil.t-c-l.eu/eng/EuropeanSkillsCouncil.aspx

(470)  COM(2013) 542 du 24 juillet 2013, «Vers un secteur de la défense et de la sécurité plus compétitif et plus efficace»:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/defence/defence-industrial-policy/index_en.htm

(471)  COM(2013) 542 of 24 July 2013, ‘Towards a more competitive and efficient defence and security sector’ — http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/defence/defence-industrial-policy/index_en.htm

(472)  COM(2013) 542 final.

(473)  COM(2013) 542 final.

(474)   Less Favoured Areas.

(475)  JO L 20, 24.1.2008, p. 1.

(476)  OJ L 20, 24.1.2008, p. 1.

(477)  MEDDICA — «Medical Devices Design in Cardiovascular Applications»

https://www.meddica.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=9.

(478)  MEDDICA — ‘Medical Devices Design in Cardiovascular Applications’ https://www.meddica.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=9

(479)  Nel 2011, la percentuale di energie rinnovabili nell'UE era del 13 %.

(480)  Libro verde della Commissione: Un quadro per le politiche dell'energia e del clima all'orizzonte 2030, COM(2013)169 def.

(481)  Il ricorso a vari strumenti quali, in particolare, il prestito e l'invito a presentare proposte per l'elettrificazione rurale ha permesso di mobilitare più di 600 milioni di euro dal 2012.

(482)  In 2011, the renewables share in the EU was 13%.

(483)  Commission Green Paper: A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies, COM(2013) 169 final.

(484)  Since 2012 more than EUR 600 million were mobilised through a variety of instruments including, among others, lending and call for proposal for rural electrification.

(485)  http://www.publico.es/467636/un-grupo-ultra-ataca-la-libreria-catalana-blanquerna-en-la-diada

(486)  Las imágenes se pueden ver en el siguiente enlace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo7tcorhqrU

(487)  http://www.publico.es/467636/un-grupo-ultra-ataca-la-libreria-catalana-blanquerna-en-la-diada

(488)  The images can be viewed at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo7tcorhqrU

(489)   OJ L152, 11/6/2008.

(490)   Por ejemplo, véanse las respuestas a las preguntas escritas P-7853/13, E-9306/12, E-8601/12, E-5052/11, E-3518/11, E-4704/10.

(491)   http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0196:FIN:EN:PDF

(492)   http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/grants/just_2013_dap_ag_en.htm

(493)  Siehe beispielsweise die „EU-Agenda für die Rechte des Kindes“ unter:

http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies/children/docs/com_2011_60_de.pdf

(494)  Siehe beispielsweise die Antworten auf die schriftlichen Anfragen P-7853/13, E-9306/12, E-8601/12, E-5052/11, E-3518/11 und E-4704/10.

(495)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0196:FIN:DE:PDF

(496)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/grants/just_2013_dap_ag_en.htm

(497)  Βλ. για παράδειγμα: Το θεματολόγιο της ΕΕ για τα δικαιώματα του παιδιού http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies/children/docs/com_2011_60_en.pdf

(498)  Για παράδειγμα, βλ. τις απαντήσεις στις γραπτές ερωτήσεις P-7853/13, E-9306/12, E-8601/12, E-5052/11, E-3518/11, E-4704/10.

(499)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0196:FIN:EL:PDF

(500)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/grants/just_2013_dap_ag_en.htm

(501)  Si veda, ad esempio, il programma UE per i diritti dei minori; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0060:FIN:IT:PDF. Si veda, ad esempio, il programma UE per i diritti dei minori; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0060:FIN:IT:PDF

(502)  Vedi le risposte alle interrogazioni scritte P-7853/13, E-9306/12, E-8601/12, E-5052/11, E-3518/11 e E-4704/10. Vedi le risposte alle interrogazioni scritte P-7853/13, E-9306/12, E-8601/12, E-5052/11, E-3518/11 e E-4704/10.

(503)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0196:FIN:IT:PDF; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0196:FIN:IT:PDF

(504)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/grants/just_2013_dap_ag_en.htm; http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/grants/just_2013_dap_ag_en.htm

(505)  See, for example, The EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child; http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies/children/docs/com_2011_60_en.pdf

(506)  For example, see replies to written questions P-7853/13, E-9306/12, E-8601/12, E-5052/11, E-3518/11, E-4704/10.

(507)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0196:FIN:EN:PDF

(508)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/newsroom/grants/just_2013_dap_ag_en.htm

(509)  Dr Cathy Smith from the Institute of Education at the University of London, and the Chairman of the European Baccalaureate exams in 2012, Dr Norbert Pachler.

(510)  Cfr. Articolo del quotidiano «Il Fatto Quotidiano» del 4.6.2013, che riassume i casi verificatisi in Italia negli ultimi anni: http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2013/06/04/piacenza-bimbo-trovato-morto-in-auto-padre-lo-ha-dimenticato/616080/.

(511)  GU L 200 del 31.07.2009, pag. 1.

(512)  See article in Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper (4 June 2013 issue), which summarises the incidents that have occurred in Italy in recent years: http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2013/06/04/piacenza-bimbo-trovato-morto-in-auto-padre-lo-ha-dimenticato/616080/

(513)  OJ L 200, 31.7.2009, p. 1.

(514)  Previsto dall'allegato I, parte B, del d.lgs. 2 febbraio 2001, n. 31 «Attuazione della direttiva 98/83/CE relativa alla qualità delle acque destinate al consumo umano».

(515)  Ordinanza n. 19 del 2013.

(516)  Verbale della Conferenza di servizi svoltasi in proposito in data 10.5.2013 con la partecipazione anche della Regione Veneto e dell'ARPAV (http://goo.gl/uBQx1k).

(517)  Direttiva 2000/60/CE, GU L 327 del 22.12.2000.

(518)  Direttiva 98/83/CE, GU L 330 del 5.12.1998.

(519)  As laid down by Annex I, part B, to Legislative Decree No 31 of 2 February 2001 implementing Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption.

(520)  Order No 19 of 2013.

(521)  Minutes of the Conference of services held on this issue on 10 May 2013, in which the Veneto Region and ARPAV also participated (http://goo.gl/uBQx1k).

(522)  Directive 2000/60/EC, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(523)  Directive 98/83/EC, OJ L 330, 5.12.1998.

(524)  Consorzio nato nel 1998 tra oltre 200 produttori di latte del Friuli-Venezia Giulia che protestavano contro le multe comunitarie comminate all'Italia per violazioni di quanto imposto con le «quote latte».

(525)  Cfr. articolo del quotidiano «Il Fatto Quotidiano» del 20.6.2013: http://goo.gl/gW3GaW.

(526)  Confederazione nazionale coltivatori diretti, la maggiore associazione di rappresentanza e assistenza dell'agricoltura italiana; cfr. articolo del quotidiano «La Repubblica» del 21.6.2013: http://goo.gl/QzJilQ.

(527)  Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare; Aflatoxins (sum of B1, B2, G1, G2) in cereals and cereal-derived food products. Supporting Publications 2013:EN-406. [11 pp.]. Disponibile on line: www.efsa.europa.eu/publications.

(528)  Autorità europea per la sicurezza alimentare; Effect on dietary exposure of an increase of the levels for aflatoxin total from 4 μg/kg to 10 μg/kg for dried figs. Supporting Publications 2012:EN-311. [6 pp.]. Disponibile on line: www.efsa.europa.eu/publications.

(529)  Consortium set up in 1998 by more than 200 milk producers from Friuli-Venezia Giulia who were protesting against the Community fines imposed on Italy for infringements of the milk quota rules.

(530)  See article in Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper (20 June 2013 issue): http://goo.gl/gW3GaW

(531)  National Confederation of Farmers, the main association that represents and supports Italian agriculture; see article in La Repubblica newspaper (21 June 2013 issue): http://goo.gl/QzJilQ

(532)  European Food Safety Authority; Aflatoxins (sum of B1, B2, G1, G2) in cereals and cereal-derived food products. Supporting Publications 2013:EN-406. [11 pp.]. Available online: www.efsa.europa.eu/publications.

(533)  European Food Safety Authority; Effect on dietary exposure of an increase of the levels for aflatoxin total.

from 4 μg/kg to 10 μg/kg for dried figs. Supporting Publications 2012:EN-311. [6 pp.]. Available online:

www.efsa.europa.eu/publications

(534)  Banca dati delle professioni regolamentate, disponibile al seguente indirizzo:

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/regprof/index.cfm?action=homepage.

(535)  Direttiva 2005/36/CE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio, del 7 settembre 2005, relativa al riconoscimento delle qualifiche professionali, GU L 255 del 30.9.2005.

(536)  Medici, infermieri responsabili dell'assistenza generale, dentisti, ostetriche, farmacisti, architetti e chirurghi veterinari.

(537)  Si osservi che la direttiva si applica anche all'Islanda, alla Norvegia e al Liechtenstein. Alla Svizzera si applicano regole specifiche.

(538)  A norma dell'articolo 19 della direttiva, l'attività in questione deve essere stata esercitata per tre anni consecutivi come lavoratore autonomo o dirigente d'azienda, oppure per due anni consecutivi come lavoratore autonomo o dirigente d'azienda se il beneficiario prova di aver in precedenza ricevuto, per l'attività in questione, una formazione sancita da un certificato riconosciuto dallo Stato membro o giudicata del tutto valida da un competente organismo professionale, ecc.

(539)  COM(2013)676 def.

(540)  Database of regulated professions, available at: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/regprof/index.cfm?action=homepage

(541)  Directive 2005/36/EC of Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications, OJ L 255, 30.9.2005.

(542)  Doctors, nurses responsible for general care, pharmacists, midwives, dentists, architects and veterinary surgeons.

(543)  It must be noted that the directive also applies to Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein; specific rules apply to Switzerland.

(544)  Under Article 19 of the directive, the activity in question must have been pursued for three consecutive years, either on a self-employed basis or as a manager of an undertaking; or for two consecutive years, either on a self-employed basis or as a manager of an undertaking, if the beneficiary can proof that he has received previous training for the activity in question, as attested by a certificate recognised by the Member State or judged by a competent professional body to be fully valid, etc.

(545)  COM(2013) 676.

(546)  http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/147EN.pdf

(547)  http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/138ES.pdf

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/138ES.pdf

(548)  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/making-it-happen/country-specific-recommendations/index_es.htm

(549)  http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/147EN.pdf

(550)  http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/thematic_reports/138EN.pdf

(551)  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/making-it-happen/country-specific-recommendations/index_en.htm

(552)  COM(2013) 447 final.

(553)  http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1036

(554)  COM(2013) 447 final.

(555)  http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1036

(556)  Laut Daten aus dem Breitbandatlas.

(557)  Europäischer Landwirtschaftsfonds für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums.

(558)  In Form der Förderung von Maßnahmen, die sich klar auf den Anwendungsbereich des ELER beschränken.

(559)  According to data from the Broadband Atlas.

(560)  European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

(561)  Through supported activities clearly limited to the scope of the EAFRD.

(562)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-371_en.htm

(563)  Komunikat Komisji opublikowany na podstawie art. 27 ust. 4 rozporządzenia Rady (WE) nr 1/2003 w sprawie AT.39740 – Google, Dz.U. C 120 z 26.4.2013, s. 22-24.

(564)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-768_en.htm

(565)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-371_en.htm

(566)  Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case AT.39740 — Google, OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 22-24.

(567)  http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-768_en.htm

(568)  http://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2012-15648

(569)  http://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2012-9670

(570)  http://www.poderjudicial.es/stfls/CGPJ/ESTADÍSTICA/INFORMES%20ESTADÍSTICOS/DOCUMENTOSCGPJ/CEPEJ.%20Evaluación%20de%20los%20Sistemas%20Judiciales%20Europeos%202012 %20(versión%20frances).pdf (página 156, Graphique 7.4).

(571)  Idem (3) (página 152, Tableau 7.1 Types et nombre de juges en 2010).

(572)  http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/AppJava/notapremsavw/detall.do?id=199728&idioma=0&departament=8&canal=9(6) http://www.parlament.cat/web/activitat-parlamentaria/mocions

(573)  http://www.astel.be/internet-comparatif.html?gclid=CIznk4KfuboCFQ4Q3godC2kA2A

(574)  http://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2012-15648

(575)  http://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2012-9670

(576)  http://www.poderjudicial.es/stfls/CGPJ/ESTADÍSTICA/INFORMES%20ESTADÍSTICOS/DOCUMENTOSCGPJ/CEPEJ.%20Evaluación%20de%20los%20Sistemas%20Judiciales%20Europeos%202012%20(versión%20frances).pdf (Page 156, Graph 7.4).

(577)  Idem (3) (Page 152, Table 7.1 Types and number of judges in 2010).

(578)  http://premsa.gencat.cat/pres_fsvp/AppJava/notapremsavw/detall.do?id=199728&idioma=0&departament=8&canal=9(6)

http://www.parlament.cat/web/activitat-parlamentaria/mocions

(579)  http://www.astel.be/Internet-comparatif.html?gclid=CIznk4KfuboCFQ4Q3godC2kA2A

(580)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/es/parliamentary-questions.html

(581)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(582)  http://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-bruselas-bei-movilizaran-100000-millones-pymes-20130621104217.html

(583)  http://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-bruselas-bei-movilizaran-100000-millones-pymes-20130621104217.html

(584)  http://www.radiobierzo.es/web/main/view_notice/24225/mantero_comprende_los_recortes_salariales_de_las_contratas_nbsp

(585)  http://www.radiobierzo.es/web/main/view_notice/24225/mantero_comprende_los_recortes_salariales_de_las_contratas_nbsp

(586)  Nařízení (ES) č. 726/2004, kterým se stanoví postupy Společenství pro registraci a dozor nad humánními a veterinárními léčivými přípravky a kterým se zakládá Evropská agentura pro léčivé přípravky (Úř. věst. L 136, 30.4.2004), ve znění pozdějších předpisů, směrnice 2001/83/ES o kodexu Společenství týkajícím se humánních léčivých přípravků (Úř. věst. L 311, 28.11.2001), ve znění pozdějších předpisů.

(587)  Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency, OJ L 136, 30.4.2004, as amended, Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, as amended.

(588)  Beschluss der Kommission C(2007)4063 vom 31.8.2007.

(589)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/de/parliamentary-questions.html

(590)  http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/secretariat_general/admin_burden/ind_stakeholders/ind_stakeholders_en.htm

(591)  Commission Dec. of 31.8.2007 — C(2007)4063.

(592)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

(593)  http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/secretariat_general/admin_burden/ind_stakeholders/ind_stakeholders_en.htm

(594)  SWD(2012) 281, tableaux pp. 9-10. Disponible à l'adresse:

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/docs/uam/uam_staff_working_document_20120928_en.pdf

(595)  Ce réseau se compose de points de contact nationaux mis en place par les États membres, ainsi que de la Commission. Il a pour mission de fournir des informations actualisées, objectives, fiables et comparables sur les migrations et l'asile, afin d'étayer l'élaboration des politiques européennes dans ce domaine.

(596)  EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Unaccompanied minors — updated facts and statistics, document établi le 24 avril 2012. Disponible à l'adresse:

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/networks/european_migration_network/reports/docs/ad-hoc-queries/protection/367_emn_ad-hoc_query_unaccompanied_minors_-_updated_facts_and_statistics__23jan2012_wider_dissemina_en.pdf

(597)  SWD(2012) 281, tables on pp. 9-10. Available at http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/docs/uam/uam_staff_working_document_20120928_en.pdf

(598)  The European Migration Network consists of National Contact points designated by Member States and of the Commission. Its objective is to providing up-to-date, objective, reliable and comparable information on migration and asylum, with a view to supporting policymaking in the European Union in these areas.

(599)  EMN Ad-Hoc Query: Unaccompanied minors — updated facts and statistics, Compilation produced on 24 April 2012. Available at http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/networks/european_migration_network/reports/docs/ad-hoc-queries/protection/367_emn_ad-hoc_query_unaccompanied_minors_-_updated_facts_and_statistics__23jan2012_wider_dissemina_en.pdf

(600)  Document de travail des services de la Commission accompagnant la communication de la Commission sur les relations de l'UE avec la Principauté d'Andorre, la Principauté de Monaco et la République de Saint-Marin — Obstacles à l'accès d'Andorre, de Monaco et de Saint-Marin au marché intérieur de l'UE et coopération dans d'autres domaines [SWD(2012) 388 final], Bruxelles, 20.11.2012.

(601)  Communication de la Commission sur les relations de l'UE avec la Principauté d'Andorre, la Principauté de Monaco et la République de Saint-Marin — Options d'intégration plus poussée à l'UE [COM(2012) 680 final], Bruxelles, 20.11.2012.

(602)  Commission Staff Working Paper Accompanying the Commission Communication on EU relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino — Obstacles by Andorra, Monaco and San Marino to the EU's Internal Market and Cooperation in Other Areas (SWD(2012) 388 final), Brussels 20.11.2012.

(603)  Commission Communication on EU relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino — Options for closer integration with the EU (COM(2012) 680 final), Brussels 20.11.2012.

(604)  http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130915/54383570582/concejal-pp-lleida-asesinos-participantes-via-catalana.html#.UjX_3SLR0jE.twitter

(605)  http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4143943/20130915/rodriguez-ibarra-torna-equiparar-nacionalisme-catala-nazisme.html

(606)  http://www.naciodigital.cat/noticia/59385/ultres/amenacen/no/haura/accio/secessionista/sense/resposta

(607)  http://www.elsingulardigital.cat/cat/notices/2013/09/els_impulsors_de_l_atac_feixista_a_blanquerna_avisen_que_es_el_primer_dels_passos_95988.php

(608)  http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130915/54383585616/rosa-diez-independencia-pena-muerte.html

(609)  http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130915/54383570582/concejal-pp-lleida-asesinos-participantes-via-catalana.html#.UjX_3SLR0jE.twitter

(610)  http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4143943/20130915/rodriguez-ibarra-torna-equiparar-nacionalisme-catala-nazisme.html

(611)  http://www.elsingulardigital.cat/cat/notices/2013/09/els_impulsors_de_l_atac_feixista_a_blanquerna_avisen_que_es_el_primer_dels_passos_95988.php

(612)  http://www.naciodigital.cat/noticia/59385/ultres/amenacen/no/haura/accio/secessionista/sense/resposta

(613)  http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130915/54383585616/rosa-diez-independencia-pena-muerte.html

(614)  Verordening (EG) nr. 1224/2009 van de Raad van 20 november 2009 tot vaststelling van een communautaire controleregeling die de naleving van de regels van het gemeenschappelijk visserijbeleid moet garanderen, tot wijziging van Verordeningen (EG) nr. 847/96, (EG) nr. 2371/2002, (EG) nr. 811/2004, (EG) nr. 768/2005, (EG) nr. 2115/2005, (EG) nr. 2166/2005, (EG) nr. 388/2006, (EG) nr. 509/2007, (EG) nr. 676/2007, (EG) nr. 1098/2007, (EG) nr. 1300/2008, (EG) nr. 1342/2008 en tot intrekking van Verordeningen (EEG) nr. 2847/93, (EG) nr. 1627/94 en (EG) nr. 1966/2006.

(615)  Uitvoeringsverordening (EU) nr. 404/2011 van de Commissie van 8 april 2011 houdende bepalingen voor de uitvoering van Verordening (EG) nr. 1224/2009 van de Raad tot vaststelling van een communautaire controleregeling die de naleving van de regels van het gemeenschappelijk visserijbeleid moet garanderen.

(616)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006.

(617)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 of 8 April 2011 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy.

(618)  U 2011. proračunsko tijelo dodijelilo je iznos od 128,2 milijuna EUR.

(619)  In 2011 the Budgetary authority granted EUR 128.2million.

(620)  http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/

(621)  http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/index_en.htm

(622)  http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/

(623)  http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/index_en.htm

(624)  http://www.finpolconsult.de/mediapool/16/169624/data/Bank_Creditor_Participation_Eurozone_Finpol_6_13.pdf

(625)  http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/studies_reports/2012_autumn_working_paper_en.pdf

(626)  http://www.finpolconsult.de/mediapool/16/169624/data/Bank_Creditor_Participation_Eurozone_Finpol_6_13.pdf

(627)  http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/studies_reports/2012_autumn_working_paper_en.pdf

(628)  GU L 182 del 16.7.1999.

(629)  GU L 312 del 22.11.2008.

(630)  Official Journal L 182, 16.7.1999.

(631)  Official Journal L 312, 22.11.2008.

(632)   Será posible consultar el proyecto de orden del día de la Jornada Europea del Turismo y registrarse en el evento a través de la página web de la Comisión: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/events/index_es.htm

(633)   Para obtener más detalles sobre los temas y el marco de la Jornada Europea del Turismo de años anteriores, visite: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/conferences/index_es.htm

(634)   The draft agenda of the European Tourism Day as well as registration to the event will be available on the Commission's website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/events/index_en.htm

(635)  For further details on the subjects and context of the European Tourism Days in the past years please visit: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/conferences/index_en.htm

(636)  http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/ia_carried_out/docs/ia_2013/sec_2013_0468_en.pdf

(637)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2013:0331:FIN:EN:PDF

(638)  http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/ia_carried_out/docs/ia_2013/sec_2013_0468_en.pdf

(639)  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SWD:2013:0331:FIN:EN:PDF

(640)  Il diritto dell'UE vieta la discriminazione in ragione di motivi specifici, in particolare la nazionalità, il genere, la razza, la religione, ecc. Si vedano, rispettivamente, il regolamento (UE) n. 492/2011, GU L 141 del 27.5.2011; la direttiva 2006/54/CE, GU L 204 del 26.7.2006; la direttiva 2000/43/CE, GU L 180 del 19.7.2000; la direttiva 2000/78/CE, GU L 303 del 2.12.2000.

(641)  EC law prohibits discrimination on specific grounds in particular nationality, gender, race, religion, etc. See, respectively, Regulation (EU) n° 492/2011, OJ L 141 of 27.5.2011; Directive 2006/54/EC, OJ L 204 of 26.7.2006; Directive 2000/43/EC, OJ L 180 of 19.7.2000; Directive 2000/78/EC, OJ L 303 of 2.12.2000.

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